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TA0005 · DEFENSE EVASION

File and Directory Permissions Modification

T1222Linux · Windows · macOS · ESXiattack.mitre.org

Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.

Detect it with

Monitor and investigate attempts to modify ACLs and file/directory ownership.

Why it matters on shift

File and Directory Permissions Modification is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve defense evasion. 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 defense evasion, the next tactic is usually Credential Access. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.

2 sub-techniques

How it shows up in practice

  1. T1222.001

    Windows File and Directory Permissions Modification

    Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.

  2. T1222.002

    Linux and Mac File and Directory Permissions Modification

    Adversaries may modify file or directory permissions/attributes to evade access control lists (ACLs) and access protected files.

Kill-chain context

← beforePrivilege EscalationDefense Evasionafter →Credential Access