System Network Configuration Discovery

System Network Configuration Discovery [T1016]

Information

• Name: System Network Configuration Discovery

• ID: T1016

• Tactics: TA0007

• Sub-Technique: T1016.001, T1016.002

Introduction

System Network Configuration Discovery is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as technique T1016. Attackers utilize this technique to gather detailed information about network configurations, interfaces, routing tables, DNS settings, and other network-related data. This reconnaissance enables adversaries to understand the target environment, identify potential pivot points, and plan subsequent attack stages effectively.

Deep Dive Into Technique

System Network Configuration Discovery involves adversaries executing commands or scripts on compromised hosts to enumerate network settings and configurations. Attackers typically leverage built-in operating system utilities and commands, reducing the need for additional malicious tools and thus minimizing detection risk.

Common execution methods include:

• Windows Environments:

  • ipconfig /all: Displays detailed network adapter configurations, DNS servers, DHCP settings.

  • route print: Lists routing tables, showing network paths and gateways.

  • arp -a: Reveals ARP tables, mapping IP addresses to MAC addresses.

  • netsh interface show: Enumerates network interfaces and their configurations.

  • PowerShell commands such as Get-NetIPConfiguration or Get-NetRoute.

• Linux/Unix Environments:

  • ifconfig or ip addr: Displays IP addresses, subnet masks, and interface details.

  • route -n or ip route: Lists routing tables and gateway information.

  • cat /etc/resolv.conf: Provides DNS configuration settings.

  • arp -a: Lists ARP cache entries.

  • Commands such as netstat -r to display network routing tables.

Attackers may also use scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell scripts to automate network discovery and exfiltrate configuration data quietly.

When this Technique is Usually Used

System Network Configuration Discovery typically occurs in various attack scenarios and stages, including:

• Initial Access and Reconnaissance:

  • Immediately after gaining initial foothold to map the network environment.

  • Identifying valuable assets, servers, and network segments.

• Lateral Movement:

  • Discovering network routes, gateways, and reachable hosts to pivot internally.

  • Identifying internal DNS servers and network topology.

• Privilege Escalation:

  • Gathering network information to locate and exploit misconfigurations or vulnerable services.

  • Identifying network services running with elevated privileges.

• Persistence and Command and Control (C2):

  • Determining outbound network paths and firewall rules to establish persistent communications.

  • Understanding DNS configurations for domain fronting or DNS tunneling.

• Data Exfiltration:

  • Mapping network routes and configurations to identify optimal exfiltration paths.

  • Understanding firewall and proxy configurations to bypass network defenses.

How this Technique is Usually Detected

Detection of System Network Configuration Discovery typically involves a combination of endpoint monitoring, log analysis, and network anomaly detection:

• Endpoint Monitoring and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response):

  • Monitoring execution of unusual or suspicious system commands (ipconfig, ifconfig, route, arp).

  • Detecting PowerShell scripts or other scripting languages executing network enumeration commands.

  • Monitoring processes and command-line arguments that enumerate network configurations.

• SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and Log Analysis:

  • Collecting and analyzing logs for unusual volume or frequency of network-related commands.

  • Identifying unexpected processes querying network configuration files (/etc/resolv.conf, Windows registry keys related to network settings).

• Behavioral Analysis and Anomaly Detection:

  • Detecting unusual patterns of command execution or abnormal enumeration activities.

  • Alerting on unexpected enumeration commands across multiple systems in short timeframes.

• Network Monitoring and IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems):

  • Detecting network scanning or enumeration attempts that may follow network configuration discovery.

  • Identifying unusual DNS queries or ARP requests indicative of reconnaissance.

Specific Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) include:

• Execution of commands such as:

  • ipconfig /all

  • route print

  • arp -a

  • ifconfig

  • netsh interface

• Scripts or binaries performing repeated or scripted network enumeration.

• Suspicious or anomalous access to network configuration files or registry keys.

Why it is Important to Detect This Technique

Early detection of System Network Configuration Discovery is crucial due to several potential impacts:

• Facilitates Lateral Movement:

  • Attackers use discovered network routes and configurations to pivot internally, compromising additional assets.

• Enables Privilege Escalation:

  • Misconfigurations or vulnerable network services identified during enumeration may enable attackers to escalate privileges.

• Supports Data Exfiltration:

  • Detailed network knowledge helps attackers identify optimal paths to exfiltrate sensitive data while evading detection.

• Increases Attack Efficiency:

  • Accurate network mapping reduces attacker dwell time and increases the speed and effectiveness of subsequent attacks.

• Compromises Network Security:

  • Understanding network defenses, firewall configurations, and DNS settings allows attackers to bypass security measures.

Early detection allows security teams to:

• Interrupt attacker reconnaissance before further compromise.

• Implement defensive measures proactively, such as network segmentation, access restrictions, and firewall rule adjustments.

• Investigate and remediate compromised hosts quickly, reducing overall attack impact.

Examples

Real-world examples of System Network Configuration Discovery include:

• APT28 (Fancy Bear):

  • During intrusions, utilized commands such as ipconfig /all, route print, and arp -a to enumerate network configurations and plan lateral movement strategies.

  • Leveraged PowerShell scripts for automated network enumeration across multiple compromised hosts.

• APT29 (Cozy Bear):

  • Used native Linux commands (ifconfig, route -n, cat /etc/resolv.conf) after initial compromise to map out internal network infrastructure.

  • Conducted network reconnaissance to identify DNS configurations and internal network routes for command-and-control communications.

• FIN7 Cybercrime Group:

  • Executed automated scripts and batch files to enumerate network details (netsh, ipconfig) on compromised Windows endpoints.

  • Leveraged gathered network information to identify sensitive systems such as payment processing servers, leading to targeted data exfiltration.

• WannaCry Ransomware:

  • After initial infection, executed network enumeration commands (ipconfig, arp, route) to identify additional vulnerable hosts within the local subnet.

  • Used gathered network information to propagate laterally, significantly increasing attack impact and propagation speed.

• TrickBot Malware:

  • Performed detailed network configuration discovery to identify DNS servers, DHCP settings, and network routes.

  • Utilized this information to facilitate lateral movement, credential harvesting, and subsequent ransomware deployment (e.g., Ryuk ransomware).

In these examples, attackers primarily leveraged built-in operating system tools and commands, highlighting the importance of monitoring native system utilities and command execution patterns closely.