Use Alternate Authentication Material: Pass the Hash

Created the Tuesday 07 March 2023. Updated 6 months, 2 weeks ago.

Adversaries may "pass the hash" using stolen password hashes to move laterally within an environment, bypassing normal system access controls. Pass the hash (PtH) is a method of authenticating as a user without having access to the user's cleartext password. This method bypasses standard authentication steps that require a cleartext password, moving directly into the portion of the authentication that uses the password hash.

When performing PtH, valid password hashes for the account being used are captured using a Credential Access technique. Captured hashes are used with PtH to authenticate as that user. Once authenticated, PtH may be used to perform actions on local or remote systems.

Adversaries may also use stolen password hashes to "overpass the hash." Similar to PtH, this involves using a password hash to authenticate as a user but also uses the password hash to create a valid Kerberos ticket. This ticket can then be used to perform Pass the Ticket attacks

Technique Identifier

T1550.002

Technique Tags

Defense Evasion Lateral Movement stolen password hashes bypass system access controls bypass standard authentication steps PtH Credential Access overpass the hash Kerberos ticket Pass the Ticket APT1 APT28 APT32

Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.

Use Alternate Authentication Material: Pass the Hash, Sub-technique T1550.002 - Enterprise | MITRE ATT&CK®