T1018 · discovery · 36 actors · 9 correlated reports

Remote System Discovery

Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of other systems by IP address, hostname, or other logical identifier on a network that may be used for Lateral Movement from the current system. Functionality could exist within remote access tools to enable this, but utilities available on the operating system could also be used such as Ping or net view using Net. Adversaries may also analyze data from local host files (ex: C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts or /etc/hosts) or other passive means (such as local Arp cache entries) in order to discover the presence of remote systems in an environment. Adversaries may also target discovery of network infrastructure as well as leverage Network Device CLI commands on network devices to gather detailed information about systems within a network (e.g. show cdp neighbors, show arp).

Open detection, hunting, mitigation, and evidence workspace

Detection logic

System and network discovery techniques normally occur throughout an operation as an adversary learns the environment. Data and events should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a chain of behavior that could lead to other activities, such as Lateral Movement, based on the information obtained. Normal, benign system and network events related to legitimate remote system discovery may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Monitor processes and command-line arguments for actions that could be taken to gather system and network information. Remote access tools with built-in features may interact directly with the Windows API to gather information. Information may also be acquired through Windows system management tools such as Windows Management Instrumentation and PowerShell. Monitor for processes that can be used to discover remote systems, such as ping.exe and tracert.exe, especially when executed in quick succession.

Observed actors

Correlated CTI and IR reports

APT41 Targeting Pharmaceutical Sector: Log4Shell to Domain Compromise
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention ATT&CK as a Working Tool: Theory and Hands-On Practical Usage
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention Attack Playbook — Operation DragonRx
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention Operation DragonRx — APT41 Full Attack Simulation
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention Operation DragonRx: Simulating an APT41 Attack End-to-End — From Log4Shell to DFIR and Malware Analysis
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention APT41 Targeting Pharmaceutical Sector Log4Shell to Domain Compromise
1200km Medium · authored report mention ATT CK as a Working Tool Theory and Hands On Practical Usage
1200km Medium · authored report mention Attack Playbook Operation DragonRx
1200km Medium · authored report mention Operation DragonRx Simulating an APT41 Attack End to End From Log4Shell to DFIR and Malware
1200km Medium · authored report mention

Continue the investigation

Interactive ThreatMapper ThreatMapper documentation CTI Analyst Field Manual Israel Threat Actors CTI Anomaly Detection Atlas ITDR Handbook 1200km Medium research