Description
Adversaries may buy and/or steal 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.
Adversaries may purchase or steal SSL/TLS certificates to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: Asymmetric Cryptography with Web Protocols) or even enabling Adversary-in-the-Middle if the certificate is trusted or otherwise added to the root of trust (i.e. Install Root Certificate). The purchase of digital certificates may be done using a front organization or using information stolen from a previously compromised entity that allows the adversary to validate to a certificate provider as that entity. Adversaries may also steal certificate materials directly from a compromised third-party, including from certificate authorities.(Citation: DiginotarCompromise) Adversaries may register or hijack domains that they will later purchase an SSL/TLS certificate for.
Certificate authorities exist that allow adversaries to acquire SSL/TLS certificates, such as domain validation certificates, for free.(Citation: Let's Encrypt FAQ)
After obtaining 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 (7)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G0122 | Silent Librarian | [Silent Librarian](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0122) has obtained free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates for use on their phishing pages.(Citation: ... |
| G0032 | Lazarus Group | [Lazarus Group](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0032) has obtained SSL certificates for their C2 domains.(Citation: CISA AppleJeus Feb 2021) |
| G1041 | Sea Turtle | [Sea Turtle](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1041) created new certificates using a technique called the actors performed "certificate impersonation,... |
| G0129 | Mustang Panda | [Mustang Panda](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0129) has obtained SSL certificates for their C2 domains.(Citation: EclecticIQ Mustang Panda PlugX)(C... |
| G1048 | UNC3886 | [UNC3886](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1048) has deployed malware using the victim's legitimate TLS certificate obtained from a compromised FortiG... |
| G1014 | LuminousMoth | [LuminousMoth](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G1014) has used a valid digital certificate for some of their malware.(Citation: Kaspersky LuminousMoth... |
| G0098 | BlackTech | [BlackTech](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0098) has used valid, stolen digital certificates for some of their malware and tools.(Citation: ESET PLE... |
References
- Fisher, D. (2012, October 31). Final Report on DigiNotar Hack Shows Total Compromise of CA Servers. Retrieved March 6, 2017.
- Insikt Group. (2019, June 18). A Multi-Method Approach to Identifying Rogue Cobalt Strike Servers. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
- Kovar, R. (2017, December 11). Tall Tales of Hunting with TLS/SSL Certificates. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
- Let's Encrypt. (2020, April 23). Let's Encrypt FAQ. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1588.004 (Digital Certificates)?
T1588.004 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Digital Certificates'. It belongs to the Resource Development tactic(s). Adversaries may buy and/or steal 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 i...
How can T1588.004 be detected?
Detection of T1588.004 (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 T1588.004?
There are 1 documented mitigations for T1588.004. Key mitigations include: Pre-compromise.
Which threat groups use T1588.004?
Known threat groups using T1588.004 include: Silent Librarian, Lazarus Group, Sea Turtle, Mustang Panda, UNC3886, LuminousMoth, BlackTech.