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Introduction:
Active Directory (AD) remains a prime target for attackers due to its central role in enterprise authentication and authorization. In this article, we break down key techniques for AD penetration testing, inspired by Tyler Ramsbey’s unedited Hack The Box Retro2 machine walkthrough. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced tester, these methodologies will sharpen your offensive security skills.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand AD enumeration and exploitation techniques.
- Learn practical note-taking and methodology for penetration testing.
- Master post-exploitation tactics in Windows environments.
1. Enumerating Active Directory with PowerView
Command:
Import-Module .\PowerView.ps1 Get-NetUser | Select-Object samaccountname, description
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Download PowerView from the PowerSploit repository.
- Load the module in a PowerShell session (bypass execution policy if needed).
- Run `Get-NetUser` to extract user accounts and descriptions, which often contain passwords or hints.
2. Exploiting Kerberos with Rubeus
Command:
Rubeus.exe asktgt /user:admin /domain:corp.local /rc4:<NTLM_HASH> /ptt
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Obtain an NTLM hash (e.g., via Responder or Mimikatz).
- Use Rubeus to request a Kerberos Ticket-Granting Ticket (TGT).
3. Pass-the-ticket (`/ptt`) to impersonate the admin user.
3. Dumping Credentials with Mimikatz
Command:
mimikatz sekurlsa::logonpasswords
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Execute Mimikatz with administrative privileges.
- Run `sekurlsa::logonpasswords` to extract plaintext passwords and hashes from memory.
3. Use harvested credentials for lateral movement.
4. Lateral Movement with PsExec
Command:
PsExec.exe -accepteula \TARGET_IP -u DOMAIN\user -p PASSWORD cmd
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Download PsExec from Sysinternals.
- Replace
TARGET_IP,DOMAIN\user, and `PASSWORD` with compromised credentials. - Gain a remote shell on the target machine.
5. Privilege Escalation via Token Impersonation
Command:
Invoke-TokenManipulation -ImpersonateUser -Username "DOMAIN\admin"
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Load the PowerSploit module in PowerShell.
2. Use `Invoke-TokenManipulation` to impersonate a high-privilege token.
3. Execute commands as the target user.
6. Persistence with Golden Tickets
Command:
mimikatz kerberos::golden /user:fakeadmin /domain:corp.local /sid:S-1-5-21-... /krbtgt:<KRBTGT_HASH> /ptt
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Extract the KRBTGT hash using Mimikatz (`lsadump::lsa`).
- Forge a Golden Ticket with the above command.
- Use `ptt` to inject the ticket into memory for persistent access.
7. Defensive Detection and Mitigation
Command (SIEM Query for Golden Tickets):
SELECT FROM SecurityEvents WHERE EventID = 4769 AND TicketOptions = "0x40810000"
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Monitor Event ID 4769 (Kerberos TGT requests).
- Filter for anomalous `TicketOptions` values (e.g., `0x40810000` indicates encryption downgrade).
- Investigate and reset the KRBTGT password twice to invalidate forged tickets.
What Undercode Say:
- Key Takeaway 1: AD penetration testing requires a blend of enumeration, exploitation, and post-exploitation tactics. Tools like PowerView and Mimikatz are indispensable.
- Key Takeaway 2: Defenders must focus on detecting anomalous Kerberos activity and hardening tier-zero assets.
Prediction:
As AD environments evolve, attackers will increasingly leverage AI-driven tools to automate exploitation. Defenders must adopt AI-powered SIEMs and zero-trust architectures to stay ahead.
For Tyler Ramsbey’s full walkthrough, watch the video here.
🎯Let’s Practice For Free:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Tyler Ramsbey – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
