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TA0006 · CREDENTIAL ACCESS

SAML Tokens

T1606.002Sub-technique of Forge Web CredentialsSaaS · Windows · IaaS · Office Suite · Identity Providerattack.mitre.org

An adversary may forge SAML tokens with any permissions claims and lifetimes if they possess a valid SAML token-signing certificate.

Detect it with

This technique may be difficult to detect as SAML tokens are signed by a trusted certificate. The forging process may not be detectable since it is likely to happen outside of a defender's visibility, but subsequent usage of the forged token may be seen.

Why it matters on shift

SAML Tokens is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve credential access. 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 credential access, the next tactic is usually Discovery. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.

Kill-chain context

← beforeDefense EvasionCredential Accessafter →Discovery