Windows Remote Host Computer Management Access
The following analytic detects the use of mmc.exe to launch Computer Management (compmgmt.msc) and connect to a remote machine. This technique allows administrators to access system management tools, including Event…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of mmc.exe to launch Computer Management (compmgmt.msc) and connect to a remote machine. This technique allows administrators to access system management tools, including Event Viewer, Services, Shared Folders, and Local Users & Groups, without initiating a full remote desktop session. While commonly used for legitimate administrative purposes, adversaries may leverage this method for remote reconnaissance, privilege escalation, or persistence. Monitoring the execution of mmc.exe with the /computer:{hostname/ip} argument can help detect unauthorized system administration attempts or lateral movement within a network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- administrator or power user can execute command shell or script to access Windows Remote Management.
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 |
|---|---|
| www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa25-071a | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 455da527-0047-4610-a3ca-b4a005c2d346
- Tagged by the source as
- Medusa RansomwareEndpointendpointSplunk 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