How to Conduct an Attack Path Analysis

Attack Path Analysis (APA) is a way to visualize the ways attackers might use to navigate your network. It identifies how an attacker might move through your network, step by step, to reach their goal.

In practice, using APA means simulating attacks on the network. It means thinking like a hacker and looking for vulnerabilities just as they would. It's about getting inside the mind of the attacker to better defend your network.

APA helps you see not just where attackers might get in, but also how they might navigate your network once they’re inside. By understanding these attack paths, you can strengthen our defenses and protect your most valuable assets.

Common types of attack paths in company networks

Phishing attack path

Here’s how a phishing attack unfolds. An attacker sends a convincing email to an employee, tricking them into clicking a malicious link. This link could install malware or lead them to a fake login page designed to steal their credentials. 

Once the attacker has this access, they could potentially breach your network and start moving laterally. They might begin with the compromised email account, then seek out other systems or accounts the user has access to – perhaps even sensitive financial data or internal communication tools.

Unpatched software

Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain a foothold in your network. For instance, if a critical server runs an old version of its operating system, an attacker could use a known exploit to gain control of it. 

From there, they might try to escalate privileges and access more sensitive parts of your infrastructure, like databases storing personal customer information.

External services exposure

Sometimes, in the interest of accessibility, you might expose certain services to the internet. These could be remote desktop protocols or web application interfaces. If these services aren’t adequately secured, they're like open doors for attackers. 

For example, an exposed and weakly protected remote desktop service could be brute-forced, allowing an attacker direct access to your internal network. Once inside, they could scan for further vulnerabilities or launch attacks on other systems.

Insider threats

These paths are tricky because the attacker is already inside our walls. Imagine an employee either maliciously or inadvertently compromising security. They might have access to critical systems and data by default. 

Attack Path Analysis helps you understand how they might misuse this access. For instance, an employee with access to HR records could potentially siphon off sensitive information, like salary data or personal identification details, without ever needing to hack through external defenses.

Types of attack paths

Internal attack paths 

Imagine an attacker has bypassed your perimeter defenses. They're inside your network now. This scenario is where attack path analysis shows its worth by helping you predict and thwart their next moves.

Once inside your network, an attacker will look to escalate their privileges. This could involve exploiting vulnerabilities in software running on the user's machine or leveraging misconfigured permissions. For example, they might find an old application with an unpatched privilege escalation flaw, allowing them to gain administrative access.

Once they've got higher privileges, things get more serious. The attacker now has a broader reach. They might start poking around for valuable data or further weaknesses. Say they gain control over an IT admin account. 

Now, they can potentially access a wide array of sensitive systems, like databases containing customer information or even critical financial records. They could also create new user accounts for sustained access or disable security tools to stay hidden.

Internal network shares are another favorite target. These shared drives often house important files accessible to multiple employees. An attacker with access to one of these shares can siphon off sensitive documents or plant malicious files.

Then there's the issue of lateral movement. Attackers seldom stop at the first system they compromise. They might use tools like Mimikatz to harvest credentials from memory, enabling them to access other machines on the network.

Understanding these internal attack paths is crucial. It’s not just about the walls we build around our networks, but also about the doors and windows – sometimes left ajar – within our fortresses. Attack Path Analysis illuminates these vulnerabilities, allowing you to anticipate and neutralize threats before they can do real harm.

External attack paths 

These are the attack paths that start from the internet and pierce through your network defenses. Attackers have various tools and techniques at their disposal, and your job is to anticipate these moves.

A common entry point is the classic phishing attack we touched on phishing earlier, as are unpatched software, weak passwords, and external services exposure.

Another threat are third-party services. Often, we integrate third-party applications with our main systems for various functionalities – from CRMs to marketing tools. Now, imagine one of these services has a vulnerability. 

An attacker compromises the third-party service and uses it as a backdoor into your main network. For example, an exploited vulnerability in a cloud-based CRM could allow attackers to access your customer database, stealing valuable information or planting malicious code.

Zero-Day exploits also pose a significant threat. These are vulnerabilities that haven't been discovered or patched yet. Picture an attacker discovering a flaw in a popular piece of software you use, like your email client, before anyone else does. They create a custom exploit and target us specifically. Without a patch or known defense, these attacks can be particularly devastating.

