The Golden Ticket (document)

The Golden Ticket is a special document used in a Kerberos authentication system to gain unrestricted access to a network. Once an attacker exploits a vulnerability, they can create a forged ticket that impersonates any user, including administrators. This ticket allows them to access resources without needing a password, essentially giving them free rein over the network. It's called "Golden" because it provides near-complete control, much like a master key. Detecting and preventing Golden Ticket attacks is crucial for maintaining network security, as they can go unnoticed for long periods.