| name | T0864_transient-cyber-asset |
| description | Adversaries may target devices that are transient across ICS networks and external networks. |
| category | input-validation |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","ics","t0864","initial-access"] |
| technique_id | T0864 |
| tactic | initial-access |
| all_tactics | ["initial-access"] |
| platforms | ["ICS"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0864 |
| tech_stack | ["ics"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-20"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
T0864 Transient Cyber Asset
High-Level Description
Adversaries may target devices that are transient across ICS networks and external networks. Normally, transient assets are brought into an environment by authorized personnel and do not remain in that environment on a permanent basis. Transient assets are commonly needed to support management functions and may be more common in systems where a remotely managed asset is not feasible, external connections for remote access do not exist, or 3rd party contractor/vendor access is required.
Adversaries may take advantage of transient assets in different ways. For instance, adversaries may target a transient asset when it is connected to an external network and then leverage its trusted access in another environment to launch an attack. They may also take advantage of installed applications and libraries that are used by legitimate end-users to interact with control system devices.
Transient assets, in some cases, may not be deployed with a secure configuration leading to weaknesses that could allow an adversary to propagate malicious executable code, e.g., the transient asset may be infected by malware and when connected to an ICS environment the malware propagates onto other systems.
Kill Chain Phase
Platforms: ICS
What to Check
How to Test
Identify Attack Surface
Determine if the target ICS/SCADA environment is susceptible to Transient Cyber Asset by examining operational technology systems and network architecture.
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T0864 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.
Remediation Guide
M0941 Encrypt Sensitive Information
Consider implementing full disk encryption, especially if engineering workstations are transient assets that are more likely to be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
M0947 Audit
Integrity checking of transient assets can include performing the validation of the booted operating system and programs using TPM-based technologies, such as Secure Boot and Trusted Boot. It can also include verifying filesystem changes, such as programs and configuration files stored on the system, executing processes, libraries, accounts, and open ports.
