t1663-remote-access-software

name	T1663_remote-access-software
description	Adversaries may use legitimate remote access software, such as `VNC`, `TeamViewer`, `AirDroid`, `AirMirror`, etc., to establish an interactive command and control channel to target mobile devices.
category	configuration
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","mobile","t1663","command-and-control","android","ios"]
technique_id	T1663
tactic	command-and-control
all_tactics	["command-and-control"]
platforms	["Android","iOS"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1663
tech_stack	["android","ios"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-300"]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

T1663 Remote Access Software

High-Level Description

Adversaries may use legitimate remote access software, such as VNC, TeamViewer, AirDroid, AirMirror, etc., to establish an interactive command and control channel to target mobile devices.

Remote access applications may be installed and used post-compromise as an alternate communication channel for redundant access or as a way to establish an interactive remote session with the target device. They may also be used as a component of malware to establish a reverse connection to an adversary-controlled system or service. Installation of remote access tools may also include persistence.

Kill Chain Phase

• Command and Control (TA0037)

Platforms: Android, iOS

What to Check

• Identify if Remote Access Software technique is applicable to target mobile environment
• Check Android devices for indicators of Remote Access Software
• Check iOS devices for indicators of Remote Access Software
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (2 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Identify Attack Surface

Determine if the target mobile environment is susceptible to Remote Access Software by examining the target platforms (Android, iOS).

Assess Existing Defenses

Review whether mitigations for T1663 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

Remediation Guide

M1012 Enterprise Policy

When devices are enrolled in an EMM/MDM using device owner (iOS) or fully managed (Android) mode, the EMM/MDM can collect a list of installed applications on the device. An administrator can then act on, for example blocking, specific remote access applications from being installed on managed devices.

M1011 User Guidance

Users should be encouraged to be very careful with granting dangerous permissions, such as device administrator or access to device accessibility.

Detection

Detection of Remote Access Software

Risk Assessment

Finding	Severity	Impact