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CTD-000207

Microsoft Entra ID object PIM active assignment exceeding the configured maximum duration

High
Entra ID
Defense Evasion Persistence Privilege Escalation

Signature Identity

CTD-000207
Threat ID
Version
IOE
Indicator Type

Threat Description

Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) supports just-in-time access to privileged roles. Active role assignments that exceed the configured duration threshold provide privileged access for longer than permitted by the organization and increase unnecessary exposure.

If a threat actor compromises an Entra ID object with a long-duration active PIM assignment, they may maintain privileged access and perform lateral movement, data exfiltration, or critical configuration changes.

This threat detects active PIM assignments that exceed the duration threshold configured in the threat settings. The default threshold is 24 hours.

MITRE ATT&CK: Attack Tactics

Defense Evasion Persistence Privilege Escalation

D3FEND: Defend Tactics

D3-APA (Access Policy Administration)

Remediation

  1. Sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center using an account assigned the Privileged Role Administrator or Global Administrator role.
  2. Go to ID Governance > Privileged Identity Management > Microsoft Entra roles > Roles.
  3. Select the affected role and open the Active assignments tab.
  4. Locate the assignment for {UserPrincipalName}.
  5. If the assignment is no longer required, select the assignment and click Remove.
  6. If privileged access is still required:
    • Use an Eligible assignment where possible.
    • Use a time-bound Active assignment that does not exceed 24 hours.
  7. Open Role settings and configure the active assignment settings to:
    • Prevent permanent active assignments.
    • Require active assignments to expire after 24 hours or less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Microsoft Entra ID object PIM active assignment exceeding the configured maximum duration mean?

This indicates that a role assignment in Microsoft Entra Privileged Identity Management (PIM) has been active for longer than the organization's specified threshold, allowing unauthorized principals to maintain elevated permissions.

This condition enables attackers to maintain persistent access to sensitive resources and perform privilege escalation or defense evasion tactics for an extended period, increasing the risk of unauthorized activities. This prolonged exposure can also help attackers evade detection by hiding their malicious activities within legitimate user activity.

Attackers may use this condition to maintain persistent access to sensitive resources and perform privilege escalation or defense evasion tactics, such as lateral movement or data exfiltration. They can also use this prolonged exposure to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the environment.

Cayosoft Guardian continuously monitors for Microsoft Entra ID object PIM active assignment exceeding the configured maximum duration and alerts administrators when the condition is detected. This provides visibility into the exposure so security teams can review the finding and determine whether investigation or response is required. Guardian monitors Entra ID for this condition and flags it when detected.

Cayosoft Guardian helps reduce the risk of Microsoft Entra ID object PIM active assignment exceeding the configured maximum duration by alerting administrators when the condition is detected and providing visibility into the affected accounts, roles, and application permissions. This helps security teams identify exposure more quickly and respond before the issue contributes to a larger security event.

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Classification
Systems
Entra ID
Themes
Privileged Access Management
Attack Tactics
Defense Evasion Persistence Privilege Escalation
Defend Tactics
D3-APA (Access Policy Administration)
Indicator Types
IOE
Related Threats
CTD-000139
Kerberos Constrained Delegation: krbtgt Risks
Critical
CTD-000122
Active Directory Schema Update Permission Risks
Critical