cyberstrikeus T1575 Native API
High-Level Description
Adversaries may use Android’s Native Development Kit (NDK) to write native functions that can achieve execution of binaries or functions. Like system calls on a traditional desktop operating system, native code achieves execution on a lower level than normal Android SDK calls.
The NDK allows developers to write native code in C or C++ that is compiled directly to machine code, avoiding all intermediate languages and steps in compilation that higher level languages, like Java, typically have. The Java Native Interface (JNI) is the component that allows Java functions in the Android app to call functions in a native library.
Adversaries may also choose to use native functions to execute malicious code since native actions are typically much more difficult to analyze than standard, non-native behaviors.
Kill Chain Phase
- Defense Evasion (TA0030)
- Execution (TA0041)
Platforms: Android
What to Check
- Identify if Native API technique is applicable to target mobile environment
- Check Android devices for indicators of Native API
- Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)
How to Test
Identify Attack Surface
Determine if the target mobile environment is susceptible to Native API by examining the target platforms (Android).
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T1575 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.
Remediation Guide
No specific mitigations documented for this technique.
Detection
Detection of Native API
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Native API technique applicable | Low | Defense Evasion |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-693 | Protection Mechanism Failure |