Full Report
John Strand // Lets take a look at how to use HoneyPorts on the new Active Defense Harbinger Distribution. For those of you who do not know, this is a […] The post Honeyports & ADHD!!! appeared first on Black Hills Information Security, Inc..
Analysis Summary
# Tool/Technique: HoneyPorts
## Overview
HoneyPorts is described as a "really cool script" used for active defense. Its primary function is to dynamically block an IP address that establishes a full, established TCP connection, making IP spoofing difficult against this specific defense mechanism. It appears to be leveraged within the Active Defense Harbinger Distribution.
## Technical Details
- Type: Tool / Active Defense Mechanism
- Platform: Implied Linux/Unix-like environment (used on Active Defense Harbinger Distribution)
- Capabilities: Dynamically blocks IP addresses upon detecting fully established TCP connections.
- First Seen: Article dated September 7, 2016.
## MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
The core function relates to denying traffic and defending against connections, which often maps to defensive actions or Denial of Service/network manipulation tactics used by defenders.
- [TA0005 - Defense Evasion] (If used defensively to evade specific connection types, though context implies blocking)
- [TA0008 - Lateral Movement] (If blocking movement paths)
- [TA0011 - Command and Control] (If blocking established connections attempting C2)
- *Note: Specific technique mapping would require knowing the exact mechanism used to implement the block (e.g., firewall rule modification).*
## Functionality
### Core Capabilities
- Detects when an IP address successfully establishes a full, established TCP connection.
- Dynamically adds a block/ban rule against the source IP address that initiated the connection.
### Advanced Features
- Makes IP spoofing detection/prevention significantly harder for an attacker targeting the mechanism, as the block relies on a verifiable established connection.
## Indicators of Compromise
The information provided concerns a defensive tool, so traditional IOCs for malware are not applicable. IOCs would be derived from the *result* of the tool executing (i.e., blocked traffic logs).
- File Hashes: N/A
- File Names: N/A
- Registry Keys: N/A
- Network Indicators: N/A (The tool *generates* blocks against attackers' IPs, which would appear as blocked connections in network logs.)
- Behavioral Indicators: Observation of automated firewall/ACL changes triggered by confirmed, established TCP sessions.
## Associated Threat Actors
No specific threat actors are mentioned as *using* HoneyPorts; it is presented as a defensive tool utilized by researchers or analysts (implied on the Active Defense Harbinger Distribution).
## Detection Methods
Since this is a defensive tool, detection focuses on recognizing its *activity* if it were misused, or ensuring it is properly installed/configured.
- Signature-based detection: N/A (Depends on the underlying scripting language/OS tools used)
- Behavioral detection: Monitoring system logs or intrusion detection systems for rapid, automated firewall rule additions corresponding to established TCP connections.
- YARA rules: N/A
## Mitigation Strategies
These strategies apply to an organization *deploying* HoneyPorts for active defense:
- Prevention measures: Ensure the script is properly contained and only operates on designated honeypots or monitored environments to prevent collateral damage (blocking legitimate traffic).
- Hardening recommendations: Review the logic of the connection establishment trigger to ensure it targets actual malicious activity and not routine network scanning.
## Related Tools/Techniques
- Honeypots/Honeynets (General deception technology)
- Active Defense mechanisms
- Dynamic Firewall Rule Implementation