In the world of cyber security, advanced threat hunting techniques are essential for protecting sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber attacks. Threat hunting is a proactive approach to detecting and identifying potential threats before they can cause any damage. This requires a deep understanding of the attacker’s Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), which is essential in identifying and mitigating emerging threats. In this article, we will discuss TTP analysis, which is an advanced technique for identifying and analyzing the TTPs of an attacker.

What are TTPs?

TTPs, or Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, are the methods used by attackers to infiltrate a target’s network or infrastructure. TTPs can be broadly categorized into three categories: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Tactics are the broad goals or objectives of an attacker, techniques are the specific methods used to achieve these objectives, and procedures are the step-by-step processes attackers use to execute their techniques.

CONOPs, or Concept of Operations, is a framework used by attackers to plan and execute their attacks. CONOPs define the attacker’s goals, resources, and tactics, and can include information about the attacker’s target, motivations, and preferred attack methods. By understanding an attacker’s CONOPs, defenders can better understand the attacker’s motivations and objectives. This can help defenders develop countermeasures that are tailored to the specific attack and the attacker’s goals.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are pieces of information that can be used to identify a security incident. IOCs can include IP addresses, domain names, file hashes, or other data that is associated with a security incident. IOCs can be used to identify patterns of behavior and correlate them with known attack methodologies. When used in conjunction with other techniques, such as TTP analysis, IOCs can be a valuable tool for identifying and mitigating emerging threats.

By understanding an attacker’s TTPs, defenders can identify patterns of behavior and develop strategies to mitigate the risks of a successful attack. Understanding an attacker’s CONOPs can provide additional context about their motivations and goals, enabling defenders to develop more targeted countermeasures. IOCs can be used to identify patterns of behavior and help defenders correlate the attack with known attack methodologies.

Overall, TTPs, CONOPs, and IOCs are all important concepts in the field of cybersecurity. By understanding these concepts and using them to analyze security incidents, defenders can identify patterns of behavior and develop effective countermeasures to mitigate the risks of a successful attack. However, it’s important to remember that these concepts are only one part of a comprehensive security strategy. A multi-layered approach to security is essential for protecting sensitive data and infrastructure from cyber attacks.

TTP Analysis

TTP analysis is a critical technique used by security professionals to identify and analyze the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) used by attackers in a cyber attack. By understanding an attacker’s TTPs, defenders can develop strategies to mitigate the risks of a successful attack.

TTP analysis involves the systematic collection and analysis of data related to an attacker’s behavior during a cyber attack. This includes the collection and analysis of network traffic, system logs, malware samples, and other data sources. The data is then analyzed to identify patterns of behavior and to develop a profile of the attacker.

The TTP analysis process involves several steps, including data collection, data analysis, and correlation of TTPs with known attack methodologies. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the attacker’s behavior and to identify any unique or unusual TTPs that may be used to track and attribute the attack.

One important application of TTP analysis is attribution. Attribution involves identifying the attacker responsible for a cyber attack. TTP analysis can be used to identify the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by an attacker, which can then be correlated with known attack methodologies and other sources of intelligence to identify the attacker’s identity.

Another important application of TTP analysis is guiding investigations. TTP analysis can help investigators focus their efforts on identifying the most relevant sources of data and developing a comprehensive understanding of the attacker’s behavior. This can help investigators make better decisions about how to respond to an attack and develop effective countermeasures to mitigate the risks of a successful attack.

TTP analysis can also be used for predictive analysis. By analyzing historical data related to cyber attacks, security professionals can identify trends and patterns of behavior that may be used to predict future attacks. This can help organizations proactively identify and mitigate emerging threats, rather than simply reacting to attacks as they occur.

One important aspect of TTP analysis is the characterization of the uniqueness of exploits. Exploits can be broadly categorized into two types: n-day and zero-day exploits. N-day exploits are exploits that target known vulnerabilities that have not yet been patched by the affected software vendor. Zero-day exploits, on the other hand, are exploits that target previously unknown vulnerabilities.

TTP analysis is particularly important for characterizing the uniqueness of zero-day exploits. Zero-day exploits are often highly targeted and may be used by advanced threat actors with significant resources. TTP analysis can be used to identify unique characteristics of zero-day exploits that can be used to track and attribute the attack to a specific actor.

TTP analysis is TTP analysis is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, but it is a critical technique used by security professionals to identify and analyze the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) used by attackers in a cyber attack. TTP analysis is used for attribution, guiding investigations, predictive analysis, and characterizing the uniqueness of exploits. By understanding an attacker’s TTPs, defenders can develop effective countermeasures to mitigate the risks of a successful attack.

