Windows Group Policy Object Created
The following analytic detects the creation of a new Group Policy Object (GPO) by leveraging Event IDs 5136 and 5137. This detection uses directory service change events to identify when a new GPO is created.…
Description
The following analytic detects the creation of a new Group Policy Object (GPO) by leveraging Event IDs 5136 and 5137. This detection uses directory service change events to identify when a new GPO is created. Monitoring GPO creation is crucial as adversaries can exploit GPOs to escalate privileges or deploy malware across an Active Directory network. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to control system configurations, deploy ransomware, or propagate malware, leading to widespread compromise and significant operational disruption.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- windows_event_log_security_5136windows_event_log_security_5137
Known benign triggers
- Group Policy Objects are created as part of regular 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.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/lockbit-ransomware-now-encrypts-windows-domains-using-group-policies/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.trustedsec.com/blog/weaponizing-group-policy-objects-access/ | 5 |
| www.varonis.com/blog/group-policy-objects | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 23add2a8-ea22-4fd4-8bc0-8c0b822373a1
- 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