Suspicious Nmap Scripting Engine User-Agent in HTTP Requests (via webserver)

ATT&CK techniques

Recon

Recon
- T1595.002Vulnerability Scanning
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 HTTP requests carrying the Nmap Scripting Engine user-agent string, indicating automated NSE web probing against exposed services. Scanning activity of this kind precedes exploitation as adversaries enumerate service versions and vulnerabilities. Identifying the NSE user-agent surfaces active reconnaissance targeting internet-facing or ICS-adjacent web assets.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Nmap Scripting Engine User-Agent in HTTP Requests (via webserver)

Pivot detection · T1595.002 · 8 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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