Domain Account Discovery with Dsquery
The following analytic identifies the execution of `dsquery.exe` with command-line arguments used to discover domain users. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process…
Description
The following analytic identifies the execution of `dsquery.exe` with command-line arguments used to discover domain users. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as it indicates potential reconnaissance efforts by adversaries to map out domain users, which is a common precursor to further attacks. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to gain insights into user accounts, facilitating subsequent actions like privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Administrators or power users may use this command for troubleshooting.
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/T1087/002/ | 10 |
| jpcertcc.github.io/ToolAnalysisResultSheet/details/dsquery.htm | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- b1a8ce04-04c2-11ec-bea7-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory DiscoveryLAMEHUGEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
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