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Windows Service Initiation on Remote Endpoint

The following analytic detects the execution of `sc.exe` with command-line arguments used to start a Windows Service on a remote endpoint. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of `sc.exe` with command-line arguments used to start a Windows Service on a remote endpoint. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant because adversaries may exploit the Service Control Manager for lateral movement and remote code execution. If confirmed malicious, this 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.

Known benign triggers

  • Administrators may start Windows Services on remote systems, but this activity is usually limited to a small set of hosts or users.

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