Azure AD Privileged Graph API Permission Assigned
The following analytic detects the assignment of high-risk Graph API permissions in Azure AD, specifically Application.ReadWrite.All, AppRoleAssignment.ReadWrite.All, and RoleManagement.ReadWrite.Directory. It uses…
Description
The following analytic detects the assignment of high-risk Graph API permissions in Azure AD, specifically Application.ReadWrite.All, AppRoleAssignment.ReadWrite.All, and RoleManagement.ReadWrite.Directory. It uses azure_monitor_aad data to scan AuditLogs for 'Update application' operations, identifying when these permissions are assigned. This activity is significant as it grants broad control over Azure AD, including application and directory settings. If confirmed malicious, it could lead to unauthorized modifications and potential security breaches, compromising the integrity and security of the Azure AD environment. Immediate investigation is required.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- azure_active_directory_update_application
Known benign triggers
- Privileged Graph API permissions may be assigned for legitimate purposes. Filter as needed.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| cloudbrothers.info/en/azure-attack-paths/ | 2 |
| github.com/mandiant/Mandiant-Azure-AD-Investigator/blob/master/MandiantAzureADInvestigator.json | 2 |
| learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/permissions-reference | 5 |
| posts.specterops.io/azure-privilege-escalation-via-azure-api-permissions-abuse-74aee1006f48 | 3 |
| www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/01/25/midnight-blizzard-guidance-for-responders-on-nation-state-attack/ | 12from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 5521f8c5-1aa3-473c-9eb7-853701924a06
- Tagged by the source as
- Azure Active Directory PersistenceNOBELIUM GroupAzure Active DirectorycloudSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityidentity
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1