File Example

Quick Explanation

The example recipe detects access to random files, serving as an example of how a recipe works. Integrating such detections into the CI/CD pipeline helps identify suspicious activities early, preventing unauthorized access to files that could introduce vulnerabilities.

More Information

Information

Description: Detect access to some specific files Category: Example Method: Example Importance: None

Analysis of the Event

This event is triggered whenever certain filename patterns are accessed. File access-based detections focus on both absolute and relative paths, which can be indicative of malicious activity such as data exfiltration or unauthorized file manipulation by an adversary. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this type of detection aligns with T1056 (Input Capture) and T1074 (Wireless Communications), where adversaries may leverage file access to capture sensitive information or establish covert channels for communication.

Historically, threat actors have used file access as a means to exfiltrate data or maintain persistence within an environment. For instance, in the case of the NotPetya ransomware attack, attackers exploited legitimate network shares and file access permissions to propagate across networks. By monitoring file access patterns, security teams can detect anomalies that deviate from baseline behavior, which could indicate a breach.

Detection strategies for such events include behavioral analysis and anomaly detection using machine learning models trained on historical data. Security information and event management (SIEM) systems can correlate log data from various sources to identify unusual activity patterns related to file access. Additionally, network traffic analysis can help in identifying DNS tunneling or other covert channels that might be used to exfiltrate data.

Implications

Implications for CI/CD Pipelines

Risks related to build process compromise, dependency poisoning, and artifact integrity are significant concerns. Adversaries may exploit vulnerabilities within the CI/CD pipeline by injecting malicious code or altering dependencies during the build phase. This can result in the creation of compromised artifacts that could be deployed into production environments, leading to widespread security breaches.

Implications for Staging

Adversarial testing, data leakage, insider threats, and unauthorized access risks are prevalent before production deployment. In staging environments, attackers might exploit misconfigurations or unpatched vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or exfiltrate sensitive data. Additionally, insiders with elevated privileges could abuse their access rights to compromise the integrity of the staging environment.

Implications for Production

Long-term persistence risks, lateral movement, credential theft, data exfiltration, and advanced persistent threats (APT) are critical concerns in production environments. Once an attacker gains a foothold through file access vulnerabilities, they can use various techniques such as T1027 (Obfuscated Files or Information) to maintain stealthy persistence within the network. They may also leverage T1036 (Masquerading) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) to execute malicious commands and scripts that further compromise system integrity.

Recommended Actions

Actions for CI/CD Pipelines

1. Review Access Controls: Ensure that access control policies are updated so that only authorized processes and users can access sensitive files during the build process.

2. Implement Automated Scanning: Use automated scanning tools to detect and prevent dependency poisoning, ensuring the integrity of artifacts.

3. Conduct Security Audits: Regularly audit the CI/CD pipeline to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.

Actions for Staging

1. Verify Configurations and Patches: Ensure all configurations and patches are up-to-date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

2. Implement Strict Access Controls: Enforce strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files.

3. Conduct Security Assessments: Perform regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses in the staging environment.

4. Ensure Data Leakage Prevention: Implement measures to protect sensitive information from being exfiltrated.

Actions for Production

1. Strengthen Network Segmentation: Enhance network segmentation and implement robust monitoring to detect and prevent lateral movement by adversaries.

2. Regularly Review Credential Management: Update credential management practices to prevent theft and misuse.

3. Conduct Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor and log file access activities to quickly identify and respond to unauthorized access attempts.