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Introduction
Extracting credentials from Active Directory databases like `NTDS.dit` is a critical step in penetration testing and red teaming. However, antivirus (AV) solutions often block traditional methods. A new NetExec module, ntds_dump_raw, bypasses AV by parsing disk images directly—revolutionizing credential dumping.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how the `ntds_dump_raw` module bypasses AV detection.
- Learn to extract `NTDS.dit` and SAM databases without triggering security alerts.
- Master disk-level parsing techniques for offline credential extraction.
- What is NTDS.dit and Why is it a Target?
The `NTDS.dit` file is the Active Directory database containing password hashes, user accounts, and group memberships. Attackers target it to escalate privileges laterally across a network.
Command to Locate NTDS.dit on a Domain Controller:
Get-ChildItem -Path C:\Windows\NTDS\ntds.dit -Force
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Access the Domain Controller: Requires admin privileges.
2. Locate the File: Typically stored in `C:\Windows\NTDS\`.
- Extract Offline: Copy the file for offline parsing to avoid detection.
2. Traditional vs. New AV-Evasion Method
Traditional tools like `secretsdump.py` interact with live systems, triggering AV. The `ntds_dump_raw` module reads disk images directly.
NetExec Command for Raw NTDS Dumping:
netexec smb <TARGET_IP> -u <USER> -p <PASSWORD> --ntds-dump-raw <OUTPUT_DIR>
How It Works:
- Mounts Disk Image: Accesses `NTDS.dit` without live interaction.
- Parses Offline: Extracts hashes without touching the SAM/SYSTEM hives.
- Saves Output: Stores hashes in a file for cracking.
3. Extracting SAM Database Without AV Detection
The SAM database stores local user hashes. The new method avoids `reg save` commands that AV monitors.
Command to Extract SAM via Disk Parsing:
netexec smb <TARGET_IP> -u <USER> -p <PASSWORD> --sam-dump-raw <OUTPUT_FILE>
Steps:
1. Identify Disk Partition: Locate `C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM`.
- Dump Raw Data: NetExec reads the disk image directly.
- Crack Hashes: Use `hashcat` or `John the Ripper` on extracted hashes.
4. Mitigating NTDS.dit Extraction Attacks
Defenders can detect and prevent these attacks with proper hardening.
Windows Command to Monitor NTDS Access:
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Security" -FilterXPath '/EventData/Data[@Name="ObjectName"]="C:\Windows\NTDS\ntds.dit"'
Defensive Steps:
- Enable SACL Auditing: Log access to sensitive files.
- Restrict Disk Access: Limit who can read
C:\Windows\NTDS. - Use EDR Solutions: Detect abnormal disk parsing activities.
5. Cracking Extracted Hashes with Hashcat
Once `NTDS.dit` is dumped, attackers crack hashes offline.
Hashcat Command for NTLM Hashes:
hashcat -m 1000 <HASH_FILE> <WORDLIST> -O -w 4
Explanation:
-m 1000: Specifies NTLM hash mode.-O: Optimizes performance.-w 4: Uses high workload for faster cracking.
What Undercode Say:
- Key Takeaway 1: The `ntds_dump_raw` module is a game-changer for red teams, bypassing AV where traditional methods fail.
- Key Takeaway 2: Defenders must monitor disk-level access to detect stealthy credential dumping.
Analysis:
This technique highlights the evolving cat-and-mouse game in cybersecurity. As attackers develop disk-level evasion, defenders must enhance filesystem monitoring and behavior-based detection. Expect more tools to adopt raw disk parsing, making EDR and anomaly detection critical.
Prediction:
Within the next year, more AV/EDR vendors will add disk-parsing detection, forcing attackers to adopt even stealthier methods like memory-only extraction. Organizations must prioritize behavioral analytics over signature-based detection to stay ahead.
Would you like additional commands or defensive tactics covered? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Omar Aljabr – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
