ATT&CK Reference
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TA0011 · COMMAND AND CONTROL

Web Service

T1102Linux · macOS · Windows · ESXiattack.mitre.org

Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service as a means for relaying data to/from a compromised system.

Detect it with

Host data that can relate unknown or suspicious process activity using a network connection is important to supplement any existing indicators of compromise based on malware command and control signatures and infrastructure or the presence of strong encryption.

Why it matters on shift

Web Service is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve command and control. 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 command and control, the next tactic is usually Exfiltration. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.

3 sub-techniques

How it shows up in practice

  1. T1102.001

    Dead Drop Resolver

    Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service to host information that points to additional command and control (C2) infrastructure.

  2. T1102.002

    Bidirectional Communication

    Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service as a means for sending commands to and receiving output from a compromised system over the Web service channel.

  3. T1102.003

    One-Way Communication

    Adversaries may use an existing, legitimate external Web service as a means for sending commands to a compromised system without receiving return output over the Web service channel.

Kill-chain context

← beforeCollectionCommand and Controlafter →Exfiltration