T1556.004

Network Device Authentication

SUB-TECHNIQUE Defense Impairment Persistence Credential Access

Description

Adversaries may use [Patch System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001) to hard code a password in the operating system, thus bypassing of native authentication mechanisms for local accounts on network devices.[Modify System Image](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601) may include implanted code to the operating system for network devices to provide access for adversaries using a specific password. The modification includes a specific password which is implanted in the operating system image via the patch. Upon authentication attempts, the inserted code will first check to see if the user input is the password. If so, access is granted. Otherwise, the implanted code will pass the credentials on for verification of potentially valid credentials.(Citation: Mandiant - Synful Knock)

Platforms

Network Devices

Mitigations

M1026 — Privileged Account Management
M1032 — Multi-factor Authentication

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