Adversaries may abuse the Windows command shell for execution. The Windows command shell (cmd) is the primary command prompt on Windows systems. The Windows command prompt can be used to control almost any aspect of a system, with various permission levels required for different subsets of commands. The command prompt can be invoked remotely via Remote Services such as SSH.(Citation: SSH in Windows)
Batch files (ex: .bat or .cmd) also provide the shell with a list of sequential commands to run, as well as normal scripting operations such as conditionals and loops. Common uses of batch files include long or repetitive tasks, or the need to run the same set of commands on multiple systems.
Adversaries may leverage cmd to execute various commands and payloads. Common uses include cmd to execute a single command, or abusing cmd interactively with input and output forwarded over a command and control channel.
View in MITRE ATT&CK®| Capability ID | Capability Description | Mapping Type | ATT&CK ID | ATT&CK Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC-17 | Remote Access | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| AC-02 | Account Management | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| AC-03 | Access Enforcement | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| AC-06 | Least Privilege | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| CM-02 | Baseline Configuration | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| CM-06 | Configuration Settings | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| SI-10 | Information Input Validation | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| SI-16 | Memory Protection | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| SI-03 | Malicious Code Protection | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| SI-04 | System Monitoring | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |
| SI-07 | Software, Firmware, and Information Integrity | Protects | T1059.003 | Windows Command Shell |