CTD-000088

AD domain controller using unsecure encryption type

High
Active Directory
Credential Access Privilege Escalation
v28

Signature Identity

CTD-000088
Threat ID
28
Version
IOE
Indicator Type

Threat Description

While RC4 (Rivest Cipher 4) is remarkable for its simplicity and speed, multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered since the original release of RC4, rendering it insecure. RC4 is especially vulnerable when the beginning of the output key stream isn’t discarded, or when non-random or related keys are used. A threat actor employing MITM tactics (Man-in-the-Middle) could execute successful deciphering operations in an environment with weak encryption.

MITRE ATT&CK: Attack Tactics

Credential Access Privilege Escalation

D3FEND: Defend Tactics

Application Configuration Hardening

Remediation

To disable unsecure protocols use Network security: Configure encryption types allowed for Kerberos security policy setting. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AD domain controller using unsecure encryption type mean?

An Active Directory environment's domain controllers are configured to use an outdated or insecure encryption protocol, such as RC4. This allows attackers to exploit the weak encryption for privilege escalation and credential access.

This vulnerability is rated high severity because it enables successful deciphering operations through Kerberos protocol exploitation, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The weak encryption can be exploited by attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms.

Attackers can employ Man-in-the-Middle tactics to intercept and exploit the weak encryption, leading to successful deciphering operations that enable privilege escalation and credential access. This is typically achieved through exploitation of the Kerberos protocol's authentication mechanisms.

Cayosoft Guardian continuously monitors the encryption protocols used by the Active Directory environment's domain controllers, flagging any instances of insecure or outdated protocols, such as RC4. This provides visibility into potential attack paths and enables administrators to take corrective action.

Cayosoft Guardian alerts administrators to disable unsecure protocols, providing ongoing monitoring to ensure that only secure encryption protocols are used. This helps prevent privilege escalation and credential access by reducing the attack surface.

Stop AD Threats As They Happen

Cayosoft Protector provides continuous monitoring and real-time alerts across your entire Microsoft Identity stack

Classification
Systems
Active Directory
Themes
Infrastructure Kerberos
Attack Tactics
Credential Access Privilege Escalation
Defend Tactics
Application Configuration Hardening
Indicator Types
IOE
Related Threats
CTD-000139
Kerberos Constrained Delegation: krbtgt Risks
Critical
CTD-000122
Active Directory Schema Update Permission Risks
Critical