cyberstrikeus T1565.001 Stored Data Manipulation
Sub-technique of: T1565
High-Level Description
Adversaries may insert, delete, or manipulate data at rest in order to influence external outcomes or hide activity, thus threatening the integrity of the data. By manipulating stored data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, and decision making.
Stored data could include a variety of file formats, such as Office files, databases, stored emails, and custom file formats. The type of modification and the impact it will have depends on the type of data as well as the goals and objectives of the adversary. For complex systems, an adversary would likely need special expertise and possibly access to specialized software related to the system that would typically be gained through a prolonged information gathering campaign in order to have the desired impact.
Kill Chain Phase
- Impact (TA0040)
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows
What to Check
- Identify if Stored Data Manipulation technique is applicable to target environment
- Check Linux systems for indicators of Stored Data Manipulation
- Check macOS systems for indicators of Stored Data Manipulation
- Check Windows systems for indicators of Stored Data Manipulation
- 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 Stored Data Manipulation by examining the target platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows).
Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1565.001 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
M1022 Restrict File and Directory Permissions
Ensure least privilege principles are applied to important information resources to reduce exposure to data manipulation risk.
M1029 Remote Data Storage
Consider implementing IT disaster recovery plans that contain procedures for taking regular data backups that can be used to restore organizational data. Ensure backups are stored off system and is protected from common methods adversaries may use to gain access and manipulate backups.
M1041 Encrypt Sensitive Information
Consider encrypting important information to reduce an adversary’s ability to perform tailored data modifications.
Detection
Detection Strategy for Stored Data Manipulation across OS Platforms.
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Stored Data Manipulation technique applicable | Low | Impact |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-400 | Uncontrolled Resource Consumption |