> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/abnormal-icmp-echo-ping-to-multiple-hosts.md).

# Abnormal ICMP echo (PING) to multiple hosts

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                           |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                         |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                         |
| Test Period          | 5 Hours                         |
| Deduplication Period | 2 Days                          |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                       |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Discovery (TA0007)              |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Remote System Discovery (T1018) |
| Severity             | Low                             |

### Description

An endpoint performed an abnormal ICMP echo (PING) to multiple hosts on the network.

### Attacker's Goals

An adversary may use the ICMP protocol to map IP addresses, hostnames and segments to plan its lateral movement over the network.

### Investigative actions

* Verify if the host is a newly deployed host.
* Verify if newly services or applications that require network mapping were installed on the initiating host.


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