> 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/unusual-netsh-portproxy-rule.md).

# Unusual Netsh PortProxy rule

### 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 with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)                                 |
| Detector Tags        | LOLBIN Execution Analytics                                                   |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Command and Control (TA0011), Defense Impairment (TA0112)                    |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Disable or Modify System Firewall (T1686), Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity             | Low                                                                          |

### Description

Attackers may use Netsh PortProxy rules as part of malicious actions performed in an organizational network (e.g., for tunneling).

### Attacker's Goals

Adding or deleting netsh forwarding rules as a proxy and to avoid possible detection.

### Investigative actions

* Check the connect address and if it's a known IP/domain.
* Check whether the causality group owner (CGO) process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Unusual Netsh PortProxy rule by non-netsh process</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                        |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011), Defense Impairment (TA0112)                    |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Disable or Modify System Firewall (T1686), Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                                       |

**Description**

Attackers may use Netsh PortProxy rules as part of malicious actions performed in an organizational network (e.g., for tunneling).

**Attacker's Goals**

Adding or deleting netsh forwarding rules as a proxy and to avoid possible detection.

**Investigative actions**

* Check the connect address and if it's a known IP/domain.
* Check whether the causality group owner (CGO) process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Unusual Netsh PortProxy rule by an unsigned causality actor</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                        |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011), Defense Impairment (TA0112)                    |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Disable or Modify System Firewall (T1686), Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                                       |

**Description**

Attackers may use Netsh PortProxy rules as part of malicious actions performed in an organizational network (e.g., for tunneling).

**Attacker's Goals**

Adding or deleting netsh forwarding rules as a proxy and to avoid possible detection.

**Investigative actions**

* Check the connect address and if it's a known IP/domain.
* Check whether the causality group owner (CGO) process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.

</details>


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