T1119: Automated Collection
Once established within a system or network, an adversary may use automated techniques for collecting internal data. Methods for performing this technique could include use of a Command and Scripting Interpreter to search for and copy information fitting set criteria such as file type, location, or name at specific time intervals.
In cloud-based environments, adversaries may also use cloud APIs, data pipelines, command line interfaces, or extract, transform, and load (ETL) services to automatically collect data.
This functionality could also be built into remote access tools.
This technique may incorporate use of other techniques such as File and Directory Discovery and Lateral Tool Transfer to identify and move files, as well as Cloud Service Dashboard and Cloud Storage Object Discovery to identify resources in cloud environments.
How it's found
Automated File and API Collection Detection Across Platforms: Automated execution of native utilities and scripts to discover, enumerate, and exfiltrate files and clipboard content. Focus is on detecting repeated file access, scripting engine use, and use of command-line utilities commonly leveraged by collection scripts. Repeated or automated access to user document directories or clipboard using shell scripts or utilities like xclip/pbpaste. Detectable via auditd syscall logs or osquery file events. Use of pbpaste, AppleScript, or third-party automation frameworks (e.g., Automator) to collect clipboard or file content in bursts. Observable via unified logs. Suspicious sign-ins to Graph API or sensitive resources using non-browser scripting agents (e.g., Python, PowerShell), often for programmatic access to mailbox or OneDrive content.
Standards mapping
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is T1119 Automated Collection?
Once established within a system or network, an adversary may use automated techniques for collecting internal data. Methods for performing this technique could include use of a Command and Scripting Interpreter to search for and copy information fitting set criteria such as file type, location, or name at specific time intervals. In cloud-based environments, adversaries may also use cloud APIs, data pipelines, command line interfaces, or extract, transform, and load (ETL) services to automatically collect data. This functionality could also be built into remote access tools. This technique may incorporate use of other techniques such as File and Directory Discovery and Lateral Tool Transfer to identify and move files, as well as Cloud Service Dashboard and Cloud Storage Object Discovery to identify resources in cloud environments.
Which tactics does T1119 belong to?
T1119 maps to the Collection tactic.
Does TurboPentest test for Automated Collection?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related MITRE ATT&CK techniques
About this reference
These security references are maintained by IntegSec, an offensive-security firm whose team holds CISSP, OSCP, and OSCE certifications and has run thousands of penetration tests. Content is kept current as tools, standards, and attack techniques evolve.
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