Definition
Lateral movement is a post-exploitation technique used by attackers to navigate and control additional systems within a network after gaining initial access. This enables attackers to broaden their access and potentially compromise sensitive data or critical systems.How It Works
- 1Initial Access: Obtained through methods such as phishing or exploiting vulnerabilities.
- 2Credential Dumping: Attackers extract login credentials from the compromised system.
- 3Moving Laterally: Techniques like pass-the-hash, pass-the-ticket, RDP hijacking, WMI abuse, or SMB relay are used to access other systems.
- 4Privilege Escalation: Attackers seek to gain higher privileges to reach more sensitive network areas.
Key Characteristics
- Utilizes multiple methods to evade detection.
- Aims to access systems beyond the initial breach point.
- Often exploits existing network protocols and configurations.
Comparison
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Pass-the-Hash | Uses hashed credentials to authenticate |
| Pass-the-Ticket | Uses Kerberos tickets to authenticate |
| RDP Hijacking | Takes over an active Remote Desktop session |
| WMI Abuse | Uses Windows Management Instrumentation for access |
| SMB Relay | Relays authentication requests to gain access |
Real-World Example
The CVE-2017-0144 (EternalBlue) exploit was leveraged in the WannaCry ransomware attack to facilitate lateral movement, allowing the malware to rapidly spread across networks.Detection & Prevention
- Network Segmentation: Establish isolated sections within a network to restrict movement.
- Regular Audits: Use tools like BloodHound to map Active Directory paths and identify vulnerabilities.
- Monitoring and Alerts: Deploy tools like nmap and Burp Suite to detect unusual activity.
Common Misconceptions
- Only Targets Large Networks: Lateral movement can occur in networks of any size.
- Impossible to Detect: Proper monitoring and segmentation can reveal lateral movement.
- Always Involves Advanced Techniques: Even basic methods can enable lateral movement.