huntrule

Windows: aspnet_compiler.exe Execution Detection

Detects execution of aspnet_compiler.exe from Windows .NET Framework directories, which can be abused to compile and run C#.

FreeReviewedSigma · Medium · v2
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
frack113 (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2021-11-24
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule flags process creation where the executable is aspnet_compiler.exe located under the Windows .NET Framework or Framework64/Arm paths. Attackers can abuse aspnet_compiler to compile code as part of execution chains, making this a relevant indicator of suspicious activity. Telemetry relies on Windows process creation events that include the process Image path.

Reporting behind it

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ArcSOC.exe Creates Suspicious Script/Executable Files on Windows
Suspicious Child Process of aspnet_compiler.exe on Windows
Suspicious aspnet_compiler.exe Execution from User or Temp Paths on Windows
Windows: Detect kavremover-related LOLBIN command-line usage
Windows node.exe Execution with -e/--eval and suspicious child process usage
Windows: Process creation involving VSIISExeLauncher.exe with -p and -a arguments
Windows Process Creation: Mftrace.exe Child Process Execution
Windows Process Creation: Remote.exe Execution
Windows: aspnet_compiler.exe Execution Detection
Pivot detection · T1127 · 9 related

Changelog

v2
  1. v2
    Candidate ingested via manual entry.2026-07-31
  2. v1
    No changelog recorded for this version.2026-07-30

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