# Non-DC computers should not have unconstrained delegation

Critical Security Risks: - Domain Compromise: A single compromised computer with unconstrained delegation can lead to full domain compromise -…

Source: https://maester.dev/docs/tests/AD-DCOMP-02

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<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 · Computers · <a href="/docs/tests">All checks</a></p>

```powershell title="Run this check"
Invoke-Maester -TestId AD-DCOMP-02
```

## Overview

- Non-domain controller computers with unconstrained delegation represent a **CRITICAL** security vulnerability. While domain controllers may have legitimate reasons for unconstrained delegation in certain legacy scenarios, regular computers should **NEVER** have this configuration.

**Critical Security Risks:**
- **Domain Compromise**: A single compromised computer with unconstrained delegation can lead to full domain compromise
- **Unrestricted Impersonation**: Any service on the computer can impersonate any domain user to any service
- **Attack Vector**: Common target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges
- **Stealthy Access**: Can be exploited without triggering typical security alerts

**The target count for this test should ALWAYS be ZERO.**

#### Control Type

**Detective**

#### Security Recommendation

1. **Immediate Action Required**:
   - Identify all non-DC computers with unconstrained delegation
   - Remove unconstrained delegation immediately
   - Investigate why it was configured

2. **Replace with secure alternatives**:
   - **Constrained Delegation**: Limit to specific required services
   - **Resource-Based Constrained Delegation**: Modern, flexible approach
   - **Managed Service Accounts**: Use gMSAs where possible

3. **Audit and Monitor**:
   - Regular audits of delegation settings
   - Alert on any new unconstrained delegation configurations
   - Review applications requiring delegation

#### How the Test Works

This test specifically identifies non-DC computers with the `TrustedForDelegation` flag enabled and reports:
- Count of affected computers
- Computer names and operating systems
- Compliance status (should be zero)

**Pass Criteria**: Zero non-DC computers with unconstrained delegation

#### Related Tests

- `Test-MtAdComputerUnconstrainedDelegationCount` - Overall unconstrained delegation count
- `Test-MtAdComputerNonDcConstrainedDelegationCount` - Reviews constrained delegation on non-DCs
- `Test-MtAdComputerDelegationCount` - General delegation overview

#### Related links

- [Microsoft Defender for Identity: Unsecure Kerberos delegation](https://learn.microsoft.com/defender-for-identity/security-posture-assessments/accounts#unsecure-kerberos-delegation)
- [ANSSI Active Directory checkpoints: Unconstrained authentication delegation](https://www.cert.ssi.gouv.fr/uploads/ad_checklist.html#vuln_delegation_t4d)

## Details

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

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Test ID | AD-DCOMP-02 |
| Severity | High |
| Suite | Active Directory |
| Product | Active Directory |
| Feature | Computers |
| Area | Authentication |
| Resource type | Computer |
| User impact | Low |
| Implementation cost | Medium |
| MITRE ATT&CK | T1558 Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets, T1550.003 Pass the Ticket |
| Supports controls | nist-800-53-r5:AC-6 |
| PowerShell test | [Test-MtAdComputerNonDcUnconstrainedDelegationCount](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-02.ps1) |
| Services | ActiveDirectory |
| Permissions | ActiveDirectory:Ldap:computer:ReadProperty, ActiveDirectory:Ldap:nTDSDSA:ReadProperty |

</details>

## Source

- Test: [`tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-02.ps1`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-02.ps1)
- Documentation: [`tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-02.md`](https://github.com/maester365/maester/blob/main/tests/ad/security/Test.AD-DCOMP-02.md)