Red team infrastructure hygiene during authorized engagements

// Introduction

During an authorized engagement, red teams often focus on exploiting vulnerabilities while neglecting the importance of maintaining a clean infrastructure. Poor hygiene can lead to detection, operational failures, or worse — legal repercussions if boundaries are crossed. A well-maintained red team infrastructure not only enhances the effectiveness of engagements but also provides insight into tradeoffs and failure modes.

// Planning the Infrastructure

Consideration should be given to the architecture of the red team environment, including:

• Network Segmentation: Isolate your tools and activities from production environments.
• IP Address Management: Use a range of private IPs to avoid conflicts and detection.
• Domain Naming: Choose non-descript names for command and control (C2) servers.

Example Command

When setting up a new C2 server, use a command similar to:

ssh -D 1080 user@your-c2-server.com

This command creates a SOCKS proxy on localhost that can be utilized by various tools to route traffic, keeping your activities discreet.

// Tools and Technologies

Select tools that are effective yet lightweight. Here are a few recommendations:

• Metasploit: For exploit development and payload delivery.
• Cobalt Strike: For post-exploitation activities, ensuring you maintain access without being detected.

Checklist for Tool Setup

1. Ensure all tools are updated to the latest version. 2. Configure logging levels appropriately to avoid excessive verbosity. 3. Remove any unused modules or payloads from your toolset to minimize footprint.

// Creating and Managing Persistence

Persistence techniques are a double-edged sword. They can maintain access but also increase the risk of detection. Utilize the following:

• Systemd Services on Linux systems
• Scheduled Tasks on Windows

Systemd Service Example

Here’s how you can create a basic systemd service:

[Unit]
Description=My Service

[Service]
ExecStart=/path/to/your/executable
Restart=always

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

This configuration ensures that your service runs at startup and restarts if it fails. However, ensure the executable is benign to avoid detection.

// Monitoring and Logging

Keep an eye on your logs, both from your tools and the target's environment. This can provide critical feedback on the effectiveness of your tactics and any defensive measures employed by the target.

Log Analysis Commands

Use commands like the following to analyze logs:

grep 'failed' /var/log/auth.log

This command can help you identify failed login attempts that may indicate countermeasures from the target.

// Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting Cleanup: Always remove tracks post-engagement. Failing to do so could lead to forensic analysis revealing your activities.
• Over-Logging: Excessive logs can be red flags. Balance between necessary information and operational security.
• Using Public Infrastructure: Avoid using platforms like AWS public instances for sensitive operations, as these can be linked back to you.

// Defensive Implications

Understanding how to maintain a clean red team infrastructure can also inform your blue team counterparts. For example, if a red team is effective at reducing their footprint, blue teams should consider implementing better logging and monitoring strategies.

// Conclusion

Proper infrastructure hygiene during red team engagements is not just about operational effectiveness; it’s also a matter of avoiding detection and legal issues. A well-planned approach to tool selection, persistence, and logging can make all the difference. Remember, all techniques discussed should be practiced in a controlled, disposable environment that you own. The DaemonCore Academy curriculum offers free resources to help you sharpen these skills further.