CAPEC-141: Cache Poisoning
Description
An attacker exploits the functionality of cache technologies to cause specific data to be cached that aids the attackers' objectives. This describes any attack whereby an attacker places incorrect or harmful material in cache. The targeted cache can be an application's cache (e.g. a web browser cache) or a public cache (e.g. a DNS or ARP cache). Until the cache is refreshed, most applications or clients will treat the corrupted cache value as valid. This can lead to a wide range of exploits including redirecting web browsers towards sites that install malware and repeatedly incorrect calculations based on the incorrect value.
- Likelihood of attack
- High
- Typical severity
- High
- Abstraction
- StandardA specific methodology or technique used in an attack.
Mechanism of attack: Manipulate System Resources
Prerequisites
- The attacker must be able to modify the value stored in a cache to match a desired value.
- The targeted application must not be able to detect the illicit modification of the cache and must trust the cache value in its calculations.
Skills required
- MediumTo overwrite/modify targeted cache
Mitigations
- Configuration: Disable client side caching.
- Implementation: Listens for query replies on a network, and sends a notification via email when an entry changes.
Related weaknesses (CWE)
ATT&CK techniques (CAPEC taxonomy mapping)
Across MITRE's defensive frameworks
Linked through the 1 ATT&CK technique above.
Counter with D3FEND
Defensive techniques MITRE D3FEND maps to the same ATT&CK techniques.
- D3-CAAConnection Attempt Analysis1 shared
- D3-APCAApplication Protocol Command Analysis1 shared
- D3-CSPPClient-server Payload Profiling1 shared
- D3-NTCDNetwork Traffic Community Deviation1 shared
- D3-NTFNetwork Traffic Filtering1 shared
- D3-NTSANetwork Traffic Signature Analysis1 shared
- D3-PHDURAPer Host Download-Upload Ratio Analysis1 shared
- D3-PMADProtocol Metadata Anomaly Detection1 shared
- D3-RTSDRemote Terminal Session Detection1 shared
- D3-UGLPAUser Geolocation Logon Pattern Analysis1 shared