T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms Mappings

Adversaries may make use of Domain Generation Algorithms (DGAs) to dynamically identify a destination domain for command and control traffic rather than relying on a list of static IP addresses or domains. This has the advantage of making it much harder for defenders to block, track, or take over the command and control channel, as there potentially could be thousands of domains that malware can check for instructions.(Citation: Cybereason Dissecting DGAs)(Citation: Cisco Umbrella DGA)(Citation: Unit 42 DGA Feb 2019)

DGAs can take the form of apparently random or “gibberish” strings (ex: istgmxdejdnxuyla.ru) when they construct domain names by generating each letter. Alternatively, some DGAs employ whole words as the unit by concatenating words together instead of letters (ex: cityjulydish.net). Many DGAs are time-based, generating a different domain for each time period (hourly, daily, monthly, etc). Others incorporate a seed value as well to make predicting future domains more difficult for defenders.(Citation: Cybereason Dissecting DGAs)(Citation: Cisco Umbrella DGA)(Citation: Talos CCleanup 2017)(Citation: Akamai DGA Mitigation)

Adversaries may use DGAs for the purpose of Fallback Channels. When contact is lost with the primary command and control server malware may employ a DGA as a means to reestablishing command and control.(Citation: Talos CCleanup 2017)(Citation: FireEye POSHSPY April 2017)(Citation: ESET Sednit 2017 Activity)

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Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name
AC-04 Information Flow Enforcement Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
CA-07 Continuous Monitoring Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SC-20 Secure Name/address Resolution Service (authoritative Source) Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SC-21 Secure Name/address Resolution Service (recursive or Caching Resolver) Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SC-22 Architecture and Provisioning for Name/address Resolution Service Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SC-07 Boundary Protection Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SI-03 Malicious Code Protection Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms
SI-04 System Monitoring Protects T1568.002 Domain Generation Algorithms