Lateral movement
Lateral Movement Definition
Lateral movement, in the context of cybersecurity, refers to the technique used by cyber attackers to move from one compromised system to another within a network, allowing them to explore and gain access to sensitive data, systems, or resources. It is a crucial step for attackers to achieve their goals once they have gained initial access to a network.
How Lateral Movement Works
Attackers employ various methods and strategies to move laterally within a network, below are some common techniques:
Exploiting Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Attackers exploit security vulnerabilities in software or operating systems that are not up to date with the latest patches. They take advantage of these weaknesses to gain access to additional systems within the network.
Stolen Credentials: Attackers may use stolen or compromised credentials, such as usernames and passwords, to move between systems. This can occur when individuals reuse passwords across different accounts or fall victim to phishing attacks.
Trusted Tools and Applications: Attackers may leverage legitimate tools and applications already present within the compromised network to carry out their lateral movement. By exploiting these trusted tools, they can move undetected and blend in with the legitimate network traffic.
The objective of lateral movement is to gain control over multiple systems within the network. By compromising additional systems, attackers increase their chances of finding valuable assets or maintaining control even if their initial entry point is discovered and remediated.
Prevention Measures
To defend against lateral movement and minimize the impact of a potential cyber attack, the following prevention measures should be implemented:
Network Segmentation: Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller sub-networks, known as segments. Each segment has its own security controls and restricted access, making it more challenging for attackers to move freely within the network. By implementing a strong network segmentation strategy, organizations can limit the potential damage caused by lateral movement.
Network Traffic Monitoring: Regularly monitoring and auditing network traffic is essential for identifying any unusual or unauthorized lateral movement. By analyzing network logs and employing advanced detection techniques, security teams can detect and respond to potential threats in a timely manner.
User Activity Monitoring: Monitoring user activity, especially privileged accounts, is crucial to detect any suspicious behavior that may indicate lateral movement. Implementing user behavior analytics tools and establishing baseline behaviors can help security teams identify and respond to any suspicious activity.
Principle of Least Privilege: Enforcing the principle of least privilege ensures that users and systems have only the necessary permissions to perform their specific functions. By limiting privileges to what is required, organizations can minimize the potential impact of lateral movement if a user or system is compromised.
Real-World Examples
Lateral movement is a technique frequently used by advanced persistent threat (APT) groups and other sophisticated attackers. Below are two notable real-world examples of lateral movement in cyber attacks:
The Target Data Breach (2013): In one of the largest data breaches in history, attackers gained access to Target's network through a third-party vendor. Once inside the network, they moved laterally by compromising additional systems. This lateral movement allowed the attackers to access Target's point-of-sale systems and steal credit card information from millions of customers.
NotPetya Ransomware Attack (2017): The NotPetya ransomware attack targeted organizations globally, primarily in Ukraine. After initial infection, the malware used a combination of lateral movement techniques to propagate through networks. It exploited vulnerabilities, such as the EternalBlue exploit, and used stolen credentials to move from one system to another. The attack caused widespread disruption and financial damage to numerous organizations.
These real-world examples highlight the significance of lateral movement as a critical step in cyber attacks and the need for robust prevention and detection measures.
Lateral movement is a technique employed by cyber attackers to move within a network and gain access to valuable data, systems, and resources. By understanding the methods used for lateral movement and implementing preventive measures, organizations can improve their overall cybersecurity posture and minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Network segmentation, network and user activity monitoring, and the principle of least privilege are key components in combating lateral movement and reducing its potential impact.