T1090.001 Internal Proxy Mappings

Adversaries may use an internal proxy to direct command and control traffic between two or more systems in a compromised environment. Many tools exist that enable traffic redirection through proxies or port redirection, including HTRAN, ZXProxy, and ZXPortMap. (Citation: Trend Micro APT Attack Tools) Adversaries use internal proxies to manage command and control communications inside a compromised environment, to reduce the number of simultaneous outbound network connections, to provide resiliency in the face of connection loss, or to ride over existing trusted communications paths between infected systems to avoid suspicion. Internal proxy connections may use common peer-to-peer (p2p) networking protocols, such as SMB, to better blend in with the environment.

By using a compromised internal system as a proxy, adversaries may conceal the true destination of C2 traffic while reducing the need for numerous connections to external systems.

View in MITRE ATT&CK®

VERIS Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name Notes
action.malware.variety.Backdoor or C2 Malware creates a remote control capability, but it's unclear if it's a backdoor for hacking or C2 for malware. Parent of 'C2' and 'Backdoor'. related-to T1090.001 Proxy: Internal Proxy
action.malware.variety.C2 Malware creates Command and Control capability for malware. Child of 'Backdoor or C2'. related-to T1090.001 Proxy: Internal Proxy

AWS Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name Notes
amazon_guardduty Amazon GuardDuty technique_scores T1090.001 Internal Proxy
Comments
The UnauthorizedAccess:EC2/TorClient GuardDuty finding type flags events where adversaries may use a connection proxy to direct network traffic between systems or act as an intermediary for network communications to a command-and-control server to avoid direct connections to their infrastructure. Due to the detection being limited to a specific type of proxy, Tor, its coverage is Minimal resulting in a Minimal score.
References
    amazon_virtual_private_cloud Amazon Virtual Private Cloud technique_scores T1090.001 Internal Proxy
    Comments
    VPC security groups and network access control lists (NACLs) can restrict access between systems, enclaves, and workloads thereby mitigating these proxy related sub-techniques.
    References