Tools for TTP Analysis

There are several tools available for TTP analysis, ranging from open-source to commercial offerings. Some of the most popular tools for TTP analysis include:

  1. Yara: Yara is an open-source tool that allows users to create rules for identifying malware and suspicious files. Yara rules can be used to identify patterns of behavior and identify potential threats. Yara rules can also be used to classify malware samples into families based on shared characteristics.
  2. Sysinternals Suite: The Sysinternals Suite is a collection of tools developed by Microsoft for analyzing and diagnosing Windows systems. The suite includes tools for monitoring system activity, analyzing network traffic, and identifying malware. Tools like Procmon and Process Explorer can be used to monitor system activity, while tools like TCPView and Process Monitor can be used to analyze network traffic.
  3. Wireshark: Wireshark is a popular open-source network protocol analyzer. It can be used to capture and analyze network traffic and identify potential threats. Wireshark can be used to identify patterns of behavior, such as suspicious network connections or unusual traffic patterns.
  4. Fuzzy Security PowerShell Empire: PowerShell Empire is a post-exploitation tool that allows attackers to maintain control of a compromised system. Fuzzy Security PowerShell Empire is an extension of PowerShell Empire that allows users to simulate attacker behavior and test defenses. It can be used to test for vulnerabilities in a target’s system and identify weaknesses that can be exploited.
  5. Metasploit Framework: Metasploit Framework is a popular penetration testing tool that can be used to simulate attacks and test defenses. It includes modules for identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting them to gain access to a target system. Metasploit can be used to test for known vulnerabilities and to identify potential attack vectors.
  6. Threat Intelligence Platforms: There are several commercial and open-source threat intelligence platforms available for TTP analysis. These platforms can be used to collect and analyze threat intelligence data from a variety of sources, including social media, news feeds, and dark web forums. The data can be used to identify patterns of behavior and to develop threat intelligence reports that can be used to inform security operations.

It is important to note that while these tools are useful for TTP analysis, they should not be relied on as the sole method for identifying security incidents. A comprehensive security strategy should include a multi-layered approach that includes TTP analysis, threat intelligence, vulnerability scanning, and other security measures.

Examples of TTP Analysis

Let’s take a look at some real-world examples of TTP analysis to understand how it works in practice.

WannaCry Ransomware Attack

The WannaCry ransomware attack was one of the most significant cyber attacks of recent years, as it affected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide and caused billions of dollars in damages. TTP analysis played a crucial role in understanding and mitigating the impact of the attack.

One of the most critical TTPs used by the WannaCry attackers was the exploitation of a vulnerability in the SMB protocol. This allowed the malware to spread quickly throughout networks and infect large numbers of computers. Additionally, the attackers used the EternalBlue exploit to propagate the malware further.

In addition to these tactics, the attackers also used a Bitcoin wallet to collect ransom payments, which helped them remain anonymous and avoid detection. However, researchers were able to analyze the TTPs used by the attackers and develop countermeasures to mitigate the impact of the attack.

By understanding these TTPs, defenders were able to develop countermeasures, such as patching the SMB vulnerability and blocking the EternalBlue exploit. These measures helped limit the spread of the malware and mitigate the damage caused by the attack.

APT29 Hackers

APT29, also known as Cozy Bear, is a notorious Russian hacking group that has been active since at least 2010. APT29 has been responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2016 Democratic National Committee email leak.

One of the key TTPs used by APT29 is the use of spear-phishing emails to target their victims. These emails are often designed to look legitimate and contain malware-laden attachments or links to malicious websites. Additionally, the group has been known to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities, which are vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor and do not have a patch available.

APT29 also frequently uses custom malware, which is designed specifically for their targets and is not detected by traditional antivirus software. By understanding these TTPs, defenders can develop countermeasures, such as implementing strict email security protocols, using vulnerability scanners to identify zero-day vulnerabilities, and investing in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block custom malware.

NotPetya

NotPetya was a destructive malware attack that occurred in June 2017. The attack began with a phishing email that contained a malicious attachment. Once the attachment was opened, the malware spread rapidly throughout the target network, encrypting files and rendering systems unusable.

TTP analysis of NotPetya revealed that the attack used a variety of tactics, including the use of stolen credentials and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software. In addition, the attackers used a custom-built backdoor that allowed them to maintain control of the compromised systems even after the malware had been removed.

The attackers behind NotPetya also used a technique known as “living off the land,” which involves using legitimate software and tools already present on the target systems to carry out their attacks. This helped the attackers avoid detection and made it more difficult for defenders to detect and block their activities.

