> 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/windows-lolbin-executable-connected-to-a-rare-external-host.md).
# Windows LOLBIN executable connected to a rare external host
### 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 |
| Detector Tags | EDR Windows C2 Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol (T1071) |
| Severity | Medium |
### Description
Scripts connecting to external IP addresses may be sanctioned IT scripts. However, when those external IP addresses are only receiving connections from a few specific endpoints in the organization, these scripts may be an indicator of more suspicious activity. Security testers and adversaries use offensive frameworks that employ forms of scripting which result in this type of network activity.
### Attacker's Goals
Connect to the attacker's Command and Control server.
### Investigative actions
* Check the external address the process connects to.
### Variations
Windows LOLBIN executable connected to a rare external host on a newly activated agent
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol (T1071) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
Scripts connecting to external IP addresses may be sanctioned IT scripts. However, when those external IP addresses are only receiving connections from a few specific endpoints in the organization, these scripts may be an indicator of more suspicious activity. Security testers and adversaries use offensive frameworks that employ forms of scripting which result in this type of network activity.
**Attacker's Goals**
Connect to the attacker's Command and Control server.
**Investigative actions**
* Check the external address the process connects to.
Windows LOLBIN executable utilizing known port to connect to a rare external host
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol (T1071) |
| Severity | Medium |
**Description**
Scripts connecting to external IP addresses may be sanctioned IT scripts. However, when those external IP addresses are only receiving connections from a few specific endpoints in the organization, these scripts may be an indicator of more suspicious activity. Security testers and adversaries use offensive frameworks that employ forms of scripting which result in this type of network activity.
**Attacker's Goals**
Connect to the attacker's Command and Control server.
**Investigative actions**
* Check the external address the process connects to.
Windows LOLBIN executable connected to a rare external host by an RMM CGO
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol (T1071) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
Scripts connecting to external IP addresses may be sanctioned IT scripts. However, when those external IP addresses are only receiving connections from a few specific endpoints in the organization, these scripts may be an indicator of more suspicious activity. Security testers and adversaries use offensive frameworks that employ forms of scripting which result in this type of network activity. The CGO of this process was a Remote Monitoring & Management tool.
**Attacker's Goals**
Connect to the attacker's Command and Control server.
**Investigative actions**
* Check the external address the process connects to.
---
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