TA0003 · PERSISTENCE
Network Device Authentication
Adversaries may use Patch System Image to hard code a password in the operating system, thus bypassing of native authentication mechanisms for local accounts on network devices.
Detect it with
Consider verifying the checksum of the operating system file and verifying the image of the operating system in memory. Detection of this behavior may be difficult, detection efforts may be focused on closely related adversary behaviors, such as Modify System Image.
Why it matters on shift
Network Device Authentication is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve persistence. 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 persistence, the next tactic is usually Privilege Escalation. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context