Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) controls user access across systems. It sits in the center of authentication, authorization, and identity lookups. Because LDAP often connects directly to sensitive infrastructure, attackers target it to gain admin rights or pivot deeper into your network. That makes a security review equal parts detective work and structural audit.
Start with configuration. Confirm LDAP over TLS (LDAPS) is enforced. Plaintext binds open the door to credential theft. Disable anonymous binds unless explicitly required, and verify strong authentication mechanisms like SASL with Kerberos or certificate-based auth.
Audit schema and attribute permissions. Restrict write access. Many breaches start with misconfigured ACLs in directory entries that allow privilege escalation. Map out group memberships and nested groups—these can silently grant excessive rights.
Check bind accounts. Service accounts often accumulate permissions over time. Apply least privilege. Rotate their credentials. Monitor bind activity and flag abnormal patterns.