Detect Pass-the-Hash (T1550.002) attacks by analyzing NTLM authentication patterns, flagging Type 3 logons using NTLM where Kerberos would be expected, and correlating with credential-dumping indicators. Use when threat hunting for lateral movement via stolen NTLM hashes, triaging EDR/SIEM alerts on suspicious NTLM logons, scoping compromise during incident response, or validating detection coverage in a purple team exercise.
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Use detecting-pass-the-hash-attacks to hunt [environment] telemetry for Pass-the-Hash indicators during [time range], correlate suspicious NTLM logons with credential-dumping signals, and produce validated findings with recommended response actions.
Required inputs
[environment]
[time range]
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SKILL.md
name: detecting-pass-the-hash-attacksdescription: Detect Pass-the-Hash (T1550.002) attacks by analyzing NTLM authentication patterns, flagging Type 3 logons using NTLM where Kerberos would be expected, and correlating with credential-dumping indicators. Use when threat hunting for lateral movement via stolen NTLM hashes, triaging EDR/SIEM alerts on suspicious NTLM logons, scoping compromise during incident response, or validating detection coverage in a purple team exercise.domain: cybersecuritysubdomain: threat-huntingtags: - threat-hunting- mitre-attack- pass-the-hash- credential-access- t1550- proactive-detectionversion: '1.0'author: mahipallicense: Apache-2.0d3fend_techniques: - Token Binding- Execution Isolation- Restore Access- Application Protocol Command Analysis- Process Terminationnist_csf: - DE.CM-01- DE.AE-02- DE.AE-07- ID.RA-05mitre_attack: - T1046- T1057- T1082- T1083- T1003
Detecting Pass The Hash Attacks
When to Use
When proactively hunting for indicators of detecting pass the hash attacks in the environment
After threat intelligence indicates active campaigns using these techniques
During incident response to scope compromise related to these techniques
When EDR or SIEM alerts trigger on related indicators
During periodic security assessments and purple team exercises
Prerequisites
EDR platform with process and network telemetry (CrowdStrike, MDE, SentinelOne)
SIEM with relevant log data ingested (Splunk, Elastic, Sentinel)
Sysmon deployed with comprehensive configuration
Windows Security Event Log forwarding enabled
Threat intelligence feeds for IOC correlation
Workflow
Formulate Hypothesis: Define a testable hypothesis based on threat intelligence or ATT&CK gap analysis.
Identify Data Sources: Determine which logs and telemetry are needed to validate or refute the hypothesis.
Execute Queries: Run detection queries against SIEM and EDR platforms to collect relevant events.
Analyze Results: Examine query results for anomalies, correlating across multiple data sources.
Validate Findings: Distinguish true positives from false positives through contextual analysis.
Correlate Activity: Link findings to broader attack chains and threat actor TTPs.
Document and Report: Record findings, update detection rules, and recommend response actions.
Key Concepts
Concept
Description
T1550.002
Pass the Hash
T1550.003
Pass the Ticket
T1078
Valid Accounts
Tools & Systems
Tool
Purpose
CrowdStrike Falcon
EDR telemetry and threat detection
Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
Advanced hunting with KQL
Splunk Enterprise
SIEM log analysis with SPL queries
Elastic Security
Detection rules and investigation timeline
Sysmon
Detailed Windows event monitoring
Velociraptor
Endpoint artifact collection and hunting
Sigma Rules
Cross-platform detection rule format
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Mimikatz sekurlsa::pth with stolen NTLM hash
Scenario 2: Impacket psexec.py remote execution with hash
Scenario 3: CrackMapExec hash spraying across hosts
Scenario 4: WMI lateral movement via pass-the-hash