# Privileged allow ACE details should be investigated

A count alone does not show where powerful ACEs are applied. Grouping privileged allow ACEs by object helps identify high-value directory objects that…

Source: https://maester.dev/docs/tests/AD-DACL-10

<!-- This file is generated by website/scripts/generate-test-docs.mjs. Do not edit manually. -->

<div class="test-byline"><div class="test-byline-avatars"><a class="test-byline-avatar test-byline-avatar--author" href="/contributors/soulemike" title="Michael Soule · Original author"><img src="https://github.com/soulemike.png" alt="Michael Soule" width="28" height="28" loading="lazy" decoding="async" /></a></div><div class="test-byline-meta"><span class="test-byline-text">Contributed by <a href="/contributors/soulemike">Michael Soule</a></span><a class="test-byline-link" href="/contributors">All contributors →</a></div></div>

<p class="test-part">Part of <a href="/docs/tests/ad">Active Directory</a> · Active Directory · Permissions and delegation · <a href="/docs/tests">All checks</a></p>

```powershell title="Run this check"
Invoke-Maester -TestId AD-DACL-10
```

## Overview

A count alone does not show where powerful ACEs are applied. Grouping privileged allow ACEs by object helps identify high-value directory objects that carry sensitive delegated rights.

- **Object-Centric Review**: Highlights which objects hold the most powerful ACEs.
- **Delegation Validation**: Makes it easier to confirm whether privileged rights are intentional.
- **Attack Path Awareness**: Sensitive permissions on administrative objects can enable escalation.

#### Control Type

**Operational**

#### Security Recommendation

Review objects with privileged allow ACEs and confirm the assigned identities and rights are justified. Reduce direct assignments where possible and prefer auditable group-based delegation.

#### How the Test Works

This test reads `DaclEntries` from `Get-MtADDomainState`, filters to allow ACEs containing `GenericAll`, `WriteDacl`, `WriteOwner`, or `ExtendedRight`, and groups the results by object.

#### Related Tests

- `Test-MtAdDaclPrivilegedAllowAceCount`
- `Test-MtAdDaclIdentityAceDistribution`
- `Test-MtAdDaclPrivilegedExtendedRightDetails`

> **Note:** This test is `LongRunning`. It loads the full DACL dataset, which can consume significant memory in large Active Directory environments. Use `Invoke-Maester -IncludeLongRunning` to run it.

## Details

<details>
<summary>Every attribute of this check</summary>

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Test ID | AD-DACL-10 |
| Severity | Info |
| Suite | Active Directory |
| Product | Active Directory |
| Feature | Permissions and delegation |
| Area | Privileged access |
| Resource type | Permission |
| MITRE ATT&CK | T1098 Account Manipulation, T1222.001 Windows Permissions |
| PowerShell test | [Test-MtAdDaclPrivilegedAllowAceDetails](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/dacl/Test.AD-DACL-10.ps1) |
| Services | ActiveDirectory |
| Permissions | ActiveDirectory:Ldap:*.ntSecurityDescriptor:ReadControl |
| Long running | Yes |

</details>

## Source

- Test: [`tests/ad/dacl/Test.AD-DACL-10.ps1`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/dacl/Test.AD-DACL-10.ps1)
- Documentation: [`tests/ad/dacl/Test.AD-DACL-10.md`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/dacl/Test.AD-DACL-10.md)