TA0007 · DISCOVERY
Virtual Machine Discovery
An adversary may attempt to enumerate running virtual machines (VMs) after gaining access to a host or hypervisor. For example, adversaries may enumerate a list of VMs on an ESXi hypervisor using a Hypervisor CLI such as esxcli or vim-cmd (e.g.
Detect it with
No MITRE detection guidance published. Build coverage from the parent technique and your own telemetry.
Why it matters on shift
Virtual Machine Discovery is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve discovery. 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 discovery, the next tactic is usually Lateral Movement. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context