MITRE ATT&CK Framework for Beginners

Cyber Gray Matter

9 Dec 202107:53

Summary

TLDRThis video from Cyber Gray Matter explains the MITRE ATT&CK framework, a tool used to understand cyber adversaries' tactics, techniques, and common knowledge. It's beneficial for professionals, students, and businesses, aiding both blue (defensive) and red (offensive) teams in cybersecurity. The video covers how to use the framework, search for vulnerabilities, and its applications in real-world scenarios.

Takeaways

😀 The video introduces the MITRE ATT&CK framework, aiming to make it accessible to beginners and those unfamiliar with cybersecurity jargon.
🏢 MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization in Bedford, Massachusetts, developed the ATT&CK framework.
💡 'ATT&CK' stands for Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge, focusing on how attackers operate and the techniques they use.
🌐 The framework is based on real-world data and reports submitted by users and researchers, making it a public resource.
👨‍🏫 Both professionals and students can benefit from the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which is designed to be user-friendly even for those without dedicated cybersecurity teams.
🛡️ The framework is used by both 'blue teams' (defenders) and 'red teams' (offensive security testers) to understand and counteract cyber threats.
🔍 Frameworks in cybersecurity, like grammar in language, provide a common language and understanding for various stakeholders.
🔗 MITRE ATT&CK is open and accessible, helping businesses and professionals protect themselves by understanding common vulnerabilities and threats.
💻 The framework covers not only Windows but also includes information on Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS, making it versatile for various platforms.
🔎 The MITRE website provides a searchable matrix of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by different threat groups, aiding in understanding specific attack patterns.
🔧 Tools like MITRE Detect and Atomic Red Team can be used to map data sources and emulate adversary techniques, helping to strengthen network defenses.

Q & A

What is the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
-The MITRE ATT&CK framework is a knowledge base of adversary tactics, techniques, and common knowledge. It stands for Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge. It is designed to help understand and counter cyber threats by cataloging the methods used by attackers.
What does MITRE stand for in the context of the ATT&CK framework?
-MITRE is not an acronym, but ATT&CK stands for Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge. It is a framework developed by MITRE Corporation to categorize and understand cyber threats.
Who uses the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
-The MITRE ATT&CK framework is used by professionals in the cybersecurity field, students, businesses, and even adversaries. It provides a common language and understanding for discussing and countering cyber threats.
Why are frameworks important in cybersecurity?
-Frameworks in cybersecurity, like the MITRE ATT&CK, are important because they provide a centralized and standardized way for everyone to understand and communicate about cyber threats. They help in speaking the same language and being on the same page regarding different aspects of cyber threats.
How can businesses benefit from the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
-Businesses can benefit from the MITRE ATT&CK framework by using it to understand and manage vulnerabilities in their networks. It helps in threat modeling, identifying realistic attack scenarios, and making informed decisions about mitigation strategies.
What are the blue and red teams in the context of cybersecurity?
-In cybersecurity, the blue team refers to the defensive side, such as analysts who protect the network. The red team refers to the offensive side, including penetration testers who test the security by exploiting known vulnerabilities.
How does the MITRE ATT&CK framework help in vulnerability management?
-The MITRE ATT&CK framework helps in vulnerability management by providing a comprehensive catalog of known attack techniques and procedures. This allows companies to identify potential threats and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
What is the significance of the MITRE ATT&CK matrix?
-The MITRE ATT&CK matrix is a visual representation of the framework that organizes tactics, techniques, and procedures used by adversaries. It helps in understanding the relationships between different aspects of cyber attacks and how they can be countered.
How can the MITRE ATT&CK framework be used for adversary emulation?
-The MITRE ATT&CK framework can be used for adversary emulation by simulating the actions of attackers to test the security of a network. This involves identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them to assess the effectiveness of defenses.
What is the role of MITRE Detect in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework?
-MITRE Detect is a tool that can be used to map data sources and capabilities within a network. It helps in identifying assets and their vulnerabilities, which can then be used to understand potential attack vectors and improve security.
How can the MITRE ATT&CK framework be used by threat intelligence vendors?
-Threat intelligence vendors can use the MITRE ATT&CK framework to guide their services in finding and managing vulnerabilities on networks. It provides a structured approach to understanding and mitigating cyber threats.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to the MITRE ATT&CK Framework

This paragraph introduces the video's focus on the MITRE ATT&CK framework, a tool designed to help understand and counter cyber threats. The MITRE Corporation, a non-profit organization, developed this framework which stands for 'adversarial tactics, techniques, and common knowledge.' It is a publicly accessible resource that categorizes and explains the methods used by cyber attackers, known as adversaries, threat actors, or hackers. The framework is beneficial not only for professionals but also for students and businesses, even those without dedicated security teams. Both blue teams (defenders) and red teams (offensive security testers) can utilize the framework to enhance their strategies and tactics. The paragraph also hints at the importance of frameworks in cybersecurity, comparing them to grammar and semantics in language, and emphasizes the value of a common language in understanding and addressing cyber threats.

