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DACL Attacks II

mini-module tag Mini-Module

In this second module on Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs), we delve into sophisticated attack techniques and strategies within Windows Active Directory environments. Building on the foundation laid in DACL Attacks I, this module explores other DACL misconfigurations and their exploitation. We also introduce methods for detecting and mitigating these DACL-based attacks, equipping learners with both offensive and defensive skills crucial for safeguarding and compromising Active Directory networks.

4.26

Created by plaintextHTB

Hard Offensive

Summary

The complexity of Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs) in Active Directory environments offers both opportunities and challenges for security professionals. However, DACL misconfigurations are often overlooked and can serve as potent vectors for attackers, enabling various forms of privilege escalation, lateral movement, and domain compromise.

In DACL Attacks II, we build on the concepts introduced in the first module, moving into more advanced topics and attack methods. This module covers attacks from Windows and Linux environments and includes the following sections:

  • Shadow Credential Attacks
  • Logon Script Attacks
  • SPN Jacking
  • sAMAccountName Spoofing
  • Introduction to GPO
  • GPO Attacks
  • Detection and mitigation strategies for DACL Attacks

This module is broken down into sections with accompanying hands-on exercises to practice each of the tactics and techniques that we cover. The module ends with a practical hands-on skills assessment to gauge your understanding of the various topic areas.

As you work through the module, you will see example commands and command output for the topics introduced. It is worth reproducing as many of these examples as possible to reinforce further the concepts presented in each section.

The module is classified as Hard as it assumes a working knowledge of the Linux command line and an understanding of information security fundamentals.

A firm grasp of the following modules can be considered a prerequisite for the successful completion of this module:

Introduction to DACL Attacks II

Within the complex landscape of Windows security, understanding which types of Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs) can be abused is vital for both defenders and attackers. DACLs are an essential component of security descriptors, which dictate principals' permissions and access rights to system objects. This module will explore several attack techniques that exploit vulnerabilities related to DACLs, enabling students to understand better how DACL configurations can be abused.

Building on the foundational knowledge established in DACL Attacks I, this module covers more DACL abuse, continuing to explore techniques that exploit DACL misconfigurations, providing students with an understanding of how attackers leverage these vulnerabilities to compromise system security.

In this module, we will cover:

  • Shadow Credential Attacks: These techniques utilize DACLs to add alternate credentials in the msDS-KeyCredentialLink attribute in Windows Active Directory to gain control over user or computer accounts.
  • Logon Scripts: We examine how attackers can exploit DACLs governing logon scripts to execute arbitrary commands across multiple user sessions.
  • SPN Jacking: This section explores the manipulation of Service Principal Names (SPNs) enabled by improper DACL configurations, which can lead to dangerous impersonation attacks within a domain.
  • GPO Understanding and Abuse: Students will learn about the critical role of Group Policy Objects (GPOs) and how their DACL misconfigurations can lead to different attacks.
  • sAMAccountName Spoofing: This topic addresses how DACL manipulation can allow attackers to change sAMAccountName attributes, impersonating domain controllers to escalate their privileges.

Other DACL attacks that were not covered on DACL I & II are included within other modules such as Kerberos Attacks, Active Directory Enumeration and Attacks, Active Directory BloodHound, etc.

As threats evolve and new attack vectors emerge, we are committed to continuously updating this module with the latest information and techniques related to DACL attacks. This commitment ensures that our content remains relevant and provides cutting-edge knowledge to counteract emerging security challenges in cybersecurity effectively.

Coming Next

Our next step is to apply the concepts of DACL exploitation techniques through hands-on exercises. We will guide you in enumerating and abusing DACLs using Linux and Windows. This practical application will reinforce your theoretical understanding and equip you with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate DACL misconfigurations in real-world scenarios.

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Sections

Relevant Paths

This module progresses you towards the following Paths

Active Directory Penetration Tester

Active Directory Penetration Tester

The Active Directory Penetration Tester Job Role Path is designed for individuals who aim to develop skills in pentesting large Active Directory (AD) networks and the components commonly found in such environments. This path equips students with the skills needed to evaluate the security of AD environments, navigate complex Windows networks, and identify elusive attack paths. This path includes advanced hands-on labs where participants will practice techniques such as Kerberos attacks, NTLM relay attacks, and the abuse of services like AD Certificate Services (ADCS), Exchange, WSUS, and MSSQL. Students will also learn how to exploit misconfigurations in Active Directory DACLs and Domain Trusts, perform evasion tactics in Windows environments, and leverage Command and Control (C2) frameworks for post-exploitation activities. By combining theoretical foundations with practical exercises and a structured methodology for identifying AD vulnerabilities, this path enables students to conduct professional security assessments on complex AD infrastructures and effectively report security weaknesses discovered by chaining multiple vulnerabilities.

