T1669 Wi-Fi Networks

High-Level Description

Adversaries may gain initial access to target systems by connecting to wireless networks. They may accomplish this by exploiting open Wi-Fi networks used by target devices or by accessing secured Wi-Fi networks — requiring Valid Accounts — belonging to a target organization. Establishing a connection to a Wi-Fi access point requires a certain level of proximity to both discover and maintain a stable network connection.

Adversaries may establish a wireless connection through various methods, such as by physically positioning themselves near a Wi-Fi network to conduct close access operations. To bypass the need for physical proximity, adversaries may attempt to remotely compromise nearby third-party systems that have both wired and wireless network connections available (i.e., dual-homed systems). These third-party compromised devices can then serve as a bridge to connect to a target’s Wi-Fi network.

Once an initial wireless connection is achieved, adversaries may leverage this access for follow-on activities in the victim network or further targeting of specific devices on the network. Adversaries may perform Network Sniffing or Adversary-in-the-Middle activities for Credential Access or Discovery.

Kill Chain Phase

• Initial Access (TA0001)

Platforms: Linux, Network Devices, Windows, macOS

What to Check

• ] Identify if Wi-Fi Networks technique is applicable to target environment
• ] Check Linux systems for indicators of Wi-Fi Networks
• ] Check Network Devices systems for indicators of Wi-Fi Networks
• ] Check Windows systems for indicators of Wi-Fi Networks
• ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (3 known mitigations)
• ] Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Wi-Fi Networks by examining the target platforms (Linux, Network Devices, Windows).

1. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1669 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

1. Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

> Note: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See Atomic Red Team GitHub for updates.

Remediation Guide

M1032 Multi-factor Authentication

Harden access requirements for Wi-Fi networks through using two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate, such as a username and password in addition to a token from a physical smart card or token generator.

M1030 Network Segmentation

Network segmentation can be used to isolate infrastructure components that do not require broad network access. Separate networking environments for Wi-Fi and Ethernet-wired networks, particularly where Ethernet-based networks allow for access to sensitive resources.

M1041 Encrypt Sensitive Information

Ensure that all wired and/or wireless traffic is encrypted appropriately. Use best practices for authentication protocols, such as Kerberos, and ensure that web traffic that may contain credentials is protected by SSL/TLS.

Detection

Detection Strategy for Wi-Fi Networks

Risk Assessment

| Finding | Severity | Impact | | ----------------------------------- | -------- | -------------- | | Wi-Fi Networks technique applicable | High | Initial Access |

CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title | | ------ | ------------------------- | | CWE-20 | Improper Input Validation |

References

• Nearest Neighbor Volexity
• DOJ GRU Charges 2018
• Atomic Red Team - T1669
• MITRE ATT&CK - T1669