SysmonTools
SysmonTools is a TypeScript-based desktop application for analyzing and visualizing Microsoft Sysmon event logs. It provides interactive process flow diagrams, geolocation mapping, and search capabilities to help security analysts investigate system events and threat activity on Windows.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | nshalabi/SysmonTools |
| Owner | nshalabi |
| Primary language | TypeScript |
| License | GPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 1.7k |
| Forks | 208 |
| Open issues | 0 |
| Latest release | v2.2.1 (2026-04-04) |
| Last updated | 2026-04-04 |
| Source | https://github.com/nshalabi/SysmonTools |
What SysmonTools is
Built with Electron, React, and TypeScript, SysmonTools parses exported Sysmon XML logs into a local SQLite database and renders them across three views: Process View (interactive session diagrams with collapsible nodes and event filtering), Map View (GeoIP visualization of network destinations), and All Events View (server-side paginated search with hierarchical grouping). The application integrates VirusTotal links for hash and IP pivoting.
Get the SysmonTools source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/nshalabi/SysmonTools.gitcd SysmonTools# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Node.js v18+ and Git to build from source; pre-built installers and portable executables are available on the Releases page.
- Sysmon must be deployed and configured on target Windows machines; logs are exported via WEVTUtil PowerShell cmdlet before import.
- SQLite database location is stored in the user application data folder; plan for backup, sharing, and database size growth based on log volume.
- VirusTotal integration requires optional API key for detailed lookups; direct report links work without authentication.
- Third-party dependencies (React, React Flow, Leaflet, sql.js) add complexity; review THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md for license compatibility in your environment.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Real-Time Log Streaming Required — SysmonTools operates on exported XML logs; it does not support real-time ingestion or streaming from Windows Event Log.
- GPL-3.0 Incompatible with Proprietary Codebase — Any modifications or derivative works must remain GPL-3.0; commercial products cannot incorporate this tool without full source disclosure and licensing compliance review.
- Large-Scale Log Analysis (> 10M Events) — While server-side pagination mitigates some performance issues, SQLite and Electron may become resource-constrained on very high-volume datasets without optimization.
- Non-Windows Event Log Sources — Currently designed for Sysmon (Windows) logs; import of Linux/macOS auditd or other endpoint agents requires custom log transformation outside the tool.
License & commercial use
GPL-3.0 (GNU General Public License v3.0). This is a copyleft license requiring any derivative works or modifications to be released under the same license with full source disclosure.
Commercial use of SysmonTools itself (as-is) for internal security analysis is permissible under GPL-3.0. However, bundling, modifying, or embedding it in a commercial product requires the entire product to be GPL-3.0 compliant or requires explicit dual-licensing negotiation with the maintainer. Requires review before commercial redistribution or product integration.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
SysmonTools imports and stores Windows event logs locally in SQLite; ensure database files are protected with appropriate file permissions. VirusTotal integration transmits hashes and IPs to a third-party service; review organizational policy before use. Electron-based applications present a larger attack surface than native code; keep application and dependencies updated. No explicit security audit or threat model is documented; treat as a forensic analysis tool rather than a trust boundary.
Alternatives to consider
Splunk (with Sysmon add-on)
Enterprise SIEM with real-time log ingestion, advanced correlation, and compliance reporting; requires licensing and infrastructure investment.
ELK Stack (Elasticsearch + Logstash + Kibana)
Open-source log aggregation and visualization; supports real-time streaming and large-scale deployments but requires DevOps setup and tuning.
Microsoft Sentinel / Azure Log Analytics
Cloud-native SIEM with built-in Sysmon support, threat intelligence, and playbook automation; hosted and managed but entails cloud dependency and Azure licensing.
Build on SysmonTools with DEV.co software developers
Download SysmonTools from the Releases page, export your Sysmon logs, and start building timelines and correlating events today. For questions on GPL-3.0 compliance or commercial use, contact our team.
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SysmonTools FAQ
Do I need to install Sysmon on my machines first?
Can I use SysmonTools with real-time log streams?
Is the SQLite database shareable between analysts?
What are the system requirements to run SysmonTools?
Software development & web development with DEV.co
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like SysmonTools into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source observability stack.
Ready to streamline your Sysmon log analysis?
Download SysmonTools from the Releases page, export your Sysmon logs, and start building timelines and correlating events today. For questions on GPL-3.0 compliance or commercial use, contact our team.