Active Directory (AD) is a centralized directory service developed by Microsoft, widely used by organizations to manage and control access to network resources. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining user accounts, authentication, authorization, and network configurations in Windows-based environments. For a penetration tester, AD presents a unique challenge and opportunity to uncover vulnerabilities that can lead to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Becoming a Network Pentester!

To excel in network pentesting, a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a curious mindset is essential. The path to becoming a skilled network pentester involves continuous learning, hands-on experience, and a commitment to staying updated with the latest security trends and techniques.

Active Directory Enumeration

One of the initial steps in assessing an AD environment is enumeration, the process of gathering information about users, groups, computers, and network configurations. Enumeration provides valuable insights that help you identify potential attack vectors and vulnerabilities.

Initial Access Techniques

Enumeration Techniques

  • Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Queries: Interacting with AD using LDAP queries to retrieve information.
  • Network Scanning: Identifying live domain controllers and services associated with AD.
  • User and Group Enumeration: Obtaining a list of users, their roles, and group memberships.