Classification:

attack

Tactic:

TA0003-persistence

Technique:

T1098-account-manipulation

VIEW RULE IN DATADOG VIEW SIGNALS

Set up the azure integration.

Goal

Detect creation of Entra ID (Azure AD) restricted management Administrative Units (AUs). Restricted AUs prevent any user without a specific scoped role assignment from modifying target users who are members of a restricted management AU. This can impact user containment during sensitive incidents if not intentionally configured by the IT team, and may indicate malicious activity.

Strategy

Monitor Azure Active Directory logs for @properties.category:AdministrativeUnit and @evt.name:"Add administrative unit" where the event includes a restricted administrative unit.

Triage and response

1. Review if restricted administrative units are used by the organization.
2. Review evidence of anomalous activity for the user creating a restricted administrative unit.
3. Determine if there is a legitimate reason for the user creating a restricted administrative unit.