> 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-azure-ad-sync-module-load.md).

# 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

<details>

<summary>Unusual Azure AD sync module load by suspicious process</summary>

**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.

</details>


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