17 att&ck Threats: Network Pentest Approach

One effective framework for comprehending and addressing these threats is the MITRE ATT&CK matrix. In this discussion, we’ll explore 17 techniques from the matrix and delve into how a network pentest can be instrumental in preventing and mitigating such threats.

Personally, I think the best examples of the att&ck framework can be found on hybrid-analysis.com. Simply go on there and start poking around at different malware strains and you’ll see what I mean. And now that I’m typing this, this serves as a almost painful reminder of when I discovered a malware strain before the solarwinds USG breach. I was a contractor at the time and didn’t have any connection to them whatsoever, and I simply figured that hey, it must be contained already. Turned out I was about 3-5 weeks ahead of them when the breach was finally announced on the news.

Technique ID	Technique Name	Tactics	Platform	ATT&CK Link
T1234	Create or Modify System Process	Persistence	Windows	Link
T5678	Spearphishing Attachment	Initial Access	Windows	Link
T9012	Credential Dumping	Credential Access	Windows	Link
T3456	Defense Evasion: Disable Security Tools	Defense Evasion	Windows	Link
T7890	Scheduled Task	Execution	Windows	Link
T2345	DLL Side-Loading	Execution	Windows	Link
T6789	Process Injection	Execution	Windows	Link
T1235	Data Obfuscation	Defense Evasion	Windows	Link
T4321	PowerShell	Execution	Windows	Link
T5678	Phishing	Initial Access	Windows	Link
T9012	Credential Access: Credential Dumping	Credential Access	Windows	Link
T3456	Defense Evasion: Code Signing	Defense Evasion	Windows	Link
T7890	Windows Registry	Persistence	Windows	Link
T2345	Malicious File	Execution	Windows	Link
T6789	Exploitation of Remote Services	Execution	Windows	Link
T1235	Data Encrypted for Impact	Impact	Windows	Link
T4321	Kerberoasting	Credential Access	Windows	Link

Adversarial Tactics and Techniques

1. Create or Modify System Process (T1234)

• Description: Adversaries establish persistence by creating or modifying system processes.
• Tactics: Persistence
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Spearphishing Attachment (T5678)

• Description: Adversaries use spearphishing attachments to deliver malicious payloads.
• Tactics: Initial Access
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Credential Dumping (T9012)

• Description: Adversaries attempt to dump credentials from the operating system.
• Tactics: Credential Access
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Defense Evasion: Disable Security Tools (T3456)

• Description: Adversaries disable security tools to avoid detection.
• Tactics: Defense Evasion
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Scheduled Task (T7890)

• Description: Adversaries abuse the Windows Task Scheduler to execute malicious actions.
• Tactics: Execution
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. DLL Side-Loading (T2345)

• Description: Adversaries use DLL side-loading to execute malicious payloads.
• Tactics: Execution
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Process Injection (T6789)

• Description: Adversaries inject malicious code into running processes.
• Tactics: Execution
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Data Obfuscation (T1235)

• Description: Adversaries obfuscate data to avoid detection.
• Tactics: Defense Evasion
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. PowerShell (T4321)

• Description: Adversaries use PowerShell to execute malicious commands.
• Tactics: Execution
• Platform: Windows
• ATT&CK Link: Link

1. Phishing (T5678)
   • Description: Adversaries use phishing techniques to trick users into performing actions.
   • Tactics: Initial Access
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
2. Credential Access: Credential Dumping (T9012)
   • Description: Adversaries dump credentials to gain unauthorized access.
   • Tactics: Credential Access
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
3. Defense Evasion: Code Signing (T3456)
   • Description: Adversaries use code signing to evade detection.
   • Tactics: Defense Evasion
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
4. Windows Registry (T7890)
   • Description: Adversaries abuse the Windows Registry for various purposes.
   • Tactics: Persistence
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
5. Malicious File (T2345)
   • Description: Adversaries use malicious files to execute code on a target system.
   • Tactics: Execution
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
6. Exploitation of Remote Services (T6789)
   • Description: Adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in remote services.
   • Tactics: Execution
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
7. Data Encrypted for Impact (T1235)
   • Description: Adversaries encrypt data for impact, causing disruption.
   • Tactics: Impact
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link
8. Kerberoasting (T4321)
   • Description: Adversaries attempt to crack Kerberos tickets to gain unauthorized access.
   • Tactics: Credential Access
   • Platform: Windows
   • ATT&CK Link: Link

Preventing Threats with Network Pentests

Network Pentests, play a pivotal role in fortifying an organization’s security posture against the aforementioned adversarial tactics. Here are 12 instances where Network Pentests can prove instrumental:

1. Identifying Vulnerabilities:

• A network pentest involves actively probing and assessing network components, identifying vulnerabilities that adversaries might exploit.

1. Testing Phishing Resilience:

• Simulating phishing attacks during a network pentest evaluates an organization’s resilience to social engineering threats, akin to the “Phishing” technique.

1. Credential Hygiene Assessment:

• Network pentests often include password cracking attempts and credential hygiene assessments, mirroring activities associated with “Credential Dumping.”

1. Analyzing Defense Evasion Mechanisms:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of defense evasion mechanisms, such as code signing and disabling security tools, is a core aspect of network pentesting.

1. Verifying Patch Management:

• Pentesters assess the organization’s ability to apply patches promptly, preventing exploitation of vulnerabilities associated with techniques like “Exploitation of Remote Services.”

1. Assessing PowerShell Security:

• Pentests can evaluate PowerShell security policies and configurations, mitigating risks associated with the “PowerShell” technique.

1. Evaluating File Execution Controls:

• Assessing file execution controls during a network pentest addresses risks linked to malicious file execution (technique “Malicious File”).

1. Reviewing Registry Security:

• Assessing the security of Windows Registry settings helps prevent abuses akin to the “Windows Registry” technique.

1. Testing Endpoint Security:

• Network pentests simulate process injection attempts, verifying the effectiveness of endpoint security controls.

1. Encrypting Data for Impact Assessment:
   • Assessing an organization’s readiness to handle data encryption for impact, similar to technique “Data Encrypted for Impact,” is a critical aspect of a network pentest.
2. Kerberos Security Assessment:
   • Network pentests include Kerberos security assessments, mitigating risks associated with “Kerberoasting.”
3. Providing Insights into Mitigation Strategies:
   • Network pentests offer insights into effective mitigation strategies, helping organizations bolster their security against a broad spectrum of adversarial tactics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and countering cyber threats demand a multifaceted approach. The MITRE ATT&CK matrix provides a comprehensive framework for comprehending adversarial tactics. Leveraging network pentests is a crucial strategy in mitigating these threats, providing organizations with actionable insights to enhance their security posture. By proactively identifying vulnerabilities and testing defenses, network pentests play a pivotal role in ensuring robust cybersecurity measures.