T1027.005_indicator-removal-from-tools

T1027.005 Indicator Removal from Tools

Sub-technique of: T1027

High-Level 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.

A 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 Phase

• Defense Evasion (TA0005)

Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows

What to Check

• Identify if Indicator Removal from Tools technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Linux systems for indicators of Indicator Removal from Tools
• Check macOS systems for indicators of Indicator Removal from Tools
• Check Windows systems for indicators of Indicator Removal from Tools
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Indicator Removal from Tools by examining the target platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1027.005 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

Note: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See Atomic Red Team GitHub for updates.

Remediation Guide

No specific mitigations documented for this technique.

Detection

Detection Strategy for Indicator Removal from Tools - Post-AV Evasion Modification

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• Atomic Red Team - T1027.005
• MITRE ATT&CK - T1027.005