Windows Forest Discovery with GetForestDomain
The following analytic detects the execution of the `Get-ForestDomain` cmdlet, a component of the PowerView toolkit used for Windows domain enumeration. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104)…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the `Get-ForestDomain` cmdlet, a component of the PowerView toolkit used for Windows domain enumeration. It leverages PowerShell Script Block Logging (EventCode=4104) to identify this activity. Detecting `Get-ForestDomain` is significant because adversaries and Red Teams use it to gather detailed information about Active Directory forest and domain configurations. If confirmed malicious, this activity could enable attackers to understand the domain structure, facilitating lateral movement or privilege escalation within the environment.
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
- powershell_script_block_logging_4104
Known benign triggers
- Administrators may leverage PowerSploit tools for legitimate reasons, 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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087/002/ | 10 |
| book.hacktricks.xyz/windows-hardening/basic-powershell-for-pentesters/powerview | 5 |
| powersploit.readthedocs.io/en/latest/Recon/Get-ForestDomain/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- a14803b2-4bd9-4c08-8b57-c37980edebe8
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory DiscoveryEndpointendpointSplunk 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