| name | T1071_application-layer-protocol |
| description | Adversaries may communicate using OSI application layer protocols to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. |
| category | configuration |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1071","command-and-control","linux","macos","windows","network-devices","esxi"] |
| technique_id | T1071 |
| tactic | command-and-control |
| all_tactics | ["command-and-control"] |
| platforms | ["Linux","macOS","Windows","Network Devices","ESXi"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071 |
| tech_stack | ["linux","macos","windows","network devices","esxi"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-300"] |
| chains_with | ["T1071.001","T1071.002","T1071.003","T1071.004","T1071.005"] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {"T1071.001":"Chain with T1071.001 for deeper attack path","T1071.002":"Chain with T1071.002 for deeper attack path","T1071.003":"Chain with T1071.003 for deeper attack path"} |
T1071 Application Layer Protocol
High-Level Description
Adversaries may communicate using OSI application layer protocols to avoid detection/network filtering by blending in with existing traffic. Commands to the remote system, and often the results of those commands, will be embedded within the protocol traffic between the client and server.
Adversaries may utilize many different protocols, including those used for web browsing, transferring files, electronic mail, DNS, or publishing/subscribing. For connections that occur internally within an enclave (such as those between a proxy or pivot node and other nodes), commonly used protocols are SMB, SSH, or RDP.
Kill Chain Phase
- Command and Control (TA0011)
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows, Network Devices, ESXi
What to Check
How to Test
Atomic Red Team Tests
The following tests are from Atomic Red Team and provide actionable ways to test this technique:
Atomic Test 1: Telnet C2
An adversary may establish Telnet communication from a compromised endpoint to a command and control (C2) server in order to carry out additional attacks on objectives.
Supported Platforms: windows
#{client_path} #{server_ip} --port #{server_port}
Dependencies:
- A command and control (C2) server can be established by running PathToAtomicsFolder\T1071\bin\telnet_server.exe on a specified server with a specified IP that must be reachable by a client (telnet_client.exe)
Manual Testing
If Atomic Red Team tests are not applicable, manually verify the technique by:
-
Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Application Layer Protocol by examining the target platforms (Linux, macOS, Windows).
