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TA0005 · DEFENSE EVASION

Disable or Modify System Firewall

T1562.004Sub-technique of Impair DefensesLinux · Network Devices · Windows · macOS · ESXiattack.mitre.org

Adversaries may disable or modify system firewalls in order to bypass controls limiting network usage. Changes could be disabling the entire mechanism as well as adding, deleting, or modifying particular rules.

Detect it with

Monitor processes and command-line arguments to see if firewalls are disabled or modified. Monitor Registry edits to keys that manage firewalls.

Why it matters on shift

Disable or Modify System Firewall 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.

Kill-chain context

← beforePrivilege EscalationDefense Evasionafter →Credential Access