Windows Process With NetExec Command Line Parameters
The following analytic detects the use of NetExec (formally CrackmapExec) a toolset used for post-exploitation enumeration and attack within Active Directory environments through command line parameters. It leverages…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of NetExec (formally CrackmapExec) a toolset used for post-exploitation enumeration and attack within Active Directory environments through command line parameters. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data to identify specific command-line arguments associated with actions like ticket manipulation, kerberoasting, and password spraying. This activity is significant as NetExec is used by adversaries to exploit Kerberos for privilege escalation and lateral movement. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized access, persistence, and potential compromise of sensitive information within the network.
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
- Although unlikely, legitimate applications may use the same command line parameters as NetExec. 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/software/S0488/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.johnvictorwolfe.com/2024/07/21/the-successor-to-crackmapexec/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.netexec.wiki | 3from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- adbff89c-c1f2-4a2e-88a4-b5e645856510
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Kerberos AttacksActive Directory Privilege EscalationEndpointendpointSplunk 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