t1573-002-asymmetric-cryptography

name	T1573.002_asymmetric-cryptography
description	Adversaries may employ a known asymmetric encryption algorithm to conceal command and control traffic rather than relying on any inherent protections provided by a communication protocol.
category	configuration
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1573.002","command-and-control","esxi","linux","macos","network-devices","windows","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1573.002
tactic	command-and-control
all_tactics	["command-and-control"]
platforms	["ESXi","Linux","macOS","Network Devices","Windows"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1573/002
tech_stack	["esxi","linux","macos","network devices","windows"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-300"]
chains_with	["T1573","T1573.001"]
prerequisites	["T1573"]
severity_boost	{"T1573":"Chain with T1573 for deeper attack path","T1573.001":"Chain with T1573.001 for deeper attack path"}

T1573.002 Asymmetric Cryptography

Sub-technique of: T1573

High-Level Description

Adversaries may employ a known asymmetric encryption algorithm to conceal command and control traffic rather than relying on any inherent protections provided by a communication protocol. Asymmetric cryptography, also known as public key cryptography, uses a keypair per party: one public that can be freely distributed, and one private. Due to how the keys are generated, the sender encrypts data with the receiver’s public key and the receiver decrypts the data with their private key. This ensures that only the intended recipient can read the encrypted data. Common public key encryption algorithms include RSA and ElGamal.

For efficiency, many protocols (including SSL/TLS) use symmetric cryptography once a connection is established, but use asymmetric cryptography to establish or transmit a key. As such, these protocols are classified as Asymmetric Cryptography.

Kill Chain Phase

• Command and Control (TA0011)

Platforms: ESXi, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, Windows

What to Check

• Identify if Asymmetric Cryptography technique is applicable to target environment
• Check ESXi systems for indicators of Asymmetric Cryptography
• Check Linux systems for indicators of Asymmetric Cryptography
• Check macOS systems for indicators of Asymmetric Cryptography
• 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 Asymmetric Cryptography by examining the target platforms (ESXi, Linux, macOS).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1573.002 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. 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.