Unusual Azure AD sync module load

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 Threat Module
ATT&CK Tactic	Credential Access (TA0006)
ATT&CK Technique	OS Credential Dumping (T1003)
Severity	Low

Description

A process that does not usually load the Azure AD Sync mcrypt.dll loaded the module.

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

Unusual Azure AD sync module load by suspicious process

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Credential Access (TA0006)
ATT&CK Technique	OS Credential Dumping (T1003)
Severity	Medium

Description

A suspicious process that does not usually load the Azure AD Sync mcrypt.dll loaded the module.

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.