Pass-the-Hash Attack
A Pass-the-Hash (PtH) attack is a cyber attack technique in which an attacker bypasses traditional password authentication by using the underlying hash of a user's password rather than the plaintext password itself. This exploit works because some authentication protocols (especially older ones) accept hashed credentials for verification, making it unnecessary for the attacker to crack the hash and obtain the actual password.
Here's how a PtH attack typically works:
Gaining Access: The attacker first gains access to a system or network through various means, such as phishing, malware, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
Obtaining Hashes: Once inside, the attacker uses tools (like Mimikatz) to dump password hashes from the compromised system's memory, the Security Account Manager (SAM) database, or other locations where they are stored.
Passing the Hash: The attacker then uses the stolen hash to authenticate to other systems or services on the network. They can use tools like Pass-the-Hash Toolkit or Mimikatz to inject the hash into the authentication process, effectively impersonating the legitimate user.
Why PtH Attacks are Dangerous:
Bypass Traditional Authentication: PtH attacks bypass the need for knowing the actual password, making them more challenging to detect and defend against.
Lateral Movement: Attackers can use PtH to move laterally across a network, gaining access to sensitive resources and escalating privileges.
Persistence: Even if the original compromised account's password is changed, the attacker can still use the stolen hash for authentication until the hash is changed or expired.
Mitigating PtH Attacks:
Strong Passwords: Encourage using solid and complex passwords that are difficult to crack even if the hash is obtained.
Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit administrative privileges to only those who need them, reducing the impact of a compromised account.
Regular Password Rotation: Change passwords regularly, especially for sensitive accounts, to limit the opportunity for attackers to use stolen hashes.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security, requiring users to provide additional verification beyond just a password or hash.
Network Segmentation: Segment the network to limit lateral movement if an attacker gains access to one system.
Security Monitoring: Monitor logs for suspicious activity, such as multiple failed login attempts or unusual authentication patterns, which could indicate a PtH attack.
ThreatNG's comprehensive capabilities can significantly aid in mitigating Pass-the-Hash (PtH) attacks. Here's how ThreatNG can help, along with examples of complementary solutions and their collaboration:
ThreatNG's Role in Mitigating Pass-the-Hash Attacks:
Continuous Monitoring and Detection: ThreatNG continuously monitors the external attack surface, including cloud and SaaS exposures, social media, dark web presence, and the technology stack. This monitoring can identify vulnerabilities attackers could exploit to gain initial access, such as weak passwords, misconfigured systems, or exposed credentials on code-sharing platforms like Pastebin.
Risk Assessment and Prioritization: ThreatNG assesses the organization's susceptibility to attacks, including BEC, phishing, and ransomware. This helps prioritize vulnerabilities that could lead to PtH attacks, such as weak password policies, lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA), or outdated software.
Threat Intelligence: ThreatNG's repositories of dark web intelligence, compromised credentials, and known vulnerabilities can provide valuable insights into potential threats targeting the organization's authentication mechanisms. This information can be used to strengthen security measures and mitigate risks proactively.
Incident Response: In the event of a suspected PtH attack, ThreatNG's investigation modules can quickly gather evidence and assess the impact. Domain intelligence, social media monitoring, sensitive code exposure analysis, and dark web presence can all contribute to understanding the attack's scope and identifying the perpetrators.
Complementary Solutions and Collaboration:
ThreatNG can integrate and work seamlessly with several complementary solutions to provide a more comprehensive defense against PtH attacks:
Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions: Integrating with IAM solutions like Azure Active Directory or Okta can provide real-time visibility into authentication activities, user behavior, and potential anomalies. ThreatNG's risk assessments can help identify vulnerabilities in the IAM configuration that could be exploited in a PtH attack.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Tools: EDR tools can monitor endpoint activity for signs of PtH attacks, such as unauthorized access attempts or suspicious process execution (e.g., Mimikatz). ThreatNG's threat intelligence can enrich EDR alerts and provide context for investigations.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions: PAM solutions can restrict and monitor access to sensitive systems and credentials, reducing the impact of a compromised account. ThreatNG's risk assessments can help identify areas where PAM controls should be strengthened.
Example of ThreatNG and Complementary Solutions Working Together:
ThreatNG's monitoring of code-sharing platforms discovers exposed credentials for an organization's internal system. ThreatNG alerts the security team, and the domain intelligence module is used to investigate the potential impact. Simultaneously, the IAM solution is configured to monitor suspicious login attempts using the exposed credentials. If any are detected, the EDR tool investigates the affected endpoints for signs of PtH activity, such as Mimikatz or lateral movement. This coordinated response, fueled by ThreatNG's intelligence and integrated with other security solutions, can quickly contain the threat and prevent further compromise.
ThreatNG, with its comprehensive external attack surface management and threat intelligence capabilities, can significantly enhance an organization's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to PtH attacks. By integrating complementary solutions and leveraging its investigation modules, ThreatNG empowers organizations to secure their authentication mechanisms and protect their critical assets proactively.
