What Is Lateral Movement?
lateral movement is a cyber-attack technique that enables an attacker to move through a network in search of critical data and assets after gaining initial access. The main objective is to gain control of the network by searching for information or access that can be exploited further.
The risk associated with lateral movement is that it often goes unnoticed. This is because the attack uses legitimate processes and credentials, making it difficult for traditional defensive tools to detect any malicious activity. Therefore, having a thorough understanding of lateral movement is extremely important for professionals to prevent and detect such cyber threats effectively.
It’s important to note that lateral movement comprises a series of steps in a cyber attack. It involves several stages, including reconnaissance, where the attacker gains an understanding of the network layout and identifies potential targets. The other stages involve exploiting the identified vulnerabilities and maintaining access to the compromised systems.
Why Are Windows Environments Targeted in Lateral Movement Attacks?
Market Dominance
Windows systems are most often targeted for lateral movement attacks due to their market dominance. With over 1 billion devices running on Windows 10 alone, it’s no surprise that hackers focus their efforts on this platform. The vast number of users makes it a fertile ground for attackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The operating system’s complexity is another reason why Windows is a prime target. With numerous services, protocols, and hidden features, Windows provides ample opportunities for attackers to discover and exploit vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the frequent updates and patches can often introduce new vulnerabilities, providing a constant stream of potential exploits for attackers.
Active Directory (AD) Exploitation
Active Directory (AD) is a critical component of a Windows environment. It manages and stores information about a network’s users and their privileges, making it a prime target for lateral movement attacks. Once an attacker gains access to AD, they can manipulate it to escalate privileges, modify access controls, and even create new accounts with extensive permissions.
Attackers often exploit misconfigurations or weak security practices within AD. For example, overly permissive access controls or weak passwords can allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access. Once inside, the attacker can move laterally throughout the network, exploiting the inherent trust relationships within AD.
Abundance of Tools and Scripts
The third reason why Windows environments are often targeted for lateral movement attacks is the abundance of tools and scripts available. Many of these tools are legitimate administration tools, such as PowerShell, that can be exploited by attackers for malicious purposes.
PowerShell, for instance, is a powerful scripting language and command-line shell that’s used for system administration. It provides full access to COM and WMI, enabling administrators to perform administrative tasks on both local and remote Windows systems. However, PowerShell can also be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts and move laterally across a network.
Methods of Lateral Movement in Windows
Credential Dumping
Credential dumping is a common method used in lateral movement attacks. In this technique, attackers extract (or “dump”) credentials from the memory of a system. The dumped credentials can include usernames, passwords, and NTLM hashes, which can then be used to authenticate to other systems on the network.
There are various tools available for credential dumping, with Mimikatz being one of the most well-known. Introduced by Benjamin Delpy, Mimikatz is a potent tool capable of extracting plaintexts passwords, hash, PIN codes, and Kerberos tickets from memory.
Pass-the-Hash
Pass-the-Hash is another popular lateral movement technique. In this method, attackers use a valid NTLM hash of a user’s password to authenticate to a remote server or service. The advantage of this technique is that the attacker doesn’t need to know the plaintext password.
This technique takes advantage of the way Windows handles authentication. When a user logs in, Windows generates an NTLM hash of the password, which is then stored in memory. If an attacker can access this hash, they can use it to authenticate to other systems, allowing them to move laterally across the network.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a frequent method used for lateral movement. RDP is a protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a graphical interface for a user to connect to another computer over a network.
Attackers can exploit RDP to move laterally across a network. Once an attacker has compromised a system, they can use RDP to connect to other systems on the network. By doing this, the attacker can effectively jump from system to system, gaining access to sensitive data and resources along the way.
SMB Exploits
Server Message Block (SMB) is a core component of Windows networking, facilitating file sharing and printer access among other things. However, it’s also a prime target for attackers seeking to execute lateral movement. SMB exploits allow cybercriminals to propagate malware across networks, infecting multiple systems simultaneously.
One of the most notorious SMB exploits is the EternalBlue vulnerability, which was used in the widespread WannaCry ransomware attack. Once an attacker has gained access to one machine in the network, they can exploit the SMB protocol to move laterally and compromise other connected systems. Understanding these exploits is therefore paramount for any cybersecurity professional.
PowerShell Scripts
PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and shell framework primarily used for automated administration of Windows systems. However, it’s also a popular tool among cyber attackers for performing lateral movement.
Attackers can use PowerShell scripts to remotely execute commands, manipulate system settings, and even download and run malicious code. The versatility of PowerShell makes it an attractive tool for cybercriminals, and its misuse forms a significant part of the lateral movement threat landscape.
WMI Exploits
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is another integral component of the Windows ecosystem that can be exploited for lateral movement. WMI is used for tasks such as system management, monitoring, and event notification, but its extensive capabilities can also be turned against the system.
WMI exploits often involve the use of scripts or embedded code to manipulate system settings or execute malicious commands. Like PowerShell, WMI is a powerful tool that, when in the wrong hands, can be used for nefarious purposes.
Mitigation Strategies of Lateral Movement in Windows Environments
Least Privilege Access
One of the most effective strategies to mitigate lateral movement is implementing the principle of least privilege (PoLP). This means that users are given the minimum levels of access – or permissions – they need to perform their work.
By restricting privileges, even if an attacker compromises a user account, they can’t easily move laterally or escalate their privileges without additional effort. Implementing PoLP is a straightforward yet powerful mitigation strategy that can significantly reduce the risk of lateral movement.
Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is another effective strategy for preventing lateral movement. By dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments, you can limit an attacker’s ability to move laterally.
If an attacker gains access to one segment, they’re confined to that area and can’t easily access other parts of the network. This not only prevents them from accessing sensitive data but also makes it easier to contain and eliminate the threat.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource. Implementing MFA can significantly reduce the risk of lateral movement by adding an additional layer of security.
Even if an attacker manages to steal a user’s credentials, they’ll be unable to gain access without the second factor, such as a mobile device or biometric data. This can stop an attack in its tracks and prevent lateral movement across the network.
Endpoint Security Solutions
Endpoint security solutions are designed to protect network endpoints – the places where an attacker can gain access to your network. These solutions include antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
By protecting the endpoints, you can prevent initial access and subsequent lateral movement. Endpoint security solutions are an essential part of the mitigation strategy and should be used in conjunction with other measures for maximum effectiveness.
Log Monitoring and Analysis
Log monitoring and analysis is a proactive strategy that can help you detect and respond to lateral movement quickly. By continuously monitoring your system logs, you can identify unusual activity that could indicate an attack.
Once an anomaly is detected, you can analyze the logs to determine the nature of the threat, its source, and its potential impact. This allows you to respond promptly and effectively, limiting the damage caused by lateral movement.
Training and Awareness
Finally, one of the most important mitigation strategies is training and awareness. Many attacks begin with a successful phishing attempt or other forms of social engineering. By training your staff to recognize and avoid these threats, you can drastically reduce the risk of an attacker gaining initial access to your network.
Additionally, training should also focus on best practices for secure behavior, such as not sharing passwords, locking computers when not in use, and reporting any suspicious activity. By fostering a culture of security awareness, you can create a human firewall against lateral movement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding lateral movement and its methods is key to protecting your network from cyber threats. By implementing the mitigation strategies outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of lateral movement and safeguard your valuable data. Remember, the best defense is a good offense – so stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay one step ahead of the attackers.
Author Bio: Gilad David Maayan
Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giladdavidmaayan/
