👉 Overview
👀 What ?
TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus) is a protocol used for network device authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA). It is commonly used in large network environments, providing centralized control over network access and ensuring only authorized users can access network resources.
🧐 Why ?
Pentesting TACACS+ is crucial as it helps organizations test and strengthen their network security. As TACACS+ is used to control access to critical network resources, any vulnerabilities in it can lead to unauthorized access, data loss, or even network shutdown. Understanding how to pentest TACACS+ is therefore critical for network administrators, security professionals, and anyone involved in maintaining network security.
⛏️ How ?
Pentesting TACACS+ involves several steps. First, you must identify the TACACS+ servers in your network, usually done via network scanning. Once identified, you can use a tool like Hydra to perform a brute force attack, testing for weak or default passwords. After gaining access, you can explore the server's configuration, looking for misconfigurations or vulnerabilities. Remember, the goal is to identify and fix vulnerabilities, not to cause harm.
⏳ When ?
The use of TACACS+ for network AAA started in the 1990s, but it's only in the recent years that pentesting TACACS+ became more common due to increasing cyber threats.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
TACACS+ operates over TCP port 49, providing separate and independent authentication, authorization, and accounting services. It encrypts the entire packet payload, including the header, which enhances security. However, like any system, it can be susceptible to attacks if not properly configured or protected. A common vulnerability is weak or default passwords, which can be cracked using brute force attacks. Misconfigurations, such as granting excessive permissions or not updating to the latest version, can also lead to vulnerabilities.