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Posture check · Account security

Smart card account with a password hash that never changes ​(T1078)

When "Smart card is required for interactive logon" is set on an account, the domain sets its password hash once and never changes it. Checks enabled accounts only.

Why it matters

A stolen copy of the hash works in a pass-the-hash attack for as long as the hash stays the same.

How GraphnAI finds it

It runs after every sync, on each connected domain or tenant on its own. It applies to Active Directory.

It reads:

  • The directory attributes userAccountControl and accountEnabled

Tiered Fidelity™ level: Theoretical

Every finding from this check carries the Theoretical level.

  1. TheoreticalThis checkConfigured in the directory. Nothing else checked.
  2. ConstrainedA constraint on it has been checked.
  3. ValidatedTelemetry has seen it in use.

Why there's no automatic fix

Turning the requirement off and on changes the password hash, so it belongs in a planned maintenance window.

How to fix it

Clear "Smart card is required for interactive logon" and set it again to get a new password hash, and do it on a schedule.

MITRE ATT&CK® technique names and MITRE D3FEND™ technique labels: © The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation. ATT&CK® is a registered trademark and D3FEND™ a trademark of The MITRE Corporation.

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