Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
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Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
Course 16 - Red Team Ethical Hacking Beginner Course | Episode 5: Windows Lateral Movement: Manual Execution via WMIC, Scheduled Tasks
CyberCode Academy
9 minutes
4 days ago
Course 16 - Red Team Ethical Hacking Beginner Course | Episode 5: Windows Lateral Movement: Manual Execution via WMIC, Scheduled Tasks
In this lesson, you’ll learn about:
The purpose of manual lateral movement in red team operations
Why native Windows utilities are critical for stealth and reliability
Three core lateral movement methodologies used in authorized engagements
Privilege context differences between execution methods
How these techniques relate to common automated tools
Overview This lesson delivers a technical deep dive into manual lateral movement within Windows domain environments. Lateral movement refers to the ability to pivot from one compromised system to another after obtaining elevated credentials—most commonly domain administrative access. Rather than relying on automated frameworks, this episode emphasizes manual techniques using native Windows functionality, which are:
Less noisy
More flexible
Harder to detect when used responsibly in controlled testing
All techniques discussed assume explicit authorization, proper scoping, and a professional red team context. 1. Lateral Movement Using WMIC Concept WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command) allows administrators to remotely interact with systems using the Windows Management Infrastructure. Methodology
The attacker targets a remote host by explicitly specifying it
Remote interaction is used to:
Validate access
Confirm file placement
Trigger execution of an existing payload
Key Characteristics
Requires administrative privileges on the target
Execution occurs under the credential context of the initiating user
Commonly used for:
Quick pivots
Testing administrative access
Lightweight remote execution
Operational Insight This method is simple and effective but does not automatically grant SYSTEM-level access. The resulting execution inherits the privileges of the domain admin account used. 2. Lateral Movement Using Scheduled Tasks Concept Windows Scheduled Tasks provide a powerful mechanism to execute actions on remote systems at defined times or conditions. Methodology
A payload is staged on the target system
A task is created remotely with:
A one-time execution
Immediate triggering behavior
Execution configured under a high-privilege account
Key Characteristics
Can execute under NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM
Allows privilege escalation beyond domain admin
The “run once” approach prevents repeated execution
Operational Insight This technique is widely used in red team engagements because it:
Mimics legitimate administrative behavior
Blends into system management activity
Provides strong control over execution timing
3. Lateral Movement Using Service Control Manager (SCM) Concept The Service Control Manager manages Windows services, which inherently run with elevated privileges. Methodology
A specially designed service-compatible executable is required
The payload is registered as a new service on the target
Starting the service triggers execution automatically
Key Characteristics
Executes as SYSTEM by default
Explains the mechanics behind tools like PsExec
Requires careful payload preparation due to service constraints
Operational Insight Because services are tightly integrated with Windows internals, this method is:
Extremely powerful
Highly privileged
More detectable if not carefully...
CyberCode Academy
Welcome to CyberCode Academy — your audio classroom for Programming and Cybersecurity. 🎧 Each course is divided into a series of short, focused episodes that take you from beginner to advanced level — one lesson at a time. From Python and web development to ethical hacking and digital defense, our content transforms complex concepts into simple, engaging audio learning. Study anywhere, anytime — and level up your skills with CyberCode Academy. 🚀 Learn. Code. Secure.
