T1417.001_keylogging

T1417.001 Keylogging

Sub-technique of: T1417

High-Level Description

Adversaries may log user keystrokes to intercept credentials or other information from the user as the user types them.

Some methods of keylogging include:

• Masquerading as a legitimate third-party keyboard to record user keystrokes. On both Android and iOS, users must explicitly authorize the use of third-party keyboard apps. Users should be advised to use extreme caution before granting this authorization when it is requested.
• Abusing accessibility features. On Android, adversaries may abuse accessibility features to record keystrokes by registering an AccessibilityService class, overriding the onAccessibilityEvent method, and listening for the AccessibilityEvent.TYPE_VIEW_TEXT_CHANGED event type. The event object passed into the function will contain the data that the user typed. *Additional methods of keylogging may be possible if root access is available.

Kill Chain Phase

• Collection (TA0035)
• Credential Access (TA0031)

Platforms: Android, iOS

What to Check

• Identify if Keylogging technique is applicable to target mobile environment
• Check Android devices for indicators of Keylogging
• Check iOS devices for indicators of Keylogging
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (2 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Identify Attack Surface

Determine if the target mobile environment is susceptible to Keylogging by examining the target platforms (Android, iOS).

Assess Existing Defenses

Review whether mitigations for T1417.001 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

Remediation Guide

M1012 Enterprise Policy

When using Samsung Knox, third-party keyboards must be explicitly added to an allow list in order to be available to the end-user.

M1011 User Guidance

Users should be wary of granting applications dangerous or privacy-intrusive permissions, such as keyboard registration or accessibility service access.

Detection

Detection of Keylogging

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• Zeltser-Keyboard
• NIST Mobile Threat Catalogue
• MITRE ATT&CK Mobile - T1417.001