cyberstrikeus T1582 SMS Control
High-Level Description
Adversaries may delete, alter, or send SMS messages without user authorization. This could be used to hide C2 SMS messages, spread malware, or various external effects.
This can be accomplished by requesting the RECEIVE_SMS or SEND_SMS permissions depending on what the malware is attempting to do. If the app is set as the default SMS handler on the device, the SMS_DELIVER broadcast intent can be registered, which allows the app to write to the SMS content provider. The content provider directly modifies the messaging database on the device, which could allow malicious applications with this ability to insert, modify, or delete arbitrary messages on the device.
Kill Chain Phase
- Impact (TA0034)
Platforms: Android
What to Check
- Identify if SMS Control technique is applicable to target mobile environment
- Check Android devices for indicators of SMS Control
- Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
- Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)
How to Test
Identify Attack Surface
Determine if the target mobile environment is susceptible to SMS Control by examining the target platforms (Android).
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T1582 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.
Remediation Guide
M1011 User Guidance
Users should be encouraged to be very careful with what applications they grant SMS access to. Further, users should not change their default SMS handler to applications they do not recognize.
Detection
Detection of SMS Control
Risk Assessment
| Finding | Severity | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Control technique applicable | Low | Impact |
CWE Categories
| CWE ID | Title |
|---|---|
| CWE-400 | Uncontrolled Resource Consumption |