> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/powershell-initiates-a-network-connection-to-github.md).

# PowerShell Initiates a Network Connection to GitHub

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                     |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                   |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                   |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                        |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                     |
| Required Data        | Palo Alto Networks Url Logs                               |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Execution (TA0002)                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell (T1059.001) |
| Severity             | Low                                                       |

### Description

PowerShell initiates a Network Connection to GitHub with an uncommon command line. This may have legitimate uses, but this technique is frequently used by attackers to serve malicious payloads.

### Attacker's Goals

Download a second stage payload for execution.

### Investigative actions

* Check if the initiator process is malicious.
* Check for additional file/network operations by the same PowerShell instance.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>PowerShell Initiates a Network Connection to GitHub from a sensitive server</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                     |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Execution (TA0002)                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell (T1059.001) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                    |

**Description**

PowerShell initiates a Network Connection to GitHub with an uncommon command line. This may have legitimate uses, but this technique is frequently used by attackers to serve malicious payloads.

**Attacker's Goals**

Download a second stage payload for execution.

**Investigative actions**

* Check if the initiator process is malicious.
* Check for additional file/network operations by the same PowerShell instance.

</details>


---

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