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  1. Frameworks
  2. >ATTACK
  3. >Resource Development
  4. >ATTACK-T1608.003
ATTACK-T1608.003Active

Install Digital Certificate

Statement

Adversaries may install SSL/TLS certificates that can be used during targeting. SSL/TLS certificates are files that can be installed on servers to enable secure communications between systems. Digital certificates include information about the key, information about its owner's identity, and the digital signature of an entity that has verified the certificate's contents are correct. If the signature is valid, and the person examining the certificate trusts the signer, then they know they can use that key to communicate securely with its owner. Certificates can be uploaded to a server, then the server can be configured to use the certificate to enable encrypted communication with it.(Citation: DigiCert Install SSL Cert)

Adversaries may install SSL/TLS certificates that can be used to further their operations, such as encrypting C2 traffic (ex: Asymmetric Cryptography with Web Protocols) or lending credibility to a credential harvesting site. Installation of digital certificates may take place for a number of server types, including web servers and email servers.

Adversaries can obtain digital certificates (see Digital Certificates) or create self-signed certificates (see Digital Certificates). Digital certificates can then be installed on adversary controlled infrastructure that may have been acquired (Acquire Infrastructure) or previously compromised (Compromise Infrastructure).

Location

Tactic
Resource Development

Technique Details

Identifier
ATTACK-T1608.003
Parent Technique
ATTACK-T1608
ATT&CK Page
View on MITRE

Tactics

Resource Development

Platforms

PRE

Detection

Detection of Install Digital Certificate

Mitigations

Pre-compromise: Pre-compromise mitigations involve proactive measures and defenses implemented to prevent adversaries from successfully identifying and exploiting weaknesses during the Reconnaissance and Resource Development phases of an attack. These activities focus on reducing an organization's attack surface, identify adversarial preparation efforts, and increase the difficulty for attackers to conduct successful operations. This mitigation can be implemented through the following measures:

Limit Information Exposure:

  • Regularly audit and sanitize publicly available data, including job posts, websites, and social media.
  • Use tools like OSINT monitoring platforms (e.g., SpiderFoot, Recon-ng) to identify leaked information.

Protect Domain and DNS Infrastructure:

  • Enable DNSSEC and use WHOIS privacy protection.
  • Monitor for domain hijacking or lookalike domains using services like RiskIQ or DomainTools.

External Monitoring:

  • Use tools like Shodan, Censys to monitor your external attack surface.
  • Deploy external vulnerability scanners to proactively address weaknesses.

Threat Intelligence:

  • Leverage platforms like MISP, Recorded Future, or Anomali to track adversarial infrastructure, tools, and activity.

Content and Email Protections:

  • Use email security solutions like Proofpoint, Microsoft Defender for Office 365, or Mimecast.
  • Enforce SPF/DKIM/DMARC policies to protect against email spoofing.

Training and Awareness:

  • Educate employees on identifying phishing attempts, securing their social media, and avoiding information leaks.

No cross-framework mappings available

← Back to Resource Development
Resource Development47 controls
ATTACK-T1583Acquire InfrastructureATTACK-T1583.001DomainsATTACK-T1583.002DNS ServerATTACK-T1583.003Virtual Private ServerATTACK-T1583.004ServerATTACK-T1583.005BotnetATTACK-T1583.006Web ServicesATTACK-T1583.007ServerlessATTACK-T1583.008MalvertisingATTACK-T1584Compromise InfrastructureATTACK-T1584.001DomainsATTACK-T1584.002DNS ServerATTACK-T1584.003Virtual Private ServerATTACK-T1584.004ServerATTACK-T1584.005BotnetATTACK-T1584.006Web ServicesATTACK-T1584.007ServerlessATTACK-T1584.008Network DevicesATTACK-T1585Establish AccountsATTACK-T1585.001Social Media AccountsATTACK-T1585.002Email AccountsATTACK-T1585.003Cloud AccountsATTACK-T1586Compromise AccountsATTACK-T1586.001Social Media AccountsATTACK-T1586.002Email AccountsATTACK-T1586.003Cloud AccountsATTACK-T1587Develop CapabilitiesATTACK-T1587.001MalwareATTACK-T1587.002Code Signing CertificatesATTACK-T1587.003Digital CertificatesATTACK-T1587.004ExploitsATTACK-T1588Obtain CapabilitiesATTACK-T1588.001MalwareATTACK-T1588.002ToolATTACK-T1588.003Code Signing CertificatesATTACK-T1588.004Digital CertificatesATTACK-T1588.005ExploitsATTACK-T1588.006VulnerabilitiesATTACK-T1588.007Artificial IntelligenceATTACK-T1608Stage CapabilitiesATTACK-T1608.001Upload MalwareATTACK-T1608.002Upload ToolATTACK-T1608.003Install Digital CertificateATTACK-T1608.004Drive-by TargetATTACK-T1608.005Link TargetATTACK-T1608.006SEO PoisoningATTACK-T1650Acquire Access