PowerShell Invoke-WebRequest Security Warnings and Best Practices
A critical security update by Microsoft for Windows PowerShell 5.1 that introduces mandatory security warnings when using the Invoke-WebRequest cmdlet, addressing a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability (CVE-2025-54100). This change requires IT teams to modify automation scripts to include the -UseBasicParsing parameter, which prevents the execution of embedded scripts during web content retrieval and avoids operational disruptions caused by new confirmation prompts. Furthermore, the text advocates for broader PowerShell security best practices, such as script signing, least privilege, and comprehensive logging, while strongly recommending migration to the more secure, modern platform of PowerShell 7. Finally, the text includes a section from a managed IT service provider, Technijian, offering professional services to help organizations manage this transition, audit scripts, and implement enhanced security frameworks in the Southern California area.
