What is Mimikatz and How Can You Be Protected?

In the cyber security world, tools like mimikatz can create serious threats. This software is used by malicious people to extract and analyse password information from systems.

When NTLM authentication protocol is used in corporate networks, its security is at serious risk.

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However, with the right measures, it is possible to counter these threats.

What is Mimikatz?

Mimikatz is an open source software developed by Benjamin Delpy. The software has the ability to extract password information on Windows operating systems.

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It can retrieve users’ authentication credentials from memory; in addition, this information can be obtained with tools on github with similar functions. Particular attention is drawn to passwords travelling over the network.

Combined with other attack techniques, it becomes an important weapon in the hands of cyber attackers. In this way, the attacker can perform authorisation escalation operations on the system.

Mimikatz exploits some vulnerabilities in credential management on the Microsoft Windows operating system. It allows attackers to access the passwords of legitimate users.

Systems that communicate without encryption are particularly vulnerable. The widespread use of this software has caused a stir in the cyber security world.

In order to better understand and protect against Mimikatz, up-to-date information should be followed continuously. It is inevitable to review corporate security strategies.

Mimikatz Basic Functions

Mimikatz provides high efficiency in extracting authentication credentials from memory areas of systems. This feature has made a great impact in the cyber security world.

Attackers can obtain passwords, hash information and other credentials directly from memory using Mimikatz.

Also, Mimikatz has capabilities such as Pass-the-Hash and Kerberos ticket pulling, which targets RPC ports via lsass.exe. These functions provide attackers with a wide range of access within the network.

The impact on highly authorised accounts cannot be overstated. Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to continuously update their credential management strategies. Understanding the core functionality of Mimikatz requires taking proactive steps in security so that the protection of critical systems becomes more effective.

How Mimikatz Works?

Mimikatz is a versatile agent thanks to its various modules and functionalities. It can extract authentication credentials and passwords from memory, making it a valuable tool for attackers.

The basic working principle of Mimikatz is to operate from memory.

The programme targets Kerberos tickets as well as passwords and authentication credentials stored in system memory. Thus, it enables Pass-the-Hash attacks and facilitates the transition of attackers from one system to another.

Furthermore, Mimikatz works by exploiting some critical services. By targeting security weak points, it collects important information from the victim system’s memory. Therefore, it is possible to increase the defence of systems against Mimikatz by implementing strong and up-to-date security layers. By raising awareness with these methods, a safer digital environment can be provided.

Read our article ‘What is Buffer Overflow and How to Prevent It’ to learn how to ensure memory security in your systems and what precautions should be taken against buffer overflow attacks.

Mimikatz Attack Methods

Mimikatz is a sophisticated tool that incorporates numerous attack methods. These methods allow attackers to obtain data from vulnerable systems using various tactics using mimilib.dll file.

The technique called ‘Pass-the-Hash’ is one of these attack methods. It provides a great advantage to attackers by taking advantage of weak password management in target systems. This method facilitates the attacker’s transition from one system to another.

It can temporarily bypass the authentication process by using hash values of passwords. This method allows attackers to gain access to sessions on the system.

Another common technique is the interception of Kerberos tickets. By using these tickets, sessions on systems can be repeated and authorisation can be increased.

Mimikatz is also notable for its ‘Pass-the-Ticket’ method. In this method, by using compromised Kerberos tickets, attackers can easily log into the victim system and increase user authorisation.

Finally, Mimikatz has a special sequence of attack methods called the ‘Mimikatz sequence’. These sequences contain algorithms to execute specific commands and allow attackers to organise more complex attacks on target systems.

Password Stealing Techniques

One of the main features of Mimikatz is to provide access to plaintext passwords via memory. This technique is used to discover password vulnerabilities in a much shorter time and allow attackers to gain access to user accounts on the target system.

Secondly, attackers can also use the “brute force cracking of passwords” method. This is based on guessing passwords with various combinations and can be accelerated with certain tools. Those who want to ensure their own security should use complex and strong passwords, change passwords frequently and opt for multi-factor authentication methods.

Intercepting Password Hashes

Mimikatz allows attackers to obtain password hashes on the target system – in particular, it is a popular method to extract these hashes through the LSASS process.

Although password hashes are more secure than plaintext passwords, they can still be vulnerable to attack.

Attackers can use the password hashes they obtain to gain authorisation on attacker systems. These hashes stored in the LSASS process memory create an attractive target for attacks.

To recover, system administrators should enable LSASS memory protection and increase security measures so that hashes cannot be easily extracted from memory. In addition, they can increase the security of hashes by using pure-based password hashing algorithms.

Plain Text Passwords

Plain text passwords are one of the most valuable information for the attacker.

These passwords can be easily obtained due to system administrator error or poor password storage methods. An attacker can extract these passwords with tools such as Mimikatz and control the system as they wish. This situation can create serious security vulnerabilities and put the organisation in great danger.

As a result, it is very important to minimise the risk of plain text passwords. In this context, every individual or organisation should comply with the new security standards.

A good security policy should be based on preventing the direct storage or transmission of passwords. For this, it is essential that passwords are stored and transmitted only with secure encryption methods. Organisations should strengthen the security of passwords by conducting regular security audits, and employees should be made aware of password management through training. In this way, a more resilient structure can be created against threats such as Mimikatz.

Collecting Information from Memory

Mimikatz is famous for its ability to gather information from memory.

This feature allows to extract passwords, authentication tickets and other sensitive credentials stored in the computer’s RAM memory. An attacker can gain access to the system using this method. It indicates critical vulnerability for the system administrator.

