Sub-technique of T1556 Modify Authentication Process.View on attack.mitre.org
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). 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.
Rules on DetectionCode tagged with T1556.001.
None recorded.
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| GroupChimera | Chimera's malware has altered the NTLM authentication program on domain controllers to allow Chimera to login without a valid credential. |
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| MalwareSkeleton Key | Skeleton Key is used to patch an enterprise domain controller authentication process with a backdoor password. It allows adversaries to bypass the standard authentication system to use a defined password for all accounts authenticating to that domain controller. |
Data from MITRE ATT&CK® (Enterprise). ATT&CK® is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation.
