Malicious SQL Server Dedicated Admin Connection (DAC) Mode Activated - Native (via application)
- Product
- mssql
- Service
- application
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-07-10
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
PersistenceRecon
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 enabled the DAC mode in order to bypass access controls, logon triggers, perform brute force attacks or run unauthorized queries.
Reporting behind it
- attack.mitre.orghttps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/001/
- josephpierini.blogspot.comhttps://josephpierini.blogspot.com/2012/07/microsoft-sql-dedicated-admin.html
- sqlshack.comhttps://www.sqlshack.com/sql-server-dedicated-admin-connection-dac-how-to-enable-connect-and-use/
- mssqltips.comhttps://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1801/enable-sql-server-dedicated-administrator-connection/
- docs.microsoft.comhttps://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/errors-events/database-engine-events-and-errors?view=sql-server-ver16
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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