Technique on mitre.org

T1059.008: Network Device CLI

Adversaries may abuse scripting or built-in command line interpreters (CLI) on network devices to execute malicious command and payloads. The CLI is the primary means through which users and administrators interact with the device in order to view system information, modify device operations, or perform diagnostic and administrative functions. CLIs typically contain various permission levels required for different commands.

Scripting interpreters automate tasks and extend functionality beyond the command set included in the network OS. The CLI and scripting interpreter are accessible through a direct console connection, or through remote means, such as telnet or SSH.

Adversaries can use the network CLI to change how network devices behave and operate. The CLI may be used to manipulate traffic flows to intercept or manipulate data, modify startup configuration parameters to load malicious system software, or to disable security features or logging to avoid detection.

Positive Technologies products that cover the technique

MaxPatrol SIEM knowledge base

eltex: PT-CR-2322: Eltex_Logging_To_Untrusted_Host: Logging to an untrusted host was configured network_devices_compromise: PT-CR-2128: Cumulus_Logging_To_Untrusted_Host: Logging to an untrusted host is configured network_devices_compromise: PT-CR-570: Cisco_ASA_Logging_Usernames_Outside: Sending usernames to an untrusted host is configured on Cisco ASA network_devices_compromise: PT-CR-1817: S_Terra_Gate_Logging_To_Untrusted_Host: Logging to an untrusted host is configured network_devices_compromise: PT-CR-578: Cisco_ASA_Logging_To_Untrusted_Host: Sending logs to an untrusted host is configured on Cisco ASA network_devices_compromise: PT-CR-572: Cisco_Execute_Suspicious_Command: A suspicious command is executed on Cisco IOS

Detection

ID	DS0017	Data source and component	Command: Command Execution	Description	Consider reviewing command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration. Consider comparing a copy of the network device configuration against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to the command interpreter. The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor.

ID	Data source and component	Description
DS0017	Command: Command Execution	Consider reviewing command history in either the console or as part of the running memory to determine if unauthorized or suspicious commands were used to modify device configuration. Consider comparing a copy of the network device configuration against a known-good version to discover unauthorized changes to the command interpreter. The same process can be accomplished through a comparison of the run-time memory, though this is non-trivial and may require assistance from the vendor.

Mitigation

ID	M1038	Name	Execution Prevention	Description	TACACS+ can keep control over which commands administrators are permitted to use through the configuration of authentication and command authorization.

ID	M1026	Name	Privileged Account Management	Description	Use of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) systems will limit actions administrators can perform and provide a history of user actions to detect unauthorized use and abuse. TACACS+ can keep control over which commands administrators are permitted to use through the configuration of authentication and command authorization

ID	M1018	Name	User Account Management	Description	Use of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) systems will limit actions users can perform and provide a history of user actions to detect unauthorized use and abuse. Ensure least privilege principles are applied to user accounts and groups so that only authorized users can perform configuration changes.

ID	Name	Description
M1038	Execution Prevention	TACACS+ can keep control over which commands administrators are permitted to use through the configuration of authentication and command authorization.
M1026	Privileged Account Management	Use of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) systems will limit actions administrators can perform and provide a history of user actions to detect unauthorized use and abuse. TACACS+ can keep control over which commands administrators are permitted to use through the configuration of authentication and command authorization
M1018	User Account Management	Use of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) systems will limit actions users can perform and provide a history of user actions to detect unauthorized use and abuse. Ensure least privilege principles are applied to user accounts and groups so that only authorized users can perform configuration changes.