t1677-poisoned-pipeline-execution

name	T1677_poisoned-pipeline-execution
description	Adversaries may manipulate continuous integration / continuous development (CI/CD) processes by injecting malicious code into the build process.
category	input-validation
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1677","execution","saas"]
technique_id	T1677
tactic	execution
all_tactics	["execution"]
platforms	["SaaS"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1677
tech_stack	["saas"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-94"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

T1677 Poisoned Pipeline Execution

High-Level Description

Adversaries may manipulate continuous integration / continuous development (CI/CD) processes by injecting malicious code into the build process. There are several mechanisms for poisoning pipelines:

• In a Direct Pipeline Execution scenario, the threat actor directly modifies the CI configuration file (e.g., gitlab-ci.yml in GitLab). They may include a command to exfiltrate credentials leveraged in the build process to a remote server, or to export them as a workflow artifact.
• In an Indirect Pipeline Execution scenario, the threat actor injects malicious code into files referenced by the CI configuration file. These may include makefiles, scripts, unit tests, and linters.
• In a Public Pipeline Execution scenario, the threat actor does not have direct access to the repository but instead creates a malicious pull request from a fork that triggers a part of the CI/CD pipeline. For example, in GitHub Actions, the pull_request_target trigger allows workflows running from forked repositories to access secrets. If this trigger is combined with an explicit pull request checkout and a location for a threat actor to insert malicious code (e.g., an npm build command), a threat actor may be able to leak pipeline credentials. Similarly, threat actors may craft pull requests with malicious inputs (such as branch names) if the build pipeline treats those inputs as trusted. Finally, if a pipeline leverages a self-hosted runner, a threat actor may be able to execute arbitrary code on a host inside the organization’s network.

By poisoning CI/CD pipelines, threat actors may be able to gain access to credentials, laterally move to additional hosts, or input malicious components to be shipped further down the pipeline (i.e., Supply Chain Compromise).

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0002)

Platforms: SaaS

What to Check

• Identify if Poisoned Pipeline Execution technique is applicable to target environment
• Check SaaS systems for indicators of Poisoned Pipeline Execution
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (2 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Poisoned Pipeline Execution by examining the target platforms (SaaS).