External Remote Services

Adversaries may leverage external remote services as a point of initial access into your network. These services allow users to connect to internal network resources from external locations. Examples are VPNs, Citrix, and other access mechanisms. Remote service gateways often manage connections and credential authentication for these services. [1]

External remote services allow administration of a control system from outside the system. Often, vendors and internal engineering groups have access to external remote services to control system networks via the corporate network. In some cases, this access is enabled directly from the internet. While remote access enables ease of maintenance when a control system is in a remote area, compromise of remote access solutions is a liability. The adversary may use these services to gain access to and execute attacks against a control system network. Access to valid accounts is often a requirement.

As they look for an entry point into the control system network, adversaries may begin searching for existing point-to-point VPN implementations at trusted third party networks or through remote support employee connections where split tunneling is enabled. [2]

ID: T0822
Sub-techniques:  No sub-techniques
Tactic: Initial Access
Platforms: None
Version: 1.1
Created: 21 May 2020
Last Modified: 13 October 2023

Procedure Examples

ID Name Description
C0028 2015 Ukraine Electric Power Attack

During the 2015 Ukraine Electric Power Attack, Sandworm Team used Valid Accounts taken from the Windows Domain Controller to access the control system Virtual Private Network (VPN) used by grid operators. [3]

C0020 Maroochy Water Breach

In the Maroochy Water Breach, the adversary gained remote computer access to the system over radio.[4]

Targeted Assets

ID Asset
A0008 Application Server
A0009 Data Gateway
A0006 Data Historian
A0012 Jump Host
A0014 Routers
A0011 Virtual Private Network (VPN) Server

Mitigations

ID Mitigation Description
M0936 Account Use Policies

Configure features related to account use like login attempt lockouts, specific login times, and password strength requirements as examples. Consider these features as they relate to assets which may impact safety and availability. [5]

M0942 Disable or Remove Feature or Program

Consider removal of remote services which are not regularly in use, or only enabling them when required (e.g., vendor remote access). Ensure all external remote access point (e.g., jump boxes, VPN concentrator) are configured with least functionality, especially the removal of unnecessary services. [6]

M0935 Limit Access to Resource Over Network

Limit access to remote services through centrally managed concentrators such as VPNs and other managed remote access systems.

M0932 Multi-factor Authentication

Use strong multi-factor authentication for remote service accounts to mitigate an adversary's ability to leverage stolen credentials. Be aware of multi-factor authentication interception techniques for some implementations.

M0930 Network Segmentation

Deny direct remote access to internal systems through the use of network proxies, gateways, and firewalls. Consider a jump server or host into the DMZ for greater access control. Leverage this DMZ or corporate resources for vendor access. [5]

M0927 Password Policies

Set and enforce secure password policies for accounts.

M0918 User Account Management

Consider utilizing jump boxes for external remote access. Additionally, dynamic account management may be used to easily remove accounts when not in use.

Detection

ID Data Source Data Component Detects
DS0015 Application Log Application Log Content

When authentication is not required to access an exposed remote service, monitor for follow-on activities such as anomalous external use of the exposed API or application.

DS0028 Logon Session Logon Session Metadata

Monitor authentication logs and analyze for unusual access patterns, windows of activity, and access outside of normal business hours, including use of Valid Accounts.

DS0029 Network Traffic Network Traffic Flow

Monitor for network traffic originating from unknown/unexpected systems.

References