Mimikatz is a powerful post-exploitation tool developed by Benjamin Delpy that allows users to:
- Extract Credentials: Retrieve plaintext passwords, hashes, and PINs from Windows memory.
- Manipulate Authentication Protocols: Perform pass-the-hash, pass-the-ticket, and overpass-the-hash attacks.
- Kerberos Ticket Operations: Create and manage golden and silver tickets for unauthorized access.
Initially created to demonstrate vulnerabilities in Windows authentication, Mimikatz has become a staple in both offensive security operations and defensive security assessments. Its capabilities make it essential for understanding and mitigating credential theft techniques in Windows environments.