Windows Unusual Count Of Users Failed To Authenticate From Process
The following analytic identifies a source process failing to authenticate multiple users, potentially indicating a Password Spraying attack. It leverages Windows Event 4625, which logs failed logon attempts, and…
Description
The following analytic identifies a source process failing to authenticate multiple users, potentially indicating a Password Spraying attack. It leverages Windows Event 4625, which logs failed logon attempts, and uses statistical analysis to detect anomalies. This activity is significant as it may represent an adversary attempting to gain initial access or elevate privileges within an Active Directory environment. If confirmed malicious, the attacker could compromise multiple accounts, leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network.
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_4625
Known benign triggers
- A process failing to authenticate with multiple users is not a common behavior for legitimate user sessions. Possible false positive scenarios include but are not limited to vulnerability scanners and missconfigured systems.
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/T1110/003/ | 40 |
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/basic-audit-logon-events | 6 |
| docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4625 | 7from 2 sources |
| www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/securitylog/encyclopedia/event.aspx?eventID=4625 | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 25bdb6cb-2e49-4d34-a93c-d6c567c122fe
- Tagged by the source as
- Active Directory Password SprayingInsider ThreatVolt TyphoonEndpointendpointSplunk 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