T1046 · discovery · 27 actors · 15 correlated reports

Network Service Discovery

Adversaries may attempt to get a listing of services running on remote hosts and local network infrastructure devices, including those that may be vulnerable to remote software exploitation. Common methods to acquire this information include port and/or vulnerability scans using tools that are brought onto a system. Within cloud environments, adversaries may attempt to discover services running on other cloud hosts. Additionally, if the cloud environment is connected to a on-premises environment, adversaries may be able to identify services running on non-cloud systems as well. Within macOS environments, adversaries may use the native Bonjour application to discover services running on other macOS hosts within a network. The Bonjour mDNSResponder daemon automatically registers and advertises a host’s registered services on the network. For example, adversaries can use a mDNS query (such as dns-sd -B _ssh._tcp .) to find other systems broadcasting the ssh service.

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 from legitimate remote service scanning may be uncommon, depending on the environment and how they are used. Legitimate open port and vulnerability scanning may be conducted within the environment and will need to be deconflicted with any detection capabilities developed. Network intrusion detection systems can also be used to identify scanning activity. Monitor for process use of the networks and inspect intra-network flows to detect port scans.

Observed actors

Correlated CTI and IR reports

APT41 Targeting Pharmaceutical Sector: Log4Shell to Domain Compromise
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
Attack Playbook — Operation DragonRx
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
CTI Research: Kubernetes & Cloud-Native Threat Landscape
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
CTI Research: Sandworm / APT44
1200km CTI repository · explicit report mention
CTI Research: Sandworm / APT44
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
Attack Playbook Operation DragonRx
1200km Medium · authored report mention
CTI Research Kubernetes Cloud Native Threat Landscape
1200km Medium · authored report mention
CTI Research Sandworm APT44
1200km Medium · authored report mention
Correlation Based Detection Rules in Cybersecurity From Atomic Events to Behavioral Insight
1200km Medium · authored report mention
Cyberattacks on 4G LTE Telecom Networks Threat Mapping and Defense
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
Single Event Detection Rules in Cybersecurity
1200km Medium · authored report mention

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