CAPEC-310: Scanning for Vulnerable Software
Description
An attacker engages in scanning activity to find vulnerable software versions or types, such as operating system versions or network services. Vulnerable or exploitable network configurations, such as improperly firewalled systems, or misconfigured systems in the DMZ or external network, provide windows of opportunity for an attacker. Common types of vulnerable software include unpatched operating systems or services (e.g FTP, Telnet, SMTP, SNMP) running on open ports that the attacker has identified. Attackers usually begin probing for vulnerable software once the external network has been port scanned and potential targets have been revealed.
- Likelihood of attack
- Not rated by MITRE
- Typical severity
- Low
- Abstraction
- DetailedA low-level, detailed pattern, often for a particular technology.
Mechanism of attack: Collect and Analyze Information
Prerequisites
- Access to the network on which the targeted system resides.
- Software tools used to probe systems over a range of ports and protocols.
Skills required
- MediumTo probe a system remotely without detection requires careful planning and patience.
Consequences
- Confidentiality
Other
- ConfidentialityAccess ControlAuthorization
Bypass Protection Mechanism; Hide Activities
Mitigations
CAPEC 3.9 lists no mitigation for this pattern; see its child patterns or related weaknesses.