# T1584.005_botnet

> Adversaries may compromise numerous third-party systems to form a botnet that can be used during targeting.

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/t1584-005-botnet` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/t1584-005-botnet`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1584-005-botnet/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1584-005-botnet

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# T1584.005 Botnet

> **Sub-technique of:** T1584

## High-Level Description

Adversaries may compromise numerous third-party systems to form a botnet that can be used during targeting. A botnet is a network of compromised systems that can be instructed to perform coordinated tasks. Instead of purchasing/renting a botnet from a booter/stresser service, adversaries may build their own botnet by compromising numerous third-party systems. Adversaries may also conduct a takeover of an existing botnet, such as redirecting bots to adversary-controlled C2 servers. With a botnet at their disposal, adversaries may perform follow-on activity such as large-scale Phishing or Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).

## Kill Chain Phase

- Resource Development (TA0042)

**Platforms:** PRE

## What to Check

- [ ] Identify if Botnet technique is applicable to target environment
- [ ] Check PRE systems for indicators of Botnet
- [ ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
- [ ] Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

## How to Test

### Manual Testing

1. **Identify Attack Surface**: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Botnet by examining the target platforms (PRE).

2. **Assess Existing Defenses**: Review whether mitigations for T1584.005 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. **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](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team) for updates.

## Remediation Guide

### M1056 Pre-compromise

This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.

## Detection

### Detection of Botnet

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                     | Severity | Impact               |
| --------------------------- | -------- | -------------------- |
| Botnet technique applicable | High     | Resource Development |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title                 |
| ------ | --------------------- |
| N/A    | No direct CWE mapping |

## References

- [Dell Dridex Oct 2015](https://www.secureworks.com/research/dridex-bugat-v5-botnet-takeover-operation)
- [Imperva DDoS for Hire](https://www.imperva.com/learn/ddos/booters-stressers-ddosers/)
- [Norton Botnet](https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-is-a-botnet.html)
- [Atomic Red Team - T1584.005](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1584.005)
- [MITRE ATT&CK - T1584.005](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1584/005)