An Introduction to Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR)

Understanding MITRE ATT&CK and Its Practical Implications

This comprehensive guide delves into the MITRE ATT&CK framework, offering insights into its structure, significance, and practical applications in the field of cybersecurity.

About MITRE Corporation

MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization, is renowned for its extensive work with federal, state, and local governments. MITRE’s contributions span various domains, including artificial intelligence, health informatics, and cyber resilience. In addition to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, MITRE is recognized for fostering collaboration through annual cybersecurity conferences and advancing cybersecurity practices.

By understanding and utilizing the MITRE ATT&CK framework, cybersecurity professionals can better defend against evolving threats and enhance their organization’s security posture.

What is MITRE ATT&CK?

MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge) is a sophisticated and continuously updated knowledge base designed to model and analyze adversarial behaviors in the cybersecurity domain. Established in 2013, this framework provides invaluable insights into the methods used by cyber adversaries, covering all phases of an attack and potential targets. By detailing these adversarial behaviors, MITRE ATT&CK is an essential tool for security analysts aiming to strengthen defenses and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

How MITRE ATT&CK Enhances Cybersecurity

The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a vital resource for cybersecurity professionals, with updates occurring quarterly to incorporate the latest data on adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures. These regular updates ensure the framework remains relevant and effective in addressing emerging threats. By categorizing attacks based on their phases and targeted systems, the framework allows security teams to anticipate, detect, and respond to various attack strategies with greater precision.

Since its inception, MITRE ATT&CK has become a cornerstone in developing defensive models within organizations. It supports threat detection and response by offering a detailed classification of adversarial behaviors, enhancing the ability of security teams to anticipate and counteract threats effectively.

Core Components of the MITRE ATT&CK Framework

The MITRE ATT&CK framework is meticulously organized and regularly updated with contributions from security experts. Its core components include:

1. Adversarial Tactical Goals
   • High-level objectives that adversaries seek to achieve during an attack. These goals guide the selection and execution of various techniques.
2. Techniques
   • Specific methods employed by adversaries to achieve their tactical goals. Techniques are organized into categories that cover different aspects of an attack.
3. Sub-Techniques
   • Detailed variations or implementations of a primary technique. Sub-techniques offer more granular insights into how adversaries utilize a particular method.
4. Procedures
   • Concrete implementations of techniques and sub-techniques observed in real-world attacks. Procedures provide practical examples of how adversaries execute specific methods.
5. Metadata
   • Supplementary information about techniques and procedures, including sources, documentation, and usage patterns. Metadata helps contextualize and understand the relevance of techniques.

Matrices of the MITRE ATT&CK Framework

The framework is divided into several matrices, each tailored to different environments:

1. Enterprise Matrix
   • Platforms Covered:Windows, macOS, Linux
   • Focus:Techniques relevant to enterprise-level platforms, addressing various operating systems used in corporate settings.
2. Mobile Matrix
   • Platforms Covered:Android, iOS
   • Focus:Techniques specific to mobile devices, covering threats and vulnerabilities unique to mobile operating systems.
3. ICS Matrix
   • Focus:Techniques pertinent to Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which are used in critical infrastructure and industrial environments.
4. Cloud Matrix
   • Focus:Techniques relevant to cloud environments, addressing different cloud service models and platforms.

Additional Elements

• Mitigations
  • Strategies and measures that organizations can implement to defend against techniques described in the framework. Mitigations provide guidance on reducing risks associated with specific techniques.
• Detection
  • Methods and recommendations for identifying when a technique or procedure is being used. Detection strategies include logging, monitoring, and analysis techniques to recognize and respond to adversarial actions.

Defining the MITRE Technique

In the MITRE ATT&CK framework, a “technique” refers to specific methods employed by adversaries to accomplish their tactical objectives. These techniques are organized within broader categories known as tactics, which encompass the entire lifecycle of an attack. For instance, the Enterprise matrix includes the following adversary tactics:

• Reconnaissance:Gathering target information to plan an attack.
• Initial Access:Gaining access through methods such as spear phishing.
• Execution:Running malicious code post-access.
• Privilege Escalation:Exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated access.
• Defense Evasion:Avoiding detection mechanisms.
• Lateral Movement:Navigating through systems using legitimate credentials.
• Collection:Accumulating data pertinent to adversarial goals.
• Exfiltration:Extracting data to achieve adversarial aims.

Each tactic encompasses various techniques that describe the means by which adversaries accomplish their goals. This detailed classification aids analysts in understanding potential adversarial actions and enhances both defensive measures and detection capabilities.

Examples of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) in MITRE ATT&CK Framework

In the MITRE ATT&CK framework, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) represent the methods and strategies used by adversaries to achieve their goals during an attack. Here are some examples across different categories:

Leveraging the MITRE ATT&CK Framework: CyberStash’s Approach

How CyberStash Utilizes the MITRE ATT&CK Framework

At CyberStash, we integrate the MITRE ATT&CK framework into our cybersecurity solutions to provide a robust and comprehensive defense against evolving threats. Our Eclipse.XDR Cyber Defence Platform exemplifies this integration through its EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) module, which is meticulously designed to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.

Mapping Detection Rules to MITRE ATT&CK

The EDR module within Eclipse.XDR is aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework by mapping each detection rule to specific tactics and techniques. This mapping ensures that our detection rules are directly correlated with known adversarial behaviors and attack vectors, facilitating precise identification of threats across diverse operating systems. Our platform supports detection across Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing comprehensive coverage tailored to different environments.

Each detection rule is designed to identify suspicious activities and behaviors in line with the tactics and techniques outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. For example, if a technique such as “Process Injection” (used in Windows environments) is detected, our EDR module will correlate this activity with the appropriate MITRE tactic, such as “Execution” or “Defense Evasion,” to provide context and enhance the accuracy of threat detection.

Continuous Review and Detection of Advanced Threats

CyberStash is committed to maintaining a proactive stance against emerging threats. Our dedicated team works around the clock to review and analyze new in-memory, fileless, and Living-off-the-Land attacks. This continuous review process allows us to develop and refine detection rules specifically designed to identify and mitigate these sophisticated threats. By staying ahead of emerging attack methods, we ensure that our clients benefit from up-to-date protection against the latest cyber threats.

Custom Detection Rules and MITRE ATT&CK Chains

One of the standout features of the Eclipse.XDR platform is its support for custom detection rules based on MITRE ATT&CK “chains” of alerts. This capability allows security analysts to map specific kill-chains to known adversaries and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). By leveraging these chains, analysts can create detailed and nuanced detection rules that are designed to recognize complex attack sequences and behaviors.

This feature enables organizations to tailor their defenses to particular threat actors and attack methodologies, enhancing their ability to detect and respond to targeted and sophisticated attacks. Analysts can map these chains to known adversary tactics and techniques, providing deeper insights into the attack lifecycle and improving overall threat detection capabilities.

Custom Rule Development and Safe Testing

Eclipse.XDR also facilitates the creation of custom detection rules tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Security analysts can develop these rules using the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a foundation, then test them in a controlled environment to validate their effectiveness. Once validated, these rules can be deployed across endpoints based on their specific scope, allowing for customized protection that aligns with the organization’s security requirements.

Conclusion

CyberStash’s integration of the MITRE ATT&CK framework into the Eclipse.XDR Cyber Defence Platform underscores our commitment to providing advanced, adaptable security solutions. By mapping detection rules to MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques, continuously reviewing emerging threats, and supporting custom rule development based on detailed kill-chains, we offer a robust defense strategy that evolves with the threat landscape. Our platform empowers clients to maintain a proactive and precise security posture, ensuring effective protection against sophisticated cyber threats.