Technique.View on attack.mitre.org
After they already have access to accounts or systems within the environment, adversaries may use internal spearphishing to gain access to additional information or compromise other users within the same organization. Internal spearphishing is multi-staged campaign where a legitimate account is initially compromised either by controlling the user's device or by compromising the account credentials of the user. Adversaries may then attempt to take advantage of the trusted internal account to increase the likelihood of tricking more victims into falling for phish attempts, often incorporating Impersonation.
For example, adversaries may leverage Spearphishing Attachment or Spearphishing Link as part of internal spearphishing to deliver a payload or redirect to an external site to capture credentials through Input Capture on sites that mimic login interfaces.
Adversaries may also leverage internal chat apps, such as Microsoft Teams, to spread malicious content or engage users in attempts to capture sensitive information and/or credentials.
Rules on DetectionCode tagged with T1534.
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| GroupAPT-C-36 | APT-C-36 has used a compromised account to send a phishing email to an address likely used and monitored by the IT team within the same targeted organization. |
| GroupGamaredon Group | Gamaredon Group has used an Outlook VBA module on infected systems to send phishing emails with malicious attachments to other employees within the organization. |
| GroupHEXANE | HEXANE has conducted internal spearphishing attacks against executives, HR, and IT personnel to gain information and access. |
| GroupKimsuky | Kimsuky has sent internal spearphishing emails for lateral movement after stealing victim information. |
| GroupLeviathan | Leviathan has conducted internal spearphishing within the victim's environment for lateral movement. |
| GroupMuddyWater | MuddyWater has used compromised mailboxes within target organizations to send spearphishing emails. |
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| MalwareSameCoin | SameCoin can send its Setup.exe file as an attachment to other addresses in the same compromised organization. |
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| CampaignOperation Dream Job | During Operation Dream Job, Lazarus Group conducted internal spearphishing from within a compromised organization. |
Data from MITRE ATT&CK® (Enterprise). ATT&CK® is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation.
