T1056.004sub-technique of T1056 Input Capture
Credential API Hooking
Windows · Linux · macOSnothing on this site yetT1056.004 on attack.mitre.org
Adversaries may hook into Windows application programming interface (API) functions and Linux system functions to collect user credentials. Malicious hooking mechanisms may capture API or function calls that include parameters that reveal user authentication credentials. Unlike Keylogging, this technique focuses specifically on API functions that include parameters that reveal user credentials.
If this is happening now
Checklists and playbooks to open while the alert is still live.
Cloud account compromise
Impossible travel, an unrecognised inbox rule, or a reported invoice-fraud attempt.
Suspected data theft by an insider
A resignation with unusual file access, a DLP alert, or an unexplained large transfer.
how MITRE says to see it
Detection of Credential Harvesting via API Hooking
- Detects credential harvesting via userland API hooking (e.g., SetWindowsHookEx, IAT, or inline patching) by correlating memory modifications with hook installation functions and suspicious module loads in credential-sensitive processes like lsass.exe, explorer.exe, or winlogon.exe.
- Detects credential interception via malicious LD_PRELOAD-based shared libraries loaded into ssh, sudo, or scp processes. Correlates environment variable injection, unexpected library loads, and memory patching behavior.
- Detects DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES abuse to hook credential-sensitive applications by correlating process spawns with unauthorized library injection and monitoring changes to the __TEXT segment (code) of credential handling binaries.