MITRE Attack

Introduction

• The MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) framework is a comprehensive and detailed matrix of tactics and techniques used by cyber adversaries throughout the lifecycle of an attack.
• Developed by MITRE Corporation, the framework is widely adopted by cybersecurity professionals to understand, detect, and mitigate cyber threats. Here’s an overview of the MITRE ATT&CK framework:

Key Components of the MITRE ATT&CK Framework:

1. Tactics
   • Description: Tactics represent the “why” of an attack technique. They are the adversary’s tactical goals during an attack, such as gaining initial access to a network or exfiltrating data.
   • Examples: Initial Access, Execution, Persistence, Privilege Escalation, Defense Evasion, Credential Access, Discovery, Lateral Movement, Collection, Command and Control, Exfiltration, Impact.
2. Techniques
   • Description: Techniques describe the “how” of an attack. They are the methods adversaries use to achieve their tactical goals.
   • Examples: Phishing, Spear Phishing, Exploiting Vulnerabilities, Using Valid Accounts, Process Injection, Obfuscation, Credential Dumping, Network Service Scanning, Data Staging, Data Exfiltration Over C2 Channel.
3. Sub-Techniques
   • Description: Sub-techniques provide more granular details on how a specific technique is executed.
   • Examples: For the Phishing technique, sub-techniques might include Spear Phishing via Service, Spear Phishing Attachment, and Spear Phishing Link.
4. Procedures
   • Description: Procedures are specific implementations of techniques or sub-techniques used by adversaries in real-world attacks.
   • Examples: Detailed descriptions of how specific threat actors or malware families carry out techniques like credential dumping or data exfiltration.

Use Cases of MITRE ATT&CK:

1. Threat Detection and Response
   • Description: Security teams use the MITRE ATT&CK framework to identify which techniques adversaries are using in their environment and to develop detection and mitigation strategies.
   • Example: Using ATT&CK mappings to correlate observed activities in security logs with known adversary techniques.
2. Threat Intelligence
   • Description: Analysts use the framework to categorize and describe observed adversary behaviors, helping to enrich threat intelligence reports.
   • Example: Mapping threat actor behaviors to specific ATT&CK techniques in intelligence reports to provide actionable insights.
3. Security Gap Analysis
   • Description: Organizations use the framework to assess their security controls and identify gaps in their defenses.
   • Example: Conducting a security assessment to determine which ATT&CK techniques are not adequately covered by existing security measures.
4. Red Teaming and Purple Teaming
   • Description: Red teams (attackers) and blue teams (defenders) use the framework to plan, execute, and defend against simulated attacks.
   • Example: Red teams designing attack scenarios based on ATT&CK techniques and blue teams developing corresponding detection and response playbooks.
5. Training and Awareness
   • Description: The framework is used for educating security professionals about adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures.
   • Example: Incorporating ATT&CK techniques into cybersecurity training programs to improve detection and response skills.

Benefits of MITRE ATT&CK:

1. Standardization: Provides a common language and structure for describing cyber adversary behaviors.
2. Comprehensiveness: Covers a wide range of tactics and techniques, offering detailed insights into adversary methods.
3. Community-Driven: Continuously updated with contributions from the cybersecurity community, ensuring it stays current and relevant.
4. Actionable Intelligence: Helps organizations to prioritize defenses and develop effective detection and response strategies.