Definition: DCC stands for Domain Cached Credentials. It is also known as the MSCache hash. With it, Windows systems can store login data locally. This helps users who need to log on when no Active Directory (AD) domain controller can be reached. The DCC / MSCache hash is a key part of Windows security. It has both upsides and downsides.
How Does the DCC / MSCache Hash Work?
The DCC / MSCache hash stores password hashes locally in the registry of each Windows system. It works in two steps:
- When a user logs on with success, the system builds a hash of the password that matches the one in AD and stores it.
- At a later logon without a link to AD, the system checks this hash. That is how it confirms who the user is.
Security Risks of the DCC / MSCache Hash
The DCC / MSCache hash is useful, but it also brings some security risks:
1. Brute-Force Attacks
The hashes are stored locally. So attackers can pull them out and run brute-force attacks offline to crack the passwords behind them. These attacks are most dangerous when users have weak passwords.
2. Reuse of Cracked Passwords
DCC / MSCache hashes cannot be used directly for pass-the-hash attacks. In this they differ from NTLM hashes. But if an attacker cracks the password from the hash, they can use it to break into other systems on the same network.
3. Insider Threats
Insiders may have physical access to systems or admin rights. They could misuse the DCC / MSCache hashes to log on to systems they should not use.
How to Protect Against DCC / MSCache Hash Weaknesses
You can take several steps to keep these risks low:
1. Use Strong Passwords
Use long, complex passwords that you do not reuse. This makes brute-force attacks much harder. Password managers can help create complex passwords and store them safely.
2. Change Passwords After a Suspected Breach
Do you have reason to think that DCC / MSCache hashes were pulled out? Then change the affected passwords at once. BSI and NIST no longer advise routine password changes without cause. Long, unique passwords work better.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A second factor at login can stop attackers. With a cracked password alone, they cannot get into systems and services.
4. Network Segmentation
Split your network into smaller segments that are easy to manage. Then a successful attack on one part cannot spread to the rest right away.
5. Regular Security Reviews
Security experts can review your systems. They help you find weak spots and take the right security steps.
Points to Keep in Mind
DCC / MSCache hashes need care and steps taken ahead of time. Companies should check their security policies on a regular basis. They should make sure the policies fit the threats of today.
To protect your IT well, you need to know how the DCC / MSCache hash works and what risks it brings.
Best Practices for Handling DCC / MSCache Hashes
To protect cached credentials well, you need a clear plan. These best practices have proven to work:
- Limit the number of cached logons: The Group Policy setting "Interactive logon: Number of previous logons to cache" sets how many logons a system stores locally. Servers and desktops often have a stable link to the domain controller. On these, you can set the value low or to zero.
- Protect privileged accounts: Admins should not log on to normal workstations. Members of the "Protected Users" group are not cached for offline sign-in.
- Restrict local administrator rights: Attackers need admin rights to pull out the hashes. The fewer accounts that have these rights, the harder this gets.
- Monitor endpoints: EDR solutions and logging help you spot access to the registry and typical credential-dumping tools.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Mobile staff: Laptops are often used without a link to the company network. They need cached logons. Use strong passwords, disk encryption and a cache value that is low but still high enough.
- Weak passwords: DCC hashes are fairly costly to crack. Still, weak passwords stay at risk. So a good password policy is key.
- Which accounts are cached: It is often not clear which privileged accounts are cached on which systems. Regular reviews make this clear.
Measuring Success and KPIs
You can judge how well your measures work with metrics like these:
- Share of systems with an adjusted cached logon policy
- Number of privileged accounts cached on workstations
- Number of accounts with local admin rights
- Results of password audits and penetration tests
Your Next Step
Good protection of DCC / MSCache hashes is an investment in the future of your firm. Our experts help you build a solution that fits your needs.
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