> 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/suspicious-dnshostname-attribute-change-to-dc-name.md).

# Suspicious dNSHostName attribute change to DC name

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                                                            |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                                                                         |
| Required Data        | <p>Requires one of the following data sources:<br>Windows Event Collector OR XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                                                            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Privilege Escalation (TA0004), Persistence (TA0003)                                                                           |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Account Manipulation (T1098), Valid Accounts: Domain Accounts (T1078.002)                                                     |
| Severity             | Medium                                                                                                                        |

### Description

The dNSHostName attribute of a machine account was changed to a Domain Controller server name.

### Attacker's Goals

Elevate privileges from standard domain user to domain admin.

### Investigative actions

* Check if the domain controller is patched or vulnerable to the attack.
* Check if any associated TGTs or service tickets were granted.
* Follow actions by the account and if it performed a DCSync.


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