Enumerate Users Local Group Using Telegram

name: Enumerate Users Local Group Using Telegram
id: fcd74532-ae54-11eb-a5ab-acde48001122
version: 13
creation_date: '2021-05-07'
modification_date: '2026-05-13'
author: Teoderick Contreras, Splunk
status: production
type: TTP
description: The following analytic detects a Telegram process enumerating all network users in a local group. It leverages EventCode 4798, which is generated when a process enumerates a user's security-enabled local groups on a computer or device. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to gather information on user accounts, a common precursor to further malicious actions. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow an attacker to map out user accounts, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
data_source:
    - Windows Event Log Security 4798
search: '`wineventlog_security` EventCode=4798  CallerProcessName = "*\\telegram.exe" | stats count min(_time) as firstTime max(_time) as lastTime by user Computer EventCode CallerProcessName  ProcessID SubjectUserSid SubjectDomainName  SubjectLogonId | rename Computer as dest | `security_content_ctime(firstTime)` | `security_content_ctime(lastTime)` | `enumerate_users_local_group_using_telegram_filter`'
how_to_implement: To successfully implement this search, you need to be ingesting logs with the Task Schedule (Exa. Security Log EventCode 4798) endpoints. Tune and filter known instances of process like logonUI used in your environment.
known_false_positives: No false positives have been identified at this time.
references:
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2020/04/20/sqlserver-or-the-miner-in-the-basement/
    - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4798
finding:
    title: The Telegram application has been identified enumerating local groups on $dest$ by $user$.
    entity:
        field: user
        type: user
        score: 50
intermediate_findings:
    entities:
        - field: dest
          type: system
          score: 50
          message: The Telegram application has been identified enumerating local groups on $dest$ by $user$.
analytic_story:
    - XMRig
    - Compromised Windows Host
    - Water Gamayun
asset_type: Endpoint
mitre_attack_id:
    - T1087
product:
    - Splunk Enterprise
    - Splunk Enterprise Security
    - Splunk Cloud
category: endpoint
security_domain: endpoint