> 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-successful-rdp-connection-to-localhost.md).

# Suspicious successful RDP connection to localhost

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                            |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                          |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                          |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)               |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                            |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                        |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics               |
| Detector Tags        | Enhanced RDP Analytics           |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Initial Access (TA0001)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | External Remote Services (T1133) |
| Severity             | Informational                    |

### Description

An unusual process created a successful RDP connection to localhost. This may indicate the use of a tunnel to bypass a firewall.

### Attacker's Goals

The attacker attempts to gain access to the accounts through RDP from an external source.

### Investigative actions

* Investigate the actor process to determine if it was used for legitimate purposes or malicious activity.
* Identify the user performing RDP and check that it is authorized.
* Follow further actions done by the user.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Suspicious successful RDP connection to localhost via reverse SSH tunnel</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                            |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Initial Access (TA0001)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | External Remote Services (T1133) |
| Severity          | Low                              |

**Description**

An unusual process created a successful RDP connection to localhost. The command line indicates the usage of SSH tunnel to bypass the firewall.

**Attacker's Goals**

The attacker attempts to gain access to the accounts through RDP from an external source.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the actor process to determine if it was used for legitimate purposes or malicious activity.
* Identify the user performing RDP and check that it is authorized.
* Follow further actions done by the user.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Suspicious successful RDP connection to localhost on DC server</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                            |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Initial Access (TA0001)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | External Remote Services (T1133) |
| Severity          | Low                              |

**Description**

An unusual process created a successful RDP connection to localhost on a DC server. This may indicate the use of a tunnel to bypass a firewall.

**Attacker's Goals**

The attacker attempts to gain access to the accounts through RDP from an external source.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the actor process to determine if it was used for legitimate purposes or malicious activity.
* Identify the user performing RDP and check that it is authorized.
* Follow further actions done by the user.

</details>


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