Abstract

This article documents a comprehensive penetration test conducted against a Game of Active Directory (GOAD) Mini lab environment. The assessment demonstrates real-world Active Directory attack techniques, from initial reconnaissance through advanced exploitation, including user enumeration, password attacks, and credential extraction. This hands-on approach provides valuable insights into AD security vulnerabilities and defensive strategies.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lab Environment Setup
3. Penetration Test Methodology
4. Phase 1: Reconnaissance and Network Discovery
5. Phase 2: Service Enumeration
6. Phase 3: User Enumeration and Discovery
7. Phase 4: Password Discovery and Credential
8. Phase 5: Advanced Exploitation
9. Findings and Vulnerabilities
10. Lessons Learned
11. Defensive Recommendations