Access Control Lists - Win32 Apps

Introduction to Access Control Lists (ACLs)

• Definition: An Access Control List (ACL) is a collection of Access Control Entries (ACEs).
• Purpose: Each ACE specifies the access rights allowed, denied, or audited for a trustee.
• Security Descriptor: Contains two types of ACLs: Discretionary ACL (DACL) and System ACL (SACL).

Types of Access Control Lists

Discretionary Access Control List (DACL)

• Function: Identifies the trustees allowed or denied access to a securable object.
• Access Check:
  • If no DACL, full access is granted.
  • If DACL has no ACEs, all access attempts are denied.
  • ACEs are checked sequentially to allow or deny access.
• More Information: Creating a DACL.

System Access Control List (SACL)

• Purpose: Allows logging of access attempts to a secured object.
• Audit Records: ACE in SACL can generate audit records for both failed and successful access attempts.
• More Information: Audit generation.

Working with ACLs

• Management: Do not manually modify ACL contents. Use functions to ensure correctness.
• Resources:
  • Getting information from an ACL.
  • Creating or modifying an ACL.

ACLs and Microsoft Active Directory

• Integration: ACLs provide access control to Active Directory service objects.
• ADSI Functions: Used to create and modify ACLs in Active Directory.
• More Information: Controlling object access in Active Directory Domain Services.

Additional Resources

• Training: Configure and manage file access - Training
• Certification: Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate

Events

• AI Skills Fest Challenge: Opportunity to sharpen AI skills and enter for a certification exam.
• Event Dates: April 8 - May 28, 2025.

Feedback

• User Feedback: Options to provide product feedback or seek help at Microsoft Q&A.

By understanding and utilizing ACLs, administrators can effectively control access to securable objects and ensure proper logging and auditing of access attempts in Windows environments.