Lateral movement
Automated Replication
Detection overview
The Automated Replication detection identifies behavior indicative of malware or an attacker using automated methods to replicate itself across multiple hosts within the network. This technique is often used to rapidly spread malware, such as worms or ransomware, from an initial point of compromise to other vulnerable systems within the network.
Triggers
- An internal host is sending very similar payloads to several internal targets
- This may be the result of an infected host sending one or more exploits to other hosts in an attempt to infect them
Possible Root Causes
- An infected host which is part of a botnet is trying to expand the botnet’s footprint by infecting additional hosts
- An infected host which is taking part in a targeted attack is trying to spread laterally in an effort to get closer to data it wants to exfiltrate
- An agent on the host is utilizing unusual techniques to discover an available service
Business Impact
- Internal spreading of botnet-related malware often is repeated by the next infected host, thus mimicking a computer worm and rapidly infecting all possible hosts
- A wide scale spread of botnet-related malware will incur significant remediation costs
- Lateral spread which is part of a targeted attack makes the attack more resilient and gets it closer to your crown jewels
Steps to Verify
- Look at the protocol and port listed in the detection to determine what network service is being exploited
- Determine if there’s any reason for this host to be communicating these services on the listed targets
- Try to ascertain what software on this host would emit the traffic being seen
- Examine the packet capture file to see if this appears to be a network discovery attempt
Automated Replication
Possible root causes
Malicious Detection
- Malware infection such as worms, ransomware, or bots attempting to spread across the network.
- Attackers using automated scripts or tools to propagate their presence from a compromised host to other vulnerable systems.
- Exploitation of known vulnerabilities to gain access and replicate malicious payloads across the network.
Benign Detection
- IT administrators deploying software updates or patches across multiple systems using automated scripts or management tools.
- Legitimate backup or synchronization processes that involve copying files across several hosts.
- Security assessments or penetration testing activities simulating automated replication behavior.
Automated Replication
Example scenarios
Scenario 1: An internal host starts copying an executable file to multiple systems within a short period. Investigation reveals that the file is a piece of ransomware spreading through the network using SMB protocol.
Scenario 2: A sudden spike in network traffic is detected, with numerous hosts receiving a script file. Further analysis indicates that an IT administrator was deploying a critical software update using an automated script, causing the detection to trigger.
Automated Replication
Business impact
If this detection indicates a genuine threat, the organization faces significant risks:
Rapid Malware Spread
Automated replication can lead to widespread infection, potentially causing significant damage and disruption to business operations.
Data Loss and Corruption
Malicious replication can result in data being corrupted, encrypted (in the case of ransomware), or exfiltrated, leading to potential data loss and breaches.
Operational Downtime
Widespread malware infection can necessitate extensive remediation efforts, causing prolonged operational downtime and loss of productivity.
Automated Replication
Steps to investigate
Analyze Network Traffic Logs
Review logs for unusual traffic patterns, high volumes of file transfers, and the use of remote execution services. Focus on identifying the source of the replication.
Inspect Affected Hosts
Investigate the systems exhibiting signs of replication for malware presence, unauthorized scripts, or tools that may be facilitating the replication.
Correlate with Other Security Events
Look for additional indicators of compromise, such as suspicious login attempts, abnormal system behavior, or other related detections.
Consult with IT and Security Teams
Verify if any authorized activities, such as software deployment or security testing, could explain the detected behavior.
Automated Replication
MITRE ATT&CK techniques covered
Automated Replication
Related detections
FAQs
What is Automated Replication?
Automated Replication involves the use of automated methods to replicate malware or scripts across multiple hosts within a network, often leading to rapid spread and infection of systems.
What are the common signs of Automated Replication?
Common signs include rapid file copying across multiple hosts, high network traffic associated with replication activities, and the use of remote execution services like PsExec or WMI.
Can legitimate software trigger this detection?
Yes, IT administrators deploying software updates, legitimate backup processes, and security assessments can generate behavior that resembles automated replication.
How does Vectra AI identify Automated Replication?
Vectra AI uses advanced AI algorithms and machine learning to analyze network traffic and system behavior, identifying anomalies indicative of automated replication activities.
What is the business impact of Automated Replication?
It can lead to rapid malware spread, data loss, operational downtime, and significant damage to business operations due to widespread infection.
How can I detect Automated Replication in my network?
Detect Automated Replication by monitoring for high volumes of file transfers, unusual use of remote execution services, and multiple systems exhibiting similar suspicious behaviors.
Why is Automated Replication a significant threat?
It can lead to widespread malware infection, data loss, operational downtime, and significant damage to business operations due to rapid and automated spread.
What steps should I take if I detect Automated Replication?
Investigate the source of the replication, check affected hosts for signs of malware, review network traffic logs, and consult with IT and security teams to verify if the activity is legitimate.
What tools can help verify the presence of Automated Replication?
Tools such as network traffic analysis, endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, and intrusion detection systems can help verify and investigate suspicious automated replication activities.
How can I prevent Automated Replication?
Implement robust network monitoring and alerting, enforce strict access controls, regularly conduct security assessments, and ensure timely patching and updating of systems to minimize vulnerabilities.