Detectionhighexperimental

HackTool - NetExec Execution

Detects execution of the hacktool NetExec. NetExec (formerly CrackMapExec) is a widely used post-exploitation tool designed for Active Directory penetration testing and network enumeration In enterprise environments, the use of NetExec is considered suspicious or potentially malicious because it enables attackers to enumerate hosts, exploit network services, and move laterally across systems. Threat actors and red teams commonly use NetExec to identify vulnerable systems, harvest credentials, and execute commands remotely.

Convert In Phoenix Studio

Open this Sigma rule in the converter with the YAML preloaded and ready for backend selection.

Launch
Chirag DamaniCreated Sun Mar 297638e5fe-600c-4289-a968-f49dd537ec7dwindows
Log Source
WindowsProcess Creation
ProductWindows← raw: windows
CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation

Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.

Detection Logic
Detection Logic1 selector
detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '\nxc.exe'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - ' ftp '
            - ' ldap '
            - ' mssql '
            - ' nfs '
            - ' rdp '
            - ' smb '
            - ' ssh '
            - ' vnc '
            - ' winrm '
            - ' wmi '
    condition: selection
False Positives

Legitimate use of NetExec by security professionals or system administrators for network assessment and management.

Testing & Validation

Regression Tests

by Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
Positive Detection Test1 matchevtx

Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon

Rule Metadata
Rule ID
7638e5fe-600c-4289-a968-f49dd537ec7d
Status
experimental
Level
high
Type
Detection
Created
Sun Mar 29
Path
rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_hktl_netexec.yml
Raw Tags
attack.discoveryattack.t1018attack.lateral-movementattack.t1021
View on GitHub