T1556.001SubTechniquecredential-accessdefense-evasionpersistenceagent-callable

T1556.001Domain Controller Authentication

Sub-technique of T1556

Platforms: Windows

ATT&CK version: 14.1

What it is

Adversaries may patch the authentication process on a domain controller to bypass the typical authentication mechanisms and enable access to accounts. Malware may be used to inject false credentials into the authentication process on a domain controller with the intent of creating a backdoor used to access any user’s account and/or credentials (ex: [Skeleton Key](https://attack.mitre.org/software/S0007)). Skeleton key works through a patch on an enterprise domain controller authentication process (LSASS) with credentials that adversaries may use to bypass the standard authentication system. Once patched, an adversary can use the injected password to successfully authenticate as any domain user account (until the the skeleton key is erased from memory by a reboot of the domain controller). Authenticated access may enable unfettered access to hosts and/or resources within single-factor authentication environments.(Citation: Dell Skeleton)

ATT&CK tactics· 3

Credential AccessDefense EvasionPersistence

References

  1. https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1556/001
  2. https://www.secureworks.com/research/skeleton-key-malware-analysis
  3. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn487457.aspx
Sourced from MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise v14.1. Curated and contextualized for EU compliance use cases by Adam Lundqvist, Founder at SQUR.