| name | T1505_server-software-component |
| description | Adversaries may abuse legitimate extensible development features of servers to establish persistent access to systems. |
| category | configuration |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1505","persistence","windows","linux","macos","network-devices","esxi"] |
| technique_id | T1505 |
| tactic | persistence |
| all_tactics | ["persistence"] |
| platforms | ["Windows","Linux","macOS","Network Devices","ESXi"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1505 |
| tech_stack | ["windows","linux","macos","network devices","esxi"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-276"] |
| chains_with | ["T1505.001","T1505.002","T1505.003","T1505.004","T1505.005","T1505.006"] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {"T1505.001":"Chain with T1505.001 for deeper attack path","T1505.002":"Chain with T1505.002 for deeper attack path","T1505.003":"Chain with T1505.003 for deeper attack path"} |
T1505 Server Software Component
High-Level Description
Adversaries may abuse legitimate extensible development features of servers to establish persistent access to systems. Enterprise server applications may include features that allow developers to write and install software or scripts to extend the functionality of the main application. Adversaries may install malicious components to extend and abuse server applications.
Kill Chain Phase
Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, ESXi
What to Check
How to Test
Manual Testing
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Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Server Software Component by examining the target platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS).
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Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1505 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.
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Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.
Note: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See Atomic Red Team GitHub for updates.
Remediation Guide
M1045 Code Signing
Ensure all application component binaries are signed by the correct application developers.
M1047 Audit
Regularly check component software on critical services that adversaries may target for persistence to verify the integrity of the systems and identify if unexpected changes have been made.
M1024 Restrict Registry Permissions
Consider using Group Policy to configure and block modifications to service and other critical server parameters in the Registry.
