Web Session Cookie
Parent: T1550
Description
Adversaries can use stolen session cookies to authenticate to web applications and services. This technique bypasses some multi-factor authentication protocols since the session is already authenticated.(Citation: Pass The Cookie) Authentication cookies are commonly used in web applications, including cloud-based services, after a user has authenticated to the service so credentials are not passed and re-authentication does not need to occur as frequently. Cookies are often valid for an extended period of time, even if the web application is not actively used. After the cookie is obtained through [Steal Web Session Cookie](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1539) or [Web Cookies](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1606/001), the adversary may then import the cookie into a browser they control and is then able to use the site or application as the user for as long as the session cookie is active. Once logged into the site, an adversary can access sensitive information, read email, or perform actions that the victim account has permissions to perform. There have been examples of malware targeting session cookies to bypass multi-factor authentication systems.(Citation: Unit 42 Mac Crypto Cookies January 2019)
Mapped SPARTA techniques
No techniques mapped to this control.
Cross-framework references
Relationships published by the source frameworks themselves, reproduced here with attribution. They are not SafeMode Space mappings and carry no confidence rating of ours.
Countered by 18 in MITRE D3FEND (Defensive Techniques)
- D3-ANCIAuthentication Cache Invalidation
- D3-APCAApplication Protocol Command Analysis
- D3-CCSACredential Compromise Scope Analysis
- D3-CHCredential Hardening
- D3-CRCredential Revocation
- D3-CROCredential Rotation
- D3-CSPPClient-server Payload Profiling
- D3-CTSCredential Transmission Scoping
- D3-DUCDecoy User Credential
- D3-MFAMulti-factor Authentication
- D3-NTCDNetwork Traffic Community Deviation
- D3-NTFNetwork Traffic Filtering
- D3-NTSANetwork Traffic Signature Analysis
- D3-PHDURAPer Host Download-Upload Ratio Analysis
- D3-PMADProtocol Metadata Anomaly Detection
- D3-RICReissue Credential
- D3-RTSDRemote Terminal Session Detection
- D3-UGLPAUser Geolocation Logon Pattern Analysis
Cite as SafeMode Space, mitre-attack-enterprise T1550.004.