Blast radius of one ordinary identity
What can be reached from a single compromised workstation account?
Method
- Take an ordinary user identity, not an administrative one.
- Enumerate the reachable systems, data, and privilege escalation paths using attack-path analysis.
- Attempt the shortest path to a crown-jewel system under agreed rules of engagement.
- Repeat after remediation to confirm the path is closed rather than narrowed.
What is measured
- Systems reachable
- Steps to crown jewels
- Paths still open after remediation
Limits
Bounded by the rules of engagement, which usually exclude the most disruptive techniques.
Under The dangers of security theatre, Attack-and-recovery engineering
