Active Directory, the backbone of many enterprise networks, continues to reign supreme despite its age. This tried-and-true directory system still facilitates most logins, whether directly through Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), via Google Cloud Directory Sync, or even as the foundation for Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD).
However, with its longevity comes a certain set of challenges. Did you know that some default Active Directory configurations haven't changed since the early 2000s?
Here are a few surprising facts:
- Any unprivileged user can add up to 10 computers to the domain.
- All users can read each other's attributes.
- Members of the "Account Operators" group can log on locally to Domain Controllers.
- The "Remote Desktop Users" group doesn't grant workstation or member server Remote Desktop Protocol access.
- The "Print Operators" group can actually power off domain controllers.
These vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors, putting your network at risk.
Don't worry, we can help! At edu struXure, we specialize in securing and hardening Active Directory environments. Our experts can identify and address these security pitfalls without interrupting your operations.
Let's take a deep dive into some specific remediation strategies:
- Restrict computer additions: Change the value of the ms-DS-MachineAccountQuota attribute to limit the number of computers that can be added to the domain.
- Limit attribute access: Remove "Authenticated Users" from the "Pre-Windows 2000 Compatible Access" group to prevent unauthorized access to user attributes.
- Rethink group usage: Avoid using the "Remote Desktop Users" and "Print Operators" groups for their intended purposes, as they can pose security risks.
These are just a few examples of the potential security pitfalls that still exist in modern Active Directory environments. With edu struXure's expertise, you can ensure that your Active Directory is secure, compliant, and optimized for your organization's needs.