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Version: 2.2.1-preview

AD-CFG-05 - Recycle bin enabled paths should be retrievable

Michael SouleMerill Fernando
Contributed by Michael Soule with Merill FernandoAll contributors →

Overview​

Recycle Bin enabled paths indicate which naming contexts/partitions have AD’s Recycle Bin functionality turned on. This matters because the Recycle Bin is a major control for limiting damage from:

  • Accidental deletions (including bulk removal mistakes)
  • Insider misuse where deletion is used to cover tracks
  • Operational failures where objects must be restored quickly to resume secure workflows

Without Recycle Bin enabled for the right partitions, deleted objects may be irrecoverable once tombstone/purge timelines are exceeded.

Security Recommendation​

  • Enable Recycle Bin for all partitions that store security-critical objects (for example, identity data in domains/NCs you manage).
  • Ensure your recovery playbooks explicitly reference Recycle Bin vs. tombstone recovery.
  • Monitor for unexpected changes to enabled partitions and investigate immediately.

How the Test Works​

This test enumerates AD partitions/paths and reports which ones have Recycle Bin enabled, giving administrators direct visibility into recoverability coverage.

  • Test-MtAdRecycleBinStatus - Confirms overall Recycle Bin functionality state.

Test Metadata​

FieldValue
Test IDAD-CFG-05
SeverityInfo
SuiteActive Directory
CategoryAD.Config
PowerShell testTest-MtAdRecycleBinEnabledPaths
TagsAD, AD-CFG-05, AD.Config

Source​

  • Pester test: tests/ad/config/Test-MtAdRecycleBinEnabledPaths.Tests.ps1
  • PowerShell source: powershell/public/ad/config/Test-MtAdRecycleBinEnabledPaths.ps1