Scanning for Vulnerable Software
Attack Pattern ID: 310 (Meta Attack Pattern)Typical Severity: LowStatus: Draft
+ Description

Summary

An attacker engages in scanning activity to find vulnerable software versions or types, such as operating system versions or network services. Vulnerable or exploitable network configurations, such as improperly firewalled systems, or misconfigured systems in the DMZ or external network, provide windows of opportunity for an attacker. Common types of vulnerable software include unpatched operating systems or services (e.g FTP, Telnet, SMTP, SNMP) running on open ports that the attacker has identified. Attackers usually begin probing for vulnerable software once the external network has been port scanned and potential targets have been revealed.

+ Target Attack Surface

Target Attack Surface Description

Targeted OSI Layers: Network Layer Transport Layer Application Layer

Target Attack Surface Localities

Server-side

Target Attack Surface Types: Host Service

Target Functional Services

Target Functional Service 1: None
Protocol 1: Any
Related Protocol: Internet Protocol
Relationship Type
Uses Protocol
Related Protocol: User Datagram Protocol
Relationship Type
Uses Protocol
Related Protocol: lnternet Control Messaging Protocol
Relationship Type
Uses Protocol
Related Protocol: Transmission Control Protocol
Relationship Type
Uses Protocol
+ Attack Prerequisites

None

+ Resources Required

Probing requires the ability to interactively send and receive data from a target, whereas passive listening requires a sufficient understanding of the protocol to analyze a preexisting channel of communication.

+ Related Attack Patterns
NatureTypeIDNameDescriptionView(s) this relationship pertains toView\(s\)
ChildOfAttack PatternAttack Pattern286Network Reconnaissance 
Mechanism of Attack (primary)1000
ParentOfAttack PatternAttack Pattern300Port Scanning 
Mechanism of Attack1000
ParentOfAttack PatternAttack Pattern311Fingerprinting Remote Operating Systems 
Mechanism of Attack (primary)1000
+ References
Stuart McClure, Joel Scambray and George Kurtz. "Hacking Exposed: Network Security Secrets & Solutions". 6th Edition. McGraw Hill, ISBN: 978-0-07-161374-3. 2009.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). "RFC793 - Transmission Control Protocol". 1981. <http://www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc793.html>.
Gordon "Fyordor" Lyon. "The Art of Port Scanning". Volume: 7, Issue. 51. Phrack Magazine. 1997. <http://nmap.org/p51-11.html>.
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