Description
Adversaries may manipulate network traffic in order to hide and evade detection of their C2 infrastructure. This can be accomplished by identifying and filtering traffic from defensive tools,(Citation: TA571) masking malicious domains to obfuscate the true destination from both automated scanning tools and security researchers,(Citation: Schema-abuse)(Citation: Facad1ng)(Citation: Browser-updates) and otherwise hiding malicious artifacts to delay discovery and prolong the effectiveness of adversary infrastructure that could otherwise be identified, blocked, or taken down entirely.
C2 networks may include the use of Proxy or VPNs to disguise IP addresses, which can allow adversaries to blend in with normal network traffic and bypass conditional access policies or anti-abuse protections. For example, an adversary may use a virtual private cloud to spoof their IP address to closer align with a victim's IP address ranges. This may also bypass security measures relying on geolocation of the source IP address.(Citation: sysdig)(Citation: Orange Residential Proxies)
Adversaries may also attempt to filter network traffic in order to evade defensive tools in numerous ways, including blocking/redirecting common incident responder or security appliance user agents.(Citation: mod_rewrite)(Citation: SocGholish-update) Filtering traffic based on IP and geo-fencing may also avoid automated sandboxing or researcher activity (i.e., Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion).(Citation: TA571)(Citation: mod_rewrite)
Hiding C2 infrastructure may also be supported by Resource Development activities such as Acquire Infrastructure and Compromise Infrastructure. For example, using widely trusted hosting services or domains such as prominent URL shortening providers or marketing services for C2 networks may enable adversaries to present benign content that later redirects victims to malicious web pages or infrastructure once specific conditions are met.(Citation: StarBlizzard)(Citation: QR-cofense)
Platforms
Threat Groups (2)
| ID | Group | Context |
|---|---|---|
| G0128 | ZIRCONIUM | [ZIRCONIUM](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0128) has utilized an ORB (operational relay box) network – consisting compromised devices such as small ... |
| G0016 | APT29 | [APT29](https://attack.mitre.org/groups/G0016) uses compromised residential endpoints, typically within the same ISP IP address range, as proxies to h... |
Associated Software (3)
| ID | Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1206 | JumbledPath | Malware | [JumbledPath](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1206) can use a chain of jump hosts to communicate with compromised devices to obscure actor infrastr... |
| S1111 | DarkGate | Malware | [DarkGate](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1111) command and control includes hard-coded domains in the malware masquerading as legitimate services... |
| S1164 | UPSTYLE | Malware | [UPSTYLE](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S1164) attempts to retrieve a non-existent webpage from the command and control server resulting in hidden... |
References
- Andrew Northern. (2022, November 22). SocGholish, a very real threat from a very fake update. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Axel F, Selena Larson. (2023, October 30). TA571 Delivers IcedID Forked Loader. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Bluescreenofjeff.com. (2015, April 12). Combatting Incident Responders with Apache mod_rewrite. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Dusty Miller. (2023, October 17). Are You Sure Your Browser is Up to Date? The Current Landscape of Fake Browser Updates . Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Microsoft Threat Intelligence. (2023, December 7). Star Blizzard increases sophistication and evasion in ongoing attacks. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Nathaniel Raymond. (2023, August 16). Major Energy Company Targeted in Large QR Code Phishing Campaign. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Nick Simonian. (2023, May 22). Don't @ Me: URL Obfuscation Through Schema Abuse. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Orange Cyberdefense. (2024, March 14). Unveiling the depths of residential proxies providers. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- Spyboy. (2023). Facad1ng. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
- Sysdig. (2023). Sysdig Global Cloud Threat Report. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T1665 (Hide Infrastructure)?
T1665 is a MITRE ATT&CK technique named 'Hide Infrastructure'. It belongs to the Command and Control tactic(s). Adversaries may manipulate network traffic in order to hide and evade detection of their C2 infrastructure. This can be accomplished by identifying and filtering traffic from defensive tools,(Citation...
How can T1665 be detected?
Detection of T1665 (Hide Infrastructure) 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 T1665?
Follow defense-in-depth principles including network segmentation, least privilege access, security monitoring, and regular patching to reduce the risk of this technique.
Which threat groups use T1665?
Known threat groups using T1665 include: ZIRCONIUM, APT29.