Implementing Application Control to Restrict PowerShell Effectively

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PowerShell is a powerful tool for system administrators and cyber professionals, but its unrestricted use can pose significant security risks. To adequately restrict PowerShell, it is essential to implement application control alongside other security measures. This article explores the importance of application control in hardening PowerShell environments and provides practical commands and codes to help you secure your systems.

You Should Know:

1. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC):

WDAC is a feature in Windows that allows you to control which applications and scripts can run on your system. It is a critical component in restricting PowerShell execution.

Command to create a WDAC policy:

New-CIPolicy -FilePath "C:\WDAC\Policy.xml" -ScanPath "C:\Windows\System32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0" -UserPEs

2. AppLocker:

AppLocker is another tool that can be used to enforce application control policies. It allows you to create rules based on file attributes, such as publisher, path, or hash.

Command to create an AppLocker rule:

New-AppLockerPolicy -RuleType Script -User Everyone -Path "C:\Scripts*" -Action Deny

3. PowerShell Constrained Language Mode:

Constrained Language Mode restricts the capabilities of PowerShell, limiting the potential for malicious scripts to execute harmful commands.

Command to enable Constrained Language Mode:

$ExecutionContext.SessionState.LanguageMode = "ConstrainedLanguage"

4. Blocking PowerShell Execution:

You can block PowerShell execution entirely for specific users or groups using Group Policy.

Command to block PowerShell execution:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Restricted -Scope LocalMachine

5. Auditing PowerShell Usage:

Regularly auditing PowerShell usage can help you identify and mitigate potential security risks.

Command to enable PowerShell logging:

Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell" -Name "EnableScriptBlockLogging" -Value 1

What Undercode Say:

Implementing application control is a crucial step in securing PowerShell environments. By using tools like WDAC, AppLocker, and Constrained Language Mode, you can significantly reduce the risk of malicious PowerShell scripts compromising your systems. Regularly auditing PowerShell usage and blocking unnecessary execution further enhances your security posture. Remember, a multi-layered approach is essential for effective cybersecurity.

Related Commands:

  • Check PowerShell Version:
    $PSVersionTable.PSVersion
    
  • List All PowerShell Modules:
    Get-Module -ListAvailable
    
  • Disable PowerShell Remoting:
    Disable-PSRemoting -Force
    
  • Enable PowerShell Script Block Logging:
    Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell" -Name "EnableScriptBlockLogging" -Value 1
    

Conclusion:

Securing PowerShell is not just about restricting its use but also about implementing comprehensive application control measures. By following the commands and practices outlined in this article, you can create a more secure environment that mitigates the risks associated with PowerShell. Always stay vigilant and keep your systems updated to protect against emerging threats.

References:

Reported By: Spenceralessi I – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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