> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/msiexec-execution-of-an-executable-from-an-uncommon-remote-location.md). # Msiexec execution of an executable from an uncommon remote location ### Synopsis | Field | Value | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | Activation Period | 14 Days | | Training Period | 30 Days | | Test Period | N/A (single event) | | Deduplication Period | 7 Days | | Required Data | XDR Agent | | Detector Tags | LOLBIN Execution Analytics | | ATT\&CK Tactic | Stealth (TA0005) | | ATT\&CK Technique | System Binary Proxy Execution: Msiexec (T1218.007) | | Severity | Informational | ### Description Msiexec is the command-line utility for the Windows Installer. Adversaries may abuse msiexec.exe to proxy execution of malicious payloads from remote locations. ### Attacker's Goals Evading security controls and executing arbitrary files from the web. ### Investigative actions Monitor the command-line arguments of msiexec.exe, For example, the command line - msiexec /i can be legitimate or malicious. Validate the following criteria, if none of them are correct, follow incident response procedures: * Check execution of msiexec and the IP/Domain that used. * Is the URL that is encoded in the command line trusted. * Is executed DLL or MSI file known as legitimate. * Is the initiating process legitimate and the user running it knows of its use. ### Variations
Msiexec execution of an executable from an uncommon remote location by an RMM tool **Synopsis** | Field | Value | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | ATT\&CK Tactic | Stealth (TA0005) | | ATT\&CK Technique | System Binary Proxy Execution: Msiexec (T1218.007) | | Severity | High | **Description** Msiexec is the command-line utility for the Windows Installer. Adversaries may abuse msiexec.exe to proxy execution of malicious payloads from remote locations. This process was executed by a Remote Monitoring & Management tool. **Attacker's Goals** Evading security controls and executing arbitrary files from the web. **Investigative actions** Monitor the command-line arguments of msiexec.exe, For example, the command line - msiexec /i can be legitimate or malicious. Validate the following criteria, if none of them are correct, follow incident response procedures: * Check execution of msiexec and the IP/Domain that used. * Is the URL that is encoded in the command line trusted. * Is executed DLL or MSI file known as legitimate. * Is the initiating process legitimate and the user running it knows of its use.
Msiexec execution of an executable from an uncommon remote location with a specific port **Synopsis** | Field | Value | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | ATT\&CK Tactic | Stealth (TA0005) | | ATT\&CK Technique | System Binary Proxy Execution: Msiexec (T1218.007) | | Severity | High | **Description** Msiexec is the command-line utility for the Windows Installer. Adversaries may abuse msiexec.exe to proxy execution of malicious payloads from remote locations. **Attacker's Goals** Evading security controls and executing arbitrary files from the web. **Investigative actions** Monitor the command-line arguments of msiexec.exe, For example, the command line - msiexec /i can be legitimate or malicious. Validate the following criteria, if none of them are correct, follow incident response procedures: * Check execution of msiexec and the IP/Domain that used. * Is the URL that is encoded in the command line trusted. * Is executed DLL or MSI file known as legitimate. * Is the initiating process legitimate and the user running it knows of its use.
Msiexec execution of an executable from an uncommon remote location without properties **Synopsis** | Field | Value | | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | ATT\&CK Tactic | Stealth (TA0005) | | ATT\&CK Technique | System Binary Proxy Execution: Msiexec (T1218.007) | | Severity | Medium | **Description** Msiexec is the command-line utility for the Windows Installer. Adversaries may abuse msiexec.exe to proxy execution of malicious payloads from remote locations. Execution without properties is more common in malware. **Attacker's Goals** Evading security controls and executing arbitrary files from the web. **Investigative actions** Monitor the command-line arguments of msiexec.exe, For example, the command line - msiexec /i can be legitimate or malicious. Validate the following criteria, if none of them are correct, follow incident response procedures: * Check execution of msiexec and the IP/Domain that used. * Is the URL that is encoded in the command line trusted. * Is executed DLL or MSI file known as legitimate. * Is the initiating process legitimate and the user running it knows of its use.
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