By understanding the TTPs used by NotPetya, defenders were able to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of similar attacks. This included implementing strict email security protocols, patching known vulnerabilities, and investing in endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect and block custom malware.

Lazarus Group

The Lazarus Group is a North Korean hacking group that is believed to be responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2014 Sony Pictures hack and the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack.

TTP analysis of the Lazarus Group revealed that the group used a variety of tactics, including spear-phishing emails, the exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software, and the use of custom-built malware. The attackers also used social engineering techniques to trick employees into revealing their credentials.

In addition, the Lazarus Group is known for their sophisticated use of obfuscation techniques, which makes it difficult for defenders to analyze their malware and detect their activities. For example, the group often uses multi-stage malware that is designed to avoid detection by antivirus software and other security measures.

By understanding the TTPs used by the Lazarus Group, defenders were able to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of similar attacks. This included implementing strict email security protocols, patching known vulnerabilities, and investing in advanced threat detection tools to identify and block custom-built malware.

FIN7

FIN7 is a financially motivated hacking group that is responsible for several high-profile attacks against businesses in the retail and hospitality industries. The group is known for using sophisticated spear-phishing campaigns to trick employees into revealing their credentials.

TTP analysis of FIN7 revealed that the group used a variety of tactics, including spear-phishing emails, the exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software, and the use of custom-built malware. The attackers also used social engineering techniques to trick employees into revealing their credentials.

One of the unique TTPs used by FIN7 is their use of the “Mimikatz” tool, which is used to extract plaintext passwords from compromised systems. The group also uses PowerShell, a scripting language built into Windows, to execute their malicious code.

By understanding the TTPs used by FIN7, defenders were able to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of similar attacks. This included implementing strict email security protocols, patching known vulnerabilities, and investing in advanced threat detection tools to identify and block custom-built malware.

Dragonfly 2.0

Dragonfly 2.0 is a hacking group believed to be based in Eastern Europe. The group is responsible for several high-profile attacks against energy companies and other critical infrastructure targets.

TTP analysis of Dragonfly 2.0 revealed that the group used a variety of tactics, including spear-phishing emails, the exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software, and the use of custom-built malware. The group also used a technique known as “watering hole attacks,” which involves compromising a legitimate website and using it to distribute malware to its visitors.

One of the unique TTPs used by Dragonfly 2.0 is their use of compromised supply chains. For example, the group has been known to compromise software vendors and use their software updates to distribute malware to their customers.

By understanding the TTPs used by Dragonfly 2.0, defenders were able to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of similar attacks. This included implementing strict email security protocols, patching known vulnerabilities, and investing in advanced threat detection tools to identify and block custom-built malware. Additionally, defenders can implement supply chain security measures to ensure that software updates are legitimate and not compromised by attackers.

Carbanak

Carbanak is a financially motivated hacking group that has been active since at least 2013. The group is responsible for several high-profile attacks against financial institutions around the world.

TTP analysis of Carbanak revealed that the group used a variety of tactics, including spear-phishing emails, the exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software, and the use of custom-built malware. In addition, the group used social engineering techniques to trick employees into revealing their credentials.

One of the unique TTPs used by Carbanak is their use of ATM malware. The group developed malware that could be installed on an ATM to dispense cash on command. This allowed the attackers to steal large sums of money from compromised ATMs without needing physical access to the machine.

In addition to their use of ATM malware, Carbanak has also been known to use legitimate remote access tools to gain access to their targets’ networks. This makes it more difficult for defenders to detect their activities, as the tools are not inherently malicious.

By understanding the TTPs used by Carbanak, defenders were able to develop strategies to mitigate the risks of similar attacks. This included implementing strict email security protocols, patching known vulnerabilities, and investing in advanced threat detection tools to identify and block custom-built malware. Additionally, defenders can implement measures to secure their ATM networks and monitor for suspicious remote access activity.

Conclusion

To conclude, TTP analysis is an essential aspect of cybersecurity for both red teams and defenders. By understanding the TTPs used by attackers, security professionals can detect and mitigate cyber threats effectively.

As we have seen, TTP analysis can be used for a variety of purposes, including guiding investigations, assisting in attribution, and informing predictive analysis. It can also be used to characterize the uniqueness of exploits, such as n-day versus zero-day attacks.

However, it is crucial to keep in mind that attackers are continually evolving their tactics and developing new TTPs. Therefore, security professionals must be vigilant and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and threats to ensure their cybersecurity strategies are effective.

Incorporating TTP analysis into security measures can help organizations reduce their risk of cyberattacks and ensure that their sensitive data and assets remain protected. By leveraging the power of TTP analysis, organizations can stay ahead of attackers and be better equipped to detect and respond to cyber threats.