Azure AD User ImmutableId Attribute Updated
The following analytic identifies the modification of the SourceAnchor (ImmutableId) attribute for an Azure Active Directory user. This detection leverages Azure AD audit logs, specifically monitoring the "Update…
Description
The following analytic identifies the modification of the SourceAnchor (ImmutableId) attribute for an Azure Active Directory user. This detection leverages Azure AD audit logs, specifically monitoring the "Update user" operation and changes to the SourceAnchor attribute. This activity is significant as it is a step in setting up an Azure AD identity federation backdoor, allowing an adversary to establish persistence. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could impersonate any user, bypassing password and MFA requirements, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- azure_active_directory_update_user
Known benign triggers
- The SourceAnchor (also called ImmutableId) Azure AD attribute has legitimate uses for directory synchronization. Investigate and 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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/ | 10from 2 sources |
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/plan-connect-design-concepts | Only this detection cites it |
| o365blog.com/post/federation-vulnerability/ | 3 |
| www.inversecos.com/2021/11/how-to-detect-azure-active-directory.html | 3 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/detecting-microsoft-365-azure-active-directory-backdoors | 3 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/remediation-and-hardening-strategies-microsoft-365-defend-against-apt29-v13 | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 0c0badad-4536-4a84-a561-5ff760f3c00e
- Tagged by the source as
- Azure Active Directory PersistenceHellcat RansomwareAzure Active DirectorycloudSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securitythreat
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1