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CTD-000153

Active Directory password in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) compromise

Medium
Active Directory
Credential Access
v16

Signature Identity

CTD-000153
Threat ID
16
Version
IOE
Indicator Type

Threat Description

Passwords in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) Compromise refers to a security vulnerability that occurs when Group Policy Preferences (GPP) in Active Directory are used to configure settings like local user accounts or service accounts, and passwords are stored in GPP XML files. These passwords are often stored in plain text or are weakly encrypted using a reversible encryption scheme. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by accessing these files (typically found in SYSVOL, which is accessible to all domain users), decrypting the password, and using it to gain unauthorized access to privileged accounts or systems.

Microsoft has since disabled the use of passwords in GPP, but the vulnerability still poses a risk in environments where legacy GPP settings or files may exist. If the password field is empty, no alert should be triggered; alerts should only occur when the password field contains an actual password.

MITRE ATT&CK: Attack Tactics

Credential Access

D3FEND: Defend Tactics

D3-CCSA (Credential Compromise Scope Analysis) D3-CTS (Credential Transmission Scoping)

Remediation

  1. Search all files related to Evidence mentioned in the threat alert.
  2. Open each XML file manually using a text editor, such as Notepad or Notepad++, and search for the cpassword tag, which holds the encrypted password.
  3. If you need to decrypt the cpassword value, use a tool like GppDecrypt to convert the encrypted password into plain text, or find online decryption resources that use Microsoft's AES decryption key for GPP.
  4. Verify that no privileged accounts or sensitive resources are associated with any cpassword fields found. If any are identified, remove these passwords from the policy and replace them with a more secure method, such as the Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS).
  5. Remove any identified GPP settings with embedded passwords by deleting the specific XML files, like Groups.xml, from the SYSVOL directory or adjusting the settings in the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) directly.

After completing these steps, ensure your organization no longer relies on GPP for storing passwords and has implemented LAPS to manage local administrator credentials securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Active Directory password in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) compromise mean?

Active Directory password in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) compromise occurs when passwords are stored in plain text or weakly encrypted using reversible encryption in GPP XML files. These files, typically found in SYSVOL, can be accessed by attackers who can then decrypt the password and use it to access privileged accounts or systems.

The vulnerability allows attackers to access passwords that can be used for unauthorized access, posing a meaningful but indirect risk. Although the vulnerability itself does not grant administrative control, it enables attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access.

Attackers can exploit Active Directory password in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) compromise by accessing GPP XML files, decrypting passwords using reversible encryption, and using them to access privileged accounts or systems. This can lead to account takeover and privilege escalation.

Cayosoft Guardian detects Active Directory password in Group Policy Preferences (GPP) compromise by continuously monitoring GPP XML files for passwords stored in plain text or weakly encrypted. When a vulnerable file is found, Guardian flags it as a security issue and provides visibility to administrators.

Cayosoft Guardian helps reduce the risk by alerting administrators to remove passwords from GPP settings and replace them with a more secure method, such as Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS). This supports investigation and response efforts by providing visibility into password storage practices.

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Classification
Systems
Active Directory
Themes
Account protection
Attack Tactics
Credential Access
Defend Tactics
D3-CCSA (Credential Compromise Scope Analysis) D3-CTS (Credential Transmission Scoping)
Indicator Types
IOE
Related Threats
CTD-000139
Kerberos Constrained Delegation: krbtgt Risks
Critical
CTD-000122
Active Directory Schema Update Permission Risks
Critical