> 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-ldap-queries-followed-by-shared-folder-access.md).

# Suspicious LDAP queries followed by shared folder access

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                        |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                      |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                      |
| Test Period          | 10 Minutes                                   |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                        |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH) |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Credential Access (TA0006)                   |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets (T1558)      |
| Severity             | Low                                          |

### Description

The user executed suspicious LDAP queries shortly before accessing a shared folder. This behavior may be indicative of Rubeus activity involving Kerberos ticket forgery, such as Golden Ticket or Silver Ticket attacks.

### Attacker's Goals

An attacker may use LDAP based account discovery and a forged Kerberos ticket (e.g. Silver Ticket) to access shared resources and collect sensitive data.

### Investigative actions

* Review the LDAP query content to determine if it targets privileged groups (e.g., Domain Admins) or sensitive objects.
* Correlate the shared folder path with sensitive file shares (e.g., SYSVOL, NETLOGON, backup shares).
* Check if the IP address {ip\_address} is associated with known administrative systems or unusual user behavior.
* Determine if Rubeus or other Kerberos abuse tools were used based on timing, patterns, or command line artifacts.
* Inspect for potential Silver Ticket or Golden Ticket activity by reviewing Kerberos ticket logs and security events.
* Verify if the user account had prior suspicious authentication events or privilege escalation.


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