Before continuing reading, read about LDAP in general. Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is an Internet protocol that works on TCP/IP, used to access information from directories. The LDAP protocol is used to access an Active Directory.
LDAP enumeration is a method of enumeration of the Active Directory. The service typically operates on TCP ports 389 and 639 by default. LDAP enumeration can enumerate usernames, addresses, and loads of juicy information that can be reused for other attacks, such as social engineering attacks. This may include:
- Usernames: Who's inside the system?
- Groups: Which groups or teams are there?
- Computers: What machines are attached to?
- Addresses: Contact or company details.
For ethical hackers or penetration testers, LDAP enumeration helps understand a network’s structure, which can be useful for security assessments. However, attackers might misuse it for social engineering or other attacks, so it’s critical to perform enumeration only with permission
Several tools make LDAP enumeration easier, each with unique strengths. Here’s a quick overview of the ones we’ll cover:
- Nmap: A network scanning utility with LDAP query scripts.
- enum4linux: An enumerating Linux tool for Windows Active Directory information.
- windapsearch: A Python program for comprehensive LDAP queries in Windows domains.
- ldapsearch: A command-line program for accurate LDAP searches.
- JXplorer: A graphical LDAP client for browsing directories visually.
Before we begin, ensure that the tools are installed on your Linux platform (e.g., Ubuntu or Kali Linux). Open a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and enter these commands:
# Update package list
sudo apt update
# Install Nmap
sudo apt install nmap
# Install enum4linux
sudo apt install enum4linux
# Install ldapsearch (part of openldap-utils)
sudo apt install ldap-utils
# Install JXplorer (GUI tool)
sudo apt install jxplorer
LDAP Enumeration using Nmap:
Using the LDAP-search NSE script of Nmap we can scan for the LDAP service, and then we can attempt other arguments to this script such as LDAP.searchattrib, you can also use the LDAP-brute script, and when you have no valid credentials. It's a good tool for finding LDAP services and pulling details like usernames or server information.
Example 1: Basic LDAP Search
To verify an LDAP service on port 389 and list user accounts:
nmap -p 389 --script ldap-search --script-args 'ldap.username="cn=ldaptest,cn=users,dc=cqure,dc=net",ldap.password=ldaptest,ldap.qfilter=users,ldap.attrib=sAMAccountName' <IP_ADDRESS>
- - p 389: It scans the TCP port 389.
- --script ldap-search: This option runs the ldap-search script.
- --script-args: This option specifies credentials and filters (e.g., sAMAccountName for usernames).
- <IP_ADDRESS>: Replace with the target server’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10).
Example 2: Custom LDAP Query
To find Windows servers and their details (e.g., operating system, creation date) use the below command:
nmap -p 389 --script ldap-search --script-args 'ldap.username="cn=ldaptest,cn=users,dc=cqure,dc=net",ldap.password=ldaptest,ldap.qfilter=custom,ldap.searchattrib="operatingSystem",ldap.searchvalue="Windows *Server*",ldap.attrib={operatingSystem,whencreated,OperatingSystemServicePack}' <IP_ADDRESS>- ldap.qfilter=custom: Allows custom filtering.
- ldap.searchvalue="Windows *Server*": Targets Windows Server systems.
- ldap.attrib: Retrieves specific attributes like operatingSystem.
Note: If you don’t have credentials try the ldap-brute to test for weak passwords (only with permission):
nmap -p 389 --script ldap-brute <IP_ADDRESS>
LDAP Enumeration Using enum4linux:
enum4linux is a Linux tool designed for enumerating Windows Active Directory and SMB services, including LDAP. It’s excellent for extracting user accounts, groups, and domain details without needing a GUI.
Example: Enumerate Accounts and Groups
To list accounts and groups from an LDAP server:
enum4linux <IP_ADDRESS> | egrep "Account|Domain|Lockout|group"
- <IP_ADDRESS>: The target server’s IP.
- egrep: Filters output to show only lines with “Account,” “Domain,” “Lockout,” or “group.”
Note: enum4linux is simple and doesn’t require credentials for anonymous queries, though authenticated scans yield more data.
LDAP Enumeration Using Windapsearch:
windapsearch is a Python script that uses LDAP queries to enumerate users, groups, computers, and privileged accounts in a Windows domain. It’s ideal for penetration testers who have valid credentials.
Example 1: Enumerate Computers
To list computers in the domain:
python3 windapsearch.py --dc-ip <IP_ADDRESS> -u <USERNAME> -p <PASSWORD> --computers
- --dc-ip: The domain controller’s IP.
- -u <USERNAME>: A valid domain username (e.g., domain\user).
- -p <PASSWORD>: The user’s password.
- --computers: Targets computer objects.
