Understanding the Mitre ATT&CK Framework: An Overview

The Mitre ATT&CK framework—pronounced “miter attack”—is a free resource that provides a detailed overview of how cyber adversaries behave. It’s designed to help organizations reinforce their cybersecurity efforts. ATT&CK stands for Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge, which reflect the core of this framework.

Organizations from various sectors utilize ATT&CK for tasks like intrusion detection, threat hunting, and risk management. It allows them to assess their security measures and evaluate vendors’ cybersecurity products and services. Vendors also leverage Mitre ATT&CK to enhance their solutions, ensuring they effectively tackle security incidents.

Mitre Corp., a non-profit focused on security research, developed and continues to manage this framework. They compile real-world analyses to guide organizations in shaping their threat models. As more organizations share their insights, the knowledge base expands, strengthening the cybersecurity landscape.

There are three main versions of the ATT&CK framework:

1. ATT&CK for Enterprise: Covers threats across Windows, Mac, Linux, and cloud environments.
2. ATT&CK for Mobile Environments: Focuses on threats targeting iOS and Android devices.
3. ATT&CK for Industrial Control Systems: Addresses issues relevant to industrial control systems.

Each organization tailors the framework to its specific cybersecurity methods. Evaluations are objective and noncompetitive, ensuring organizations can’t leverage results for business advantages.

The ATT&CK framework breaks down adversarial behavior into tactics and techniques. A technique illustrates how an attacker achieves their goal, while a tactic defines the purpose behind the attack. For instance, tactics encompass actions like reconnaissance—gathering information on targets—and credential access—stealing user credentials to gain unauthorized entry.

In the enterprise version, 14 tactics are outlined:

1. Reconnaissance: Identifying vulnerabilities in targets.
2. Resource Development: Acquiring tools and infrastructure for attacks.
3. Initial Access: Gaining entry through methods like phishing.
4. Execution: Running malicious code on compromised systems.
5. Persistence: Maintaining access after detection or rebooting.
6. Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher access privileges.
7. Defense Evasion: Avoiding detection by security measures.
8. Credential Access: Compromising user credentials.
9. Discovery: Mapping out the target environment.
10. Lateral Movement: Moving through the network to access more systems.
11. Collection: Gathering sensitive data from compromised systems.
12. Command and Control: Setting up communication channels with compromised systems.
13. Exfiltration: Stealing data from the target environment.
14. Impact: Disrupting or damaging systems and data.

The ATT&CK Matrix visualizes these relationships, serving as a tool for organizations to deepen their understanding of threats. By clicking on a tactic, users can see related techniques and detailed information, enhancing their defensive strategies.

The framework finds multiple applications, such as:

• Penetration Testing: Red teams simulate attacks to uncover vulnerabilities.
• Red Teaming: Helps ensure comprehensive assessments during simulated attacks.
• Cybersecurity Service Evaluation: Vendors assess their products using ATT&CK’s methodologies.
• Gap Assessments: Identifies areas lacking defense capabilities.
• Behavior Analytics: Monitors user behavior for potential threats.
• Detection Prioritization: Guides teams on where to focus their threat detection efforts.
• SOC Maturity Assessments: Evaluates how effectively a Security Operations Center can respond to breaches.

Using ATT&CK comes with benefits, including a clear depiction of adversary behaviors, sector-specific threat info, and a collaborative approach to threat intelligence. Organizations can map attack behaviors to different threat groups, conduct penetration tests, and detect vulnerabilities more effectively.

To get the most out of the ATT&CK framework, organizations should:

• Familiarize themselves with the different matrices relevant to their environment.
• Stay up to date on attacker tactics and techniques.
• Prepare networks before potential attacks and employ mitigation strategies afterward.
• Share insights with the cybersecurity community.
• Use the evaluation methodologies to assess cybersecurity products.

When comparing ATT&CK to other frameworks, like the Cyber Kill Chain developed by Lockheed Martin, it’s clear they have different focuses. The Cyber Kill Chain lays out stages of a cyberattack, while ATT&CK zeroes in on attack methods and techniques.

Another framework, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, takes a risk-based approach, promoting a structured governance model. While ATT&CK dives into the nitty-gritty of adversarial behavior, NIST CSF emphasizes the broader security strategy.

The ATT&CK journey began in 2013, focusing on common tactics and adversary behaviors based on real observations. This research helped Mitre shape a clearer understanding of threat detection and incident response. As the framework evolved, it welcomed contributions related to various operating systems and even industrial environments, addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Mitre has built a comprehensive resource to aid organizations in improving their cybersecurity posture—sharing a wealth of knowledge to better defend against ever-evolving threats.