T1565.001sub-technique of T1565 Data Manipulation
Stored Data Manipulation
Linux · macOS · Windowsnothing on this site yetT1565.001 on attack.mitre.org
Adversaries may insert, delete, or manipulate data at rest in order to influence external outcomes or hide activity, thus threatening the integrity of the data. By manipulating stored data, adversaries may attempt to affect a business process, organizational understanding, and decision making. Stored data could include a variety of file formats, such as Office files, databases, stored emails, and custom file formats.
If this is happening now
Checklists and playbooks to open while the alert is still live.
Playbook for this stage
Ransomware, suspected or confirmed
Files renamed or unreadable, a ransom note, or backup deletion commands seen.
how MITRE says to see it
Detection Strategy for Stored Data Manipulation across OS Platforms.
- Identify unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification of business-critical stored data such as Office documents, database files, and log archives. Detect anomalous processes modifying stored data outside of expected workflows (e.g., non-database processes modifying database files).
- Detect suspicious file creation, modification, or deletion in stored data directories (e.g., `/var/lib/mysql/`, `/var/log/`, mail spools). Identify shell commands interacting directly with structured data files instead of legitimate database utilities.
- Monitor sensitive data files such as plist-based storage, mail archives, or Office files for unexpected modifications. Detect anomalous processes modifying stored data outside expected update cycles using FSEvents and Unified Logs.
what reduces it
- M1029 Remote Data Storage. Consider implementing IT disaster recovery plans that contain procedures for taking regular data backups that can be used to restore organizational data. Ensure backups are stored off system and is protected from common methods adversaries may use to gain access and manipulate backups.
- M1022 Restrict File and Directory Permissions. Ensure least privilege principles are applied to important information resources to reduce exposure to data manipulation risk.
- M1041 Encrypt Sensitive Information. Consider encrypting important information to reduce an adversary’s ability to perform tailored data modifications.