Windows Active Directory Exploitation

Active Directory (AD) serves as the backbone of most enterprise networks, handling authentication, authorization, and directory services for millions of systems worldwide. As such, it’s both a critical infrastructure to protect and a tempting target for attackers. For penetration testers and ethical hackers, understanding AD exploitation techniques is crucial — not only for assessing vulnerabilities but also for enhancing overall network security.

This guide is a deep dive into the techniques, tools, and methodologies for exploiting and securing Active Directory environments. Covering everything from enumeration to post-exploitation, it provides practical insights and actionable strategies for ethical hackers aiming to simulate real-world attacks while maintaining professionalism and adhering to legal frameworks.

1. Enumeration: The First Step in AD Exploitation

Enumeration is the initial phase of any AD security assessment. It involves gathering as much information as possible about the AD environment, including users, groups, computers, and permissions.

Key Enumeration Techniques

1.1 Using PowerView

PowerView is a powerful tool for AD reconnaissance. Here are some common commands: