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Internal penetration tests often reveal the same recurring vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. While these issues may not be flashy or involve zero-days, addressing them significantly strengthens your security posture. Below is a checklist of common findings and how to remediate them.
Common Internal Pentest Findings
1. Weak Password Policies
- Default or easily guessable passwords (e.g.,
Password123,Admin@2023). - Lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical systems.
2. Unpatched Systems & Misconfigurations
- Missing Windows/Linux updates (
KB5005565,CVE-2023-1234). - Outdated services (SMBv1, outdated Apache/Nginx).
3. Excessive User Privileges
- Overprivileged service accounts (e.g., Domain Admin rights for non-admins).
- Unrestricted PowerShell/Remote Code Execution (RCE) capabilities.
4. Default Credentials & Hardcoded Secrets
- Default credentials in network devices (Cisco, HP, VMware).
- API keys or passwords stored in scripts/config files.
5. Insecure File Shares & Sensitive Data Exposure
- Unrestricted SMB/NFS shares (
smbclient -L //target). - Sensitive files (passwords.txt, backups) accessible to all users.
6. LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning & Relay Attacks
- Attackers intercept NetNTLM hashes via LLMNR spoofing.
- Mitigation: Disable LLMNR/NBT-NS via GPO.
7. Kerberoasting & AS-REP Roasting
- Weak service account passwords allow hash extraction.
- Defenses: Enforce AES encryption, use strong SPN passwords.
You Should Know: Key Commands & Remediation Steps
Password Auditing
Crack password hashes with Hashcat hashcat -m 1000 hashes.txt rockyou.txt Audit weak passwords with Kerbrute ./kerbrute passwordspray -d domain.com users.txt Password123
Patch Management
Check missing Windows patches wmic qfe list Update Linux packages sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Privilege Escalation Checks
Find writable directories (Linux) find / -perm -o=w -type d 2>/dev/null Check for unquoted service paths (Windows) wmic service get name,pathname,startmode | findstr /i auto
Network Hardening
Disable SMBv1 (Windows) Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName smb1protocol Block LLMNR via GPO gpedit.msc > Computer Config > Admin Templates > Network > DNS Client > "Turn off multicast name resolution"
Active Directory Security
Detect Kerberoastable accounts
Get-ADUser -Filter {ServicePrincipalName -ne "$null"} -Properties ServicePrincipalName
Force AES encryption (mitigates Kerberoasting)
Set-ADAccountControl -Identity user -UseDESKeyOnly $false
What Undercode Say
Internal pentests often fail due to basic oversights rather than advanced exploits. By focusing on these common weaknesses—patch management, least privilege, and credential hygiene—you force attackers to work harder. Regular audits (using tools like BloodHound, Nessus, or OpenVAS) and automated hardening (via Ansible/Puppet) are critical. Remember: Security isn’t about perfection; it’s about making breaches expensive.
Expected Output:
A hardened internal network with:
✅ MFA enforced on critical logins.
✅ Regular patch cycles (tested via wmic qfe/apt list --upgradable).
✅ Restricted admin rights (verified with `Get-NetLocalGroupMember Administrators`).
✅ Disabled legacy protocols (LLMNR, SMBv1).
✅ Monitored Kerberos/SMB activity (via SIEM/Splunk).
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Spenceralessi If – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
