t1588-001-malware

name	T1588.001_malware
description	Adversaries may buy, steal, or download malware that can be used during targeting.
category	information-gathering
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1588.001","resource-development","pre","sub-technique"]
technique_id	T1588.001
tactic	resource-development
all_tactics	["resource-development"]
platforms	["PRE"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/001
tech_stack	["pre"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	["T1588","T1588.002","T1588.003","T1588.004","T1588.005","T1588.006","T1588.007"]
prerequisites	["T1588"]
severity_boost	{"T1588":"Chain with T1588 for deeper attack path","T1588.002":"Chain with T1588.002 for deeper attack path","T1588.003":"Chain with T1588.003 for deeper attack path"}

T1588.001 Malware

Sub-technique of: T1588

High-Level Description

Adversaries may buy, steal, or download malware that can be used during targeting. Malicious software can include payloads, droppers, post-compromise tools, backdoors, packers, and C2 protocols. Adversaries may acquire malware to support their operations, obtaining a means for maintaining control of remote machines, evading defenses, and executing post-compromise behaviors.

In addition to downloading free malware from the internet, adversaries may purchase these capabilities from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in malware development, criminal marketplaces (including Malware-as-a-Service, or MaaS), or from individuals. In addition to purchasing malware, adversaries may steal and repurpose malware from third-party entities (including other adversaries).

Kill Chain Phase

• Resource Development (TA0042)

Platforms: PRE

What to Check

• Identify if Malware technique is applicable to target environment
• Check PRE systems for indicators of Malware
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 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 Malware by examining the target platforms (PRE).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1588.001 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.

Remediation Guide

M1056 Pre-compromise

This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.

Detection

Detection of Malware

Risk Assessment