CAPEC-168

Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream
Medium
Draft
2014-06-23
00h00 +00:00
2020-12-17
00h00 +00:00
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Descriptions CAPEC

An attacker exploits the functionality of Microsoft NTFS Alternate Data Streams (ADS) to undermine system security. ADS allows multiple "files" to be stored in one directory entry referenced as filename:streamname. One or more alternate data streams may be stored in any file or directory. Normal Microsoft utilities do not show the presence of an ADS stream attached to a file. The additional space for the ADS is not recorded in the displayed file size. The additional space for ADS is accounted for in the used space on the volume. An ADS can be any type of file. ADS are copied by standard Microsoft utilities between NTFS volumes. ADS can be used by an attacker or intruder to hide tools, scripts, and data from detection by normal system utilities. Many anti-virus programs do not check for or scan ADS. Windows Vista does have a switch (-R) on the command line DIR command that will display alternate streams.

Informations CAPEC

Prerequisites

The target must be running the Microsoft NTFS file system.

Resources Required

The attacker must have command line or programmatic access to the target's files system with write/read permissions.

Mitigations

Design: Use FAT file systems which do not support Alternate Data Streams.
Implementation: Use Vista dir with the -R switch or utility to find Alternate Data Streams and take appropriate action with those discovered.
Implementation: Use products that are Alternate Data Stream aware for virus scanning and system security operations.

Related Weaknesses

CWE-ID Weakness Name

CWE-212

 Improper Removal of Sensitive Information Before Storage or Transfer
The product stores, transfers, or shares a resource that contains sensitive information, but it does not properly remove that information before the product makes the resource available to unauthorized actors.

CWE-69

 Improper Handling of Windows ::DATA Alternate Data Stream
The product does not properly prevent access to, or detect usage of, alternate data streams (ADS).

Submission

Name Organization Date Date release
CAPEC Content Team The MITRE Corporation 2014-06-23 +00:00

Modifications

Name Organization Date Comment
CAPEC Content Team The MITRE Corporation 2017-08-04 +00:00 Updated Resources_Required
CAPEC Content Team The MITRE Corporation 2018-07-31 +00:00 Updated Related_Attack_Patterns, Resources_Required
CAPEC Content Team The MITRE Corporation 2020-12-17 +00:00 Updated Taxonomy_Mappings