> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://zeyad-abulaban.gitbook.io/notes/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://zeyad-abulaban.gitbook.io/notes/red-teaming/attack-vectors/group-policy-preferences.md). # Group Policy Preferences *** ## What's GPP? **Group Policy Preferences** is a collection of Group Policy client-side extensions that deliver preference settings to domain-joined computers running Microsoft Windows desktop and server operating systems. Preference settings are administrative configuration choices deployed to desktops and servers. Preference settings differ from policy settings because users have a choice to alter the administrative configuration. Policy settings administratively enforce setting, which restricts user choice. ## Understanding MS14-025 Embedding credentials in group policy preferences solved a lot of problems for administrators. A GPP could be used to easily apply a common local administrator password to all workstations etc.. While the functionality of GPPs is very powerful, the mechanism of storing those credentials was compromised in a way that made them trivial to decrypt. > **Importatnt Note**: GPPs are stored on the domain controller in the SYSVOL share, this means that at a minimum all domain users can access the encrypted credentials. ## Attacking GPPs Finding `*.xml`and extracting the `cpassword` hash,Then decrypting it with `gpp-decrypt` ```bash gpp-decrypt ``` Using Metasploit ```bash use smb_enum_gpp ``` Search in ***C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Group Policy\history*** or in ***C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Microsoft\Group Policy\history*** *(previous to W Vista)* for these files: * Groups.xml * Services.xml * Scheduledtasks.xml * DataSources.xml * Printers.xml * Drives.xml ## Further reading * * --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://zeyad-abulaban.gitbook.io/notes/red-teaming/attack-vectors/group-policy-preferences.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.