Example 2: Enumerate Groups
To list groups:
python3 windapsearch.py --dc-ip <IP_ADDRESS> -u <USERNAME> -p <PASSWORD> --groups
Example 3: Enumerate Domain Admins
To find privileged users (e.g., Domain Admins):
python3 windapsearch.py --dc-ip <IP_ADDRESS> -u <USERNAME> -p <PASSWORD> --da
Example 4: Enumerate Privileged Users
To list users with elevated privilege
python3 windapsearch.py --dc-ip <IP_ADDRESS> -u <USERNAME> -p <PASSWORD> --privileged-users
Note: windapsearch is precise and supports CSV output for further analysis, making it a favorite for Active Directory enumeration.
LDAP Enumeration Using Ldapsearch:
LDAP search makes a connection to an LDAP server, and it executes a search by using different paraments. The filter works to the string representation for search filters as defined in RFC 4515 else it uses (objectClass=*).
Example 1: Check Null Credentials
To test if the LDAP server allows anonymous access:
ldapsearch -x -H ldap://<IP_ADDRESS> -D '' -w '' -b "DC=<SUBDOMAIN>,DC=<TLD>"
- -x: Uses simple authentication.
- -H ldap://<IP_ADDRESS>: Specifies the LDAP server.
- -D '' -w '': Attempts anonymous login (no username or password).
- -b "DC=<SUBDOMAIN>,DC=<TLD>": Sets the search base (e.g., DC=example,DC=com).
Example 2: Validate Credentials
To query with valid credentials:
ldapsearch -x -H ldap://<IP_ADDRESS> -D '<DOMAIN>\<USERNAME>' -w '<PASSWORD>' -b "DC=<SUBDOMAIN>,DC=<TLD>"
- -D '<DOMAIN>\<USERNAME>': The user’s domain and username (e.g., MYDOM\john).
- -w '<PASSWORD>': The password.
- -b: The search base.
Note: For secure connections, use LDAPS (-H ldaps://<IP_ADDRESS>:636). If you get a “bind must be completed” error, the credentials are invalid.
LDAP Enumeration with JXplorer
JXplorer is a graphical LDAP client that lets you browse and query LDAP directories visually, like a file explorer for Active Directory. It’s great for beginners who prefer a GUI over the command line.
1. Launch JXplorer from the terminal:
jxplorer
2. Connect to the LDAP server:
- Host: Enter the server’s IP or hostname.
- Port: Use 389 for LDAP or 636 for LDAPS.
- Base DN: Set to DC=<SUBDOMAIN>,DC=<TLD> (e.g., DC=example,DC=com).
- User DN/Password: Enter credentials or leave blank for anonymous access.
3. Browse the directory tree to view users, groups, or computers.
Security Considerations
LDAP enumeration can reveal sensitive data so we need to responsibly use it don't use this without permission, here are some security consideration:
- Ethical Use: Do not enumerate systems unless authorized since it can be equated to illegal hacking.
- Secure Connections: Protect credentials and searches with LDAPS on port 636 to prevent exposing sensitive information.
- Limit Anonymous Access: Servers that support unsecured anonymous searches are vulnerable. Secure access through NTLM or Kerberos authentication.
- Validate Inputs: When using windapsearch or ldapsearch, ensure the credential and filter values are accurate, or else they will be subjected to LDAP
- Monitor Logs: Inspect LDAP server lists and monitor for suspicious searching activity as they might act as indicators of enumeration children reactions.
Why Use LDAP Enumeration
LDAP enumeration is valuable for:
- Security Testing: Direct penetration testers and assist them in determining vulnerabilities within Active Directory.
- Network Management: Assist system administrators while they audit user/group accounts.
- Learning: Teaches cybersecurity students about LDAP and directory services.
Conclusion
LDAP enumeration is a key skill for exploring Active Directory and understanding network structures. By using Nmap, enum4linux, windapsearch, ldapsearch, and JXplorer, you can uncover usernames, groups, and more on TCP ports 389 and 636. Whether you’re securing a network or learning cybersecurity, LDAP enumeration is a must-know technique.
