Windows Guest Account Enabled Via Net.EXE
By default, the Windows guest account is heavily restricted, with limited permissions and access to system resources. However, if the guest account is activated, it can potentially be used to perform malicious…
Description
By default, the Windows guest account is heavily restricted, with limited permissions and access to system resources. However, if the guest account is activated, it can potentially be used to perform malicious activities such as installing malware, deleting files, stealing data, or even taking control of the system.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
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
- The Windows guest account may be activated by IT or support teams for temporary access or troubleshooting. Filter activations related to authorized maintenance activities to reduce false alerts.
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/388942adbd9641f4dfdcf079d7efe9a75ec0ac43/atomics/T1078.001/T1078.001.yaml#L51 | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 4f8cd681-7583-47a0-9f38-6337b7adf48a
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows Persistence TechniquesEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 13, 2026
- Version
- 2