Then there’s the matter of IoT devices. With the rise of the Internet of Things, you might have smart devices connected to your network – from security cameras to smart thermostats. 

These devices often have weak security and can be an attractive target for attackers. Imagine if an attacker finds a vulnerability in a connected camera. They could gain access to the network through this device, moving laterally to discover other valuable targets.

Mitigating risks and reducing vulnerability to network attacks

Patch management

Ensure all your software is up-to-date. It’s tempting to put off updates because they can be disruptive, but that’s precisely what attackers are banking on. 

By staying on top of updates and patches, you close the gaps attackers might exploit. Automating this process can also help. For instance, using a centralized patch management system to handle updates across all devices ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

Conduct regular training sessions

Employees should recognize suspicious emails and know what to do if they receive one. Picture an employee getting a convincing email that mimics your CEO. 

With proper training, they’d spot red flags and avoid clicking dangerous links. Additionally, deploying email filtering solutions can catch many phishing attempts before they even reach your inboxes.

Implement strong password policies

Weak passwords are an open invitation to attackers. Implementing strong password requirements, like mandating a mix of characters and regular changes, is crucial. 

If your passwords follow stringent guidelines, attackers find it exponentially harder to infiltrate your systems. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), for example, adds another layer of security, making it far more challenging for an attacker to gain access even if they have a password.

Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) 

Everyone doesn’t need access to everything. By strictly regulating who can access what, you limit the damage an insider or a compromised account can do. 

If your RBAC policies are solid, an attacker who’s gained access to a low-level employee’s account will hit a wall trying to reach sensitive data deeper inside your network.

Monitoring your internal network

Using tools to continuously scan for unusual activity can give you an early warning. Imagine spotting strange login times or data transfers. Anomalies like strange login times or data transfers can indicate an ongoing breach. Spotting them early can stop intruders before they cause significant damage.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions help log and analyze such activities, alerting you before things get out of hand.

Vet the external services you use

Anything exposed to the internet should be locked tight. Adding firewalls, VPNs, and ensuring these services require strong authentication makes a huge difference. 

Without proper security, an exposed remote desktop service is an easy target for brute-force attacks. By locking it down with strong passwords, MFA, and monitoring, you drastically reduce this risk.

Third-party services need scrutiny too. You must vet these services for security practices and regularly review their performance. Imagine your CRM tool has a vulnerability. If you have done your due diligence, you would know about it and could take action quickly, like applying patches or temporarily disabling integration until it’s resolved.

Secure your IoT devices. 

While they bring convenience, IoT devices also introduce risks. Treat them like any other device on your network. Ensure they’re updated, change default passwords, and segment them from critical systems. 

By staying proactive and using attack path analysis to guide your actions, you can significantly mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities. It allows you to keep one step ahead, anticipating the moves of potential attackers, and constantly adapting our defenses.

How to conduct an attack path analysis

Step 1. Identify and classify your assets

This step is crucial for thorough attack path analysis. You can’t protect a network when you don't know what valuables are inside or where they're kept. You need a clear picture of every asset to defend them properly.

First, you need to catalog all assets. Think about every server, workstation, database, and IoT device connected to our network. Each of these is a potential target for attackers. 

Once you have a list, the next step is classification. Not all assets are created equal. Some hold more value or are more critical to your operations. 

For example, your financial databases contain sensitive data that, if breached, could be catastrophic. These should be classified as high-priority assets. In contrast, a general-purpose file server might be less critical, although still important.

Think of classification as creating a map of your network with various risk levels assigned to each area. High-risk areas with high-priority assets need stronger defenses. Picture your HR records database. Since it contains personal information, it should have stricter access controls and logging compared to a low-priority asset like a general file storage server.

Asset classification also helps you understand potential attack paths better. If an attacker breaches a low-risk asset, you need to know how easily they can move to a high-risk one. For instance, if there's an easy route from a compromised user workstation to your financial systems, that’s a red flag. You need to bolster defenses along that path.

Consider cloud assets, too. These often get overlooked but are just as critical. For instance, your cloud-based email system should be classified according to the sensitivity of information it processes. 

