hunting-for-ntlm-relay-attacks

---
name: hunting-for-ntlm-relay-attacks
description: Detect NTLM relay attacks by analyzing Windows Event 4624 logon type 3 with NTLMSSP authentication, identifying IP-to-hostname mismatches, Responder traffic signatures, SMB signing status, and suspicious authentication patterns across the domain.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: threat-hunting
tags: [NTLM-relay, Windows-events, Event-4624, NTLMSSP, Responder, SMB-signing, credential-access, T1557.001, Active-Directory]
version: "1.0"
author: mahipal
license: Apache-2.0
---

# Hunting for NTLM Relay Attacks

## Overview

NTLM relay attacks intercept and forward NTLM authentication messages to gain unauthorized access to network resources. Attackers use tools like Responder for LLMNR/NBT-NS poisoning and ntlmrelayx for credential relay. This skill detects relay activity by querying Windows Security Event 4624 (successful logon) for type 3 network logons with NTLMSSP authentication, identifying mismatches between WorkstationName and source IpAddress, detecting rapid multi-host authentication from single accounts, and auditing SMB signing configuration across domain hosts.


## When to Use

- When investigating security incidents that require hunting for ntlm relay attacks
- When building detection rules or threat hunting queries for this domain
- When SOC analysts need structured procedures for this analysis type
- When validating security monitoring coverage for related attack techniques

## Prerequisites

- Python 3.9+ with Windows Event Log access or exported logs
- Windows Security audit logging enabled (Event ID 4624, 4625, 5145)
- Network access for SMB signing status checks

## Key Detection Areas

1. **IP-hostname mismatch** — WorkstationName in Event 4624 does not resolve to the source IpAddress
2. **NTLMSSP authentication** — logon events using NTLM instead of Kerberos from domain-joined hosts
3. **Machine account relay** — computer accounts (ending in $) authenticating from unexpected IPs
4. **Rapid authentication** — single account authenticating to multiple hosts within seconds
5. **Named pipe access** — Event 5145 showing access to Spoolss, lsarpc, netlogon, samr pipes
6. **SMB signing disabled** — hosts not enforcing SMB signing, enabling relay attacks

## Output

JSON report with suspected relay events, IP-hostname correlation anomalies, SMB signing audit results, and MITRE ATT&CK mapping to T1557.001.