New Job-Role Training Path: Active Directory Penetration Tester! Learn More

Intro to C2 Operations with Sliver

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.

4.52

Created by dpgg1
Co-Authors: senzee

Hard Offensive

Summary

This module introduces one of the popular open-source Command and Control frameworks - Sliver. The module itself comes with a vulnerable Active Directory environment that provides a means of testing the capabilities of the aforementioned tool. It is broken down into sections with accompanying hands-on exercises to practice each of the tactics and techniques 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 various topics introduced. It is worth reproducing as many of these examples as possible to reinforce further the concepts introduced in each section. You can do this in the target host provided in the interactive sections or your own virtual machine.

You can start and stop the module at any time and pick up where you left off. There is no time limit or "grading", but you must complete all of the exercises and the skills assessment to receive the maximum number of cubes and have this module marked as complete in any paths you have chosen.

The module is classified as "HARD" but assumes a working knowledge of the Linux command line and an understanding of information security fundamentals. Further analytical thinking would be considered as a minimum requirement as well.

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

  • Completion of the Penetration Tester path and understanding of the basic components of an Active Directory environment and its exploitation.
  • Completion of the Introduction to Active Directory module.

Completion of the following modules would be considered as a plus:

  • Active Directory PowerView
  • Active Directory BloodHound
  • DACL Attacks I
  • Kerberos Attacks
  • Using CrackMapExec

Introduction to C2s and Sliver

A command and control (C2) server is software tasked to execute commands or binaries on a remote computer, or a network of computers. The primary focus of a C2 is to have a centralized management system where the operator can manage access to other machines somewhere in the network. An operator is the one who carries out the (simulated) attack and manages the software. The access can be gained in multiple ways, be it a SQL Injection vulnerability, weak credentials on different services such as SSH, RDP, or access to the initial machine (foothold) given by the client for a red team engagement or a penetration test. The term "red team" refers to a group of people specializing in researching different ways getting into systems and refining tools, and being a step ahead of defenders.

A C2 server facilitates the creation of a specific executable, and once it is on the target machine, establishes a communication channel between the server and the target when executed. From here on, we are going to refer to these executables as beacons.

Predominantly, C2 servers are used by the red team. It is a focused, goal-oriented security testing approach to achieve specific objectives. The objectives closely follow the Cyber Kill Chain.

Attack Lifecycle

Developed by Lockheed Martin in 2011, the Cyber Kill Chain framework categorizes the attack lifecycle of cyber operations into seven steps.

Attack Lifecycle Description
Reconnaissance starts with gathering as much information as possible about the target. It can be active reconnaissance (actively interacting with the target) or passive reconnaissance. Such recon can include active scanning, gathering information about the victim's hosts/identity or the network, and searching through the open and deep web.
Weaponization characterizing the process of the development of the payload allowing foothold access.
Delivery constitutes a stage when one has found a way of transferring the payload onto the target.
Exploitation the step where one executes the payload onto the target.
Installation the step during which the adversary establishes initial control over the target
Command and Control (C2) constitutes a step wherein one has established a connection from the target to the command and control server.
Actions on Objectives the step where one starts carrying out the intended goals, whether data theft or exfiltration.

One important aspect not mentioned in the Cyber Kill Chain is the Operational Security known as OpSec. It is an aspect where an adversary minimize their footprints to hide their presence on target systems.

Sliver

Sliver is a command and control software developed by BishopFox. Used by penetration testers and red teamers, its client, server, and beacons (known as implants) are written in Golang - making it easy to cross-compile for different platforms.

Sliver has implants, beacons, and stagers (or stager). Implants are the software (binaries/executables) used to preserve an entry onto a target, facilitated by a command and control server. Beaconing is the process of communicating from the target host to the command and control server over a set period. Stagers or a stager are a way of loading a code onto a remote machine. It is mostly used to execute a small piece of code (stager) that loads a different code.

Sliver can be installed using the Linux one-liner in the GitHub repository or by downloading Sliver's server and client separately from the releases. The server can be used as a single point of connection both for beacons and for operators, having the ability to host multiple operators at the same time. A downside of not having a server and a client is that everything runs inside the process of Sliver, meaning that if you accidentally terminate the process, you might lose the beacons or sessions. One of the most important features of Sliver is its Armory, a library of precompiled .NET binaries that can be executed on the victim machine, helping us minimize the footprint.

Delving into the following module sections, we will be exposed to different tools, methodologies, and scenarios, primarily targeting Active Directory and Windows systems.

Sign Up / Log In to Unlock the Module

Please Sign Up or Log In to unlock the module and access the rest of the sections.

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 NEW
This module covers attacks targeting tightly incorporated technologies in Active Directory environments such as MSSQL, Exchange, and SCCM, and how to identify them.