Exploring HackTheBox: Active Machine Walkthrough
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Chapter 1: Introduction to HTB Active
In the world of penetration testing, vigilance is key. When approaching the HackTheBox (HTB) Active machine, preparation and thorough reconnaissance are critical for success.
Once the Nmap scan is initiated, we can identify open ports on the target machine. The command below initiates a comprehensive scan:
┌─[dfaults@parrot]─[~/HackTheBox]
└──╼ $ nmap -sC -sV -T 4 -p- 10.129.38.102
This scan provides information about the host's services, revealing the following active ports:
PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
53/tcp open domain Microsoft DNS 6.1.7601 (1DB15D39) (Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
88/tcp open kerberos-sec Microsoft Windows Kerberos
...
Following the Nmap results, it's essential to modify the /etc/hosts file to ensure seamless access without DNS complications. We can also start enumerating SMB shares, as ports 445 and 139 are open.
┌─[dfaults@parrot]─[~/HackTheBox]
└──╼ $ smbclient -L 10.129.38.102
The output shows several shares, including the Replication share, which is accessible without credentials.
Section 1.1: SMB Enumeration
To explore the Replication share further, we can connect anonymously:
┌─[dfaults@parrot]─[~/HackTheBox]
└──╼ $ smbclient -N //10.129.35.194/Replication
This grants access to directories such as active.htb, where we can dive deeper into subfolders like Policies.
Subsection 1.1.1: Accessing Group Policy Preferences
Within the Policies directory, we discover a folder containing Group Policy Preferences (GPP) files. These can be critical for retrieving sensitive information, such as hashed passwords. For instance, we might find a file named Groups.xml that could lead us to valuable insights.
After successfully decrypting the GPP hash with the appropriate tools, we can attempt to access restricted shares using the credentials derived from the decrypted hash.
Section 1.2: Elevating Privileges
Once we have the user flag, our goal shifts to privilege escalation. Using the Impacket suite, we can retrieve the administrator ticket:
┌─[dfaults@parrot]─[~/HackTheBox]
└──╼ $ impacket-GetUserSPNs -request active.htb/SVC_TGS
This will provide us with the necessary credentials to access the administrator share and retrieve the root flag.
Chapter 2: Video Walkthrough
For a more visual and comprehensive understanding of the HTB Active machine, check out the following video walkthroughs:
The first video, titled "HackTheBox - Active," gives a broad overview of the machine and its vulnerabilities.
The second video, "[HTB] Active | Walkthrough," provides an in-depth analysis of the steps taken to exploit the machine effectively.
By following these resources and employing the techniques outlined, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges presented by the HackTheBox Active machine.