| name | T1090_proxy |
| description | Adversaries may use a connection proxy to direct network traffic between systems or act as an intermediary for network communications to a command and control server to avoid direct connections to ... |
| category | configuration |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1090","command-and-control","esxi","linux","macos","network-devices","windows"] |
| technique_id | T1090 |
| tactic | command-and-control |
| all_tactics | ["command-and-control"] |
| platforms | ["ESXi","Linux","macOS","Network Devices","Windows"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1090 |
| tech_stack | ["esxi","linux","macos","network devices","windows"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-300"] |
| chains_with | ["T1090.001","T1090.002","T1090.003","T1090.004"] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {"T1090.001":"Chain with T1090.001 for deeper attack path","T1090.002":"Chain with T1090.002 for deeper attack path","T1090.003":"Chain with T1090.003 for deeper attack path"} |
T1090 Proxy
High-Level Description
Adversaries may use a connection proxy to direct network traffic between systems or act as an intermediary for network communications to a command and control server to avoid direct connections to their infrastructure. Many tools exist that enable traffic redirection through proxies or port redirection, including HTRAN, ZXProxy, and ZXPortMap. Adversaries use these types of proxies to manage command and control communications, reduce the number of simultaneous outbound network connections, provide resiliency in the face of connection loss, or to ride over existing trusted communications paths between victims to avoid suspicion. Adversaries may chain together multiple proxies to further disguise the source of malicious traffic.
Adversaries can also take advantage of routing schemes in Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to proxy command and control traffic.
Kill Chain Phase
- Command and Control (TA0011)
Platforms: ESXi, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, Windows
What to Check
How to Test
Manual Testing
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Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Proxy by examining the target platforms (ESXi, Linux, macOS).
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Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1090 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
M1037 Filter Network Traffic
Traffic to known anonymity networks and C2 infrastructure can be blocked through the use of network allow and block lists. It should be noted that this kind of blocking may be circumvented by other techniques like Domain Fronting.
