T1212: Exploitation for Credential Access
Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to collect credentials. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code.
Credentialing and authentication mechanisms may be targeted for exploitation by adversaries as a means to gain access to useful credentials or circumvent the process to gain authenticated access to systems. One example of this is `MS14-068`, which targets Kerberos and can be used to forge Kerberos tickets using domain user permissions. Another example of this is replay attacks, in which the adversary intercepts data packets sent between parties and then later replays these packets. If services don't properly validate authentication requests, these replayed packets may allow an adversary to impersonate one of the parties and gain unauthorized access or privileges.
Such exploitation has been demonstrated in cloud environments as well. For example, adversaries have exploited vulnerabilities in public cloud infrastructure that allowed for unintended authentication token creation and renewal.
Exploitation for credential access may also result in Privilege Escalation depending on the process targeted or credentials obtained.
How it's found
Detection Strategy for Exploitation for Credential Access: Detects adversary exploitation of authentication mechanisms or credential validation processes. Defender perspective includes forged Kerberos tickets (e.g., MS14-068), abnormal LSASS memory access, replayed authentication attempts, and unexpected crashes of authentication services. Multi-event correlation ties exploitation attempts to abnormal process creation, service instability, and suspicious authentication events. Detects exploitation of authentication daemons or PAM modules. Defender perspective includes failed or anomalous PAM authentications, abnormal segfaults in authentication services, and exploitation attempts followed by successful unauthorized logins. Correlation identifies memory corruption, replay attempts, and privilege escalation tied to credential services. Detects exploitation attempts against macOS authentication frameworks such as OpenDirectory or Keychain. Defender perspective includes abnormal crashes in opendirectoryd, unauthorized Keychain API usage, and unusual sudo or login events. Correlation links unexpected process behavior with credential access anomalies. Detects exploitation of vulnerabilities in cloud identity providers (IdPs) such as Azure AD or Okta for credential access. Defender perspective includes anomalous token creation or renewal, authentication bypass events, and API abuse to mint unauthorized tokens. Correlation highlights exploitation attempts tied to absent or inconsistent audit logs.
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 T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access?
Adversaries may exploit software vulnerabilities in an attempt to collect credentials. Exploitation of a software vulnerability occurs when an adversary takes advantage of a programming error in a program, service, or within the operating system software or kernel itself to execute adversary-controlled code. Credentialing and authentication mechanisms may be targeted for exploitation by adversaries as a means to gain access to useful credentials or circumvent the process to gain authenticated access to systems. One example of this is `MS14-068`, which targets Kerberos and can be used to forge Kerberos tickets using domain user permissions. Another example of this is replay attacks, in which the adversary intercepts data packets sent between parties and then later replays these packets. If services don't properly validate authentication requests, these replayed packets may allow an adversary to impersonate one of the parties and gain unauthorized access or privileges. Such exploitation has been demonstrated in cloud environments as well. For example, adversaries have exploited vulnerabilities in public cloud infrastructure that allowed for unintended authentication token creation and renewal. Exploitation for credential access may also result in Privilege Escalation depending on the process targeted or credentials obtained.
Which tactics does T1212 belong to?
T1212 maps to the Credential Access tactic.
Does TurboPentest test for Exploitation for Credential Access?
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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