Transitive Trust is a trust relationship whose scope can extend transitively to other domains along a trust path.
Simple definition
Transitive Trust is a trust relationship whose scope can extend transitively to other domains along a trust path. It belongs to the Active Directory vocabulary and is useful when reading architecture diagrams, product documentation, logs, or administration procedures.
What is it used for?
Its main purpose is to allow domains in the same trust structure to recognize authentication beyond a direct link. The practical value depends on the surrounding architecture, security model, and operational requirements.
How does it work?
Transitivity is built into several Active Directory trust types, especially within a forest, and affects trust-path calculation.
Key points
- Scope: A trust relationship whose scope can extend transitively to other domains along a trust path.
- Operational goal: Allow domains in the same trust structure to recognize authentication beyond a direct link.
- Implementation: Transitivity is built into several Active Directory trust types, especially within a forest, and affects trust-path calculation.
Points to watch
A trust does not replace ACLs; combine direction, transitivity, SID filtering, and authentication scope with least privilege.
In short
Transitive Trust = a trust relationship whose scope can extend transitively to other domains along a trust path. Use it when you need to allow domains in the same trust structure to recognize authentication beyond a direct link.