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Windows CSExec Service File Creation (csexecsvc.exe)

Flags creation of CSExec service binary csexecsvc.exe on Windows, a strong indicator of service-based execution setup.

FreeReviewedSigma · Medium · v2
Product
windows
Category
file_event
Author
Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2023-08-04
Updated
2026-07-31
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

  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 file creation events where the target filename ends with \\csexecsvc.exe, indicating CSExec service installation prior to execution. Service-based execution can blend into legitimate Windows service workflows, making detection dependent on reliable file event telemetry. It relies on Windows file creation logs that capture the created target filename.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1569.002 — drag to rearrange
Suspicious PsExec Service Named Sliver
PsExec Remote Service Execution on Target Host (via process_creation)
Renamed Procdump Tool Used for Dumping LSASS Process (via process_creation)
Suspicious Service Installation Masquerading as winupd
Suspicious PSexec Application Execution (via process_creation)
Malicious Metasploit PsExec Named Pipe Command Execution
Malicious PsExec Service Installation via PSEXESVC
Malicious NotPetya Payload Execution via Rundll32 Ordinal Export from Windows Directory
Suspicious Lateral Movement via PsExec Service (via process_creation)
Windows CSExec Service File Creation (csexecsvc.exe)
Pivot detection · T1569.002 · 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.