CAPEC-481: Contradictory Destinations in Traffic Routing Schemes
Description
Adversaries can provide contradictory destinations when sending messages. Traffic is routed in networks using the domain names in various headers available at different levels of the OSI model. In a Content Delivery Network (CDN) multiple domains might be available, and if there are contradictory domain names provided it is possible to route traffic to an inappropriate destination. The technique, called Domain Fronting, involves using different domain names in the SNI field of the TLS header and the Host field of the HTTP header. An alternative technique, called Domainless Fronting, is similar, but the SNI field is left blank.
- Likelihood of attack
- Medium
- Typical severity
- High
- Abstraction
- StandardA specific methodology or technique used in an attack.
Mechanism of attack: Manipulate System Resources
Prerequisites
- An adversary must be aware that their message will be routed using a CDN, and that both of the contradictory domains are served from that CDN.
- If the purpose of the Domain Fronting is to hide redirected C2 traffic, the C2 server must have been created in the CDN.
Skills required
- MediumThe adversary must have some knowledge of how messages are routed.
Consequences
- Confidentiality
Read Data; Modify Data
Mitigations
- Monitor connections, checking headers in traffic for contradictory domain names, or empty domain names.
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-OTFOutbound Traffic Filtering1 shared
- D3-RPARelay Pattern 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