LoFP LoFP / powershell developer may used this function in their script for instance checking too.

Techniques

Sample rules

Powershell Creating Thread Mutex

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of PowerShell scripts using the mutex function via EventCode 4104. This detection leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging to identify scripts that create thread mutexes, a technique often used in obfuscated scripts to ensure only one instance runs on a compromised machine. This activity is significant as it may indicate the presence of sophisticated malware or persistence mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could maintain exclusive control over a process, potentially leading to further exploitation or persistence within the environment.

Detection logic

`powershell` EventCode=4104 ScriptBlockText = "*Threading.Mutex*" 
| fillnull 
| stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime by dest signature signature_id user_id vendor_product EventID Guid Opcode Name Path ProcessID ScriptBlockId ScriptBlockText 
| `security_content_ctime(firstTime)` 
| `security_content_ctime(lastTime)` 
| `powershell_creating_thread_mutex_filter`