Information
When directory service database objects do not have appropriate access control permissions, it may be possible for malicious users to create, read, update, or delete the objects and degrade or destroy the integrity of the data. When the directory service is used for identification, authentication, or authorization functions, a compromise of the database objects could lead to a compromise of all systems that rely on the directory service.
For Active Directory, the OU objects require special attention. In a distributed administration model (i.e., help desk), OU objects are more likely to have access permissions changed from the secure defaults. If inappropriate access permissions are defined for OU objects, it could allow an intruder to add or delete users in the OU. This could result in unauthorized access to data or a denial of service (DoS) to authorized users.
Solution
Maintain the Allow type permissions on domain-defined OUs to be at least as restrictive as the defaults below.
Document any additional permissions above Read with the ISSO if an approved distributed administration model (help desk or other user support staff) is implemented.
CREATOR OWNER - Special permissions
Self - Special permissions
Authenticated Users - Read, Special permissions
The special permissions for Authenticated Users are Read type.
SYSTEM - Full Control
Domain Admins - Full Control
Enterprise Admins - Full Control
Key Admins - Special permissions
Enterprise Key Admins - Special permissions
Administrators - Read, Write, Create all child objects, Generate resultant set of policy (logging), Generate resultant set of policy (planning), Special permissions
Pre-Windows 2000 Compatible Access - Special permissions
The special permissions for Pre-Windows 2000 Compatible Access are for Read types.
ENTERPRISE DOMAIN CONTROLLERS - Read, Special permissions