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T1556 Modify Authentication Process Mappings

Adversaries may modify authentication mechanisms and processes to access user credentials or enable otherwise unwarranted access to accounts. The authentication process is handled by mechanisms, such as the Local Security Authentication Server (LSASS) process and the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) on Windows, pluggable authentication modules (PAM) on Unix-based systems, and authorization plugins on MacOS systems, responsible for gathering, storing, and validating credentials. By modifying an authentication process, an adversary may be able to authenticate to a service or system without using Valid Accounts.

Adversaries may maliciously modify a part of this process to either reveal credentials or bypass authentication mechanisms. Compromised credentials or access may be used to bypass access controls placed on various resources on systems within the network and may even be used for persistent access to remote systems and externally available services, such as VPNs, Outlook Web Access and remote desktop.

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Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name
AC-2 Account Management Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
AC-20 Use of External Systems Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
AC-3 Access Enforcement Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
AC-5 Separation of Duties Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
AC-6 Least Privilege Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
AC-7 Unsuccessful Logon Attempts Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
CA-7 Continuous Monitoring Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
CM-2 Baseline Configuration Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
CM-5 Access Restrictions for Change Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
CM-6 Configuration Settings Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
CM-7 Least Functionality Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
IA-2 Identification and Authentication (organizational Users) Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
IA-5 Authenticator Management Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
SC-39 Process Isolation Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
SI-4 System Monitoring Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
SI-7 Software, Firmware, and Information Integrity Protects T1556 Modify Authentication Process
action.hacking.variety.Backdoor Hacking action that creates a backdoor for use. related-to T1556 Modify Authentication Process
action.hacking.vector.Backdoor Hacking actions taken through a backdoor. C2 is only used by malware. related-to T1556 Modify Authentication Process
attribute.integrity.variety.Modify configuration Modified configuration or services related-to T1556 Modify Authentication Process
attribute.integrity.variety.Modify privileges Modified privileges or permissions related-to T1556 Modify Authentication Process

ATT&CK Subtechniques

Technique ID Technique Name Number of Mappings
T1556.003 Pluggable Authentication Modules 14
T1556.002 Password Filter DLL 6
T1556.007 Hybrid Identity 8
T1556.006 Multi-Factor Authentication 8
T1556.001 Domain Controller Authentication 16
T1556.005 Reversible Encryption 4
T1556.004 Network Device Authentication 15