HackTool - NetExec File Indicators
Detects file creation events indicating NetExec (nxc.exe) execution on the local machine. NetExec is a PyInstaller-bundled binary that extracts its embedded data files to a "_MEI<random>" directory under the Temp…
Description
Detects file creation events indicating NetExec (nxc.exe) execution on the local machine. NetExec is a PyInstaller-bundled binary that extracts its embedded data files to a "_MEI<random>" directory under the Temp folder upon execution. Files dropped under the "\nxc\" sub-directory of that extraction path are unique to NetExec and serve as reliable on-disk indicators of execution. NetExec (formerly CrackMapExec) is a widely used post-exploitation and lateral movement tool used for Active Directory enumeration, credential harvesting, and remote code execution.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source product
- windows
- Log source category
- file_event
Known benign triggers
- Unknown
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| github.com/Pennyw0rth/NetExec | 2 |
| www.netexec.wiki | 3from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- efc21479-9e83-41da-8cf1-122e06ba8db3
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.discoveryattack.executionattack.lateral-movement
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1