t1557-004-evil-twin

name	T1557.004_evil-twin
description	Adversaries may host seemingly genuine Wi-Fi access points to deceive users into connecting to malicious networks as a way of supporting follow-on behaviors such as Network Sniffing, Transmitted Da...
category	authentication
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1557.004","credential-access","collection","network-devices","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1557.004
tactic	credential-access
all_tactics	["credential-access","collection"]
platforms	["Network Devices"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1557/004
tech_stack	["network devices"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-522"]
chains_with	["T1557","T1557.001","T1557.002","T1557.003"]
prerequisites	["T1557"]
severity_boost	{"T1557":"Chain with T1557 for deeper attack path","T1557.001":"Chain with T1557.001 for deeper attack path","T1557.002":"Chain with T1557.002 for deeper attack path"}

T1557.004 Evil Twin

Sub-technique of: T1557

High-Level Description

Adversaries may host seemingly genuine Wi-Fi access points to deceive users into connecting to malicious networks as a way of supporting follow-on behaviors such as Network Sniffing, Transmitted Data Manipulation, or Input Capture.

By using a Service Set Identifier (SSID) of a legitimate Wi-Fi network, fraudulent Wi-Fi access points may trick devices or users into connecting to malicious Wi-Fi networks. Adversaries may provide a stronger signal strength or block access to Wi-Fi access points to coerce or entice victim devices into connecting to malicious networks. A Wi-Fi Pineapple – a network security auditing and penetration testing tool – may be deployed in Evil Twin attacks for ease of use and broader range. Custom certificates may be used in an attempt to intercept HTTPS traffic.

Similarly, adversaries may also listen for client devices sending probe requests for known or previously connected networks (Preferred Network Lists or PNLs). When a malicious access point receives a probe request, adversaries can respond with the same SSID to imitate the trusted, known network. Victim devices are led to believe the responding access point is from their PNL and initiate a connection to the fraudulent network.

Upon logging into the malicious Wi-Fi access point, a user may be directed to a fake login page or captive portal webpage to capture the victim’s credentials. Once a user is logged into the fraudulent Wi-Fi network, the adversary may able to monitor network activity, manipulate data, or steal additional credentials. Locations with high concentrations of public Wi-Fi access, such as airports, coffee shops, or libraries, may be targets for adversaries to set up illegitimate Wi-Fi access points.

Kill Chain Phase

• Credential Access (TA0006)
• Collection (TA0009)

Platforms: Network Devices

What to Check

• Identify if Evil Twin technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Network Devices systems for indicators of Evil Twin
• 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 Evil Twin by examining the target platforms (Network Devices).