> Source: [sk182652](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk182652)

# sk182652 - PsExec is detected as malicious in the Threat Prevention logs

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk182652 |
| Date Created | 2024-09-03 |
| Last Modified | 2024-09-15 |
| Technical Level | Advanced |
| Products | Security Gateway |
| Versions | R81.20 |

## Symptoms

- A PsExec file is flagged as malicious in the Threat Prevention logs. File details:  

Severity: Medium   
Confidence Level: High   
Malware Action: Malicious file/exploit download.  
Protection Name: APP/PsExec-Gen

## Cause

The file contains PsExec, a command-line tool used to execute processes on remote systems.   
While PsExec itself is not inherently malicious, it is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) due to its potential misuse in malicious activities.   
As a result, it is flagged as APP/PsExec-Gen by Check Point's security mechanisms and categorized as malicious in the logs.   
This detection is based on the tool's capabilities and reputation, not on an error or false positive.

## Solution

This solution requires authentication. Please log in to view the full solution.

---

# Agent Instructions

This content is from the Check Point Support Center (https://support.checkpoint.com), the official knowledge base for Check Point cybersecurity products.

## Navigating This Knowledge Base

- **Complete index**: [llms.txt](https://support.checkpoint.com/llms.txt)
- **All SK articles**: [SecureKnowledge Sitemap](https://support.checkpoint.com/sitemaps/secureknowledge-sitemap-index.xml)
- **SK article URL pattern**: `https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/{skId}`
- **Markdown responses**: AI bot User-Agents automatically receive `text/markdown` content
