TA0006 · CREDENTIAL ACCESS
Group Policy Preferences
Adversaries may attempt to find unsecured credentials in Group Policy Preferences (GPP). GPP are tools that allow administrators to create domain policies with embedded credentials.
Detect it with
Monitor for attempts to access SYSVOL that involve searching for XML files. Deploy a new XML file with permissions set to Everyone:Deny and monitor for Access Denied errors.
Why it matters on shift
Group Policy Preferences is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve credential access. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After credential access, the next tactic is usually Discovery. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context