Acquire Infrastructure: DNS Server

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). Instead of hijacking existing DNS servers, adversaries may opt to configure and run their own DNS servers in support of operations.

By running their own DNS servers, adversaries can have more control over how they administer server-side DNS C2 traffic (DNS). 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.[1]

ID: T1583.002
Sub-technique of:  T1583
Platforms: PRE
Version: 1.0
Created: 01 October 2020
Last Modified: 15 April 2021

Procedure Examples

ID Name Description
G0001 Axiom

Axiom has acquired dynamic DNS services for use in the targeting of intended victims.[2]

G1001 HEXANE

HEXANE has set up custom DNS servers to send commands to compromised hosts via TXT records.[3]

Mitigations

ID Mitigation Description
M1056 Pre-compromise

This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.

Detection

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.

References