| name | offensive-active-directory |
| description | Offensive methodology for Hybrid Active Directory and Entra ID (Azure AD). Covers pivots from on-premises to cloud (AAD Connect, Golden SAML) and cloud-to-on-prem (DCSync). |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | identity-access-management |
| tags | ["offensive","active-directory","hybrid-identity","azure","entra-id","adfs"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | openshield |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["PR.AC-1","PR.AC-4","PR.AC-7","PR.AA-1","PR.AA-2"] |
Hybrid Identity — Offensive Testing Methodology
When to Use
- When performing red team assessments of Azure environments linked to on-premises AD.
- When validating the security of AAD Connect servers and federation infrastructure (AD FS).
- When investigating identity-based lateral movement from on-prem to cloud.
- When assessing the impact of on-premises compromise on Azure resources.
Key Concepts
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| AAD Connect | Tool used to sync on-premises AD objects to Azure Entra ID |
| Golden SAML | Attack where a stolen token-signing certificate is used to forge SAML assertions |
| DCSync | Technique used to replicate password hashes from a Domain Controller |
| Pass-the-PRT | Using a stolen Primary Refresh Token to hijack an Azure session |
Offensive Pivot Points
1. AAD Connect Server
The AAD Connect server stores credentials for the MSOL_ account, which can be abused for DCSync.
2. ADFS Golden SAML
Compromising the ADFS server allows for the extraction of the private key used for token signing, enabling unlimited session forgery.
3. Primary Refresh Token (PRT)
The PRT is the "gold" token in Entra ID. Stealing it from a joined device allows for session hijacking that bypasses MFA.
Remediation Reference
- Harden AAD Connect: Restrict physical and network access to the AAD Connect server.
- Use Phishing-Resistant MFA: Deploy FIDO2 or Certificate-Based Auth to mitigate session theft.
- Monitor for DCSync: Use Microsoft Defender for Identity (MDI) to detect unusual replication requests.
