Unusual CIM repository 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)
Detector Tags	Microsoft SCCM Analytics
ATT&CK Tactic	Credential Access (TA0006)
ATT&CK Technique	Unsecured Credentials (T1552), OS Credential Dumping (T1003)
Severity	Low

Description

An uncommon process accessed the CIM repository file, potentially to retrieve stored NNA credentials for unauthorized use.

Attacker's Goals

• Attackers can retrieve plaintext domain credentials, which may be used for proxying tools into the environment over command and control (C2).
• If the credentials are overprivileged, this technique may enable lateral movement to other clients or sensitive systems.
• Determine whether this was a legitimate action.

Investigative actions

• Follow process, user, and host activities.
• Investigate if the retrieved credentials match any known accounts or if there is any abnormal access to distribution points or other critical resources.
• Verify the presence of unauthorized tools or processes like SharpDPAPI or SharpSCCM that could have been used for credential extraction or decryption.
• Review relevant system logs (event logs, SCCM logs, etc.) for any signs of unusual activity or access patterns related to the NAA or other credentials.

Variations

Suspicious CIM repository file access

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Credential Access (TA0006)
ATT&CK Technique	Unsecured Credentials (T1552), OS Credential Dumping (T1003)
Severity	Medium

Description

An unusual process with suspicious characteristics accessed the CIM repository file, causing this attempt to be flagged as suspicious.

Attacker's Goals

• Attackers can retrieve plaintext domain credentials, which may be used for proxying tools into the environment over command and control (C2).
• If the credentials are overprivileged, this technique may enable lateral movement to other clients or sensitive systems.
• Determine whether this was a legitimate action.

Investigative actions

• Follow process, user, and host activities.
• Investigate if the retrieved credentials match any known accounts or if there is any abnormal access to distribution points or other critical resources.
• Verify the presence of unauthorized tools or processes like SharpDPAPI or SharpSCCM that could have been used for credential extraction or decryption.
• Review relevant system logs (event logs, SCCM logs, etc.) for any signs of unusual activity or access patterns related to the NAA or other credentials.