LDAP Reconnaissance Explained

Thomas Elling demonstrates querying Active Directory through SQL Server's OLE DB ADSI provider with OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET, adding new PowerUpSQL functions that automate AD recon from SQL servers.

Explains how Microsoft LAPS stores local admin passwords in LDAP, and how incorrect delegation on ms-MCS-AdmPwd can expose cleartext credentials that aid lateral movement.

Any domain user can query AD SPN records to enumerate every SQL Server—instances and ports included—without noisy scans; NetSPI's Get-SQLServerAccess module then tests each for accessible logins.

Shows how to find systems where Domain Admins are likely logged in by querying the ServicePrincipalName attribute over LDAP, with a PowerShell module to automate the process.

Semperis argues AI-driven attacks are outpacing identity teams as machine identities outnumber human ones 10:1, and urges building organization-wide cyber resilience around hybrid identity protection before the next crisis.

Why the common 'switch from LDAP to LDAPS' recommendation is mostly ineffective: AD members always use port 389, common workarounds fail, and the post explains what actually hardens AD LDAP.