Windows System Discovery Using ldap Nslookup
The following analytic detects the execution of nslookup.exe to query domain information using LDAP. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of nslookup.exe to query domain information using LDAP. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line arguments. This activity is significant as nslookup.exe can be abused by malware like Qakbot to gather critical domain details, such as SRV records and server names. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to map the network, identify key servers, and plan further attacks, potentially leading to data exfiltration or lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
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
- dministrator may execute this commandline tool for auditing purposes. 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 |
|---|---|
| learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/networking/verify-srv-dns-records-have-been-created | Only this detection cites it |
| securelist.com/qakbot-technical-analysis/103931/ | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 2418780f-7c3e-4c45-b8b4-996ea850cd49
- Tagged by the source as
- QakbotEndpointendpointSplunk 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