Cross-source coverage
T1665 / ATT&CK
Hide Infrastructure
23 rules across 1 source.
3 deprecated hidden · include
Showing atomic-IOC rules · back to the default
From MITRE ATT&CK 19.2
Adversaries may manipulate network traffic in order to hide and evade detection of their C2 infrastructure. This can be accomplished by identifying and filtering traffic from defensive tools, masking malicious domains to obfuscate the true destination from both automated scanning tools and security researchers, and otherwise hiding malicious artifacts to delay discovery and prolong the effectiveness of adversary infrastructure that could otherwise be identified, blocked, or taken down entirely.
C2 networks may include the use of Proxy or VPNs to disguise IP addresses, which can allow adversaries to blend in with normal network traffic and bypass conditional access policies or anti-abuse protections. For example, an adversary may use a virtual private cloud to spoof their IP address to closer align with a victim's IP address ranges. This may also bypass security measures relying on geolocation of the source IP address.
Adversaries may also attempt to filter network traffic in order to evade defensive tools in numerous ways, including blocking/redirecting common incident responder or security appliance user agents. Filtering traffic based on IP and geo-fencing may also avoid automated sandboxing or researcher activity (i.e., Virtualization/Sandbox Evasion).
Hiding C2 infrastructure may also be supported by Resource Development activities such as Acquire Infrastructure and Compromise Infrastructure. For example, using widely trusted hosting services or domains such as prominent URL shortening providers or marketing services for C2 networks may enable adversaries to present benign content that later redirects victims to malicious web pages or infrastructure once specific conditions are met.
- Tactics
- Command and Control
- Platforms
- ESXi · Linux · macOS · Network Devices · Windows
- Telemetry
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WinEventLog:Securitydns:queryauditd:SYSCALLNSM:Flowmacos:unifiedlogesxi:vmkernel
How MITRE says to detect it DET0411
Detection Strategy for Hide Infrastructure
Windows Analytic 1148
Monitor DNS queries, proxy logs, and user-agent strings for anomalous patterns associated with adversary attempts to hide infrastructure. Defenders may observe DNS resolutions to short-lived domains, abnormal WHOIS registration data, or filtering of known defensive/responder IP addresses.
WinEventLog:SecurityEventCode=5156, 5157dns:queryExcessive lookups for domains with suspicious WHOIS or short TTL values
Linux Analytic 1149
Detect adversaries filtering traffic or modifying server responses to evade scanning. Monitor iptables, nftables, or proxy configurations that deny or redirect requests from known scanning agents or defensive tools.
auditd:SYSCALLexecve: Execution of commands modifying iptables/nftables to block selective IPsNSM:FlowAltered response metadata or blocked content based on user-agent or geolocation
macOS Analytic 1150
Monitor unified logs for manipulation of proxy configurations, DNS resolution, or filtering rules. Adversaries may redirect responses or use trusted domains that later resolve to malicious C2 infrastructure.
macos:unifiedlogSystem process modifications altering DNS/proxy settingsNSM:FlowSuspicious changes in TLS certificate responses or redirected domains
Network Devices Analytic 1151
Inspect network telemetry for adversary attempts to blend malicious traffic with legitimate flows using VPNs, proxies, or geolocation spoofing. Defensive teams may observe anomalous tunnels, encrypted sessions to suspicious domains, or geo-mismatched IP activity.
NSM:FlowEncrypted tunnels or proxy traffic to non-standard destinations
ESXi Analytic 1152
Monitor VM-level DNS and network traffic logs for adversary-controlled domains or selective response behavior (e.g., dropped requests from security scanners).
esxi:vmkernelDNS lookups resolving to domains with rapid changes in registration metadataesxi:vmkernelSuspicious traffic filtered or redirected by VM networking stack
Emerging Threats Open
23 rules+ 13 more from Emerging Threats Open → showing the 10 highest-severity