Account Manipulation¶

What is "Account Manipulation"?¶

Account Manipulation refers to a category of techniques where an adversary exploits the features or functionalities of account management in order to maintain access, escalate privileges, or disrupt services within an environment. It is cataloged under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which is a comprehensive matrix of tactics and techniques used by attackers to infiltrate and exploit networks and information systems.

How does "Account Manipulation" occur?¶

1. Credential Modification: Attackers may alter credentials to maintain access or increase privileges. This could involve changing the password or associated email address for an account.

2. Privilege Escalation: Modifying account properties to elevate the privileges associated with that account. For example, changing the group membership from a standard user to an administrator.

3. Persistence: Adjusting settings within accounts to ensure continued access during future sessions, even after system restarts or credential resets.

4. Avoiding Detection: Altering audit configurations associated with an account (e.g., disabling logging for specific actions) to avoid detection.

5. Manipulating Account Properties and Roles: This can include changing expiration settings for passwords or modifying user roles and rights.

Where does "Account Manipulation" typically occur?¶

Account Manipulation can occur across various environments:

• Operating Systems: Both Windows and Linux systems are susceptible, especially through administrative tools that manage user accounts.

• Network Devices: Routers and switches often have local accounts that can be manipulated.

• Application Accounts: Enterprise applications like databases, web services, and other critical applications often have their own user management mechanisms susceptible to manipulation.

• Cloud Services: In cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, attackers might manipulate IAM (Identity and Access Management) roles and policies.

Why do attackers use "Account Manipilation"?¶

1. Maintain Access: By manipulating accounts, attackers can ensure they retain access to the environment even if other entry points are closed off.

2. Elevate Privileges: Gaining higher-level privileges allows attackers more freedom to execute commands, access sensitive data, and perform unauthorized actions across the system.

3. Evade Detection: Modifying account properties related to logging and auditing can help avoid triggering alerts that might otherwise expose the attacker’s presence.

4. Facilitate Lateral Movement: With elevated privileges gained through account manipulation, attackers can move more freely across network segments and reach high-value targets.

5. Disruption of Operations: In some cases, such as ransomware attacks or corporate sabotage, disrupting normal operations through strategic manipulation of critical accounts can be an end goal in itself.

In summing up these details about "Account Manipulation," it's crucial for organizations to implement robust security measures including regular audits of account usage and permissions, employing multi-factor authentication (MFA), rigorous monitoring of logs for unusual activities related to accounts management tasks, as well as ongoing training on security best practices for IT personnel managing these accounts.