- Tactics
- Execution
- Platforms
- Network Devices
- Reference
- attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059.008
Description
Adversaries may abuse scripting or built-in command line interpreters (CLI) on network devices to execute malicious command and payloads. The CLI is the primary means through which users and administrators interact with the device in order to view system information, modify device operations, or perform diagnostic and administrative functions. CLIs typically contain various permission levels required for different commands.
Scripting interpreters automate tasks and extend functionality beyond the command set included in the network OS. The CLI and scripting interpreter are accessible through a direct console connection, or through remote means, such as telnet or SSH.
Adversaries can use the network CLI to change how network devices behave and operate. The CLI may be used to manipulate traffic flows to intercept or manipulate data, modify startup configuration parameters to load malicious system software, or to disable security features or logging to avoid detection.(Citation: Cisco Synful Knock Evolution)
How GTK Cyber trains on this
GTK Cyber's Threat Hunting with Data Science course teaches you to build machine-learning detections for techniques like this across the MITRE ATT&CK framework, including the Execution tactic this technique falls under. Practitioner-led, focused on real detections, not memorizing technique IDs.
Related techniques
- T1047 — Windows Management Instrumentation
- T1053 — Scheduled Task/Job
- T1059 — Command and Scripting Interpreter
- T1072 — Software Deployment Tools
- T1106 — Native API
- T1127 — Trusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution
- T1129 — Shared Modules
- T1197 — BITS Jobs
- T1203 — Exploitation for Client Execution
- T1204 — User Execution
- T1559 — Inter-Process Communication
- T1569 — System Services