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Attack Patterns T1056.002 — GUI Input Capture
T1056.002

GUI Input Capture

Collection
TLP:CLEAR

Description

Adversaries may mimic common operating system GUI components to prompt users for credentials with a seemingly legitimate prompt. When programs are executed that need additional privileges than are present in the current user context, it is common for the operating system to prompt the user for proper credentials to authorize the elevated privileges for the task (ex: Bypass User Account Control). Adversaries may mimic this functionality to prompt users for credentials with a seemingly legitimate prompt for a number of reasons that mimic normal usage, such as a fake installer requiring additional access or a fake malware removal suite.(Citation: OSX Malware Exploits MacKeeper) This type of prompt can be used to collect credentials via various languages such as AppleScript(Citation: LogRhythm Do You Trust Oct 2014)(Citation: OSX Keydnap malware)(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) and PowerShell.(Citation: LogRhythm Do You Trust Oct 2014)(Citation: Enigma Phishing for Credentials Jan 2015)(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) On Linux systems adversaries may launch dialog boxes prompting users for credentials from malicious shell scripts or the command line (i.e. Unix Shell).(Citation: Spoofing credential dialogs) Adversaries may also mimic common software authentication requests, such as those from browsers or email clients. This may also be paired with user activity monitoring (i.e., Browser Information Discovery and/or Application Window Discovery) to spoof prompts when users are naturally accessing sensitive sites/data.

MITRE ATT&CK Detection Strategies
1

DET0521 Behavioral Detection of Spoofed GUI Credential Prompts
AN1442 macOS

Detects AppleScript or Objective-C usage to generate fake authentication windows (e.g., using display dialog or NSAlert) from user-launched or persistence-related processes.

macos:unifiedlog macos:osquery
AN1441 Linux

Detects GUI-based credential prompts invoked via zenity/kdialog/dialog or X11 APIs from non-user-facing scripts or background shell sessions, often with authentication-related text.

auditd:SYSCALL linux:cli
AN1440 Windows

Detects suspicious use of PowerShell, .NET, or script interpreters to spawn processes that mimic UAC prompts, often with credential capture dialogue boxes invoked from non-standard parent processes.

WinEventLog:Sysmon WinEventLog:PowerShell

MITRE ATT&CK Mitigations
1

M1017

User Training

User Training involves educating employees and contractors on recognizing, reporting, and preventing cyber threats that rely on human interaction, such as phishing, social engineering, and other manipulative techniques. Comprehensive training programs create a human firewall by empowering users to be an active component of the organization's cybersecurity defenses. This mitigation can be implemented through the following measures: Create Comprehensive Training Programs: - Design training modules tailored to the organization's risk profile, covering topics such as phishing, password management, and incident reporting. - Provide role-specific training for high-risk employees, such as helpdesk staff or executives. Use Simulated Exercises: - Conduct phishing simulations to measure user susceptibility and provide targeted follow-up training. - Run social engineering drills to evaluate employee responses and reinforce protocols. Leverage Gamification and Engagement: - Introduce interactive learning methods such as quizzes, gamified challenges, and rewards for successful detection and reporting of threats. Incorporate Security Policies into Onboarding: - Include cybersecurity training as part of the onboarding process for new employees. - Provide easy-to-understand materials outlining acceptable use policies and reporting procedures. Regular Refresher Courses: - Update training materials to include emerging threats and techniques used by adversaries. - Ensure all employees complete periodic refresher courses to stay informed. Emphasize Real-World Scenarios: - Use case studies of recent attacks to demonstrate the consequences of successful phishing or social engineering. - Discuss how specific employee actions can prevent or mitigate such attacks.

Details

Platforms
Linux
Macos
Windows
Added
May 2, 2026
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