T1584_compromise-infrastructure

T1584 Compromise Infrastructure

High-Level Description

Adversaries may compromise third-party infrastructure that can be used during targeting. Infrastructure solutions include physical or cloud servers, domains, network devices, and third-party web and DNS services. Instead of buying, leasing, or renting infrastructure an adversary may compromise infrastructure and use it during other phases of the adversary lifecycle. Additionally, adversaries may compromise numerous machines to form a botnet they can leverage.

Use of compromised infrastructure allows adversaries to stage, launch, and execute operations. Compromised infrastructure can help adversary operations blend in with traffic that is seen as normal, such as contact with high reputation or trusted sites. For example, adversaries may leverage compromised infrastructure (potentially also in conjunction with Digital Certificates) to further blend in and support staged information gathering and/or Phishing campaigns. Adversaries may also compromise numerous machines to support Proxy and/or proxyware services or to form a botnet. Additionally, adversaries may compromise infrastructure residing in close proximity to a target in order to gain Initial Access via Wi-Fi Networks.

By using compromised infrastructure, adversaries may enable follow-on malicious operations. Prior to targeting, adversaries may also compromise the infrastructure of other adversaries.

Kill Chain Phase

• Resource Development (TA0042)

Platforms: PRE

What to Check

• Identify if Compromise Infrastructure technique is applicable to target environment
• Check PRE systems for indicators of Compromise Infrastructure
• 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 Compromise Infrastructure by examining the target platforms (PRE).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1584 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 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 Compromise Infrastructure

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• amnesty_nso_pegasus
• Sysdig Proxyjacking
• FireEye DNS Hijack 2019
• ICANNDomainNameHijacking
• Koczwara Beacon Hunting Sep 2021
• Nearest Neighbor Volexity
• Mandiant APT1
• Talos DNSpionage Nov 2018
• NSA NCSC Turla OilRig
• Mandiant SCANdalous Jul 2020
• ThreatConnect Infrastructure Dec 2020
• FireEye EPS Awakens Part 2
• Atomic Red Team - T1584
• MITRE ATT&CK - T1584