Sub-technique of T1588 Obtain Capabilities.View on attack.mitre.org
Adversaries may buy and/or steal code signing certificates that can be used during targeting. Code signing is the process of digitally signing executables and scripts to confirm the software author and guarantee that the code has not been altered or corrupted. Code signing provides a level of authenticity for a program from the developer and a guarantee that the program has not been tampered with. Users and/or security tools may trust a signed piece of code more than an unsigned piece of code even if they don't know who issued the certificate or who the author is.
Prior to Code Signing, adversaries may purchase or steal code signing certificates for use in operations. The purchase of code signing certificates may be done using a front organization or using information stolen from a previously compromised entity that allows the adversary to validate to a certificate provider as that entity. Adversaries may also steal code signing materials directly from a compromised third-party.
Rules on DetectionCode tagged with T1588.003.
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| GroupBlackTech | BlackTech has used stolen code-signing certificates for its malicious payloads. |
| GroupFIN8 | FIN8 has used an expired open-source X.509 certificate for testing in the OpenSSL repository, to connect to actor-controlled C2 servers. |
| GroupKimsuky | Kimsuky has stolen a valid certificate that is used to sign the malware and the dropper. |
| GroupMustang Panda | Mustang Panda has used revoked code signing certificates for its malicious payloads. |
| GroupOilRig | OilRig has obtained stolen code signing certificates to digitally sign malware. |
| GroupThreat Group-3390 | Threat Group-3390 has obtained stolen valid certificates, including from VMProtect and the Chinese instant messaging application Youdu, for their operations. |
| GroupWizard Spider | Wizard Spider has obtained code signing certificates signed by DigiCert, GlobalSign, and COMOOD for malware payloads. |
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| MalwareMegaCortex | MegaCortex has used code signing certificates issued to fake companies to bypass security controls. |
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| CampaignAPT41 DUST | APT41 DUST used stolen code signing certificates to sign DUSTTRAP malware and components. |
| CampaignHomeLand Justice | During HomeLand Justice, threat actors used tools with legitimate code signing certificates. |
| CampaignOperation Dream Job | During Operation Dream Job, Lazarus Group used code signing certificates issued by Sectigo RSA for some of its malware and tools. |
Data from MITRE ATT&CK® (Enterprise). ATT&CK® is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation.
