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.
- Log source category
- windows_event_log_security_5136
Known benign triggers
- The default Group Policy Objects within an AD network may be legitimately updated for administrative operations, 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 |
|---|---|
| adsecurity.org/?p=2716 | 5 |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/ | 5 |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001 | 5 |
| www.trustedsec.com/blog/weaponizing-group-policy-objects-access/ | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- fe6a6cc4-9e0d-4d66-bcf4-2c7f44860876
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Privilege EscalationSneaky Active Directory Persistence TricksEndpointendpointSplunk 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