T1021.002 · lateral-movement · 24 actors · 18 correlated reports

SMB/Windows Admin Shares

Adversaries may use Valid Accounts to interact with a remote network share using Server Message Block (SMB). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user. SMB is a file, printer, and serial port sharing protocol for Windows machines on the same network or domain. Adversaries may use SMB to interact with file shares, allowing them to move laterally throughout a network. Linux and macOS implementations of SMB typically use Samba. Windows systems have hidden network shares that are accessible only to administrators and provide the ability for remote file copy and other administrative functions. Example network shares include `C$`, `ADMIN$`, and `IPC$`. Adversaries may use this technique in conjunction with administrator-level Valid Accounts to remotely access a networked system over SMB, to interact with systems using remote procedure calls (RPCs), transfer files, and run transferred binaries through remote Execution. Example execution techniques that rely on authenticated sessions over SMB/RPC are Scheduled Task/Job, Service Execution, and Windows Management Instrumentation. Adversaries can also use NTLM hashes to access administrator shares on systems with Pass the Hash and certain configuration and patch levels.

Open detection, hunting, mitigation, and evidence workspace

Detection logic

Ensure that proper logging of accounts used to log into systems is turned on and centrally collected. Windows logging is able to collect success/failure for accounts that may be used to move laterally and can be collected using tools such as Windows Event Forwarding. Monitor remote login events and associated SMB activity for file transfers and remote process execution. Monitor the actions of remote users who connect to administrative shares. Monitor for use of tools and commands to connect to remote shares, such as Net, on the command-line interface and Discovery techniques that could be used to find remotely accessible systems.

Observed actors

Correlated CTI and IR reports

Eye of the Storm: Dissecting the Playbook of Cyber Toufan
OP Innovate · direct source mapping
APT39 (Chafer / Remix Kitten)
Israel Threat Actors CTI · explicit report mention
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
CTI Research: Handala Hack Group (aka Handala Hack Team)
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
CTI Research: Handala Hack Group (aka Handala Hack Team)
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
Defensive Cyber Threat Intelligence Report: Israeli Critical Infrastructure and Geopolitical Escalation (2024-2026)
Israel Threat Actors CTI · explicit report mention
From Threat Intelligence to Detection: A Practitioner's Guide
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
Pioneer Kitten (Fox Kitten, Lemon Sandstorm, UNC757) – Actor Deep Research
Israel Threat Actors CTI · 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
CTI Research Handala Hack Group aka Handala Hack Team
1200km Medium · authored report mention
From Threat Intelligence to Detection A Practitioner s Guide
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