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CTEM-EXP-2 - Remote Site-Owned System Presumed Connected

To be Completed

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

Remote Site-Owned System Presumed Connected refers to a system that has been discovered to be accessible from the internet and is suspected, but not confirmed, to be connected to the internal network. These systems are typically deployed at remote sites, such as branch offices, sales offices, or other satellite locations, and may be providing services like remote access, email, or web hosting. While there is no definitive evidence that these systems are connected to the internal network, their exposure still poses significant security risks.

Characteristics of a Remote Site-Owned System Presumed Connected​

  • Internet Accessibility: The system is publicly accessible, often providing services that require external access, such as remote management, email, or public-facing web services.
  • Potential Internal Network Connectivity: There is a suspicion that the system may be connected to the internal corporate network, but this has not been confirmed. The system's location at a remote site increases the likelihood of it having some level of connectivity to the broader internal infrastructure.
  • Limited Oversight: Systems at remote sites may have limited IT oversight compared to centrally managed systems, increasing the risk of misconfigurations or lack of proper security controls.

Common Methods of Discovery​

Remote site-owned systems presumed connected are typically discovered through:

  • Internet Scanning Tools: Tools like Shodan, Censys, or other internet scanning services can identify systems that are exposed to the public internet, including those deployed at remote locations.
  • Threat Intelligence Services: Third-party threat intelligence services may detect exposed systems that are presumed to be connected to an organization's internal infrastructure.
  • Basic Web Searches: Information about exposed systems may also be discovered through web searches, revealing services that should not be publicly accessible.

Risks and Impact​

The risks associated with remote site-owned systems presumed connected include:

  • Potential for Lateral Movement: If the system is connected to the internal network, a compromise could lead to lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure, potentially compromising other internal systems.
  • Data Breach: The system may host or provide access to sensitive information, putting this data at risk if the system is compromised.
  • Service Disruption: Compromised systems can lead to disruptions of essential services, particularly at remote sites, affecting productivity and business continuity.
  • Increased Attack Surface: Exposing systems to the public internet without confirmation of their security posture increases the organization's attack surface and provides more opportunities for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.

Key Considerations for Threat Exposure Management​

Managing remote site-owned systems presumed connected requires careful monitoring, access control, and collaboration with remote site personnel:

  • Verification of Connectivity: Verify whether the exposed system is indeed connected to the internal network. Conduct network assessments to confirm or rule out internal connectivity.
  • Network Segmentation and Isolation: Ensure that any connections between remote site systems and the internal network are tightly controlled and properly segmented to limit the risk of lateral movement in case of a compromise.
  • Access Controls and Hardening: Implement strict access controls for remote systems, such as requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote access, and harden system configurations to minimize vulnerabilities.
  • Remote Site Coordination: Work closely with remote site personnel to ensure that systems are managed according to corporate security policies and that security controls are properly implemented.
  • Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuously monitor remote site systems for signs of compromise, unauthorized access, or unusual activity. Develop an incident response plan to address any incidents involving remote site systems, including containment and remediation procedures.

Remote site-owned systems presumed connected present a unique set of challenges, primarily due to the uncertainty around their connectivity and the potential lack of direct oversight. Effective threat exposure management requires a combination of proactive verification, strong access controls, and close collaboration with remote site teams to minimize risks and protect the organization's broader network infrastructure.