Windows Service Creation on Remote Endpoint
The following analytic identifies the creation of a Windows Service on a remote endpoint using `sc.exe`. It detects this activity by analyzing process execution logs from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents,…
Description
The following analytic identifies the creation of a Windows Service on a remote endpoint using `sc.exe`. It detects this activity by analyzing process execution logs from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line arguments that include remote paths and service creation commands. This behavior is significant because adversaries often exploit the Service Control Manager for lateral movement and remote code execution. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on remote systems, potentially leading to further compromise and persistence within the 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
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators may create Windows Services on remote systems, but this activity is usually limited to a small set of hosts or users.
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/T1543/003/ | 10 |
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/services/controlling-a-service-using-sc | 2 |
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/services/service-control-manager | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- e0eea4fa-4274-11ec-882b-3e22fbd008af
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Lateral MovementChina-Nexus Threat ActivityCISA AA23-347ASalt TyphoonSnappyBeeEndpointendpointSplunk 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