NetExec
Network service assessment tool for automating authentication checks, credential sprays, and Active Directory evaluations.
Technical Architecture & Overview
NetExec is an open-source network service exploitation toolkit and the actively maintained successor to CrackMapExec. It supports authentication testing, credential spraying, command execution, and enumeration across SMB, WinRM, LDAP, MSSQL, SSH, RDP, and other protocols used in Active Directory environments.
Targeted Technical Use Cases
Network service enumeration, credential validation, and AD security assessment during authorized engagements.
Evaluation & Trade-offs
Core Strengths
- +Successor to CrackMapExec with active maintenance and modern protocol support.
- +Multi-protocol support covering SMB, WinRM, LDAP, MSSQL, SSH, RDP, VNC, and more.
- +Built-in modules for credential spraying, command execution, and enumeration.
Trade-Offs & Limitations
- -Aggressive credential spraying can trigger account lockout policies.
- -Requires careful authorization scoping due to its network-wide testing capabilities.
Defensive Security Application
Validating credential policies, identifying weak authentication, and testing network service hardening across AD environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NetExec?→
NetExec is an open-source network service exploitation toolkit and the actively maintained successor to CrackMapExec. It supports authentication testing, credential spraying, command execution, and enumeration across SMB, WinRM, LDAP, MSSQL, SSH, RDP, and other protocols used in Active Directory environments.
What is NetExec used for?→
Network service enumeration, credential validation, and AD security assessment during authorized engagements.
What are the strengths of NetExec?→
- +Successor to CrackMapExec with active maintenance and modern protocol support.
- +Multi-protocol support covering SMB, WinRM, LDAP, MSSQL, SSH, RDP, VNC, and more.
- +Built-in modules for credential spraying, command execution, and enumeration.
What are the limitations of NetExec?→
- +Aggressive credential spraying can trigger account lockout policies.
- +Requires careful authorization scoping due to its network-wide testing capabilities.
How is NetExec used defensively?→
Validating credential policies, identifying weak authentication, and testing network service hardening across AD environments.