T1021.001

Remote Desktop Protocol

SUB-TECHNIQUE Lateral Movement

Description

Adversaries may use [Valid Accounts](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078) to log into a computer using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.Remote desktop is a common feature in operating systems. It allows a user to log into an interactive session with a system desktop graphical user interface on a remote system. Microsoft refers to its implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as Remote Desktop Services (RDS).(Citation: TechNet Remote Desktop Services)Adversaries may connect to a remote system over RDP/RDS to expand access if the service is enabled and allows access to accounts with known credentials. Adversaries will likely use Credential Access techniques to acquire credentials to use with RDP. Adversaries may also use RDP in conjunction with the [Accessibility Features](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1546/008) or [Terminal Services DLL](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505/005) for Persistence.(Citation: Alperovitch Malware)

Platforms

Windows

Mitigations

M1047 — Audit
M1035 — Limit Access to Resource Over Network
M1030 — Network Segmentation
M1028 — Operating System Configuration
M1042 — Disable or Remove Feature or Program
M1018 — User Account Management
M1032 — Multi-factor Authentication
M1026 — Privileged Account Management

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Source: MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise matrix. View on attack.mitre.org →