05:01

🔎 Exploring the MITRE ATT&CK Framework and its Applications

In this paragraph, the video script delves deeper into the MITRE ATT&CK framework, explaining how it can be used to identify and manage vulnerabilities in a network. The framework is described as a set of tactics, techniques, and procedures used by cyber attackers, which are cataloged based on real-world data. The video demonstrates how to navigate the MITRE website, highlighting the attack matrix and how to search for specific tactics, techniques, and procedures. It also discusses the role of frameworks in cybersecurity, emphasizing their importance in creating a common understanding and language among professionals. The paragraph further explores the use of the framework by blue teams for identifying data sources and capabilities, and by red teams for adversary emulation and penetration testing. The video mentions tools like MITRE Detect and Atomic Red Team, which can be used to map data sources and detect techniques related to the MITRE ATT&CK techniques, respectively. The paragraph concludes by encouraging viewers to ask questions and suggesting future topics for the channel.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡MITER Attack

MITER Attack is a framework developed by the MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization. It stands for 'adversarial tactics, techniques, and common knowledge.' The framework is designed to catalog and understand the tactics and techniques used by cyber adversaries, such as hackers, and the knowledge they use to carry out attacks. In the video, it is described as a tool that can be used by both professionals and students to understand and mitigate cyber threats.

💡Adversaries

In the context of the video, 'adversaries' refers to individuals or groups that carry out cyber attacks. They are also known as 'threat actors' or 'hackers.' The MITER Attack framework aims to document the methods these adversaries use, which can help in understanding and defending against potential attacks.

💡Tactics

Tactics in the MITER Attack framework refer to the strategies and methods used by cyber adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities. These tactics are part of the adversarial techniques that the framework seeks to document and understand. The video mentions that tactics are how adversaries use exploits, which are part of their broader approach to cyber attacks.

💡Techniques

Techniques are the specific actions or methods used by adversaries to carry out their tactics. In the MITER Attack framework, techniques are detailed to provide a deeper understanding of how attacks are executed. The video script uses the example of 'clearing Windows event logs' as a technique that could be employed by an adversary.

💡Common Knowledge (CK)

Common Knowledge in the MITER Attack framework refers to the collective data, information, and reports that MITRE Corporation gathers and catalogs. This knowledge is based on real-world observations of how adversary groups behave and operate. It is open to the public and serves as a resource for understanding cyber threats.

💡Blue Team

The 'Blue Team' in the video refers to the group within an organization that is responsible for defending against cyber attacks. They are the 'defenders' who use frameworks like MITER Attack to understand potential threats and strengthen network security. The video explains that the Blue Team can benefit from MITER Attack to identify vulnerabilities and protect the organization.

💡Red Team

The 'Red Team' is the counterpart to the Blue Team, focusing on the offensive side of cybersecurity. They simulate attacks to test an organization's defenses. In the video, the Red Team is described as those who 'hack the network' and use the MITER Attack framework to understand and exploit vulnerabilities, similar to how real adversaries would.

💡Frameworks

In cybersecurity, a framework is a structured approach or set of guidelines that helps in organizing and understanding complex systems or processes. The video explains that frameworks like MITER Attack are important because they provide a common language and understanding for cybersecurity professionals, making it easier to communicate and coordinate efforts.

💡Vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities are weaknesses in a system that can be exploited by adversaries to carry out attacks. The MITER Attack framework helps in identifying and understanding these vulnerabilities, which is crucial for both the Blue Team in defending against attacks and the Red Team in testing defenses. The video script mentions searching for vulnerabilities on the MITER website as part of using the framework.

💡Threat Intel Vendors

Threat intelligence vendors are companies that provide services to help businesses identify and manage their vulnerabilities. They use frameworks like MITER Attack to guide their efforts. The video script mentions that these vendors can benefit from the MITER Attack framework, which helps them in understanding and mitigating threats.

💡Adversary Emulation

Adversary emulation is a process where the Red Team simulates the actions of a cyber adversary to test an organization's defenses. The video explains that this involves identifying vulnerabilities and exploring all possible attack methods that an adversary might use, which is a key aspect of using the MITER Attack framework for testing and improving security.

Highlights

Introduction to the MITRE ATT&CK framework and its purpose.

MITRE Corporation's role in developing the ATT&CK framework.

Explanation of the acronym 'ATT&CK' - Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge.

The public accessibility of MITRE's information and its submission by users and researchers.

MITRE's utility for both professional fields and students.

The distinction between blue teams (defenders) and red teams (offensive security testers) in the context of MITRE.

Adversaries can also use MITRE information to improve their methods.

Importance of frameworks in cybersecurity for standardized practices and communication.

The MITRE framework's role in threat intelligence and vulnerability management.

MITRE's coverage of various platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS.

How the MITRE framework aids in threat modeling and understanding realistic attack scenarios.

Introduction to the MITRE ATT&CK matrix and its components.

Demonstration of how to navigate the MITRE website and search for specific techniques.

The role of MITRE in identifying and cataloging procedures used by different threat groups.

How blue team analysts can use MITRE to identify data sources and capabilities.

Introduction to MITRE Detect, a tool for mapping data sources in the context of MITRE.

The process of adversary emulation and its similarity to penetration testing.

Use of Atomic Red Team for detecting techniques and procedures related to MITRE attack techniques.

Conclusion and invitation for questions and further video topics.