Unusual Azure AD sync module load

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by data source

Product
Cortex XDR
Last date published
2024-12-03
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Order
data source

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

N/A (single event)

Deduplication Period

1 Day

Required Data

  • Requires:
    • XDR Agent

Detection Modules

Identity Threat Module

Detector Tags

ATT&CK Tactic

Credential Access (TA0006)

ATT&CK Technique

OS Credential Dumping (T1003)

Severity

Low

Description

A process that does not usually load the Azure AD Sync mcrypt.dll loaded the module.

Attacker's Goals

  • Attackers can abuse the Azure AD Connect database files to get access to the AD Sync account.
  • The AD Sync account is a highly privileged account that can perform a DCSync and get access to on-premise password hashes.

Investigative actions

  • See whether this was a legitimate action.
  • Follow process/user/host activities.
  • Follow unusual actions of the AD Sync user.
  • Check for unusual Azure AD authentications.
  • Check for a possible DCSync.

Variations

Unusual Azure AD sync module load by suspicious process

Synopsis

ATT&CK Tactic

Credential Access (TA0006)

ATT&CK Technique

OS Credential Dumping (T1003)

Severity

Medium

Description

A suspicious process that does not usually load the Azure AD Sync mcrypt.dll loaded the module.

Attacker's Goals

  • Attackers can abuse the Azure AD Connect database files to get access to the AD Sync account.
  • The AD Sync account is a highly privileged account that can perform a DCSync and get access to on-premise password hashes.

Investigative actions

  • See whether this was a legitimate action.
  • Follow process/user/host activities.
  • Follow unusual actions of the AD Sync user.
  • Check for unusual Azure AD authentications.
  • Check for a possible DCSync.