Kerberos AS-REP roasting attacks: What you need to know

Source: BleepingComputer

Author: Sponsored by Specops Software

URL: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/kerberos-as-rep-roasting-attacks-what-you-need-to-know/

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: AS-REP Roasting attacks exploit Active Directory accounts without Kerberos pre-authentication, highlighting the critical importance of enforcing strong, secure passwords.

MAIN POINTS:

  1. AS-REP Roasting targets Active Directory user accounts lacking Kerberos pre-authentication.
  2. Normally, Kerberos pre-authentication securely transmits timestamps encrypted with user password hashes.
  3. Attackers exploit disabled pre-authentication, capturing AS-REP responses containing Ticket Granting Tickets (TGT).
  4. Criminals extract passwords from TGTs offline, often using brute-force techniques.
  5. Tools like Rubeus or Impacket facilitate AS-REP Roasting attacks.
  6. Cybersecurity agencies identify AS-REP Roasting among top Active Directory threats.
  7. Verizon reports stolen credentials involved in nearly half of data breaches.
  8. Organizations must identify vulnerable accounts using specialized detection scripts.
  9. Monitoring specific Windows Event IDs (4625, 4768, 4738, 5136) can detect ongoing attacks.
  10. Strong, uncompromised passwords and strict password policies significantly mitigate AS-REP Roasting risks.

TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Enforce Kerberos pre-authentication on Active Directory accounts to prevent AS-REP Roasting.
  2. Monitor and log key Windows security events to detect malicious activity promptly.
  3. Limit privileges and isolate accounts that must bypass Kerberos pre-authentication.
  4. Implement robust, compliant password policies to protect accounts against brute-force attacks.
  5. Regularly audit passwords against breached databases to maintain security and compliance.