huntrule

Windows Process Creation: AdFind.exe Execution for Active Directory Recon

Alerts on Windows execution of AdFind.exe based on image/name and known imphash values indicative of AD reconnaissance.

FreeReviewedSigma · Medium · v1
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems) (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2025-02-26
Updated
2026-07-30
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Discovery

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule flags the execution of AdFind.exe on Windows by matching the process image name, original file name, and specific imphash values. AdFind is commonly used to gather information in Active Directory environments, which can support attacker discovery and lateral movement planning. Detection relies on process creation telemetry, including the executable path/name and file hashing/imphash data.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1087.002 — drag to rearrange
Suspicious Active Directory Computer Enumeration via Get-ADComputer Export to CSV (via ps_script)
Suspicious SharpHound Active Directory Collection
Malicious AdFind Domain Trust Enumeration via Trustdmp
Suspicious AdFind Person Object Enumeration via LDAP Filter
Suspicious Active Directory Reconnaissance via In-Memory Offensive PowerShell (via ps_script)
Suspicious Active Directory Export via Csvde via Process Creation (via process_creation)
Suspicious AdFind Domain User Reconnaissance Output
Suspicious Active Directory Reconnaissance Output via ADRecon CSV (via file_event)
Suspicious Domain Computer Enumeration via Net Group Command
Windows Process Creation: AdFind.exe Execution for Active Directory Recon
Pivot detection · T1087.002 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.