Malicious NTDS Extraction via ntdsutil IFM
- Product
- windows
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-10-10
- Updated
- 2026-10-10
ATT&CK techniques
Cred AccessRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects ntdsutil creating an Install From Media snapshot to extract the Active Directory database. The StrikeShark Cobalt Strike campaign uses this to steal domain credentials from a domain controller. NTDS extraction through ntdsutil is a high-confidence credential-access indicator.
Reporting behind it
Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.
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Also included
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