Description
Adversaries may create a new process with an existing token to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. Processes can be created with the token and resulting security context of another user using features such as CreateProcessWithTokenW and runas.(Citation: Microsoft RunAs)
Creating processes with a token not associated with the current user may require the credentials of the target user, specific privileges to impersonate that user, or access to the token to be used. For example, the token could be duplicated via Token Impersonation/Theft or created via Make and Impersonate Token before being used to create a process.
While this technique is distinct from Token Impersonation/Theft, the techniques can be used in conjunction where a token is duplicated and then used to create a new process.
Platforms
Mitigations (2)
Privileged Account ManagementM1026
Limit permissions so that users and user groups cannot create tokens. This setting should be defined for the local system account only. GPO: Computer Configuration > [Policies] > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment: Create a token object. (Citation: Microsoft Create Token) Also define who can create a process level token to only the local and network serv
User Account ManagementM1018
An adversary must already have administrator level access on the local system to make full use of this technique; be sure to restrict users and accounts to the least privileges they require.
Threat Groups (2)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G0010 | Turla | [Turla](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0010) RPC backdoors can impersonate or steal process tokens before executing commands.(Citation: ESET Turla P... |
| G0032 | Lazarus Group | [Lazarus Group](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0032) keylogger KiloAlfa obtains user tokens from interactive sessions to execute itself with API cal... |
Associated Software (11)
| ID | Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| S0344 | Azorult | Malware | [Azorult](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0344) can call WTSQueryUserToken and CreateProcessAsUser to start a new process with local system privile... |
| S0501 | PipeMon | Malware | [PipeMon](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0501) can attempt to gain administrative privileges using token impersonation.(Citation: ESET PipeMon May... |
| S0378 | PoshC2 | Tool | [PoshC2](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0378) can use Invoke-RunAs to make tokens.(Citation: GitHub PoshC2) |
| S0456 | Aria-body | Malware | [Aria-body](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0456) has the ability to execute a process using <code>runas</code>.(Citation: CheckPoint Naikon May 20... |
| S0496 | REvil | Malware | [REvil](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0496) can launch an instance of itself with administrative rights using runas.(Citation: Secureworks REvil ... |
| S0412 | ZxShell | Malware | [ZxShell](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0412) has a command called RunAs, which creates a new process as another user or process context.(Citatio... |
| S0689 | WhisperGate | Malware | The [WhisperGate](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0689) third stage can use the AdvancedRun.exe tool to execute commands in the context of the Wind... |
| S0356 | KONNI | Malware | [KONNI](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0356) has duplicated the token of a high integrity process to spawn an instance of cmd.exe under an imperso... |
| S0239 | Bankshot | Malware | [Bankshot](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0239) grabs a user token using WTSQueryUserToken and then creates a process by impersonating a logged-on... |
| S1239 | TONESHELL | Malware | [TONESHELL](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1239) included functionality to create sub-processes with a specific user’s token.(Citation: Zscaler) |
| S0363 | Empire | Tool | [Empire](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0363) can use <code>Invoke-RunAs</code> to make tokens.(Citation: Github PowerShell Empire) |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1134.002 (Create Process with Token)?
T1134.002 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Create Process with Token'. It belongs to the Stealth, Privilege Escalation tactic(s). Adversaries may create a new process with an existing token to escalate privileges and bypass access controls. Processes can be created with the token and resulting security context of another user us...
How can T1134.002 be detected?
Detection of T1134.002 (Create Process with Token) typically involves monitoring system logs, network traffic, and endpoint telemetry. Use SIEM rules, EDR solutions, and behavioral analytics to identify suspicious activity associated with this technique.
What mitigations exist for T1134.002?
There are 2 documented mitigations for T1134.002. Key mitigations include: Privileged Account Management, User Account Management.
Which threat groups use T1134.002?
Known threat groups using T1134.002 include: Turla, Lazarus Group.