T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol Mappings

Adversaries may use Valid Accounts to log into a computer using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.

Remote desktop is a common feature in operating systems. It allows a user to log into an interactive session with a system desktop graphical user interface on a remote system. Microsoft refers to its implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as Remote Desktop Services (RDS).(Citation: TechNet Remote Desktop Services)

Adversaries may connect to a remote system over RDP/RDS to expand access if the service is enabled and allows access to accounts with known credentials. Adversaries will likely use Credential Access techniques to acquire credentials to use with RDP. Adversaries may also use RDP in conjunction with the Accessibility Features or Terminal Services DLL for Persistence.(Citation: Alperovitch Malware)

View in MITRE ATT&CK®

NIST 800-53 Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name Notes
CM-06 Configuration Settings mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
CM-05 Access Restrictions for Change mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
IA-05 Authenticator Management mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-17 Remote Access mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
IA-06 Authentication Feedback mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
SC-46 Cross Domain Policy Enforcement mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
IA-04 Identifier Management mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
RA-05 Vulnerability Monitoring and Scanning mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
CM-08 System Component Inventory mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-20 Use of External Systems mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
CM-02 Baseline Configuration mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
CM-02 Baseline Configuration mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
IA-02 Identification and Authentication (Organizational Users) mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
CM-07 Least Functionality mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
SI-04 System Monitoring mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-11 Device Lock mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-12 Session Termination mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-02 Account Management mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-03 Access Enforcement mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-04 Information Flow Enforcement mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-05 Separation of Duties mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-06 Least Privilege mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
AC-07 Unsuccessful Logon Attempts mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
SC-07 Boundary Protection mitigates T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol

AWS Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name Notes
amazon_virtual_private_cloud Amazon Virtual Private Cloud technique_scores T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
Comments
VPC security groups and network access control lists (NACLs) can be used to restrict direct access to remote services to trusted networks. This mitigates even an adversary with a valid account from accessing resources. This can be circumvented though if an adversary is able to compromise a trusted host and move laterally to a protected network. This results in an overall partial (coverage) score.
References
    aws_network_firewall AWS Network Firewall technique_scores T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol
    Comments
    AWS Network Firewall has the ability to pass, drop, or alert on traffic based on the network protocol as well as perform deep packet inspection on the payload. This functionality can be used to only allow remote services from trusted hosts (i.e., only allow remote access traffic from certain hosts). This mapping is given a score of Partial because even though it can restrict remote services traffic from untrusted hosts, it cannot protect against an adversary using a trusted host that is permitted to use remote services as part of an attack.
    References