Pentest+ (PT0-003) Understanding MITRE ATT&CK Framework

MITRE ATT&CK, which stands for Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge, is a comprehensive knowledge base developed by the MITRE Corporation. It documents the tactics, techniques, and procedures—commonly known as TTPs—used by attackers during cyber operations. This framework offers a structured way to understand and analyze the various stages of a cyberattack, ranging from the moment attackers gain initial access, all the way to the point where they exfiltrate data from a compromised system.

At the heart of the framework is what we call the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix. This matrix is divided into columns, each representing a tactic—which is essentially an objective that an attacker is trying to achieve. Examples of these tactics include Initial Access, Execution, Persistence, Credential Access, and many more.

Within each tactic, you’ll find multiple techniques. These are the specific methods adversaries use to accomplish their goals.

Let’s take a closer look at some examples:

• Under Initial Access, we might see techniques such as:

  • Drive-by compromise

  • Supply chain compromise

  • External remote services

• Under the Persistence tactic, attackers might use methods like:

  • Creating new accounts

  • Modifying the authentication process

  • Installing malicious browser extensions

• For Credential Access, techniques may include:

  • Brute-force attacks

  • Adversary-in-the-middle strategies

  • Forced authentication mechanisms

In addition to these, MITRE ATT&CK also provides supporting content such as real-world use cases, threat group profiles, and detection recommendations, making it a powerful tool for threat intelligence, red teaming, and blue team defense.

Now, let’s compare this framework with more traditional penetration testing standards, such as NIST SP 800-115, OSSTMM, and PTES.

Traditional frameworks tend to focus on the procedural and structured aspects of a penetration test. For example:

• NIST SP 800-115 emphasizes phases like planning, reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, and reporting.

• OSSTMM is centered around metrics and measurable outcomes.

• PTES outlines a detailed methodology that includes scoping, execution, and documentation.

In contrast, MITRE ATT&CK focuses not on the testing process itself, but on simulating adversary behavior. It’s about understanding what attackers do once they’re inside a system. This is why ATT&CK is especially useful in red teaming exercises, where the goal is to mimic real-world attackers as closely as possible.

For instance, while a traditional penetration test may tell you that a server is vulnerable to a certain exploit, the MITRE ATT&CK framework can help you simulate what an attacker would do next—perhaps by using PowerShell to establish persistence, or by leveraging Living-off-the-Land Binaries, often referred to as LOLBins, to avoid detection.

By integrating MITRE ATT&CK into your pentesting workflow, you gain a much more realistic view of the threat landscape. It enables you to go beyond just identifying vulnerabilities, and instead understand the potential impact if those vulnerabilities are exploited by a skilled adversary.

In summary, MITRE ATT&CK does not replace traditional frameworks. Instead, it complements them by providing contextual, intelligence-driven guidance on how attackers operate during and after exploitation. It enhances our understanding of attacker behavior and allows us to build more resilient defenses based on real-world threats.