- Tactics
- Collection
- Platforms
- Network Devices
- Reference
- attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1602.002
Description
Adversaries may access network configuration files to collect sensitive data about the device and the network. The network configuration is a file containing parameters that determine the operation of the device. The device typically stores an in-memory copy of the configuration while operating, and a separate configuration on non-volatile storage to load after device reset. Adversaries can inspect the configuration files to reveal information about the target network and its layout, the network device and its software, or identifying legitimate accounts and credentials for later use.
Adversaries can use common management tools and protocols, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Smart Install (SMI), to access network configuration files.(Citation: US-CERT TA18-106A Network Infrastructure Devices 2018)(Citation: Cisco Blog Legacy Device Attacks) These tools may be used to query specific data from a configuration repository or configure the device to export the configuration for later analysis.
How GTK Cyber trains on this
GTK Cyber's hands-on training programs cover detection engineering across the MITRE ATT&CK framework, including the Collection tactic this technique falls under. Our practitioner-led courses focus on building real detections, not just memorizing technique IDs.
Related techniques
- T1005 — Data from Local System
- T1025 — Data from Removable Media
- T1039 — Data from Network Shared Drive
- T1056 — Input Capture
- T1074 — Data Staged
- T1113 — Screen Capture
- T1114 — Email Collection
- T1115 — Clipboard Data
- T1119 — Automated Collection
- T1123 — Audio Capture
- T1125 — Video Capture
- T1185 — Browser Session Hijacking