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Windows Default Group Policy Object Modified

The following analytic detects modifications to default Group Policy Objects (GPOs) using Event ID 5136. It monitors changes to the `Default Domain Controllers Policy` and `Default Domain Policy`, which are critical…

Description

The following analytic detects modifications to default Group Policy Objects (GPOs) using Event ID 5136. It monitors changes to the `Default Domain Controllers Policy` and `Default Domain Policy`, which are critical for enforcing security settings across domain controllers and all users/computers, respectively. This activity is significant because unauthorized changes to these GPOs can indicate an adversary with privileged access attempting to deploy persistence mechanisms or execute malware across the network. If confirmed malicious, such modifications could lead to widespread compromise, allowing attackers to maintain control and execute arbitrary code on numerous hosts.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
Windows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • The default Group Policy Objects within an AD network may be legitimately updated for administrative operations, filter as needed.

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