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What is Rogue DHCP Server Attack?Rogue DHCP server attacks are gaining popularity but can be mitigated. The hacker sets up a rogue DHCP server and creates an IP address conflict by broadcasting a duplicate IP address. Hackers infiltrate a network by attacking the wireless router, which they do with ARP poisoning in order to inject
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What is ARP Spoofing Attack?Spoofing is a type of attack in which hackers gain access to the victim's system by gaining the trust of the victim (target user) to spread the malicious code of the malware and steal data such as passwords and PINs stored in the system.In Spoofing, psychologically manipulating the victim is the mai
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How to Prevent DNS Poisoning and Spoofing?The domain name system, or DNS, is a naming system for computers, services, and other internet resources that is hierarchical in nature. It's essentially the internet's phone book. Each domain name has a corresponding set of ten or so numbers that make up the domain name's IP address. Simple, user-f
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DNS Spoofing or DNS Cache poisoningPrerequisite - Domain Name Server Before Discussing DNS Spoofing, First, discuss what is DNS.A Domain Name System (DNS) converts a human-readable name (such as www.geeksforgeeks.org) to a numeric IP address. The DNS system responds to one or more IP-address by which your computer connects to a websi
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How to Detect Sniffer in Your Network?Sniffers are software or hardware devices that can be used for wiretapping over a computer network, such as LAN or WAN. They are used to collect data by listening and capturing IP packets. These devices usually have the ability of recording data which includes email, chat, web browsing, and informat
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Mitigation of DHCP Starvation AttackIn a DHCP starvation attack, an attacker creates spoofed DHCP requests with the goal of consuming all available IP addresses that a DHCP server can allocate. This attack targets DHCP servers. The attack could deny service to authorized network users. In other words, a malicious cyberattack that targ
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Social Engineering
What is Social Engineering? Working, Types, Prevention and ImpactSocial Engineering is an umbrella term for multiple malicious activities done by cyber criminals over the internet through human interaction. It doesn't involve the use of technical hacking techniques. Attackers use psychology and manipulation to trick users into performing actions that could compro
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What is Insider Attack?Cyber attacks on organizations are increasing both in number and magnitude. Often carried out by attackers with intentions to harm an organization, gain financial benefits, pursue political motives, spread terror, etc., these attacks always cost organizations in one form or another. Cyber security i
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What is an Impersonation Attack?An impersonation attack is a threat where hackers impersonate trusted people or organizations—such as your boss, bank, or a well-known service used by companies, to the trick victims so that they can give sensitive information, funds, or access to systems. Unlike classical malware-based attacks (e.g
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What are Tailgating?Tailgating is a term that refers to the practice of parking along the side of a road, usually by an open field or parking lot. Tailgaters are not only prohibited from entering the highway itself, but also have no right to drive on it at all. The term “tailgater†comes from tail-end Charlie, which me
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How Hackers Use Social Engineering to Get Passwords on Facebook?Social engineering is a powerful method for hackers to exploit computer systems without the use of malware or computer hacking tools. To carry out a successful social engineering hack, ethical hackers need to understand how to effectively use social media and human interaction to obtain sensitive in
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Pretexting in Social EngineeringPretexting is a social engineering technique that's used by hackers, spammers, and pranksters to assume and exploit the trust of an individual. It's been defined as the act of taking on an identity (usually those of a trusted person, such as a customer service representative) for the purpose of gain
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Credit Card FraudsThis era belongs to technology where technology becomes a basic part of our lives whether in business or home which requires connectivity with the internet and it is a big challenge to secure these units from being a sufferer of cyber-crime. Wireless credit card processing is a tremendously new serv
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Active Social Engineering Defense (ASED)A proactive tactic called Active Social Engineering Defense (ASED) is used to lessen the risk of being the target of social engineers. We must first comprehend social engineering in order better to comprehend active social engineering defense (ASED). Social Engineering Attack:Without the use of malw
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Cyber Crime - Identity TheftIdentity Theft also called Identity Fraud is a crime that is being committed by a huge number nowadays. Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. This theft is committed in many ways by gathering personal information such as transactional information of an
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Penetration Testing - Software EngineeringIn this guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of penetration testing, its importance in cybersecurity, and how it fits into the software development lifecycle (SDLC). From network security to web application security, we'll be going into various aspects of pen testing, equipping you with the knowled
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Denial-of-Service
Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attackImagine a scenario where you are visiting some websites and one of them seems to be a little slow. You might blame their servers for improving their scalability as they might be experiencing a lot of user traffic on their site. Most of the sites already take this issue into account beforehand. Chanc
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What are Bandwidth Attacks?Bandwidth attacks in ethical hacking target a network's bandwidth, and by extension, its available computing resources. A hacker can overload a network by sending a high number of packets to the computer or server at once. The processing power and memory in the system is limited and once it reaches
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HTTP Flood AttackCyber crimes are increasing with the growing demand for the internet. With an increasing number of cybercrime cases reported each year, awareness of cyberattacks is very important. Cyber crimes/cyberattacks are done by hackers who unethically want to breach user data and steal sensitive information
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ICMP Flood DDoS AttackIn today's world, Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a major threat to present computer networks. DDoS is a kind of attack in which an attacker targets the victim's network resources such as bandwidth or memory so that the victim may stop responding
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Ping Flood AttackA Ping Flood Attack, or ICMP Attack (Internet Control Message Protocol Attack), is a type of offensive cyberattack utilized to attack the targeted device—computer, server, or network—with a flood of false requests. It is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, as it is intended to disrupt normal operation
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What is a Permanent DoS (PDoS) Attack?In today's modern world, we often come across the term Cybercrime or Cyberattacks very frequently. With the increasing demand for the internet, cybercrime occurrence has taken a great spike. Cyber crimes are crimes involving cyber technology/computer networks. Cyberattacks are extremely dangerous as
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What is Phlashing?Phlashing is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) Attack, also known as a Permanent Denial of Service Attack (PDoS) which is very severe because there is no way to undo this attack's consequences as it damages/corrupts the system to such an extreme level that there is no other way except to replace or
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