/ tags/ DCSync

# Sauna

Hack-The-Box 59 / 72
6 min read

Windows Easy machine - Sauna.

HTB Active Directory Microsoft's directory service for managing users, computers, and permissions across a Windows domain. Windows Nmap A network scanner used to enumerate open ports, services, and versions on a target. DNS The Domain Name System — translates hostnames to IPs; often leaks subdomains and internal naming during recon. WinRM Windows Remote Management — used for remote PowerShell access, often the lateral-movement endpoint on AD boxes. SMB Server Message Block — Windows file-sharing protocol, frequently abused for enumeration and lateral movement. Password Cracking Recovering a plaintext password from a captured hash via brute-force or wordlist attacks. DCSync Abusing domain replication permissions to ask a Domain Controller for password hashes as if you were another DC. BloodHound A tool that maps Active Directory trust relationships as a graph to reveal hidden attack paths to Domain Admin. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds.
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# PingPong

Hack-The-Box 50 / 72
20 min read

Unknown Unknown machine - PingPong.

HTB Active Directory Microsoft's directory service for managing users, computers, and permissions across a Windows domain. Windows Sudo Linux command for running as another user — misconfigured sudo rules are a common privilege escalation path. Nmap A network scanner used to enumerate open ports, services, and versions on a target. DNS The Domain Name System — translates hostnames to IPs; often leaks subdomains and internal naming during recon. NTLM Windows' legacy authentication protocol — vulnerable to relay and pass-the-hash attacks. WinRM Windows Remote Management — used for remote PowerShell access, often the lateral-movement endpoint on AD boxes. SMB Server Message Block — Windows file-sharing protocol, frequently abused for enumeration and lateral movement. DCSync Abusing domain replication permissions to ask a Domain Controller for password hashes as if you were another DC. BloodHound A tool that maps Active Directory trust relationships as a graph to reveal hidden attack paths to Domain Admin. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds. Pass-the-Hash Authenticating using a stolen NTLM password hash directly, without ever knowing the plaintext password.
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# Garfield

Hack-The-Box 29 / 72
10 min read

Windows (AD) Hard machine - Garfield.

HTB Active Directory Microsoft's directory service for managing users, computers, and permissions across a Windows domain. Windows Sudo Linux command for running as another user — misconfigured sudo rules are a common privilege escalation path. Nmap A network scanner used to enumerate open ports, services, and versions on a target. DNS The Domain Name System — translates hostnames to IPs; often leaks subdomains and internal naming during recon. NTLM Windows' legacy authentication protocol — vulnerable to relay and pass-the-hash attacks. WinRM Windows Remote Management — used for remote PowerShell access, often the lateral-movement endpoint on AD boxes. SMB Server Message Block — Windows file-sharing protocol, frequently abused for enumeration and lateral movement. DCSync Abusing domain replication permissions to ask a Domain Controller for password hashes as if you were another DC. BloodHound A tool that maps Active Directory trust relationships as a graph to reveal hidden attack paths to Domain Admin. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds. Git RDP Remote Desktop Protocol — Windows remote GUI access, sometimes exposed with weak credentials.
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# Administrator

Hack-The-Box 9 / 72
6 min read

Unknown Unknown machine - Administrator.

HTB Active Directory Microsoft's directory service for managing users, computers, and permissions across a Windows domain. Windows Linux Sudo Linux command for running as another user — misconfigured sudo rules are a common privilege escalation path. Nmap A network scanner used to enumerate open ports, services, and versions on a target. DNS The Domain Name System — translates hostnames to IPs; often leaks subdomains and internal naming during recon. NTLM Windows' legacy authentication protocol — vulnerable to relay and pass-the-hash attacks. FTP File Transfer Protocol — frequently misconfigured with anonymous access, exposing sensitive files. WinRM Windows Remote Management — used for remote PowerShell access, often the lateral-movement endpoint on AD boxes. SMB Server Message Block — Windows file-sharing protocol, frequently abused for enumeration and lateral movement. Password Cracking Recovering a plaintext password from a captured hash via brute-force or wordlist attacks. Kerberoasting Requesting service tickets for accounts with an SPN, then cracking them offline to recover the service account's password. DCSync Abusing domain replication permissions to ask a Domain Controller for password hashes as if you were another DC. BloodHound A tool that maps Active Directory trust relationships as a graph to reveal hidden attack paths to Domain Admin. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds.
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