T0176 - Misconfigured security measures

Misconfiguration of security measures refers to an attack technique where an attacker takes advantage of misconfigured security settings in cloud environments to evade detection and launch further attacks. This technique is commonly used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to cloud resources, exfiltrate data, or launch other types of attacks. In cloud environments, misconfigured security measures can occur due to various reasons such as incomplete security configurations, outdated software, or a lack of security controls. Attackers can exploit these misconfigurations to gain access to sensitive information, resources, or systems. For example, an attacker can take advantage of misconfigured security groups or firewall rules to bypass security controls and access sensitive data or resources.

ID: T0176
Type: Technique
Tactic: Defense Evasion
Summary: Misconfigured security measures
State: draft

Mitigations

id

type

summary

description

M1530
Mitigation
Use multi-factor authentication
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users, including developers, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their workstations and other resources.
M1550
Mitigation
Implement strict access control for clouds
Limit access to cloud resources to only authorized users and ensure that proper authentication and authorization mechanisms are in place.
M1720
Mitigation
Implement regular patches and updates
Regular patches and updates are necessary to improve the security, performance, and reliability of software and systems. They include bug fixes, security updates, and performance improvements. Regular patches and updates also ensure compatibility with new technologies and can help maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Failure to install patches and updates can leave systems vulnerable to security threats, cause system failures or crashes, and limit the functionality of software and systems.
M1760
Mitigation
Regularly review and update security configurations
Organizations should review their security configurations on a regular basis and ensure that they are up to date. This includes reviewing firewall rules, access controls, and other security settings to ensure that they are properly configured.
M1761
Mitigation
Implement automated security tools
Automated security tools can help to identify misconfigured security settings and alert security teams to potential vulnerabilities. These tools can also help to automatically remediate misconfigurations before they can be exploited.

Detections

id

type

summary

description

D1260
Detection
Implement regular security audit and review
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of your systems and storages configurations to identify and address any potential misconfigurations or vulnerabilities that could lead to exposed storage. This includes reviewing access controls, encryption settings, and other security configurations to ensure they are aligned with best practices and organizational security policies.
D1261
Detection
Implement penetration testing
Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking or vulnerability assessment, is a proactive approach to mitigating cybersecurity risks. It involves simulating real-world cyber attacks on a system, network, or application in a controlled and authorized manner to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.
D1262
Detection
Implement vulnerability assesment
Vulnerability assessment is a proactive approach to mitigating cybersecurity risks by systematically identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing vulnerabilities in a system, network, or application. It involves conducting regular assessments to identify potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers, and taking appropriate actions to remediate or mitigate those vulnerabilities.
D1510
Detection
Implement Intrusion Detection System and anti-malware
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a security tool designed to detect and alert on unauthorized access to a computer system or network. Implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) and anti-malware software can help to identify and block malicious activity. IDS is a critical security tool that helps organizations to detect and respond to security incidents in a timely manner. By providing real-time monitoring and analysis of network traffic, IDS can help organizations to stay ahead of potential threats and reduce the risk of a security breach.
D1520
Detection
Implement endpoint detection and response system
An endpoint detection and response (EDR) system is a security tool designed to detect and respond to security incidents on endpoints, such as desktops, laptops, servers, and mobile devices. There are several reasons why an EDR system is essential for maintaining the security of endpoints: 1. Threat Detection: EDR can detect and alert on a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, and other types of attacks that may not be detected by traditional antivirus software. 2. Rapid Incident Response: EDR can help security teams to rapidly detect, investigate, and respond to security incidents on endpoints. EDR systems can provide detailed information about the scope and impact of an attack, enabling security personnel to respond quickly and effectively. 3. Behavioral Analysis: EDR can monitor endpoint behavior to detect and alert on suspicious or anomalous activity. This helps security teams to identify and respond to threats that may be missed by traditional signature-based detection. 4. Endpoint Visibility: EDR provides visibility into endpoint activity, including processes, network connections, and file activity. This helps security teams to identify potential attack vectors and take proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

References

  1. https://www.upguard.com/blog/cloud-misconfiguration