Command and Control
Modern attackers are not interested in exploiting a system or network and then moving on. Instead, the goal is to attack and compromise a network of value and then remain resident on the network for as long as possible. Command and control (C2) refer to the mechanisms that testers use to replicate attacker actions by persisting on a system, maintaining two-way communication, enabling data to be exfiltrated to the tester’s location, and hiding the evidence of the attack.
In the command, control, and communication phase, the attacker relies on a persistent connection with the compromised system to ensure that they can continue to maintain their control.
In this chapter, you will learn about the following topics:
- The importance of persistence
- Maintaining persistence with the PowerShell Empire, Covenant, PoshC2, and online file sharing
- Performing domain fronting techniques to maintain command and control
- The art of exfiltrating...