Privileged access attack vectors are methods attackers use to compromise accounts with elevated permissions, giving them control over critical systems or data. Here are some common vectors:
1. Phishing and Social Engineering
• Attackers trick users with privileged access into revealing their credentials. This can include spear phishing (targeted) attacks, pretexting, or baiting.
2. Credential Theft
• Password spraying: Using a few common passwords across many accounts to find a weak link.
• Brute force attacks: Automated attempts to guess passwords.
• Keylogging or credential dumping: Malicious software records credentials as they are entered.
3. Privilege Escalation
• Attackers gain low-level access and then exploit vulnerabilities to elevate their permissions, potentially becoming administrators.
• Vertical escalation: Gaining higher access than initially granted.
• Horizontal escalation: Moving from one user account to another with similar privileges.
4. Insider Threats
• Malicious insiders with privileged access (e.g., disgruntled employees) abuse their permissions to exfiltrate data, disrupt systems, or create backdoors.
5. Weak or Misconfigured Privileged Accounts
• Default credentials: Some systems are left with factory-default usernames and passwords.
• Over-provisioning: Users or systems have more access than needed, increasing the attack surface.
• Shared credentials: Multiple users share the same privileged account, making tracking access difficult.
6. Exploiting Vulnerabilities in PAM Systems
• Attackers target weaknesses in privileged access management (PAM) software, such as flaws in session management, API vulnerabilities, or insecure integration points with other systems.
7. Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket
• Pass-the-Hash: Attackers use a hashed version of a password to authenticate without needing the plaintext password.
• Pass-the-Ticket: An attacker uses stolen Kerberos tickets (such as a TGT) to authenticate and move laterally within the network.
8. Weak Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Implementation
• If MFA is not enforced properly or weak second factors (like SMS-based codes) are used, attackers can bypass it by intercepting or using brute force.
9. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits
• Attackers leverage vulnerabilities in RDP or weak configurations to gain remote access to privileged accounts.
10. Third-Party Vendor Compromise
• Vendors with privileged access to internal systems can be targeted. If the vendor is compromised, attackers can use their access to infiltrate systems.
11. Abuse of Service Accounts
• Service accounts often have elevated permissions and are used for automated processes, which makes them an attractive target for attackers.
12. Unsecured Privileged Session Data
• Session data from privileged accounts may not be properly encrypted or protected, allowing attackers to intercept sensitive information or hijack sessions.
Proper PAM practices, including least-privilege access, strong authentication methods, and robust auditing, are essential in mitigating these attack vectors.