The phrase “you’ve got to walk before you can run” is something that we’ve all heard and rolled our eyes at least once in our lives after we’ve attempted an advanced skill before mastering the basics. The saying is unfortunately very accurate when it comes to cybersecurity.

Active Directory is often considered the holy grail for cyber attackers, and for good reason. Once they have control of this critical asset, they essentially have the keys to the kingdom and can easily access, create, or modify any of the main accounts, including trust relationships and domain security policies. Despite best efforts and intentions, Active Directory may be far more at risk than we would like. But how can you better protect this essential asset? Perhaps the best way to start is to understand exactly how attackers are successfully accessing it in the first place.

In part 12, we completed the ROP bypass of the DEP in 64 bits. In this part, we’ll analyze and adapt the RESOLVER for 64 bits. 

Resolution of the 64-Bit Exercise

As a quick point of clarification, the shellcode is not mine. However, it is quite public, so it was simply adapted for this example.

In part 11, we completed the ROP bypass of the DEP. In this part, we’ll begin our first exercise compiled in 64 bits. Before beginning, we’ll go over a few concepts in detail, because this exercise requires a new frame of reference. While the base is the same, it’s important to know the differences between 32 and 64 bits in order to be successful in reversing.

The past year has shown organizations that uncertainty and a transformed reality are the new normal in business. While remote work was intended as a temporary response to the global pandemic, it is now considered a regular part of the business environment—fundamentally altering the way companies operate. This means organizations have had to respond in real-time to shift their cybersecurity strategies and keep up with an expanding IT infrastructure, the explosion of IoT devices, and a new wave of threats from more sophisticated attackers.