T1599 001 Network Address Translation

---
name: "T1599.001_network-address-translation-traversal"
description: "Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a network device’s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration."
category: "configuration"
version: "18.1"
author: "cyberstrike-official"
tags:
  - mitre-attack
  - enterprise
  - t1599.001
  - defense-evasion
  - network-devices
  - sub-technique
technique_id: "T1599.001"
tactic: "defense-evasion"
all_tactics:
  - defense-evasion
platforms:
  - Network Devices
mitre_url: "https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1599/001"
tech_stack:
  - network devices
cwe_ids:
  - CWE-693
chains_with:
  - T1599
prerequisites:
  - T1599
severity_boost:
  T1599: "Chain with T1599 for deeper attack path"
---

# T1599.001 Network Address Translation Traversal

> **Sub-technique of:** T1599

## High-Level Description

Adversaries may bridge network boundaries by modifying a network device’s Network Address Translation (NAT) configuration. Malicious modifications to NAT may enable an adversary to bypass restrictions on traffic routing that otherwise separate trusted and untrusted networks.

Network devices such as routers and firewalls that connect multiple networks together may implement NAT during the process of passing packets between networks. When performing NAT, the network device will rewrite the source and/or destination addresses of the IP address header. Some network designs require NAT for the packets to cross the border device. A typical example of this is environments where internal networks make use of non-Internet routable addresses.

When an adversary gains control of a network boundary device, they may modify NAT configurations to send traffic between two separated networks, or to obscure their activities. In network designs that require NAT to function, such modifications enable the adversary to overcome inherent routing limitations that would normally prevent them from accessing protected systems behind the border device. In network designs that do not require NAT, adversaries may use address translation to further obscure their activities, as changing the addresses of packets that traverse a network boundary device can make monitoring data transmissions more challenging for defenders.

Adversaries may use Patch System Image to change the operating system of a network device, implementing their own custom NAT mechanisms to further obscure their activities.

## Kill Chain Phase

- Defense Evasion (TA0005)

**Platforms:** Network Devices

## What to Check

- [ ] Identify if Network Address Translation Traversal technique is applicable to target environment
- [ ] Check Network Devices systems for indicators of Network Address Translation Traversal
- [ ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (5 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 Network Address Translation Traversal by examining the target platforms (Network Devices).

2. **Assess Existing Defenses**: Review whether mitigations for T1599.001 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

### M1027 Password Policies

Refer to NIST guidelines when creating password policies.

### M1043 Credential Access Protection

Some embedded network devices are capable of storing passwords for local accounts in either plain-text or encrypted formats. Ensure that, where available, local passwords are always encrypted, per vendor recommendations.

### M1032 Multi-factor Authentication

Use multi-factor authentication for user and privileged accounts. Most embedded network devices support TACACS+ and/or RADIUS. Follow vendor prescribed best practices for hardening access control.

### M1026 Privileged Account Management

Restrict administrator accounts to as few individuals as possible, following least privilege principles. Prevent credential overlap across systems of administrator and privileged accounts, particularly between network and non-network platforms, such as servers or endpoints.

### M1037 Filter Network Traffic

Block Traffic Upon identifying a compromised network device being used to bridge a network boundary, block the malicious packets using an unaffected network device in path, such as a firewall or a router that has not been compromised. Continue to monitor for additional activity and to ensure that the blocks are indeed effective.

## Detection

### Detection Strategy for Network Address Translation Traversal

## Risk Assessment

| Finding                                                    | Severity | Impact          |
| ---------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | --------------- |
| Network Address Translation Traversal technique applicable | Low      | Defense Evasion |

## CWE Categories

| CWE ID  | Title                        |
| ------- | ---------------------------- |
| CWE-693 | Protection Mechanism Failure |

## References

- [RFC1918](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc1918)
- [Atomic Red Team - T1599.001](https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/tree/master/atomics/T1599.001)
- [MITRE ATT&CK - T1599.001](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1599/001)