O365 Privileged Graph API Permission Assigned
The following analytic detects the assignment of critical Graph API permissions in Azure AD using the O365 Unified Audit Log. It focuses on permissions such as Application.ReadWrite.All,…
Description
The following analytic detects the assignment of critical Graph API permissions in Azure AD using the O365 Unified Audit Log. It focuses on permissions such as Application.ReadWrite.All, AppRoleAssignment.ReadWrite.All, and RoleManagement.ReadWrite.Directory. The detection method leverages Azure Active Directory workload events, specifically 'Update application' operations. This activity is significant as these permissions provide extensive control over Azure AD settings, posing a high risk if misused. If confirmed malicious, this could allow unauthorized modifications, leading to potential data breaches or privilege escalation. Immediate investigation is crucial.
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
- o365_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
- 868f3131-d5e1-4bf1-af5b-9b0fbaaaedbb
- Tagged by the source as
- NOBELIUM GroupOffice 365 Persistence MechanismsO365 TenantcloudSplunk 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