Mmc LOLBAS Execution Process Spawn
The following analytic identifies `mmc.exe` spawning a LOLBAS execution process. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events where `mmc.exe` is the parent…
Description
The following analytic identifies `mmc.exe` spawning a LOLBAS execution process. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process creation events where `mmc.exe` is the parent process. This activity is significant because adversaries can abuse the DCOM protocol and MMC20 COM object to execute malicious code, using Windows native binaries documented by the LOLBAS project. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could indicate lateral movement, allowing attackers to execute code remotely, potentially leading to further compromise and persistence within the environment.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate applications may trigger this behavior, 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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/003/ | 7 |
| lolbas-project.github.io | 12from 3 sources |
| www.cybereason.com/blog/dcom-lateral-movement-techniques | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- f6601940-4c74-11ec-b9b7-3e22fbd008af
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Lateral MovementLiving Off The LandWater GamayunXML Runner LoaderEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1