Individual skill
exploiting-active-directory-certificate-services-esc1
Exploit misconfigured Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) ESC1 vulnerability to request certificates as high-privileged users and escalate domain privileges during authorized red team assessments.
internal/tools/skills/data/red-teaming/exploiting-active-directory-certificate-services-esc1/SKILL.md
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- Last checked
- Nov 7, 2026
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- Repository last updated
- Nov 7, 2026
- License
- Apache-2.0
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- cybersecurity Repository topic
- security Repository topic
- bug-bounty Repository topic
- automation Repository topic
- autonomous-pentesting Repository topic
- ai-agent Repository topic
- ai-security Repository topic
- ethical-hacking Repository topic
- golang Repository topic
- penetration-testing Repository topic
- red-team Declared skill tag
- active-directory Declared skill tag
- ad-cs Declared skill tag
- esc1 Declared skill tag
- certificate-abuse Declared skill tag
- privilege-escalation Declared skill tag
- domain-escalation Declared skill tag
- security Derived category
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# Exploiting Active Directory Certificate Services ESC1
## Overview
ESC1 (Escalation Scenario 1) is a critical misconfiguration in Active Directory Certificate Services where a certificate template allows a low-privileged user to request a certificate on behalf of any other user, including Domain Admins. The vulnerability exists when a template has the CT_FLAG_ENROLLEE_SUPPLIES_SUBJECT flag enabled (also called "Supply in Request"), combined with an Extended Key Usage (EKU) that permits client authentication (Client Authentication, PKINIT Client Authentication, Smart Card Logon, or Any Purpose). This allows an attacker to specify an arbitrary Subject Alternative Name (SAN) in the certificate request, effectively impersonating any domain user. ESC1 was documented by SpecterOps researchers Will Schroeder and Lee Christensen in their "Certified Pre-Owned" whitepaper (2021) and remains one of the most common AD CS attack paths. The MITRE ATT&CK framework tracks this as T1649 (Steal or Forge Authentication Certificates).
## When to Use
- When performing authorized security testing that involves exploiting active directory certificate services esc1
- When analyzing malware samples or attack artifacts in a controlled environment
- When conducting red team exercises or penetration testing engagements
- When building detection capabilities based on offensive technique understanding
## Most Often Missed & How to Confirm