Description
Adversaries may create self-signed SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are designed to instill trust. They include information about the key, information about its owner's identity, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents are correct. If the signature is valid, and the person examining the certificate trusts the signer, then they know they can use that key to communicate with its owner. In the case of self-signing, digital certificates will lack the element of trust associated with the signature of a third-party certificate authority (CA).
Adversaries may create self-signed SSL/TLS certificates that can be used to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: Asymmetric Cryptography with Web Protocols) or even enabling Adversary-in-the-Middle if added to the root of trust (i.e. Install Root Certificate).
After creating a digital certificate, an adversary may then install that certificate (see Install Digital Certificate) on infrastructure under their control.
Platforms
Mitigations (1)
Pre-compromiseM1056
This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.
Threat Groups (4)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G0016 | APT29 | [APT29](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0016) has created self-signed digital certificates to enable mutual TLS authentication for malware.(Citation:... |
| G0056 | PROMETHIUM | [PROMETHIUM](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0056) has created self-signed digital certificates for use in HTTPS C2 traffic.(Citation: Talos Promethi... |
| G0047 | Gamaredon Group | [Gamaredon Group](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0047) has used the same TLS certificate across its infrastructure.(Citation: Huntio_GamaredonFlux_A... |
| G1053 | Storm-0501 | [Storm-0501](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1053) has utilized their own self-signed TLS certificate “Microsoft IT TLS CA 5” with their infrastructu... |
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1587.003 (Digital Certificates)?
T1587.003 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Digital Certificates'. It belongs to the Resource Development tactic(s). Adversaries may create self-signed SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are designed to instill trust. They include information about the key, information about...
How can T1587.003 be detected?
Detection of T1587.003 (Digital Certificates) 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 T1587.003?
There are 1 documented mitigations for T1587.003. Key mitigations include: Pre-compromise.
Which threat groups use T1587.003?
Known threat groups using T1587.003 include: APT29, PROMETHIUM, Gamaredon Group, Storm-0501.