The Hunting for NTLM Relay Attacks skill is designed for security analysts and incident responders who need to detect and investigate NTLM relay attacks within their network environments. This skill leverages Windows Event ID 4624, focusing specifically on logon type 3 events that utilize NTLMSSP authentication. By analyzing these events, the skill identifies potential security threats such as IP-to-hostname mismatches, rapid authentication attempts from single accounts to multiple hosts, and the status of SMB signing across domain hosts.

When an NTLM relay attack occurs, attackers intercept authentication messages to gain unauthorized access to resources. This skill aids in detecting such activities by examining key indicators of compromise. It flags anomalies like mismatched workstation names and source IP addresses, which can indicate malicious activity. Additionally, it checks for machine account relay attempts and rapid authentication patterns that could suggest credential relaying. The output is a structured JSON report that provides insights into suspected relay events, along with a correlation of IP-hostname discrepancies and SMB signing status.

This skill is particularly beneficial for Security Operations Center (SOC) teams and cybersecurity professionals who are tasked with threat hunting and incident response. It provides a systematic approach to detecting NTLM relay attacks, enabling analysts to validate their security monitoring capabilities and build detection rules tailored to this specific threat vector. By utilizing this skill, teams can enhance their ability to respond to potential credential access incidents effectively.

Overall, the Hunting for NTLM Relay Attacks skill is a valuable addition for organizations looking to bolster their defenses against NTLM relay and coercion-based attacks, ensuring they have the necessary tools to detect and respond to these sophisticated threats.