> 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/user-added-to-a-group-and-removed.md).

# User added to a group and removed

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                         |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                       |
| Test Period          | 10 Hours                                                                                                                      |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                                                                         |
| Required Data        | <p>Requires one of the following data sources:<br>Windows Event Collector OR XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)</p> |
| Detection Modules    | Identity Analytics                                                                                                            |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Persistence (TA0003), Privilege Escalation (TA0004)                                                                           |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Account Manipulation (T1098), Valid Accounts (T1078)                                                                          |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                                 |

### Description

A user was added to an Active Directory group and removed within a short period of time, which may be a sign of compromise.

### Attacker's Goals

Elevate permissions and establish persistence.

### Investigative actions

* Verify the activity with the performing user.
* Confirm that the group addition was not accidental.
* Check for any suspicious actions performed by the added user.
* Check for a possible compromise of the initiating user.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Rare privileged group addition and removal</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003), Privilege Escalation (TA0004)  |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Account Manipulation (T1098), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity          | Medium                                               |

**Description**

A user was added to an Active Directory privileged group and removed within a short period of time, which may be a sign of compromise.

**Attacker's Goals**

Elevate permissions and establish persistence.

**Investigative actions**

* Verify the activity with the performing user.
* Confirm that the group addition was not accidental.
* Check for any suspicious actions performed by the added user.
* Check for a possible compromise of the initiating user.

</details>

<details>

<summary>User added to a privileged group and removed</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003), Privilege Escalation (TA0004)  |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Account Manipulation (T1098), Valid Accounts (T1078) |
| Severity          | Low                                                  |

**Description**

A user was added to an Active Directory privileged group and removed within a short period of time, which may be a sign of compromise.

**Attacker's Goals**

Elevate permissions and establish persistence.

**Investigative actions**

* Verify the activity with the performing user.
* Confirm that the group addition was not accidental.
* Check for any suspicious actions performed by the added user.
* Check for a possible compromise of the initiating user.

</details>


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