| name | conducting-full-scope-red-team-engagement |
| description | Plan and execute a comprehensive red team engagement covering reconnaissance through post-exploitation using MITRE ATT&CK-aligned TTPs to evaluate an organization's detection and response capabilities. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | red-teaming |
| tags | ["red-team","adversary-emulation","mitre-attack","penetration-testing","offensive-security","purple-team","ttp-mapping"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| d3fend_techniques | ["File Metadata Consistency Validation","Application Protocol Command Analysis","Identifier Analysis","Content Format Conversion","Message Analysis"] |
| nist_csf | ["ID.RA-01","GV.OV-02","DE.AE-07"] |
Conducting Full-Scope Red Team Engagement
Overview
A full-scope red team engagement simulates real-world adversary behavior across all phases of the cyber kill chain — from initial reconnaissance through data exfiltration — to evaluate an organization's detection, prevention, and response capabilities. Unlike penetration testing, red team operations prioritize stealth, persistence, and objective-based scenarios that mimic advanced persistent threats (APTs).
When to Use
- When conducting security assessments that involve conducting full scope red team engagement
- When following incident response procedures for related security events
- When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
- When validating security controls through hands-on testing
Prerequisites
- Written authorization (Rules of Engagement document) signed by executive leadership
- Defined scope including in-scope/out-of-scope systems, escalation contacts, and emergency stop procedures
- Threat intelligence on relevant adversary groups (e.g., APT29, FIN7, Lazarus Group)
- Red team infrastructure: C2 servers, redirectors, phishing domains, payload development environment
- Legal review confirming compliance with Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and local laws
Engagement Phases
Phase 1: Planning and Threat Modeling
Map the engagement to specific MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques based on the threat profile:
| Kill Chain Phase | MITRE ATT&CK Tactic | Example Techniques |
|---|
| Reconnaissance | TA0043 | T1593 Search Open Websites/Domains, T1589 Gather Victim Identity Info |
| Resource Development | TA0042 | T1583.001 Acquire Infrastructure: Domains, T1587.001 Develop Capabilities: Malware |
| Initial Access | TA0001 | T1566.001 Spearphishing Attachment, T1078 Valid Accounts |
| Execution | TA0002 | T1059.001 PowerShell, T1204.002 User Execution: Malicious File |
| Persistence | TA0003 | T1053.005 Scheduled Task, T1547.001 Registry Run Keys |
| Privilege Escalation | TA0004 | T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, T1548.002 UAC Bypass |
| Defense Evasion | TA0005 | T1055 Process Injection, T1027 Obfuscated Files |
| Credential Access |
