A logon was attempted using explicit credentials
A logon was attempted using explicit credentials (e.g., RunAs command or network authentication with alternate account).
Event ID 4648 is logged when a process attempts to log on using credentials different from the currently authenticated session identity. This occurs routinely when using `runas.exe`, mapping network drives (`net use /user:`), or when administrative jump servers connect across domains.
Failure Reason / Root Cause:
IT administrative `RunAs` actions, scheduled tasks with stored passwords, or attacker lateral movement using stolen credentials.
Raw Event XML snippet
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
<Provider Name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing" Guid="{54849625-5478-4994-A5BA-3E3B0328C30D}" />
<EventID>4648</EventID>
<Version>0</Version>
<Level>0</Level>
<Task>12544</Task>
<Opcode>0</Opcode>
<Keywords>0x8020000000000000</Keywords>
<TimeCreated SystemTime="2026-07-17T09:54:44.867Z" />
<EventRecordID>1048576</EventRecordID>
<Correlation />
<Execution ProcessID="612" ThreadID="1024" />
<Channel>Security</Channel>
<Computer>DC01.enterprise.internal</Computer>
<Security />
</System>
<EventData>
<Data Name="SubjectUserSid">S-1-5-18</Data>
<Data Name="SubjectUserName">SYSTEM</Data>
<Data Name="SubjectDomainName">NT AUTHORITY</Data>
<Data Name="SubjectLogonId">0x3e7</Data>
<!-- Event telemetry fields specific to A logon was attempted using explicit credentials -->
</EventData>
</Event>MITRE ATT&CK mapping
| ID | Technique | Tactic |
|---|---|---|
T1078 | Valid Accounts | Privilege Escalation |
T1021 | Remote Services | Lateral Movement |
Recommended actions
- Verify that `SubjectUserName` (the caller) is authorized to utilize the alternate credentials (`TargetUserName`).
- Monitor for `runas.exe` executing cmd/PowerShell with high-privilege domain administrator accounts.