Detect Renamed PSExec
The following analytic identifies instances where `PsExec.exe` has been renamed and executed on an endpoint. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and original…
Description
The following analytic identifies instances where `PsExec.exe` has been renamed and executed on an endpoint. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and original file names. This activity is significant because renaming `PsExec.exe` is a common tactic to evade detection. If confirmed malicious, this could allow an attacker to execute commands remotely, potentially leading to unauthorized access, lateral movement, or further compromise of the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Limited false positives should be present. It is possible some third party applications may use older versions of PsExec, filter as needed.
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/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1569.002/T1569.002.yaml | Only this detection cites it |
| redcanary.com/blog/threat-hunting-psexec-lateral-movement/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 683e6196-b8e8-11eb-9a79-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Lateral MovementBlackByte RansomwareCactus RansomwareChina-Nexus Threat ActivityCISA AA22-320ADarkGate MalwareDarkSide RansomwareDHS Report TA18-074AHAFNIUM GroupMedusa RansomwareRhysida RansomwareSalt TyphoonSamSam RansomwareSandworm ToolsVanHelsing RansomwareEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Published
- Oct 6, 2026
- Version
- 2