Kerberos Pre-Authentication Flag Disabled with PowerShell
The following analytic detects the use of the `Set-ADAccountControl` PowerShell cmdlet with parameters that disable Kerberos Pre-Authentication. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to…
Description
The following analytic detects the use of the `Set-ADAccountControl` PowerShell cmdlet with parameters that disable Kerberos Pre-Authentication. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to identify this specific command execution. Disabling Kerberos Pre-Authentication is significant because it allows adversaries to perform offline brute force attacks against user passwords using the AS-REP Roasting technique. If confirmed malicious, this activity could enable attackers to escalate privileges or maintain persistence within an Active Directory environment, posing a severe security risk.
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
- Although unlikely, Administrators may need to set this flag 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 |
|---|---|
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-server/identity/useraccountcontrol-manipulate-account-properties | 3 |
| 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
- 59b51620-94c9-11ec-b3d5-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Kerberos AttacksEndpointendpointSplunk 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