# T1673_virtual-machine-discovery

> An adversary may attempt to enumerate running virtual machines (VMs) after gaining access to a host or hypervisor.

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/t1673-virtual-machine-discovery` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/t1673-virtual-machine-discovery`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1673-virtual-machine-discovery/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Product & Planning
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/t1673-virtual-machine-discovery

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# T1673 Virtual Machine Discovery

## High-Level Description

An adversary may attempt to enumerate running virtual machines (VMs) after gaining access to a host or hypervisor. For example, adversaries may enumerate a list of VMs on an ESXi hypervisor using a Hypervisor CLI such as `esxcli` or `vim-cmd` (e.g. `esxcli vm process list or vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms`). Adversaries may also directly leverage a graphical user interface, such as VMware vCenter, in order to view virtual machines on a host.

Adversaries may use the information from Virtual Machine Discovery during discovery to shape follow-on behaviors. Subsequently discovered VMs may be leveraged for follow-on activities such as Service Stop or Data Encrypted for Impact.

## Kill Chain Phase

- Discovery (TA0007)

**Platforms:** ESXi, Linux, macOS, Windows

## What to Check

- [ ] Identify if Virtual Machine Discovery technique is applicable to target environment
- [ ] Check ESXi systems for indicators of Virtual Machine Discovery
- [ ] Check Linux systems for indicators of Virtual Machine Discovery
- [ ] Check macOS systems for indicators of Virtual Machine Discovery
- [ ] Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

## How to Test

### Manual Testing

1. **Identify Attack Surface**: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Virtual Machine Discovery by examining the target platforms (ESXi, Linux, macOS).

2. **Assess Existing Defenses**: Review whether mitigations for T1673 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

No specific mitigations documented for this technique.

## Detection

### Detection Strategy for Virtual Machine Discovery

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                        | Severity | Impact    |
| ---------------------------------------------- | -------- | --------- |
| Virtual Machine Discovery technique applicable | Medium   | Discovery |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                             |
| ------- | --------------------------------- |
| CWE-200 | Exposure of Sensitive Information |

## References

- [TrendMicro Play](https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/24/g/new-play-ransomware-linux-variant-targets-esxi-shows-ties-with-p.html)
- [Crowdstrike Hypervisor Jackpotting Pt 2 2021](https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/blog/hypervisor-jackpotting-ecrime-actors-increase-targeting-of-esxi-servers/)
- [Atomic Red Team - T1673](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1673)
- [MITRE ATT&CK - T1673](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1673)