MITRE ATT&CKsub-technique

T1021.001 Remote Desktop Protocol

Published 2020-02-11 Modified 2026-05-12 Official page ↗
Domain
enterprise
Tactics
Lateral Movement
Platforms
Windows
Version
1.4
Created
2020-02-11

Description

Adversaries may use Valid Accounts to log into a computer using the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user. Remote desktop is a common feature in operating systems. It allows a user to log into an interactive session with a system desktop graphical user interface on a remote system. Microsoft refers to its implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) as Remote Desktop Services (RDS). Adversaries may connect to a remote system over RDP/RDS to expand access if the service is enabled and allows access to accounts with known credentials. Adversaries will likely use Credential Access techniques to acquire credentials to use with RDP. Adversaries may also use RDP in conjunction with the Accessibility Features or Terminal Services DLL for Persistence.

Related

Subtechnique of · MITRE ATT&CK (1)

  • T1021 Remote Services technique

Tactic · MITRE ATT&CK (1)

  • TA0008 Lateral Movement tactic

Referenced by MITRE ATT&CK · mitigates (8)

  • M1035 Limit Access to Resource Over Network mitigation
  • M1042 Disable or Remove Feature or Program mitigation
  • M1047 Audit mitigation
  • M1030 Network Segmentation mitigation
  • M1032 Multi-factor Authentication mitigation
  • M1018 User Account Management mitigation
  • M1026 Privileged Account Management mitigation
  • M1028 Operating System Configuration mitigation

Referenced by MITRE ATT&CK · uses (66)

  • G1059 NIMBUS MANTICORE group
  • S9051 The Gentlemen Ransomware software (malware)
  • C0063 2025 Poland Wiper Attacks campaign
  • G1055 VOID MANTICORE group
  • C0061 Operation Digital Eye campaign
  • G1054 MirrorFace group
  • G1051 Medusa Group group
  • C0051 APT28 Nearest Neighbor Campaign campaign
  • G1045 Salt Typhoon group
  • S1187 reGeorg software (malware)
  • G1043 BlackByte group
  • C0038 HomeLand Justice campaign
  • G1032 INC Ransom group
  • G1030 Agrius group
  • C0032 C0032 campaign
  • C0029 Cutting Edge campaign
  • G1024 Akira group
  • G1023 APT5 group
  • G1016 FIN13 group
  • G1017 Volt Typhoon group
  • G1015 Scattered Spider group
  • C0024 SolarWinds Compromise campaign
  • C0018 C0018 campaign
  • C0015 C0015 campaign
  • G0143 Aquatic Panda group
  • S0670 WarzoneRAT software (malware)
  • S0583 Pysa software (malware)
  • G0119 Indrik Spider group
  • G0117 Fox Kitten group
  • G0114 Chimera group
Show all 66 ›

Referenced by Compliance · mitigates (34)

  • CIS-12.2 Establish and Maintain a Secure Network Architecture CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-12.7 Ensure Remote Devices Utilize a VPN and are Connecting to an Enterprise's AAA Infrastructure CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-12.8 Establish and Maintain Dedicated Computing Resources for All Administrative Work CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-13.5 Manage Access Control for Remote Access CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-16.8 Separate Production and Non-Production Systems CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-4.4 Implement and Manage a Firewall on Servers CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-4.5 Implement and Manage a Firewall on End-User Devices CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-4.6 Securely Manage Enterprise Assets and Software CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-4.8 Uninstall or Disable Unnecessary Services on Enterprise Assets and Software CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-6.4 Require MFA for Remote Network Access CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-6.8 Define and Maintain Role-Based Access Control CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • NIST-AC-11 Device Lock NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-12 Session Termination NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-17 Remote Access NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-2 Account Management NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-20 Use of External Systems NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-3 Access Enforcement NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-4 Information Flow Enforcement NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-5 Separation of Duties NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-6 Least Privilege NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-AC-7 Unsuccessful Logon Attempts NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-CM-2 Baseline Configuration NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-CM-5 Access Restrictions for Change NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-CM-6 Configuration Settings NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-CM-7 Least Functionality NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-CM-8 System Component Inventory NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-IA-2 Identification and Authentication (Organizational Users) NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-IA-4 Identifier Management NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-IA-5 Authenticator Management NIST 800-53 control
  • NIST-IA-6 Authentication Feedback NIST 800-53 control
Show all 34 ›

References