cyberstrikeus T1424 Process Discovery
High-Level Description
Adversaries may attempt to get information about running processes on a device. Information obtained could be used to gain an understanding of common software/applications running on devices within a network. Adversaries may use the information from Process Discovery during automated discovery to shape follow-on behaviors, including whether or not the adversary fully infects the target and/or attempts specific actions.
Recent Android security enhancements have made it more difficult to obtain a list of running processes. On Android 7 and later, there is no way for an application to obtain the process list without abusing elevated privileges. This is due to the Android kernel utilizing the hidepid mount feature. Prior to Android 7, applications could utilize the ps command or examine the /proc directory on the device.
In iOS, applications have previously been able to use the sysctl command to obtain a list of running processes. This functionality has been removed in later iOS versions.
Kill Chain Phase
- Discovery (TA0032)
Platforms: Android, iOS
What to Check
- Identify if Process Discovery technique is applicable to target mobile environment
- Check Android devices for indicators of Process Discovery
- Check iOS devices for indicators of Process Discovery
- 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 Process Discovery by examining the target platforms (Android, iOS).
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T1424 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.
Remediation Guide
M1006 Use Recent OS Version
Android 7 and later iOS versions introduced changes that prevent applications from performing Process Discovery without elevated privileges.
M1002 Attestation
Attestation can typically detect rooted devices. For MDM-enrolled devices, action can be taken if a device fails an attestation check.
Detection
Detection of Process Discovery
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Process Discovery technique applicable | High | Discovery |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-200 | Exposure of Sensitive Information |