Proxy¶

What is the MITRE ATT&CK "Proxy" Sub-Category?¶

The "Proxy" sub-category under the MITRE ATT&CK framework refers to techniques that adversaries use to leverage intermediary systems for the purpose of disguising their actions or origin during an attack. This is categorized under the broader tactic called "Command and Control," which involves techniques that command and control infrastructures use to communicate with compromised systems while maintaining anonymity.

How Does the "Proxy" Technique Work?¶

1. Establishment of Proxy Servers: Attackers set up proxy servers to relay communications between their infrastructure and the victim's system. This can be achieved by compromising existing proxy servers or setting up new proxy servers.

2. Use of Public Proxy Services: Attackers may utilize publicly available proxy services to obscure their traffic, making it difficult for defenders to trace back malicious activities to their origins.

3. Multi-hop Proxies: In more sophisticated scenarios, attackers chain multiple proxies together (multi-hop proxy), further complicating traceability and increasing anonymity.

4. Peer-to-Peer Networks: Some advanced persistent threats (APTs) utilize peer-to-peer (P2P) networks as a form of a decentralized proxy system, distributing command and control traffic over numerous nodes.

5. Protocol Tunneling: Attackers may tunnel protocols within other protocols (e.g., HTTP within HTTPS) through proxies, which can help evade detection mechanisms that are not inspecting layered protocols.

Where is the "Proxy" Technique Used?¶

• Corporate Networks: Infiltrated corporate environments where attackers want to maintain control over compromised systems without revealing their location or true IP address.
• Botnets: Large scale botnets use proxies extensively to manage commands sent to thousands or millions of compromised machines.
• Targeted Attacks on Governments or High-Value Organizations: Where high levels of stealth and persistence are required.

Why Use the "Proxy" Technique?¶

• Anonymity: Proxies provide a layer of anonymity, helping attackers conceal their identity and location.
• Evasion: By routing malicious traffic through one or several proxies, attackers can evade network security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).
• Persistence: Using proxies can help maintain persistence on a network by providing resilient pathways for command and control even if some nodes are discovered and neutralized.
• Geofencing Bypass: Proxies enable attackers to appear as if they are coming from different geographical locations, thus bypassing geolocation-based filtering controls.

In conclusion, the use of proxies in cyberattacks represents a critical component in an attacker’s arsenal for maintaining stealth while orchestrating and executing sophisticated cyber operations. Understanding this technique allows cybersecurity professionals to better design defenses that detect and mitigate such methods effectively.