Description
Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to collect credentials. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code.
Credentialing and authentication mechanisms may be targeted for exploitation by adversaries as a means to gain access to useful credentials or circumvent the process to gain authenticated access to systems. One example of this is MS14-068, which targets Kerberos and can be used to forge Kerberos tickets using domain user permissions.(Citation: Technet MS14-068)(Citation: ADSecurity Detecting Forged Tickets) Another example of this is replay attacks, in which the adversary intercepts data packets sent between parties and then later replays these packets. If services don't properly validate authentication requests, these replayed packets may allow an adversary to impersonate one of the parties and gain unauthorized access or privileges.(Citation: Bugcrowd Replay Attack)(Citation: Comparitech Replay Attack)(Citation: Microsoft Midnight Blizzard Replay Attack)
Such exploitation has been demonstrated in cloud environments as well. For example, adversaries have exploited vulnerabilities in public cloud infrastructure that allowed for unintended authentication token creation and renewal.(Citation: Storm-0558 techniques for unauthorized email access)
Exploitation for credential access may also result in Privilege Escalation depending on the process targeted or credentials obtained.
Platforms
Mitigations (5)
Exploit ProtectionM1050
Security applications that look for behavior used during exploitation such as Windows Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG) and the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) can be used to mitigate some exploitation behavior.(Citation: TechNet Moving Beyond EMET) Control flow integrity checking is another way to potentially identify and stop a software exploit from occurring.(Citation: Wikipedia Contr
Update SoftwareM1051
Update software regularly by employing patch management for internal enterprise endpoints and servers.
Application Developer GuidanceM1013
Application developers should consider taking measures to validate authentication requests by enabling one-time passwords, providing timestamps or sequence numbers for messages sent, using digital signatures, and/or using random session keys.(Citation: Comparitech Replay Attack)(Citation: Bugcrowd Replay Attack)
Threat Intelligence ProgramM1019
Develop a robust cyber threat intelligence capability to determine what types and levels of threat may use software exploits and 0-days against a particular organization.
Application Isolation and SandboxingM1048
Make it difficult for adversaries to advance their operation through exploitation of undiscovered or unpatched vulnerabilities by using sandboxing. Other types of virtualization and application microsegmentation may also mitigate the impact of some types of exploitation. Risks of additional exploits and weaknesses in these systems may still exist.(Citation: Ars Technica Pwn2Own 2017 VM Escape)
Threat Groups (1)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G1048 | UNC3886 | [UNC3886](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1048) exploited CVE-2022-22948 in VMware vCenter to obtain encrypted credentials from the vCenter postgresD... |
References
- Bugcrowd. (n.d.). Replay Attack. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- Justin Schamotta. (2022, October 28). What is a replay attack?. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
- Metcalf, S. (2015, May 03). Detecting Forged Kerberos Ticket (Golden Ticket & Silver Ticket) Use in Active Directory. Retrieved December 23, 2015.
- Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, July 14). Analysis of Storm-0558 techniques for unauthorized email access. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, June 21). Credential Attacks. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- Microsoft. (2014, November 18). Vulnerability in Kerberos Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (3011780). Retrieved December 23, 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1212 (Exploitation for Credential Access)?
T1212 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Exploitation for Credential Access'. It belongs to the Credential Access tactic(s). Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to collect credentials. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a pro...
How can T1212 be detected?
Detection of T1212 (Exploitation for Credential Access) 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 T1212?
There are 5 documented mitigations for T1212. Key mitigations include: Exploit Protection, Update Software, Application Developer Guidance, Threat Intelligence Program, Application Isolation and Sandboxing.
Which threat groups use T1212?
Known threat groups using T1212 include: UNC3886.