TA0010 · EXFILTRATION
Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol
DNS tunnelling, FTP, and ICMP used to carry data around web-focused controls.
Detect it with
Abnormal DNS TXT query volume and length; internal hosts sending FTP outbound at all.
Why it matters on shift
Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve exfiltration. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After exfiltration, the next tactic is usually Impact. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
3 sub-techniques
How it shows up in practice
- T1048.001
Exfiltration Over Symmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol
Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over a symmetrically encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server.
- T1048.002
Exfiltration Over Asymmetric Encrypted Non-C2 Protocol
Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over an asymmetrically encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server.
- T1048.003
Exfiltration Over Unencrypted Non-C2 Protocol
Adversaries may steal data by exfiltrating it over an un-encrypted network protocol other than that of the existing command and control channel. The data may also be sent to an alternate network location from the main command and control server.
Kill-chain context