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Event: "net_mitm_tool_exec"

Quick Explanation

The net_mitm_tool_exec detection identifies the execution of network man-in-the-middle (MitM) tools, which are used to intercept, modify, and log network traffic. This activity can potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive data. The presence of such tools indicates attempts to capture or manipulate network traffic, posing significant risks to both CI/CD and production environments if not addressed promptly.

More Information

Information

  1. Description: Network man-in-the-middle tool
  2. Category: Discovery
  3. Method: Network Sniffing
  4. Importance: Critical

Analysis of the Event

The detection of the "net_mitm_tool_exec" event signifies the execution of MitM tools within the monitored environment. These tools, such as ettercap, mitmproxy, and bettercap, are designed to intercept, modify, and log network traffic, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data. The detection utilizes eBPF and other tracing techniques to monitor the execution of specific files associated with known MitM tools. This activity is categorized under Discovery in the MITRE framework, with the method being Network Sniffing. The presence of such tools suggests an attempt to capture or manipulate network traffic, which could lead to data breaches or unauthorized access to network resources.

Implications for the CI/CD Pipeline

The detection of MitM tool execution during a pull request suggests that recent code changes may include functionality related to network traffic interception. This poses significant risks to both the CI environment and production systems if the code is merged and deployed. Unauthorized network sniffing can expose sensitive information, compromise data integrity, and lead to potential security breaches. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent any adverse impact on the organization's infrastructure.

  1. Review Code Changes:
  2. Conduct a thorough review of recent code changes in the pull request for any references or invocations of MitM tools.
  3. Ensure that any legitimate use cases for these tools are well-documented and justified within your development process.
  4. Examine Dependencies:
  5. Check for newly introduced dependencies that might include or rely on network sniffing capabilities.
  6. Validate that all dependencies are necessary and do not introduce unintended security risks.
  7. Implement Security Practices:
  8. Enforce strict access controls and permissions around sensitive operations like network traffic interception.
  9. Utilize code reviews and automated security checks to catch similar issues early in the development cycle.
  10. Audit Logs:
  11. Review audit logs to identify any unauthorized usage patterns involving MitM tools.
  12. Implement continuous monitoring solutions to detect such activities promptly in the future.