# MITRE Att\&ck Containers Matrix

## MITRE Att\&ck Containers Matrix Overview

The Containers Matrix from MITRE ATT\&CK is a framework designed to describe the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by adversaries specifically targeting containerized environments. Similar to the original ATT\&CK matrix, which focuses on traditional IT environments, the Containers Matrix organizes adversarial behaviors into various tactics and techniques that align with the stages of an attack lifecycle within a containerized infrastructure.

### Key Aspects of the Containers Matrix:

1. **Tactics:**
   * **Initial Access:** Methods that adversaries use to gain entry into the container environment.
   * **Execution:** Techniques for running malicious code within containers.
   * **Persistence:** Strategies to maintain access and control over containers after initial compromise.
   * **Privilege Escalation:** Techniques to gain higher privileges within the container or host environment.
   * **Defense Evasion:** Methods used to avoid detection or bypass security measures.
   * **Credential Access:** Techniques to obtain credentials for gaining access to resources.
   * **Discovery:** Methods to gather information about the container environment and its resources.
   * **Lateral Movement:** Techniques to move within the environment, from one container to another, or to the host.
   * **Collection:** Strategies to gather and exfiltrate data from the containerized environment.
   * **Impact:** Techniques that directly affect the availability or integrity of container resources.
2. **Techniques:**
   * The matrix includes specific techniques under each tactic. These techniques are actions an adversary might take within a containerized environment, such as exploiting container vulnerabilities, manipulating container runtimes, or accessing sensitive data within the container.
3. **Focus on Containers:**
   * The Containers Matrix is tailored to the unique aspects of containerized environments, including orchestration platforms like Kubernetes, container runtimes like Docker, and other container-specific components. It highlights the risks and attack vectors that are particular to these technologies.
4. **Use Cases:**
   * **Defenders:** Security teams can use the Containers Matrix to understand potential attack paths and prioritize defenses based on the techniques most relevant to their environment.
   * **Red Teams:** The matrix provides a framework for simulating real-world attacks on containerized environments, helping to improve detection and response capabilities.
5. **Integration with Other Frameworks:**
   * The Containers Matrix can be used alongside other MITRE ATT\&CK matrices, such as the Cloud Matrix, to provide a comprehensive view of adversarial tactics across hybrid or cloud-native environments.

### Application in Security Operations:

* **Threat Hunting:** The Containers Matrix offers a guide for identifying suspicious activity within container environments, allowing threat hunters to focus on specific tactics and techniques.
* **Incident Response:** The framework helps responders understand the potential scope and impact of a container-related breach, guiding them through investigation and remediation steps.
* **Security Posture Assessment:** Organizations can use the matrix to evaluate their defenses against container-specific threats, identifying gaps and implementing stronger security controls.

### Summary

The Containers Matrix is an evolving framework, regularly updated to reflect new threats and attack vectors as containerization continues to grow in popularity and complexity.

### References

{% embed url="<https://attack.mitre.org/matrices/enterprise/containers/>" %}