If it’s used to handle customer queries containing personal data, it should be high on the priority list. This classification ensures you apply appropriate security controls like multi-factor authentication and encryption.

Don't forget about assets managed by third parties. Your CRM system, for example, might be hosted by an external vendor. These are still part of your attack surface and need to be cataloged and classified accordingly. 

If the CRM holds customer data, it should be treated with the same priority as your internal systems, ensuring the vendor follows robust security practices.

Step 2. Prepare an inventory your your network assets

Inventorying our network assets creates a detailed map of your network, so you know exactly what you need to protect. This process is crucial for effective attack path analysis because it allows you to understand what you have, where it's located, and how vulnerable it might be.

First, catalog every device connected to your network. This includes servers, workstations, databases, IoT devices, and even printers. Imagine finding an outdated IoT device like a smart thermostat hiding in anything you miss could be a secret entry point for attackers. By documenting every device, you ensure nothing is overlooked.

Once we have your list, move on to classification. Not all assets are created equal. Some hold more value or are critical to our operations. Think of classification as assigning a risk level to each asset, like marking different segments in your network based on the value of what's inside.

It's also vital to understand the connections between assets. Knowing how data flows between them helps you see potential vulnerabilities. For instance, if a user workstation can easily access the financial database without additional security checks, that's a risk. This insight helps you create stronger security barriers where needed.

You also need to track software assets. This means keeping an inventory of all applications running on your network and their versions. By knowing what software you have and its status, you can prioritize updates and patching efforts.

You should document the configuration of each asset. This includes details like the operating systems, installed software, and network settings. Detailed configuration records help you quickly identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. For instance, if a server is running an old operating system version, it becomes a high-priority target for updates.

By thoroughly inventorying and classifying your network assets, you gain a clearer picture of our security landscape. It’s not just about knowing what you have but understanding the value and risks associated with each asset.

Step 3. Classification of critical assets

Classifying your assets allows you to focus your protection efforts where it matters most. You could start with your financial databases. These hold sensitive data, including customer payment information, transaction histories, and other financial records. 

If attackers get their hands on that data, you could face severe financial loss and reputational damage. So, you classify these as high-priority assets. This means you need stringent security measures, like encryption both at rest and in transit, and strict access controls to ensure only authorized personnel get in.

Next up are your employee records. These are also critical but maybe more like the silver coins. They contain personal information such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and payroll details. 

While not as immediately financially damaging as a hit to your financial databases, a breach here could still lead to serious issues, like identity theft and regulatory fines. You classify these records as high-priority too, implementing similar security measures to those you use for financial data.

Now, consider your marketing materials. These might seem less critical at first glance. However, depending on their content, they could still be valuable targets. Upcoming campaign strategies or customer lists are all assets that competitors would love to get their hands on. 

While such assets might be classified as moderate-priority, you still protect them with decent security, like role-based access controls, but perhaps not as rigorously as your financial databases or employee records.

Then we have operational systems, like your internal bug-tracking software. At first, they might seem like the trinkets in the chest. But if an attacker exploits these to escalate privileges or gain entry to more critical systems, they become a significant risk. So, you classify these as moderate to high-priority based on their potential impact.

By meticulously classifying your assets, you ensure that your security efforts are focused where they are needed most. This approach not only protects your most valuable data but also helps you efficiently allocate your resources to maintain a strong security posture.

Step 4. Threat modeling

Threat modeling uses hypothetical scenarios and testing to secure systems and data. It maps out all possible ways your network could be attacked. Understanding these potential threats is crucial for preparing your defenses. It’s a key part of attack path analysis that helps to uncover weak spots and prioritize your security efforts.

Start by identifying what you are up against. These may range from script kiddies to sophisticated state-sponsored groups. Each has different skills, resources, and goals. 

For instance, script kiddies might be looking for easy entry points to cause chaos, like exploiting weak passwords. On the other hand, a state-sponsored group might target specific high-value assets like your financial databases, using advanced techniques like zero-day exploits.

Once you understand the types of attackers, you move on to identifying potential threats. Imagine, for example, your financial database. Here, the threats could include SQL injection attacks on your web applications, phishing attacks to steal admin credentials, or even insider threats from disgruntled employees. By mapping these threats, you get a clearer picture of the risks facing your assets.

