Disabled Kerberos Pre-Authentication Discovery With Get-ADUser
The following analytic detects the execution of the `Get-ADUser` PowerShell cmdlet with parameters indicating a search for domain accounts with Kerberos Pre-Authentication disabled. It leverages PowerShell Script…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the `Get-ADUser` PowerShell cmdlet with parameters indicating a search for domain accounts with Kerberos Pre-Authentication disabled. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to identify this specific activity. This behavior is significant because discovering accounts with Kerberos Pre-Authentication disabled can allow adversaries to perform offline password cracking. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially compromising sensitive information and escalating privileges within the network.
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
- powershell_script_block_logging_4104
Known benign triggers
- Administrators or power users may use search for accounts with Kerberos Pre Authentication disabled for legitimate purposes.
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/T1558/004/ | 2 |
| m0chan.github.io/2019/07/31/How-To-Attack-Kerberos-101.html | 6from 2 sources |
| stealthbits.com/blog/cracking-active-directory-passwords-with-as-rep-roasting/ | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 114c6bfe-9406-11ec-bcce-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Kerberos AttacksBlackSuit RansomwareCISA AA23-347AInterlock RansomwareEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
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