The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in collaboration with multiple international cybersecurity organizations, has released a detailed guide to help organizations detect and mitigate compromises in Active Directory systems. This initiative aims to inform entities about the common techniques used by malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities within Microsoft Active Directory, a vital component for authentication and authorization in enterprise IT networks. The guide has been co-authored by the Australian Signals Directorate, the National Security Agency, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre, and the United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre.
Active Directory plays a crucial role in managing access across IT networks, yet its complex configuration and permissive default settings make it an attractive target for cybercriminals. The guide outlines 17 common techniques that attackers use to compromise Active Directory, including Kerberoasting, which involves exploiting user objects to crack passwords, and AS-REP Roasting, which targets user accounts that do not require pre-authentication. Other methods mentioned include password spraying and machine account quota compromises, highlighting the array of tactics cybercriminals can employ to gain unauthorized access.
To counter these threats, the guide presents a range of robust mitigation strategies. Organizations are encouraged to implement Microsoft’s Enterprise Access Model, which ensures that high-access user objects do not expose credentials to lower-tier systems. Additionally, minimizing the number of service principal names (SPNs) and enforcing Kerberos pre-authentication can significantly reduce the attack surface. The guide also emphasizes the importance of using Group Managed Service Accounts (gMSAs) to maintain strong password practices and recommends centralized monitoring and logging of suspicious activities within the Active Directory environment.
Detecting Active Directory compromises is often challenging due to the overlap between legitimate and malicious activities. The guide suggests leveraging tools like BloodHound, PingCastle, and Purple Knight to identify potential weaknesses and misconfigurations within systems. By analyzing specific event IDs related to ticket requests, organizations can better detect suspicious behavior and react promptly. The release of this guide underscores the critical need for organizations to prioritize Active Directory security, as staying informed and proactive is essential for protecting enterprise IT infrastructures against evolving cyber threats.
