Lab: Perform LDAP Enumeration Using Active Directory Explorer (AD Explorer) – Full Notes

1. Introduction

LDAP Enumeration is the process of querying an Active Directory (AD) or LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server to gather information about users, groups, computers, and network resources. Active Directory is widely used in multinational organizations to centrally manage user accounts, computers, and permissions.

In this lab scenario:

• Organization: GlobalTech Solutions
• Security Provider: SecureLink Assessments
• Objective: Identify sensitive information in AD that could be exposed due to misconfigured LDAP settings.

2. What is LDAP?

LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is a protocol used to access and manage directory services over a network. It allows administrators and applications to query directories for information such as:

• Usernames and user accounts
• Computer accounts
• Groups and their members
• Organizational units (OUs)
• Security policies and permissions

LDAP servers are commonly integrated with Active Directory in Windows environments.

3. Goals of LDAP Enumeration

The main objectives of LDAP Enumeration in cybersecurity are:

• Identify valid users and groups in the Active Directory
• Map the network structure including organizational units (OUs)
• Find sensitive information such as shared folders or administrative accounts
• Assess whether LDAP settings expose too much information to unauthenticated users

4. Information Gathered and Its Importance

4.1 User Accounts

Description: LDAP allows enumeration of user accounts, including usernames, full names, and other attributes.

Importance:

• Helps attackers identify targets for phishing, password attacks, or social engineering.
• Helps administrators ensure sensitive accounts are secured.

4.2 Groups and Memberships

Description: Lists all groups in the AD and their members, such as administrators, finance, HR, or IT groups.

Importance:

• Groups indicate levels of access and permissions.
• Attackers can target high-privilege users for access escalation.

4.3 Computers and Servers

Description: Lists all computer accounts, including workstations and servers, along with operating system info and last logon details.

Importance:

• Helps identify critical servers or outdated machines.
• Assists in planning attacks like lateral movement.

4.4 Organizational Units (OUs)

Description: OUs are containers that organize users, computers, and groups in AD.

Importance:

• Helps visualize network structure.
• Assists attackers in mapping the network hierarchy.

4.5 Shared Resources and Permissions

Description: LDAP can reveal shared folders, printers, and permissions.

Importance:

• Exposes data that could be accessed without proper authorization.
• Helps administrators secure resources.

5. Tools and Commands

5.1 Active Directory Explorer (AD Explorer)

AD Explorer is a Microsoft tool used to browse Active Directory and perform LDAP enumeration.

Steps to Perform LDAP Enumeration using AD Explorer:

1. Download and launch AD Explorer.
2. Connect to the target Active Directory server by entering its hostname or IP.
3. Choose authentication method (domain user, admin, or anonymous if allowed).
4. Browse the AD tree to enumerate:
   • Users
   • Groups
   • Computers
   • Organizational Units (OUs)
   • Shared resources and permissions
5. Export discovered data for analysis (optional).

Example Screens and Commands:

# Connect to domain controller
AD Explorer -> File -> Connect -> Enter server hostname/IP

# Browse Organizational Units
AD Explorer -> Expand "OU=Finance" -> View users and computers

# View attributes of a user
AD Explorer -> Click "John.Smith" -> Check "Attributes" tab

# Export enumeration results
AD Explorer -> File -> Save Snapshot

6. Importance of LDAP Enumeration in Cybersecurity

• Identifies misconfigured or weak LDAP permissions.
• Helps visualize network structure and user access levels.
• Assists penetration testers in planning safe and effective tests.
• Allows administrators to secure sensitive information against unauthorized access.

7. Best Practices for LDAP/AD Security

• Disable anonymous LDAP queries to prevent unauthorized enumeration.
• Restrict who can read sensitive attributes in AD.
• Regularly audit users, groups, and permissions.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enforce multi-factor authentication.
• Monitor AD logs for suspicious activity.

8. Conclusion

LDAP Enumeration using AD Explorer is a crucial skill for understanding Active Directory security. If LDAP is misconfigured, it can reveal user accounts, groups, computers, OUs, and permissions, giving attackers valuable intelligence. By understanding this lab, students and cybersecurity professionals can learn how to secure directory services, prevent data exposure, and better protect organizational networks.