Threat Intel
Defending against different skilled threat classes is an important thing to consider when you are planning, designing and operating a business. I’ve used GROK (AI) to create an html page which has both information on the kill chains, but also looks at countermeasures. I’m experimenting lots with VIBE coding and LLM assisted content generation so hopefully this proves useful. I do feel it needs a more human touch added as well… but let’s see! life without experimentation would be dull would it not!
Scattered Spider Attack Flow
Attack Flow
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Reconnaissance
[Hack]
- Scattered Spider conducts OSINT via LinkedIn, corporate websites, and social media.
- Maps organizational structures.
- Identifies helpdesk contacts.
- Harvests phone numbers.
- Targets cloud service accounts.
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Pretexting
[Hack]
- Attackers impersonate employees or contractors.
- Use scenarios like being a remote worker locked out of accounts.
- Request urgent access via vishing calls to helpdesks.
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Helpdesk Manipulation
[Hack]
- Manipulate helpdesk with social engineering (urgency, authority, empathy).
- Bypass MFA or verification processes.
- Exploit weak authentication protocols.
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MFA Reset
[Hack]
- Request MFA resets or temporary access codes.
- Provide stolen or fabricated details (e.g., employee IDs, manager names).
- Trick helpdesks into granting access.
-
Account Access
[Hack]
- With MFA bypassed, gain access to VPNs.
- Access cloud services (e.g., Azure, AWS).
- Enter internal networks.
-
Active Directory Takeover
[Hack]
- Use compromised accounts to enumerate Active Directory with BloodHound.
- Identify privileged accounts.
- Escalate privileges via Kerberoasting or credential dumping.
-
vCenter/ESXi Compromise
[Hack]
- With elevated privileges, access VMware vCenter/ESXi systems.
- Use stolen credentials or exploits (e.g., CVE-2021-21972).
- Control virtualized infrastructure.
-
Persistence and Evasion
[Hack]
- Establish persistence via scheduled tasks, new accounts, or backdoors.
- Use living-off-the-land tools (e.g., PsExec, WMI) to evade detection.
-
Backup Targeting
[Hack]
- Identify and target backup systems (e.g., Veeam, AWS S3).
- Encrypt or delete backups to prevent data recovery.
-
Encryption Tool Deployment
[Hack]
- Deploy ransomware (e.g., ALPHV/BlackCat).
- Encrypt critical systems, including ESXi hosts.
- May destroy data to maximize disruption.
-
Data Exfiltration
[Hack]
- Steal sensitive data (e.g., customer records, financials).
- Use tools like Rclone or Mega.
- Exfiltrate to cloud storage or dark web servers.
-
Extortion Attempts
[Hack]
- Demand ransom via email or Tor-based portals.
- Threaten to leak data on dark web sites (e.g., ALPHV’s leak site).
- Threaten to permanently destroy data.
Defensive Countermeasures
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Enhance Employee Training
[Secure]
- Conduct regular training on social engineering (vishing, phishing).
- Teach employees to recognize pretexting and helpdesk manipulation attempts.
- Simulate attacks to improve awareness.
-
Strengthen MFA Policies
[Secure]
- Enforce MFA with hardware tokens or biometrics.
- Train helpdesk to verify identities with strict protocols.
- Monitor MFA reset requests for anomalies.
-
Implement Least Privilege
[Secure]
- Restrict account permissions in Active Directory.
- Regularly audit privileged accounts.
- Use role-based access controls to limit exposure.
-
Secure Virtualization Platforms
[Secure]
- Patch vCenter/ESXi systems (e.g., CVE-2021-21972).
- Use network segmentation to isolate virtual infrastructure.
- Monitor admin access for unauthorized activity.
-
Protect Backup Systems
[Secure]
- Store backups offline or in immutable cloud storage.
- Test restoration processes regularly.
- Secure backup systems with strong access controls.
-
Deploy Endpoint Detection
[Secure]
- Use EDR tools to detect BloodHound, Rclone, or ALPHV/BlackCat.
- Monitor for living-off-the-land tools (e.g., PsExec, WMI).
- Enable real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
-
Monitor Cloud Environments
[Secure]
- Enable logging in Azure, AWS, and other cloud services.
- Use anomaly detection to catch unauthorized access.
- Regularly review cloud account permissions.
-
Develop Incident Response Plans
[Secure]
- Create plans for ransomware and data exfiltration.
- Test response strategies with tabletop exercises.
- Prepare communication protocols for extortion demands.
Defensive Checklist
Activity Log
Let me know what you think on LinkedIn or Twitter
I’ve added some specific guidance for password resets here:
Again using AI to support, which leaves me time to go and test this with a client!
