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Preparing for an internal penetration test requires thorough auditing to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. Here are key steps IT admins should take:
1. Audit for Credentials
Search for exposed credentials in shared folders, SharePoint, wikis, and ticketing systems. Use these commands to scan for sensitive files:
Linux: Find files containing "password" or "secret"
grep -r -i "password" /path/to/shared_folders
find / -type f -name ".txt" -exec grep -l "secret" {} \;
Windows: Search for credentials in files
Select-String -Path "\server\share." -Pattern "password|key|token"
2. Audit ADCS (Active Directory Certificate Services)
Check certificate templates for excessive permissions:
List all certificate templates Get-CATemplate | Format-Table Name, Permissions Check for dangerous SAN (Subject Alternative Name) settings certutil -template | findstr /i "SAN"
3. Audit AD Permissions
Review Tier 0 object permissions in Active Directory:
Check dangerous permissions on critical AD objects
Get-ADObject -Filter -Properties nTSecurityDescriptor | Where-Object {
$<em>.nTSecurityDescriptor.Access | Where-Object {
$</em>.IdentityReference -match "Domain Users" -and $_.ActiveDirectoryRights -match "WriteProperty|GenericAll"
}
}
4. Audit Hosts for Security Tools
Ensure all endpoints have security tools installed and are compliant:
Linux: Check installed security tools dpkg -l | grep -E "crowdstrike|ossec|fail2ban" Windows: Verify EDR/AV status Get-CimInstance -Namespace root/SecurityCenter2 -ClassName AntivirusProduct
5. Audit Scheduled Tasks on Servers
Find tasks running with excessive privileges:
Check tasks running as Domain Admin
Get-ScheduledTask | Where-Object { $_.Principal.UserId -like "DOMAIN\Admin" } | Format-Table TaskName, Principal
You Should Know:
- PowerShell Logging: Enable module logging to track suspicious activities:
Set-Location "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell\ModuleLogging" Set-ItemProperty -Path . -Name "EnableModuleLogging" -Value 1
-
Linux Hardening: Disable unnecessary SUID binaries:
find / -perm -4000 -exec ls -ld {} \; | grep -v "/bin/|/usr/bin/" -
Windows Firewall Rules: Block lateral movement via RDP/WMI:
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block RDP Lateral Movement" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 3389 -Action Block
What Undercode Say:
A proactive IT admin is the first line of defense. Regular audits reduce attack surfaces before pentesters (or attackers) exploit them. Automation with scripts ensures consistency.
Expected Output:
- Clean credential storage.
- Least-privilege ADCS templates.
- Minimal Tier 0 object exposure.
- Full security stack coverage.
- Restricted high-privilege tasks.
Prediction:
AI-driven automated auditing tools will soon replace manual checks, reducing human error in pre-pentest preparations.
(Relevant URL: Active Directory Security Best Practices)
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Spenceralessi 5 – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
