Understanding the MITRE ATT&CK Framework
A comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing the MITRE ATT&CK framework for enhanced threat detection, defense strategy development, and security program maturation.
What is MITRE ATT&CK?
MITRE ATT&CK (Adversarial Tactics, Techniques & Common Knowledge) is a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. Created by MITRE Corporation, it serves as a foundation for developing threat models and methodologies in private sectors, government, and cybersecurity product/service communities.
The framework currently covers 14 tactics and over 200 techniques across multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile, and cloud environments.
The ATT&CK Matrix Structure
Understanding Tactics vs. Techniques
Tactics (The "Why")
High-level goals adversaries want to achieve during an operation.
- • Reconnaissance
- • Initial Access
- • Execution
- • Persistence
- • Privilege Escalation
Techniques (The "How")
Specific methods adversaries use to achieve tactical goals.
- • Spearphishing Attachment
- • PowerShell Execution
- • Registry Run Keys
- • Access Token Manipulation
- • DLL Side-Loading
The 14 Tactics Breakdown
Pre-Attack & Initial Phases
- TA0043 - Reconnaissance: Gathering information about targets
- TA0042 - Resource Development: Establishing resources for operations
- TA0001 - Initial Access: Getting into the network
- TA0002 - Execution: Running malicious code
- TA0003 - Persistence: Maintaining access
- TA0004 - Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher permissions
- TA0005 - Defense Evasion: Avoiding detection
Post-Compromise Phases
- TA0006 - Credential Access: Stealing credentials
- TA0007 - Discovery: Learning about the environment
- TA0008 - Lateral Movement: Moving through the network
- TA0009 - Collection: Gathering data of interest
- TA0011 - Command and Control: Communicating with systems
- TA0010 - Exfiltration: Stealing data
- TA0040 - Impact: Manipulating, disrupting, or destroying systems
Practical Applications for Blue Teams
1. Threat Hunting
Hypothesis-Driven Hunting
Use ATT&CK techniques to develop hunting hypotheses based on known adversary behaviors:
Hunt for LSASS process access, memory dumps, or registry SAM access patterns
Look for unusual process relationships, hollowing, or DLL injection indicators
2. Detection Engineering
Map your detection rules to specific ATT&CK techniques to identify coverage gaps:
Coverage Assessment Matrix
| Technique ID | Technique Name | Detection Quality | Coverage Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1566.001 | Spearphishing Attachment | High | Complete |
| T1059.001 | PowerShell | Medium | Partial |
| T1547.001 | Registry Run Keys | Low | Minimal |
3. Security Control Validation
- • Purple team exercises: Test defenses against specific techniques
- • Red team assessments: Evaluate detection capabilities
- • Tabletop exercises: Scenario planning using ATT&CK tactics
- • Threat modeling: Assess risks using adversary behavior patterns
Implementation Strategies
Step 1: Current State Assessment
Security Control Mapping
- Inventory existing security tools and controls
- Map current detections to ATT&CK techniques
- Identify coverage gaps and blind spots
- Prioritize improvements based on threat landscape
Step 2: Threat Intelligence Integration
Leverage ATT&CK for contextualizing threat intelligence:
- • IOC enrichment: Add ATT&CK technique context to indicators
- • Campaign analysis: Map adversary groups to their TTPs
- • Threat briefings: Communicate risks using common language
- • Hunt prioritization: Focus on techniques used by relevant threats
Step 3: Detection Development
Data Source Requirements
- • Process execution logs
- • Network connection data
- • File system activity
- • Registry modifications
- • Authentication events
Detection Logic Patterns
- • Behavioral anomalies
- • Signature-based rules
- • Statistical outliers
- • Correlation patterns
- • Machine learning models
ATT&CK Tools and Resources
Official MITRE Tools
ATT&CK Navigator
Web-based tool for visualizing and annotating ATT&CK matrices with custom overlays and heatmaps.
CALDERA
Automated adversary emulation platform that executes ATT&CK techniques in controlled environments.
ATT&CK Workbench
Tool for exploring ATT&CK data and creating custom datasets for organizational use.
Community Tools
- • Atomic Red Team: Library of test cases mapped to ATT&CK techniques
- • DeTT&CT: Framework for measuring detection coverage
- • ATTACK-Python-Client: Python library for programmatic access
- • Metta: Information security preparedness tool
Real-World Case Study
APT29 (Cozy Bear) Analysis
Let's examine how ATT&CK helps analyze a real threat actor's campaign:
Initial Access (TA0001)
T1566.002 - Spearphishing Link: COVID-19 themed emails with malicious links
Execution (TA0002)
T1059.001 - PowerShell: Encoded PowerShell commands for payload delivery
Persistence (TA0003)
T1547.001 - Registry Run Keys: Persistence via registry modification
Command and Control (TA0011)
T1071.001 - Web Protocols: HTTPS C2 communications
Defense Recommendations:
- • Implement email attachment sandboxing
- • Monitor PowerShell execution and command-line arguments
- • Alert on registry run key modifications
- • Analyze SSL/TLS traffic for C2 indicators
Measuring Success with ATT&CK
Percentage of relevant techniques with detection coverage
Average time to detect mapped techniques
Percentage of technique tests that trigger detections
Getting Started Checklist
Conclusion
The MITRE ATT&CK framework has become an essential component of modern cybersecurity operations. By providing a common language for describing adversary behavior, it enables more effective communication, improved threat detection, and better strategic security planning.
Success with ATT&CK requires commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Start with basic technique mapping and gradually evolve toward advanced threat hunting and detection engineering. Remember that ATT&CK is a tool to enhance your security program, not replace fundamental security practices and controls.