Hard Path Sections 253 Sections
Required: 7100
Reward: +1420
Path Modules
Active Directory Enumeration & Attacks
Medium
Path Sections 36 Sections
Reward: +20
Active Directory (AD) is the leading enterprise domain management suite, providing identity and access management, centralized domain administration, authentication, and much more. Due to the many features and complexity of AD, it presents a large attack surface that is difficult to secure properly. To be successful as infosec professionals, we must understand AD architectures and how to secure our enterprise environments. As Penetration testers, having a firm grasp of what tools, techniques, and procedures are available to us for enumerating and attacking AD environments and commonly seen AD misconfigurations is a must.
Active Directory LDAP
Medium
Path Sections 12 Sections
Reward: +100
This module provides an overview of Active Directory (AD), introduces core AD enumeration concepts, and covers enumeration with built-in tools.
Active Directory PowerView
Medium
Path Sections 9 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers AD enumeration focusing on the PowerView and SharpView tools. We will cover various techniques for enumerating key AD objects that will inform our attacks in later modules.
Active Directory BloodHound
Medium
Path Sections 14 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers AD enumeration focusing on the BloodHound tool. We will cover various techniques for enumerating key AD objects that will inform our attacks in later modules.
Windows Lateral Movement
Medium
Path Sections 14 Sections
Reward: +100
Windows lateral movement involves techniques to navigate and control remote systems within a network, primarily after gaining initial access. It is crucial in offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies, allowing attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, and expand their network presence while helping defenders understand, identify, and mitigate such movements. This module delves into various lateral movement techniques on Windows systems, providing a comprehensive understanding and practical examples of executing and defending against these methods.
Using CrackMapExec
Medium
Path Sections 27 Sections
Reward: +100
Active Directory presents a vast attack surface and often requires us to use many different tools during an assessment. The CrackMapExec tool, known as a "Swiss Army Knife" for testing networks, facilitates enumeration, attacks, and post-exploitation that can be leveraged against most any domain using multiple network protocols. It is a versatile and highly customizable tool that should be in any penetration tester's toolbox.
Kerberos Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 23 Sections
Reward: +100
Kerberos is an authentication protocol that allows users to authenticate and access services on a potentially insecure network. Due to its prevalence throughout an Active Directory environment, it presents us with a significant attack surface when assessing internal networks. This module will explain how Kerberos works thoroughly and examines several scenarios to practice the most common attacks against it from multiple perspectives.
DACL Attacks I
mini module tag Mini-Module
Hard
Path Sections 7 Sections
Reward: +100
Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs), found within security descriptors, are a fundamental component of the security model of Windows and Active Directory, defining and enforcing access to the various system resources. This mini-module will cover enumerating and attacking common DACL misconfigurations, allowing us to escalate our privileges horizontally and vertically and move laterally across an Active Directory network.
DACL Attacks II
mini module tag Mini-Module
Hard
Path Sections 9 Sections
Reward: +100
In this second module on Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs), we delve into sophisticated attack techniques and strategies within Windows Active Directory environments. Building on the foundation laid in DACL Attacks I, this module explores other DACL misconfigurations and their exploitation. We also introduce methods for detecting and mitigating these DACL-based attacks, equipping learners with both offensive and defensive skills crucial for safeguarding and compromising Active Directory networks.
NTLM Relay Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 10 Sections
Reward: +100
The NTLM authentication protocol is commonly used within Windows-based networks to facilitate authentication between clients and servers. However, NTLM's inherent weaknesses make it susceptible to Adversary-in-the-Middle attacks, providing a significant attack vector. This module focuses on the various NTLM relay attacks that attackers use to compromise Active Directory networks.
ADCS Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 19 Sections
Reward: +100
This module focuses on privilege escalation attacks by abusing misconfigurations in Active Directory Certificate Services.
Active Directory Trust Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 21 Sections
Reward: +100
Active Directory (AD) is the leading solution for organizations to provide identity and access management, centralized domain administration, authentication, and many other tasks. It is possible to connect Active Directory domains and forests via a feature called "trusts". Domain trusts can be set up for a variety of reasons such as resource sharing, centralized management, cross-forest collaboration, migration, enhanced security. With the introduction of trusts into any environment, they bring with them many inherent risks. As skilled AD pentesters we must understand how to enumerate and attack both intra-forest and cross-forest and be able to confidently explain the hardening considerations a customer needs to take into an account to mitigate some of the risk of introducing trusts into their operation environment.
Intro to C2 Operations with Sliver
Hard
Path Sections 19 Sections
Reward: +100
Active Directory is present in over 90% of corporate environments and it is the prime target for attacks. This module covers the attack chain from getting the initial foothold within a corporate environment to compromising the whole forest with Sliver C2 and other open-source tools.
Introduction to Windows Evasion Techniques
Hard
Path Sections 14 Sections
Reward: +100
In this module we will cover the basics of evading antivirus solutions (Windows Defender specifically) from an attackers point-of-view.
MSSQL, Exchange, and SCCM Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 19 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers attacks targeting tightly incorporated technologies in Active Directory environments such as MSSQL, Exchange, and SCCM, and how to identify them.