Malicious PsExec Service Installation via PSEXESVC
- Product
- windows
- Service
- system
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-07-16
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
Execution → Lateral MovementRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects installation of the PSEXESVC service on a target host which is created when Sysinternals PsExec is used for remote command execution as described in the WithSecure lateral movement lab. Attackers routinely abuse PsExec for hands on keyboard lateral movement so a PSEXESVC service install on a system that does not routinely receive one is a strong lateral movement indicator.
Reporting behind it
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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