> 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/unusual-process-accessed-the-powershell-history-file.md).

# Unusual process accessed the PowerShell history file

### Synopsis

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

### Description

An abnormal process accessed the PowerShell console history file. This may be a sign of malicious PowerShell execution without directly invoking the powershell.exe binary.

### Attacker's Goals

An attacker is attempting to run PowerShell without powershell.exe to evade detection.

### Investigative actions

* Investigate the process and command line executed and whether it's benign or normal for this host.


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