Remote Desktop Software Execution and Beaconing Detection

ID: DET0259
Domains: Enterprise
Analytics: AN0714, AN0715, AN0716
Version: 1.0
Created: 21 October 2025
Last Modified: 21 October 2025

Analytics

AN0714

Adversary installation or use of RMM software (e.g., TeamViewer, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect) followed by outbound beaconing or remote session establishment

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
File Creation (DC0039) WinEventLog:Sysmon EventCode=11
Network Connection Creation (DC0082) WinEventLog:Sysmon EventCode=3
Firewall Rule Modification (DC0051) WinEventLog:Microsoft-Windows-Windows Firewall With Advanced Security/Firewall new rule allowing inbound or outbound connections for remote desktop software
Mutable Elements
Field Description
Image RMM software can vary; defenders should update rules to account for additional binaries (e.g., ConnectWise, Zoho Assist)
DestinationPort RMM software may use configurable or random high ports outside of standard (e.g., 7070, 5650)
ParentImage Expected parent process may vary in different enterprise contexts
TimeWindow Correlation window for install-to-beacon or process-to-network event should match operational environment

AN0715

Execution of known or custom VNC/remote desktop daemons or tunneling agents that initiate external communication after launch

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Process Creation (DC0032) auditd:SYSCALL execve
Network Connection Creation (DC0082) NSM:Flow outbound connections to RMM services or to unusual destination ports
Mutable Elements
Field Description
binary_name Custom-compiled or renamed VNC servers (e.g., x11vnc, tightvncserver) may require local tuning
OutboundIPRange Destination IP or ASN may shift depending on geolocation of cloud-hosted RMM backends

AN0716

Initiation of remote desktop sessions via AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Chrome Remote Desktop accompanied by unexpected user logins or system modifications

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Process Creation (DC0032) macos:unifiedlog launch of remote desktop app or helper binary
Network Connection Creation (DC0082) macos:unifiedlog network sessions initiated by remote desktop apps
Mutable Elements
Field Description
process_signature App may be notarized and signed differently depending on distribution method (App Store vs .pkg)
sandbox_exception If the remote desktop tool circumvents sandbox, it may produce additional telemetry in local TCC logs