Individual skill
performing-lateral-movement-with-wmiexec
Perform lateral movement across Windows networks using WMI-based remote execution techniques including Impacket wmiexec.py, CrackMapExec, and native WMI commands for stealthy post-exploitation during red team engagements.
internal/tools/skills/data/red-teaming/performing-lateral-movement-with-wmiexec/SKILL.md
Source commit d42f381ad34843e71a42658e5c57290c713e85af
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- Yes
- Scanner rules are current
- Yes
- Repository scan complete
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- Skill scan complete
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- Observed behavior
- Instructions only
- Last checked
- Nov 9, 2026
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Repository context
- Repository stars (not skill ratings)
- 1,315
- Repository last updated
- Nov 8, 2026
- License
- Apache-2.0
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- cybersecurity Repository topic
- security Repository topic
- bug-bounty Repository topic
- automation Repository topic
- autonomous-pentesting Repository topic
- ai-agent Repository topic
- ai-security Repository topic
- ethical-hacking Repository topic
- golang Repository topic
- penetration-testing Repository topic
- red-team Declared skill tag
- lateral-movement Declared skill tag
- wmiexec Declared skill tag
- wmi Declared skill tag
- post-exploitation Declared skill tag
- impacket Declared skill tag
- windows Declared skill tag
- engineering Derived category
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# Performing Lateral Movement with WMIExec
> **Legal Notice:** This skill is for authorized security testing and educational purposes only. Unauthorized use against systems you do not own or have written permission to test is illegal and may violate computer fraud laws.
## Overview
WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) is a legitimate Windows administration framework that red teams abuse for lateral movement because it provides remote command execution without deploying additional services or leaving obvious artifacts like PsExec. Impacket's wmiexec.py creates a semi-interactive shell over WMI by executing commands through Win32_Process.Create and reading output via temporary files on ADMIN$ share. Unlike PsExec, WMIExec does not install a service on the target, making it stealthier and less likely to trigger security alerts. WMI-based lateral movement maps to MITRE ATT&CK T1047 (Windows Management Instrumentation) and is used by threat actors including APT29, APT32, and Lazarus Group.
## When to Use
- When conducting security assessments that involve performing lateral movement with wmiexec
- When following incident response procedures for related security events
- When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities