AI-Driven IOC Conversion for Palo Alto Cortex XSIAM Queries

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How It Works

Uncoder AI translates threat intelligence into Cortex XSIAM detection logic by ingesting structured IOCs and extracting relevant execution behaviors. This example focuses on the WRECKSTEEL campaign (CERT-UA#14283), a PowerShell-based stealer that abuses native tools and network requests to exfiltrate data.

On the left, Uncoder AI parses dozens of SHA256 hashes, filenames, scripts (script.ps1, scripttest.ps1), and phishing lure documents. On the right, it auto-generates Cortex XQL (XSIAM Query Language) detection logic that targets real-world execution patterns based on telemetry from winEventLog.

Auto-Generated Cortex XQL Logic

The output query is tailored to Cortex XSIAM’s data model and monitors suspicious command-line executions, including:

  • Process Names:
     powershell.exe and wscript.exe
  • Command-Line Indicators:
    • URLs linked to script downloads:

      • http://107.189.20.74/screvan.ps1

      • http://172.86.122.94/scrxxx.ps1

      • http://172.86.104.17/scratest.ps1

      • http://144.172.98.178/scretest.ps1

      • http://172.86.88.15/scripttest.ps1

      • http://45.61.157.179/script.ps1

    • Parameters:
      • "*iwr*" (Invoke-WebRequest)

      • "*iex*" (Invoke-Expression)
  • Script-Based Execution:
    • WScript executing AppFinalDesktop.vbs from temporary directories

This detection logic is designed to match malicious script execution chains that leverage PowerShell’s native capabilities and hardcoded payload delivery via HTTP.

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Why It’s Innovative

Creating behavioral rules in Cortex XSIAM requires manual curation of execution patterns, field mappings, and IOC context. Uncoder AI automates this by:

  • Recognizing execution syntaxes like iwr and iex used in living-off-the-land attacks

  • Correlating specific IOCs (URLs, file paths, scripts) with known malware campaigns

  • Auto-generating XQL logic compatible with Palo Alto’s data schema and winEventLog fields

This streamlines detection engineering by eliminating the need for custom rule authoring and enhancing IOC-to-behavior correlation.

Operational Value

Security teams using Cortex XSIAM benefit from:

  • Accelerated Rule Creation
     Rapid conversion of threat intel into Cortex-compatible queries

  • Precision IOC-to-Telemetry Mapping
     Targeting real attacker behaviors like PowerShell download cradles and script execution

  • Improved Detection Coverage
     Multi-layered matching of process names, script execution flags, and malicious network destinations

By turning passive IOC feeds into active XSIAM detection logic, Uncoder AI empowers defenders to operationalize intelligence at speed and scale.

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Uncoder AI translates IOCs into Palo Alto Cortex XSIAM queries — delivering actionable, high-fidelity queries for PowerShell-based threats.

The post AI-Driven IOC Conversion for Palo Alto Cortex XSIAM Queries appeared first on SOC Prime.

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