cyberstrikeus T1219.002 Remote Desktop Software
Sub-technique of: T1219
High-Level Description
An adversary may use legitimate desktop support software to establish an interactive command and control channel to target systems within networks. Desktop support software provides a graphical interface for remotely controlling another computer, transmitting the display output, keyboard input, and mouse control between devices using various protocols. Desktop support software, such as VNC, Team Viewer, AnyDesk, ScreenConnect, LogMein, AmmyyAdmin, and other remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools, are commonly used as legitimate technical support software and may be allowed by application control within a target environment.
Remote access modules/features may also exist as part of otherwise existing software such as Zoom or Google Chrome’s Remote Desktop.
Kill Chain Phase
- Command and Control (TA0011)
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows
What to Check
- Identify if Remote Desktop Software technique is applicable to target environment
- Check Linux systems for indicators of Remote Desktop Software
- Check macOS systems for indicators of Remote Desktop Software
- Check Windows systems for indicators of Remote Desktop Software
- Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (3 known mitigations)
- Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)
How to Test
Manual Testing
Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Remote Desktop Software by examining the target platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows).
Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1219.002 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.
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
M1042 Disable or Remove Feature or Program
Consider disabling unnecessary remote connection functionality, including both unapproved software installations and specific features built into supported applications.
M1037 Filter Network Traffic
Properly configure firewalls, application firewalls, and proxies to limit outgoing traffic to sites and services used by remote access software.
M1038 Execution Prevention
Use application control to mitigate installation and use of unapproved software that can be used for remote access.
Detection
Remote Desktop Software Execution and Beaconing Detection
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Desktop Software technique applicable | Low | Command And Control |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-300 | Channel Accessible by Non-Endpoint |