/ tags/ Windows

# Flight

Hack-The-Box 27 / 72
7 min read

Windows Hard machine - Flight.

HTB Active Directory Microsoft's directory service for managing users, computers, and permissions across a Windows domain. Windows RCE Remote Code Execution — the ability to run arbitrary commands on a target system remotely. 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. PHP NTLM Windows' legacy authentication protocol — vulnerable to relay and pass-the-hash attacks. 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. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds. LFI Local File Inclusion — a web vulnerability letting an attacker read arbitrary files on the server. Git
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# Escape

Hack-The-Box 26 / 72
9 min read

Windows Intermediate machine - Escape.

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. 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. 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. RDP Remote Desktop Protocol — Windows remote GUI access, sometimes exposed with weak credentials.
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# Cicada

Hack-The-Box 18 / 72
7 min read ⏱ 45 min to pwn

Windows Easy machine - Cicada.

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. 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. LDAP Lightweight Directory Access Protocol — used to query Active Directory; often vulnerable to injection or anonymous binds. Brute Force Systematically trying many credential combinations until one succeeds.
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# Certified

Hack-The-Box 16 / 72
10 min read

Windows Medium machine - Certified.

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. 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. 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. AS-REP Roasting Requesting authentication data for accounts without Kerberos pre-auth, then cracking it offline to recover the password. Git
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# Certificate

Hack-The-Box 15 / 72
10 min read

Windows Hard machine - Certificate.

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. PHP NTLM Windows' legacy authentication protocol — vulnerable to relay and pass-the-hash attacks. File Upload A vulnerability where unrestricted file uploads let an attacker plant a web shell or malicious script. 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. 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. MySQL
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