Top 10 Hacking Techniques Against Windows: Red Team vs. Blue Team Perspective
Windows remains the most widely used operating system worldwide, making it a prime target for cyberattacks. Threat actors, from script kiddies to advanced persistent threats (APTs), continuously exploit its weaknesses. Understanding these attack techniques is crucial for both Red Teams (attackers) to simulate real-world threats and Blue Teams (defenders) to enhance security measures.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 hacking techniques against Windows, analyzing both offensive (Red Team) and defensive (Blue Team) perspectives.
1. Pass-the-Hash (PTH) Attack
Red Team Approach
The Pass-the-Hash (PTH) attack allows adversaries to authenticate without needing plaintext passwords. Instead, they use the stolen NTLM hash of a user’s credentials to gain access to remote systems. This attack is particularly effective in Active Directory environments where single sign-on (SSO) is prevalent.Tools Used:
- Mimikatz – Extracts NTLM hashes from memory
- Impacket (wmiexec, smbexec, psexec) – Executes commands using stolen hashes
- CrackMapExec – Automates SMB enumeration and PTH attacks
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Enforce Kerberos Authentication instead of NTLM
- Enable Credential Guard to prevent LSASS memory access
- Implement LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) to prevent lateral movement
- Use strong, unique passwords for privileged accounts
2. Credential Dumping with Mimikatz
Red Team Approach
Credential dumping involves extracting stored credentials from Windows memory. The LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service) process stores credentials temporarily, making it a goldmine for attackers.Attack Vectors:
- Mimikatz – Extracts plaintext passwords, hashes, Kerberos tickets
- Procdump – Dumps LSASS memory for offline analysis
- DCSync Attack – Uses Impacket to impersonate a domain controller and extract hashes remotely
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Enable Windows Defender Credential Guard to prevent LSASS dumping
- Restrict local administrator rights to prevent privilege escalation
- Monitor Event Logs for suspicious process executions (Event ID 4624, 4672)
- Use EDR/XDR solutions to detect abnormal credential access
3. Kerberoasting Attack
Red Team Approach
Kerberoasting exploits Kerberos Ticket Granting Service (TGS) requests to obtain service account credentials. Attackers extract TGS tickets and brute-force them offline.Tools Used:
- Rubeus – Requests and extracts Kerberos tickets
- Impacket’s GetUserSPNs – Automates Kerberoasting
- Hashcat – Cracks extracted ticket hashes
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Use long, complex passwords (25+ characters) for service accounts
- Rotate passwords regularly to invalidate old hashes
- Monitor abnormal Kerberos ticket requests in Event ID 4769
- Restrict service accounts to minimal privileges
4. LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning
Red Team Approach
Windows devices use Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) and NetBIOS Name Service (NBT-NS) to resolve hostnames when DNS fails. Attackers can spoof responses and capture NTLMv2 hashes for offline cracking or relay attacks.Tools Used:
- Responder – Performs LLMNR/NBT-NS poisoning and captures hashes
- Inveigh – A PowerShell alternative for Windows environments
- NTLMRelayX – Relays NTLM authentication to escalate privileges
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Disable LLMNR and NetBIOS over TCP/IP via Group Policy
- Implement SMB signing to prevent relay attacks
- Use strong passwords to reduce brute-force success rates
- Monitor for suspicious authentication attempts in Event ID 4625
5. SMB Relay Attack
Red Team Approach
This attack exploits NTLM authentication over SMB (Server Message Block). Attackers intercept SMB authentication attempts and relay them to access privileged accounts.Tools Used:
- NTLMRelayX (Impacket) – Automates SMB relay
- Responder – Captures and relays NTLM authentication
- MitM6 – Conducts IPv6 MITM attacks to force SMB authentication
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Enable SMB Signing to prevent relay attacks
- Block SMB traffic (ports 445, 139) externally
- Monitor for anomalous SMB authentication logs
6. PowerShell & Living Off The Land (LotL) Attacks
Red Team Approach
Attackers abuse legitimate Windows tools (Living off the Land Binaries and Scripts - LOLBAS) like PowerShell, WMI, and MSHTA to execute malicious payloads.Tools Used:
- PowerShell Empire – Post-exploitation framework
- Cobalt Strike – Advanced red teaming tool
- SharpHound – Collects Active Directory information
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Restrict PowerShell execution to signed scripts only
- Implement Applocker or WDAC to block unauthorized binaries
- Monitor PowerShell Event Logs (Event ID 4104, 4688)
7. DLL Hijacking
Red Team Approach
Attackers replace legitimate DLLs with malicious ones, executing arbitrary code when a process loads the DLL.Tools Used:
- Process Monitor – Identifies DLL load order
- DLL Hijacker Finder – Finds vulnerable DLLs
- Metasploit’s DLL Injection Module
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Use digitally signed DLLs
- Restrict write access to system directories
- Monitor DLL load behavior using Sysmon
8. Zero-Day Exploits & Unpatched Vulnerabilities
Red Team Approach
Exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows services (e.g., PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-34527), BlueKeep (CVE-2019-0708)).Tools Used:
- Metasploit – Exploit framework
- Fuzzbunch – NSA-leaked exploit kit
- Windows Exploit Suggester – Identifies missing patches
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Apply security patches immediately
- Use Exploit Guard to block exploit execution
- Monitor CVEs affecting your environment
9. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) Exploits
Red Team Approach
Attackers brute-force RDP credentials or exploit RDP vulnerabilities like BlueKeep.Tools Used:
- NLBrute – RDP brute-forcing
- xHydra/Ncrack – Automated credential attacks
- BlueKeep Exploit (CVE-2019-0708)
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Disable RDP if unnecessary
- Enforce MFA for RDP connections
- Monitor failed login attempts (Event ID 4625)
10. Phishing & MalDocs
Red Team Approach
Attackers use malicious Word/Excel macros, LNK files, and PDFs to execute malware.Tools Used:
- Evilginx – Phishing framework
- Malicious Macros (MSHTA, VBA)
- Emotet, QakBot, TrickBot – Malware loaders
Blue Team Countermeasures
- Disable Office macros by default
- Use advanced email filtering
- Educate users on phishing tactics
Conclusion
Understanding Windows hacking techniques from both Red and Blue Team perspectives allows for stronger defenses. By staying updated on emerging threats and applying security best practices, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface.
Stay vigilant. Stay secure.
