Windows Local Administrator Credential Stuffing
The following analytic detects attempts to authenticate using the built-in local Administrator account across more than 30 endpoints within a 5-minute window. It leverages Windows Event Logs, specifically events 4625…
Description
The following analytic detects attempts to authenticate using the built-in local Administrator account across more than 30 endpoints within a 5-minute window. It leverages Windows Event Logs, specifically events 4625 and 4624, to identify this behavior. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to validate stolen local credentials across multiple hosts, potentially leading to privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, this could allow the attacker to gain widespread access and control over numerous systems within the network, posing a severe security risk.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- windows_event_log_security_4624windows_event_log_security_4625
Known benign triggers
- Vulnerability scanners or system administration tools may also trigger this detection. 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/T1110/ | 8from 2 sources |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/004/ | Only this detection cites it |
| wiki.porchetta.industries/smb-protocol/password-spraying | Only this detection cites it |
| www.blackhillsinfosec.com/wide-spread-local-admin-testing/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.pentestpartners.com/security-blog/admin-password-re-use-dont-do-it/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.praetorian.com/blog/microsofts-local-administrator-password-solution-laps/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 09555511-aca6-484a-b6ab-72cd03d73c34
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Lateral MovementActive Directory Privilege EscalationScattered Lapsus$ HuntersEndpointendpointSplunk 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