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Local Account Discovery With Wmic

The following analytic detects the execution of `wmic.exe` with command-line arguments used to query local user accounts, specifically the `useraccount` argument. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of `wmic.exe` with command-line arguments used to query local user accounts, specifically the `useraccount` argument. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process execution logs that include command-line details. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance efforts by adversaries to enumerate local users, which is a common step in situational awareness and Active Directory discovery. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to further targeted attacks, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within the network.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ESXiLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Administrators or power users may use this command for troubleshooting.

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