> 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/potential-ntlm-relay-attack-against-a-microsoft-configuration-manager-site-server.md).

# Potential NTLM Relay Attack against a Microsoft Configuration Manager Site Server

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                                       |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                                     |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                                     |
| Test Period          | 10 Minutes                                                                                                                                  |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                                                                                       |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                                                                                                                                   |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                                                                          |
| Detector Tags        | Microsoft SCCM Analytics                                                                                                                    |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Credential Access (TA0006), Lateral Movement (TA0008)                                                                                       |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Adversary-in-the-Middle: LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning and SMB Relay (T1557.001), Use Alternate Authentication Material: Pass the Hash (T1550.002) |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                                               |

### Description

Multiple NTLM authentications were made to the same Microsoft Configuration Manager site server and user from different IPs in a short period of time. This might indicate a potential NTLM Relay attack.

### Attacker's Goals

An attacker may coerce the SCCM site server to authenticate to a malicious host and relay it to escalate privileges and move laterally across site systems.

### Investigative actions

* Ensure that the alerted host is not a NAT device or proxy that replicates or forwards network traffic as part of its expected operational behavior.
* Check if the protocols used are vulnerable to an NTLM relay attack (e.g. LDAP, SMB).
* Ensure that SMB signing is enabled in the case of a possible SMB relay attack.
* Check for network activity to and from the suspicious IP address to verify if it is a compromised machine.
* Monitor closely the actions of the potentially compromised user account for any anomalous behavior, especially suspicious SCCM-related activity occurring near the time of the alert.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Potential NTLM Relay Attack against a Microsoft Configuration Manager Site Server using a vulnerable package</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                                                                                       |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Credential Access (TA0006), Lateral Movement (TA0008)                                                                                       |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Adversary-in-the-Middle: LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning and SMB Relay (T1557.001), Use Alternate Authentication Material: Pass the Hash (T1550.002) |
| Severity          | Low                                                                                                                                         |

**Description**

Multiple NTLM authentications were made to the same Microsoft Configuration Manager site server and user from different IPs using a vulnerable NTLM package in a short period of time. This might indicate a potential NTLM Relay attack.

**Attacker's Goals**

An attacker may coerce the SCCM site server to authenticate to a malicious host and relay it to escalate privileges and move laterally across site systems.

**Investigative actions**

* Ensure that the alerted host is not a NAT device or proxy that replicates or forwards network traffic as part of its expected operational behavior.
* Check if the protocols used are vulnerable to an NTLM relay attack (e.g. LDAP, SMB).
* Ensure that SMB signing is enabled in the case of a possible SMB relay attack.
* Check for network activity to and from the suspicious IP address to verify if it is a compromised machine.
* Monitor closely the actions of the potentially compromised user account for any anomalous behavior, especially suspicious SCCM-related activity occurring near the time of the alert.

</details>


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