> 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/psexec-was-executed-with-a-suspicious-command-line.md).
# PsExec was executed with a suspicious command line
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day |
| Required Data | XDR Agent |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002), Privilege Escalation (TA0004) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Services: Service Execution (T1569.002), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
PsExec.exe was executed.
### Attacker's Goals
An adversary may attempt to use PsExec to gain execution capabilities, run remote commands or perform privilege escalation.
### Investigative actions
* Check if any other suspicious activities happened under the same causality.
* Confirm the PsExec.exe command is benign.
### Variations
PsExec was executed with a suspicious command line by a LOLBIN
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002), Privilege Escalation (TA0004) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Services: Service Execution (T1569.002), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
PsExec.exe was executed with NT/System privilege level by a LOLBIN.
**Attacker's Goals**
An adversary may attempt to use PsExec to gain execution capabilities, run remote commands or perform privilege escalation.
**Investigative actions**
* Check if any other suspicious activities happened under the same causality.
* Confirm the PsExec.exe command is benign.
PsExec was executed with a suspicious command line by an unsigned actor
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002), Privilege Escalation (TA0004) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Services: Service Execution (T1569.002), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity | Medium |
**Description**
PsExec.exe was executed with NT/System privilege level by an unsigned actor.
**Attacker's Goals**
An adversary may attempt to use PsExec to gain execution capabilities, run remote commands or perform privilege escalation.
**Investigative actions**
* Check if any other suspicious activities happened under the same causality.
* Confirm the PsExec.exe command is benign.
PsExec was executed with a suspicious command line
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002), Privilege Escalation (TA0004) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Services: Service Execution (T1569.002), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
PsExec.exe was executed with NT/System privilege level.
**Attacker's Goals**
An adversary may attempt to use PsExec to gain execution capabilities, run remote commands or perform privilege escalation.
**Investigative actions**
* Check if any other suspicious activities happened under the same causality.
* Confirm the PsExec.exe command is benign.
PsExec was executed with a suspicious command line
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Execution (TA0002), Privilege Escalation (TA0004) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | System Services: Service Execution (T1569.002), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
PsExec.exe was executed with plain-text credentials.
**Attacker's Goals**
An adversary may attempt to use PsExec to gain execution capabilities, run remote commands or perform privilege escalation.
**Investigative actions**
* Check if any other suspicious activities happened under the same causality.
* Confirm the PsExec.exe command is benign.
---
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