CTD-000047

AD domain controller with SMB1 enabled

High
Active Directory
Credential Access

Signature Identity

CTD-000047
Threat ID
Version
IOE
Indicator Type

Threat Description

A threat actor can potentially compromise a domain controller that has the SMBv1 protocol enabled by exploiting vulnerabilities in the protocol, such as the EternalBlue exploit. This exploit can allow an attacker to remotely execute code on a vulnerable system and gain unauthorized access, potentially leading to a complete compromise of the domain controller and the associated network. To prevent such attacks, it is recommended to disable SMBv1 and only use newer, more secure versions of the SMB protocol.

MITRE ATT&CK: Attack Tactics

Credential Access

D3FEND: Defend Tactics

Application Configuration Hardening

Remediation

On each affected server, disable the SMBv1 server protocol, and then remove the SMBv1 feature. Run the following cmdlets in an elevated Windows PowerShell session.

  1. Disable the SMBv1 server protocol: Set-SmbServerConfiguration -EnableSMB1Protocol $false -Confirm:$false
  2. Remove the SMBv1 feature: Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol
  3. Restart the server to finish removing the feature.

Before you disable SMBv1, make sure that no clients or applications in your environment still require it.

More information:Detect, enable, and disable SMBv1, SMBv2, and SMBv3 in Windows

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AD domain controller with SMB1 enabled mean?

An AD domain controller with SMB1 enabled allows the SMBv1 protocol to be used for file sharing and other network communications, potentially exposing the domain to security vulnerabilities in the protocol.

The use of SMB1 on an AD domain controller increases the risk of exploitation by attackers due to known vulnerabilities in the SMBv1 protocol, such as the EternalBlue exploit, which can lead to remote code execution and unauthorized access.

Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the SMBv1 protocol, such as the EternalBlue exploit, to remotely execute code on a vulnerable system and gain unauthorized access through the SMBv1 protocol, which can be used to move laterally within the domain and escalate privileges.

Cayosoft Guardian continuously monitors for AD domain controller with SMB1 enabled and alerts administrators when the condition is detected. This provides visibility into the exposure so security teams can review the finding and determine whether investigation or response is required. Guardian monitors Active Directory for this condition and flags it when detected.

Cayosoft Guardian helps reduce the risk of AD domain controller with SMB1 enabled by alerting administrators when the condition is detected and providing visibility into the affected accounts, groups, permissions, and configurations. This helps security teams identify exposure more quickly and respond before the issue contributes to a larger security event.

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
Account protection Infrastructure
Attack Tactics
Credential Access
Defend Tactics
Application Configuration Hardening
Indicator Types
IOE
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