Malicious Netcat SSL Reverse Shell Execution via process_creation

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.003Windows Command Shell
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a command line that combines the ssl option with the execute flag pointing to cmd.exe which is characteristic of an ncat or netcat encrypted reverse shell. The SourceForge campaign ran a renamed netcat as ShellExperienceHost.exe to connect out over SSL and hand a command shell to the attacker. An encrypted process backconnect to a remote host is a clear command and control indicator.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.003 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious Netcat SSL Reverse Shell Execution via process_creation

Pivot detection · T1059.003 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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