+Restrict File and Directory Permissions

Restrict File and Directory Permissions

Restricting file and directory permissions involves setting access controls at the file system level to limit which users, groups, or processes can read, write, or execute files. By configuring permissions appropriately, organizations can reduce the attack surface for adversaries seeking to access sensitive data, plant malicious code, or tamper with system files. Enforce Least Privilege Permissions: - Remove unnecessary write permissions on sensitive files and directories. - Use file ownership and groups to control access for specific roles. Example (Windows): Right-click the shared folder → Properties → Security tab → Adjust permissions for NTFS ACLs. Harden File Shares: - Disable anonymous access to shared folders. - Enforce NTFS permissions for shared folders on Windows. Example: Set permissions to restrict write access to critical files, such as system executables (e.g., `/bin` or `/sbin` on Linux). Use tools like `chown` and `chmod` to assign file ownership and limit access. On Linux, apply: `chmod 750 /etc/sensitive.conf` `chown root:admin /etc/sensitive.conf` File Integrity Monitoring (FIM): - Use tools like Tripwire, Wazuh, or OSSEC to monitor changes to critical file permissions. Audit File System Access: - Enable auditing to track permission changes or unauthorized access attempts. - Use auditd (Linux) or Event Viewer (Windows) to log activities. Restrict Startup Directories: - Configure permissions to prevent unauthorized writes to directories like `C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu`. Example: Restrict write access to critical directories like `/etc/`, `/usr/local/`, and Windows directories such as `C:\Windows\System32`. - On Windows, use icacls to modify permissions: `icacls "C:\Windows\System32" /inheritance:r /grant:r SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F` - On Linux, monitor permissions using tools like `lsattr` or `auditd`.

1. Overview

1.1 References

1.2 Identified Requirements

1.3 Related Regulations

2. Identified Requirements

Requirements

3. Related Regulations

Regulations

Linked Issues

Issuelinks
is related to Mitigations
blocks Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location
blocks Stored Data Manipulation
blocks RC Scripts
blocks Linux and Mac Permissions
blocks Startup Items
blocks Systemd Timers
blocks Control Panel
blocks Time Providers
blocks Dylib Hijacking
blocks Windows Permissions
blocks Network Logon Script
blocks Windows Host Firewall
blocks SSH Authorized Keys
blocks Runtime Data Manipulation
blocks Private Keys
blocks Proc Memory
blocks Disable or Modify Tools
blocks Disable or Modify System Firewall
blocks Path Interception by PATH Environment Variable
blocks XDG Autostart Entries
blocks NTFS File Attributes
blocks Launch Agent
blocks Path Interception by Search Order Hijacking
blocks PowerShell Profile
blocks Indicator Removal
blocks Account Manipulation
blocks Hijack Execution Flow
blocks Masquerading
blocks Shortcut Modification
blocks File and Directory Permissions Modification
blocks Scheduled Task/Job
blocks SSH Hijacking
blocks Clear Mailbox Data
blocks Sudo and Sudo Caching
blocks Clear Persistence
blocks Unsecured Credentials
blocks Systemd Service
blocks Clear Command History
blocks Create or Modify System Process
blocks Login Hook
blocks Clear Linux or Mac System Logs
blocks Modify Authentication Process
blocks Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism
blocks Unix Shell Configuration Modification
blocks Data from Cloud Storage
blocks AppDomainManager
blocks Path Interception by Unquoted Path
blocks Data Manipulation
blocks System Services
blocks Service Execution
blocks Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts
blocks Clear Windows Event Logs
blocks Service Stop
blocks Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol
blocks Rename Legitimate Utilities
blocks Taint Shared Content
blocks SIP and Trust Provider Hijacking
blocks Disable or Modify Windows Event Log
blocks Credentials In Files
blocks TCC Manipulation
  • MITREATTACK -

    © 2026 The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation. https://attack.mitre.org/

    Terms of Use

    LICENSE

    The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) hereby grants you a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use ATT&CK® for research, development, and commercial purposes. Any copy you make for such purposes is authorized provided that you reproduce MITRE's copyright designation and this license in any such copy.

    "© 2026 The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation."

    DISCLAIMERS

    MITRE does not claim ATT&CK enumerates all possibilities for the types of actions and behaviors documented as part of its adversary model and framework of techniques. Using the information contained within ATT&CK to address or cover full categories of techniques will not guarantee full defensive coverage as there may be undisclosed techniques or variations on existing techniques not documented by ATT&CK.

    ALL DOCUMENTS AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND THE CONTRIBUTOR, THE ORGANIZATION HE/SHE REPRESENTS OR IS SPONSORED BY (IF ANY), THE MITRE CORPORATION, ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION THEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

    See our FAQ for more information on how to use and represent the ATT&CK name.
Impressum German English