NetSupport Manager RAT Execution From a User-Writable Path (via process_creation)
- Product
- windows
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-07-11
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
C2Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects the NetSupport Manager remote-control client (client32.exe) running from a user-writable directory such as AppData, ProgramData or Temp, where adversaries deploy the otherwise-legitimate RMM tool as a covert remote access trojan. Abuse of remote monitoring and management software is a leading access technique in the Red Canary Threat Detection Report. Because sanctioned installs live in Program Files, execution from user paths is a strong indicator of malicious NetSupport deployment.
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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