# NetNTLM NetNTLM works using a challenge-response mechanism. The following is the overview of the steps taken in the authentication process: 1. The client sends an authentication request to the desired server 2. The server generates a random number and sends it as a challenge to the client 3. The client will combine their NTLM password hash with the challenge (along with other known data) to generate a response, which will be sent back to the server for verification * The response does not contain the client's NTLM password (or hash), but rather, it is used in computing the response instead 4. The server will forward the challenge and the response from the user to the Domain Controller for verification 5. The Domain Controller will use the challenge to re-calculate the response, and compare it to the response sent by the client. If it matches, the client is authenticated, else, access is denied 6. The authentication result is sent back to the server, before being forwarded to the client --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://jarrettgxz-sec.gitbook.io/windows/active-directory-ad/authentication-methods/netntlm.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.