Since 2016, a large number of cyberattacks have been carried out with such methods of collecting information from memory. Attackers captured session information stored in RAM via Mimikatz. This is one of the biggest concerns of security experts.

To protect against such attacks, continuous monitoring of memory space is required. In addition, system updates and the application of security patches are of great importance. A strong monitoring system can detect potential threats to memory early.

By creating a conscious security culture, the risks of collecting information from memory can be minimised. Everyone should apply their own security methods.

Impacts on the LSASS Process

Mimikatz is particularly notable for its influence on the LSASS process. LSASS is a critical system process that handles authentication.

Therefore, an attacker’s access to LSASS has the potential to capture all session data on the system. When the Mimikatz tool gains access to the LSASS process, it can extract passwords and other authentication information stored in RAM. This means that the attacker can take control of the system.

This type of access allows the theft of not only passwords but also authentication tickets. This allows them to spread across multiple systems and increase the propagation effect.

Furthermore, an attack targeting the LSASS process poses a threat that is often difficult to recognise. Therefore, the LSASS process needs to be protected and continuously monitored. Security reinforcements, effective use of monitoring tools and the application of up-to-date security patches are among the most effective defence mechanisms against such attacks.

Security Vulnerabilities

The fact that Mimikatz can extract authentication information by focusing on the LSASS process introduces many vulnerabilities. This critical process can create weak points in defence walls.

In 2016, many organisations were vulnerable to such attacks. Beyond the theft of passwords and tickets, Mimikatz gave attackers access to broader rights within the system.

For example, an attacker can compromise the entire system network by using vulnerabilities on LSASS. This poses a great risk to the information security of the organisation. Advanced attackers can thus gain easy access to multiple systems.

In this respect, it is critical for IT experts and security teams to effectively control and monitor LSASS processes. This is possible with the use of comprehensive monitoring tools and constantly updated security strategies.

As a result, it is essential to be prepared for vulnerabilities that can be caused by tools such as Mimikatz. Strong security measures must be taken.

Mimikatz Detection Methods

Mimikatz detection has an important place in the security measures of organisations. So, how to detect Mimikatz?

The first step is the monitoring of unusual activities in the system. In 2016, large-scale attacks once again demonstrated the importance of this method.

In addition, it is critical to monitor attacks made through LSASS processes. Thus, erroneous access attempts and suspicious activities can be detected early.

Effective updating and configuration of firewalls and antivirus software can also help in detecting Mimikatz. Such software enables early intervention by identifying potential threats.

Finally, regular inspections of the system should be carried out. This minimises security vulnerabilities.

How can you protect yourself from Mimikatz?

The most effective way to protect against the dangers of Mimikatz is to take strong and layered security measures. The use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) creates an additional layer of security against such attacks. Continuous monitoring of user accounts and immediate reporting of unusual access attempts is also important. In addition, keeping systems and software up-to-date prevents the exploitation of known vulnerabilities and minimises security gaps.

Strong Password Policies

Strong password policies play a critical role in defending against tools such as Mimikatz. Unique and complex passwords should be set for each user.

These passwords must be at least 12 characters and contain upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Administrative passwords must have higher security levels.

It is also important to change passwords at regular intervals. Users using the same password for a long time increases security risks. The use of passwords should be temporary.

Organisations can use software solutions to support password policies. Password managers enable users to create strong passwords and store them securely.

Password sharing should be strictly prevented and should be supported by user training. Strong password policies are a fundamental step in cyber security.

LSASS Protection Methods

LSASS is a critical component that manages authentication processes in the Windows operating system. By protecting LSASS, you can prevent potential attacks on your system.

The primary method of protection is to ensure that the system is up-to-date and patched. This prevents known vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Furthermore, isolating the LSASS process increases security. This isolation can be achieved using tools such as Credential Guard.

To increase system security, it is important that the user accounts running the LSASS process do not have administrative privileges. Running with limited privileges limits the mobility of attackers.

Compliance with safety audits and regulations also plays a critical role in LSASS protection methods. Suspicious activities can be quickly detected by auditing and log monitoring.

Finally, the use of monitoring and anomaly detection systems on the LSASS process enables rapid response to instant threats. These methods contribute to the holistic protection of the system.

Firewall and IDS Usage

Firewalls are one of the most basic defence mechanisms used to prevent unauthorised access to computer networks.

IDS (Intrusion Detection System) systems focus on intrusion detection.

The use of firewalls and IDS strengthens your line of defence against advanced threats such as mimikatz. Firewalls stop harmful activities by filtering malicious traffic.

The effective use of these systems is vital in ensuring the security of the network infrastructure. Firewalls and IDSs detect system vulnerabilities and provide protection against misconfigurations. In this way, it is possible to take proactive measures against potential attacks and data breaches. Regular updates and audits of security policies by teams will ensure that their networks remain secure in the long term.

For information about the types of attacks on hardware security and methods of protection from these attacks, you can review our content titled ‘Hardware Hacking: Simple and Explanatory Methods’.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mimikatz

Additional Resources

For more information, please see the resources below:

• Mimikatz GitHub Sayfası
• MITRE ATT&CK Tekniği T1101
• ADSecurity Mimikatz Rehberi

Mimikatz is a powerful and dangerous tool. However, with the right precautions, you can minimise the threats posed by this tool. As cyber security experts, protecting your systems and networks
it is important that you are constantly armed with up-to-date information and techniques.