Next, look at possible vulnerabilities. This is where you get into the nitty-gritty. For example, a web application that is running outdated software is a vulnerability. This makes it susceptible to known exploits. 

Or consider an IoT device with a default password, making it an easy target for brute-force attacks. Identifying these vulnerabilities allows you to see where attackers might gain entry.

Also think about the potential impact of each threat. An attacker exploiting a vulnerability in your financial database software could steal customer payment data or manipulate transaction records. This could lead to huge financial losses and damage your reputation. 

By assessing impact, you prioritize which vulnerabilities to address first. For example, a vulnerability in your financial systems would take precedence over one in a less critical marketing database.

Attack vectors are another critical piece of the puzzle. These are the paths attackers might take to exploit vulnerabilities. For instance, in a phishing attack, the attacker sends out emails to employees, hoping someone will click on a malicious link. 

Once they gain access, they might move laterally through the network, looking for high-value targets. Mapping out these attack vectors helps you understand the flow of a potential attack and where you need stronger defenses.

Don’t forget countermeasures. These are the actions you take to mitigate threats. Think about how you can update and patch your software regularly to close known vulnerabilities. Or how implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can make phishing attacks less effective. 

Imagine an attacker getting hold of an employee’s credentials through a phishing email. Without MFA, they’re in. But with MFA in place, they can’t get past the authentication barrier, stopping the attack in its tracks.

You can also use the insights from threat modeling to enhance your incident response. Picture an attacker exploiting an unpatched server vulnerability. Your threat modeling might have already identified this as a risk, guiding you to set up monitoring and alerts for unusual activity around that server. When an attack occurs, these pre-configured alerts enable you to respond swiftly, isolating the compromised server and mitigating damage.

Constantly updating and refining your threat models based on the latest intelligence ensures your defenses evolve along with the threats. It's like constantly redrawing your battle plans based on enemy movements. Understanding the specific threats you face and how they might exploit your vulnerabilities gives you the upper hand in securing your network.

Step 5. Identifying potential threat actors

Threat actors are the adversaries plotting to break into your network. Knowing who they are helps you better understand their motives and methods.

First, imagine the lone wolf hacker. Often called script kiddies, these individuals use pre-made scripts and tools to exploit vulnerabilities. They might not have advanced skills, but they’re persistent. 

They might target low-hanging fruit like weak passwords or unpatched software. For instance, they could exploit a known vulnerability in an outdated application you haven’t updated yet. Even though they’re less sophisticated, they can still cause significant damage if they find an easy entry point.

Next, consider hacktivists. These are groups or individuals motivated by political or social causes. They’re not just after money; they want to make a statement. A hacktivist group might deface your website to protest a business decision. 

They might also use DDoS attacks to disrupt your services or leak sensitive emails to embarrass you. Knowing their motives helps you prepare for attacks aimed more at public disruption or damage to your reputation.

Then, there are cybercriminals. These actors are motivated purely by financial gain. Picture them trying to steal customer payment information from your database. They could use phishing attacks to harvest credentials or deploy ransomware to lock up our systems and demand a ransom. 

Cybercriminals often operate in organized groups, using sophisticated tactics to maximize their profit. Understanding their methods allows you to put strong defenses around your financial assets.

Insider threats are another major concern. They could take the form of a disgruntled employee with access to sensitive information who misuses their credentials to steal data or sabotage systems. For example, an unhappy IT admin could disable security protocols or exfiltrate proprietary information. Knowing the risks of insider threats prompts you to implement strict access controls and continuously monitor for unusual activities.

Lastly, consider the threat from cyber terrorists. Though less common, this is a growing concern. Cyber terrorists are motivated by ideological reasons and aim to cause widespread harm. They could attack critical infrastructure or disrupt services to create chaos. Understanding this threat compels us to protect your key infrastructure with the highest security measures.

Identifying these potential threat actors helps you tailor your defenses more effectively. Each actor has different motives and methods. By understanding who they are and how they operate, you can anticipate their moves and strengthen your network resources and systems accordingly.