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InformationalSplunk security contentBhavin Patel +1

Windows Create Local Administrator Account Via Net

The following analytic detects the creation of a local administrator account using the "net.exe" command. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data to identify processes named "net.exe" with the "/add"…

Description

The following analytic detects the creation of a local administrator account using the "net.exe" command. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data to identify processes named "net.exe" with the "/add" parameter and keywords related to administrator accounts. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attacker attempting to gain persistent access or escalate privileges. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or further system compromise. Review the process details, user context, and related artifacts to determine the legitimacy of the activity.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

  • Administrators often leverage net.exe to create admin accounts.

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