> 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/unusual-adconnect-database-file-access.md).

# Unusual ADConnect database file access

### 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 with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH) |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Credential Access (TA0006)                   |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Unsecured Credentials (T1552)                |
| Severity             | Informational                                |

### Description

An unusual process accessed the ADConnect database files.

### Attacker's Goals

* Attackers can abuse the Azure AD Connect database files to get access to the AD Sync account.
* The AD Sync account is a highly privileged account that can perform a DCSync and get access to on-premise password hashes.

### Investigative actions

* See whether this was a legitimate action.
* Follow process/user/host activities.
* Follow unusual actions of the AD Sync user.
* Check for unusual Azure AD authentications.
* Check for a possible DCSync.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Suspicious access to ADConnect database file</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                         |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Credential Access (TA0006)    |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Unsecured Credentials (T1552) |
| Severity          | Medium                        |

**Description**

An unusual process accessed the ADConnect database files with some suspicious characteristics that flagged this access attempt as a suspicious.

**Attacker's Goals**

* Attackers can abuse the Azure AD Connect database files to get access to the AD Sync account.
* The AD Sync account is a highly privileged account that can perform a DCSync and get access to on-premise password hashes.

**Investigative actions**

* See whether this was a legitimate action.
* Follow process/user/host activities.
* Follow unusual actions of the AD Sync user.
* Check for unusual Azure AD authentications.
* Check for a possible DCSync.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Access to ADConnect database file by an unsigned or unusual process</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                         |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Credential Access (TA0006)    |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Unsecured Credentials (T1552) |
| Severity          | Low                           |

**Description**

An unusual process accessed the ADConnect database files with some suspicious characteristics that flagged this access attempt as a suspicious access.

**Attacker's Goals**

* Attackers can abuse the Azure AD Connect database files to get access to the AD Sync account.
* The AD Sync account is a highly privileged account that can perform a DCSync and get access to on-premise password hashes.

**Investigative actions**

* See whether this was a legitimate action.
* Follow process/user/host activities.
* Follow unusual actions of the AD Sync user.
* Check for unusual Azure AD authentications.
* Check for a possible DCSync.

</details>


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