t0860-wireless-compromise

name	T0860_wireless-compromise
description	Adversaries may perform wireless compromise as a method of gaining communications and unauthorized access to a wireless network.
category	input-validation
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","ics","t0860","initial-access"]
technique_id	T0860
tactic	initial-access
all_tactics	["initial-access"]
platforms	["ICS"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0860
tech_stack	["ics"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-20"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

T0860 Wireless Compromise

High-Level Description

Adversaries may perform wireless compromise as a method of gaining communications and unauthorized access to a wireless network. Access to a wireless network may be gained through the compromise of a wireless device. Adversaries may also utilize radios and other wireless communication devices on the same frequency as the wireless network. Wireless compromise can be done as an initial access vector from a remote distance.

A Polish student used a modified TV remote controller to gain access to and control over the Lodz city tram system in Poland. The remote controller device allowed the student to interface with the trams network to modify track settings and override operator control. The adversary may have accomplished this by aligning the controller to the frequency and amplitude of IR control protocol signals. The controller then enabled initial access to the network, allowing the capture and replay of tram signals.

Kill Chain Phase

• Initial Access (TA0108)

Platforms: ICS

What to Check

• Identify if Wireless Compromise technique is applicable to target ICS environment
• Check ICS/SCADA systems for indicators of Wireless Compromise
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (4 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Identify Attack Surface

Determine if the target ICS/SCADA environment is susceptible to Wireless Compromise by examining operational technology systems and network architecture.

Assess Existing Defenses

Review whether mitigations for T0860 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.

Remediation Guide

M0802 Communication Authenticity

Do not inherently rely on the authenticity provided by the network/link layer (e.g., 802.11, LTE, 802.15.4), as link layer equipment may have long lifespans and protocol vulnerabilities may not be easily patched. Provide defense-in-depth by implementing authenticity within the associated application-layer protocol, or through a network-layer VPN. Furthermore, ensure communication schemes provide strong replay protection, employing techniques such as timestamps or cryptographic nonces.

M0813 Software Process and Device Authentication

Ensure wireless networks require the authentication of all devices, and that all wireless devices also authenticate network infrastructure devices (i.e., mutual authentication). For defense-in-depth purposes, utilize VPNs or ensure that application-layer protocols also authenticate the system or device. Use protocols that provide strong authentication (e.g., IEEE 802.1X), and enforce basic protections, such as MAC filtering, when stronger cryptographic techniques are not available.