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CTEM-INF-1: Infected Corporate-Owned Device

To be Completed

Documentation has not been completed. This page is a placeholder for future documentation.

An Infected Corporate-Owned Device is a compromised host that is owned and managed by a company. Examples of such devices include company-issued laptops, servers, or other corporate-managed hardware. These infected devices represent significant risks to an organization's security posture, as they often contain sensitive company data, access credentials, and serve as critical points within the corporate network.

Characteristics of an Infected Corporate-Owned Device​

  • Corporate Ownership: The device is officially issued and maintained by the company, making it subject to corporate security policies and protocols.
  • Established Persistence: The attacker has already established persistence on the device, which means they have implemented methods to maintain control, such as installing malware or trojans.
  • Compromised Integrity: The infected device can no longer be trusted, as the attacker may have altered system configurations, installed backdoors, or tampered with data.

Common Methods of Discovery​

Infected corporate-owned devices are typically detected using similar methods as other compromised hosts, including:

  • Stealer Log Posting: Corporate credentials or data stolen from the infected device may be posted for sale on underground markets.
  • Cybercrime Forums: References to compromised corporate devices may appear on cybercrime forums or other illicit communication channels, such as Telegram.
  • Botnet Activity: Evidence may suggest the corporate device is part of a botnet, indicating it is under the control of an external attacker through command-and-control (C2) channels.

Risks and Impact​

The compromise of a corporate-owned device poses several severe risks:

  • Data Breach: Attackers may access sensitive company information stored on the device, leading to a potential data breach.
  • Credential Theft: The device may store credentials that could be used to access other company systems or escalate privileges within the corporate network.
  • Lateral Movement: Once an attacker controls a corporate device, they may use it as a foothold to move laterally within the network, compromising additional systems.
  • Business Disruption: Infected devices can disrupt business operations, particularly if attackers deploy ransomware or otherwise tamper with the functioning of the system.

Key Considerations for Threat Exposure Management​

Managing infected corporate-owned devices involves several key considerations:

  • Detection and Isolation: Infected devices should be detected as early as possible and immediately isolated from the corporate network to prevent further spread.
  • Forensic Analysis: Conducting forensic analysis on the device is essential to understand the attacker's actions, identify compromised data, and develop an appropriate remediation plan.
  • Remediation and Recovery: Once an infected corporate-owned device is identified, remediation steps should include removing malware, patching vulnerabilities, and restoring system integrity.

Infected corporate-owned devices represent a significant escalation in threat exposure, requiring coordinated efforts between IT, security teams, and management to ensure swift and effective mitigation.