Suspicious Nmap Scripting Engine User-Agent in HTTP Requests (via webserver)
- Category
- webserver
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-05-19
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
ReconResource 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
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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