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Introduction
The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a globally recognized knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques, used to improve threat detection and response. By breaking down attacker behaviors into 14 core tactics—from reconnaissance to impact—security teams can better map threats, build detection rules, and train analysts. This article provides actionable insights, including real-world examples and key commands for SOC analysts.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the 14 core tactics of MITRE ATT&CK.
- Learn how to detect attacker techniques using SIEM logs.
- Apply practical commands and techniques for threat hunting.
You Should Know
1. Reconnaissance: Gathering Target Information
Attackers often start with reconnaissance to collect data about their target. Common techniques include scanning and phishing.
Command (Linux – Detect Network Scans):
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 'icmp or tcp[bash] & (tcp-syn) != 0 and not src net your_network'
What It Does:
This command captures suspicious ICMP and TCP SYN packets, which may indicate a network scan.
Steps:
1. Run the command on a critical server.
- Monitor for repeated SYN packets from unknown IPs.
3. Block suspicious IPs using `iptables`.
2. Initial Access: Exploiting Weak Credentials
Attackers use brute-force or default credentials to gain access.
Command (Windows – Detect Failed Logins):
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; ID=4625} -MaxEvents 10
What It Does:
Retrieves the last 10 failed login attempts from Windows Security logs.
Steps:
- Run in PowerShell to check for brute-force attempts.
2. Set up alerts for multiple failed logins.
3. Execution: Running Malicious Code
Attackers execute payloads via scripts or living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins).
Command (Linux – Detect Suspicious Process Execution):
ps aux | grep -E '(curl|wget|python|perl|sh)' | grep -v grep
What It Does:
Lists processes running common attack tools like `curl` or python.
Steps:
1. Run periodically to detect unauthorized script execution.
2. Investigate unexpected processes.
4. Persistence: Maintaining Access
Attackers create backdoors via scheduled tasks or registry modifications.
Command (Windows – Check Scheduled Tasks):
Get-ScheduledTask | Where-Object { $_.State -ne "Disabled" } | Select-Object TaskName, TaskPath
What It Does:
Lists active scheduled tasks, which attackers often abuse.
Steps:
1. Review tasks for unknown or suspicious entries.
2. Remove unauthorized tasks.
5. Privilege Escalation: Gaining Higher Access
Attackers exploit misconfigurations to gain admin rights.
Command (Linux – Check SUID Binaries):
find / -perm -4000 -type f 2>/dev/null
What It Does:
Finds SUID binaries that could be exploited for privilege escalation.
Steps:
1. Audit listed binaries.
2. Remove unnecessary SUID permissions with `chmod -s`.
6. Defense Evasion: Avoiding Detection
Attackers disable logging or use encryption to hide activities.
Command (Linux – Check Log Tampering):
sudo auditctl -w /var/log/ -p wa -k log_tampering
What It Does:
Monitors `/var/log/` for unauthorized changes.
Steps:
1. Enable auditing with `auditd`.
2. Investigate any `log_tampering` alerts.
7. Impact: Data Destruction or Ransomware
Attackers may encrypt or delete critical files.
Command (Linux – Detect Mass File Changes):
sudo find / -mtime -1 -type f -exec ls -la {} \;
What It Does:
Lists files modified in the last 24 hours.
Steps:
1. Check for unexpected file modifications.
2. Restore from backups if ransomware is detected.
What Undercode Say
Key Takeaway 1:
Understanding MITRE ATT&CK helps SOC analysts detect attacks faster by mapping behaviors to known techniques.
Key Takeaway 2:
Automating detection with SIEM rules and command-line tools improves response times.
Analysis:
The MITRE ATT&CK framework is essential for modern cybersecurity. By integrating these tactics into detection workflows, teams can proactively hunt threats rather than reactively responding. The rise of AI-driven attacks means defenders must continuously update their playbooks—making frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK indispensable.
Prediction
As attackers evolve, MITRE ATT&CK will expand to include AI-powered techniques, requiring defenders to adopt machine learning in threat detection. SOC teams that master these frameworks will stay ahead in the cybersecurity arms race.
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Izzmier This – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
