T1588.001 Malware

---
name: "T1588.001_malware"
description: "Adversaries may buy, steal, or download malware that can be used during targeting."
category: "information-gathering"
version: "18.1"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - mitre-attack
  - enterprise
  - t1588.001
  - resource-development
  - pre
  - sub-technique
technique_id: "T1588.001"
tactic: "resource-development"
all_tactics:
  - resource-development
platforms:
  - PRE
mitre_url: "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/001"
tech_stack:
  - pre
cwe_ids: []
chains_with:
  - T1588
  - T1588.002
  - T1588.003
  - T1588.004
  - T1588.005
  - T1588.006
  - T1588.007
prerequisites:
  - T1588
severity_boost:
  T1588: "Chain with T1588 for deeper attack path"
  T1588.002: "Chain with T1588.002 for deeper attack path"
  T1588.003: "Chain with T1588.003 for deeper attack path"
---

# T1588.001 Malware

> **Sub-technique of:** T1588

## High-Level Description

Adversaries may buy, steal, or download malware that can be used during targeting. Malicious software can include payloads, droppers, post-compromise tools, backdoors, packers, and C2 protocols. Adversaries may acquire malware to support their operations, obtaining a means for maintaining control of remote machines, evading defenses, and executing post-compromise behaviors.

In addition to downloading free malware from the internet, adversaries may purchase these capabilities from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in malware development, criminal marketplaces (including Malware-as-a-Service, or MaaS), or from individuals. In addition to purchasing malware, adversaries may steal and repurpose malware from third-party entities (including other adversaries).

## Kill Chain Phase

- Resource Development (TA0042)

**Platforms:** PRE

## What to Check

- [ ] Identify if Malware technique is applicable to target environment
- [ ] Check PRE systems for indicators of Malware
- [ ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
- [ ] Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

## How to Test

### Manual Testing

1. **Identify Attack Surface**: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Malware by examining the target platforms (PRE).

2. **Assess Existing Defenses**: Review whether mitigations for T1588.001 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. **Execute Test**: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

> **Note**: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See [Atomic Red Team GitHub](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team) for updates.

## Remediation Guide

### M1056 Pre-compromise

This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.

## Detection

### Detection of Malware

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                      | Severity | Impact               |
| ---------------------------- | -------- | -------------------- |
| Malware technique applicable | High     | Resource Development |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title                 |
| ------ | --------------------- |
| N/A    | No direct CWE mapping |

## References

- [FireEyeSupplyChain](https://www.mandiant.com/resources/supply-chain-analysis-from-quartermaster-to-sunshop)
- [Atomic Red Team - T1588.001](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1588.001)
- [MITRE ATT&CK - T1588.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1588/001)