access to other systems by Dcom - ties2/Red-Team GitHub Wiki

Lateral movement is a technique used by attackers to move laterally from one compromised system to another within the same network in order to gain access to sensitive data and resources. One method of lateral movement is through the use of Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM).

DCOM is a protocol used to allow communication between software components on different machines in a network. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in DCOM to gain unauthorized access to other systems on the same network. By taking advantage of DCOM, attackers can execute remote code and gain access to sensitive information.

The following are some examples of how attackers can use DCOM to move laterally in a network:

• Remote Code Execution:

An attacker can use a vulnerability in DCOM to execute remote code on a compromised system, which allows them to gain access to other systems on the network.

• Credential Harvesting:

Attackers can use DCOM to harvest credentials from compromised systems, such as usernames and passwords. These credentials can then be used to gain access to other systems on the network.

• Remote Access:

DCOM can also be used to provide remote access to a compromised system. This can be done by enabling the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service on the compromised system, which allows attackers to remotely access the system and execute commands.

• Privilege Escalation:

DCOM can also be used by attackers to escalate their privileges on a compromised system. By exploiting a vulnerability in DCOM, attackers can gain administrative access to a system, allowing them to gain access to other systems on the network.

In order to protect against lateral movement via DCOM, organizations should take the following steps:

Keep software and systems up to date with the latest security patches to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Implement network segmentation to limit the ability of attackers to move laterally through a network.

Monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity, such as unexpected connections to DCOM.

Limit user privileges to prevent attackers from gaining access to sensitive information.

Use network security tools, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to detect and prevent lateral movement via DCOM.

In conclusion, lateral movement via DCOM is a serious threat to network security, allowing attackers to move laterally from one compromised system to another. By taking the necessary precautions, organizations can protect against DCOM-based attacks and prevent the loss of sensitive data and resources.