Adversaries may use Valid Accounts to log into remote machines using Secure Shell (SSH). The adversary may then perform actions as the logged-on user.

SSH is a protocol that allows authorized users to open remote shells on other computers. Many Linux and macOS versions come with SSH installed by default, although typically disabled until the user enables it. On ESXi, SSH can be enabled either directly on the host (e.g., via vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh) or via vCenter.^[1],[2],[3] Modern versions of Windows include a built-in SSH server and client.^[4] The SSH server can be configured to use standard password authentication or public-private keypairs in lieu of or in addition to a password. In this authentication scenario, the user’s public key must be in a special file on the computer running the server that lists which keypairs are allowed to login as that user (i.e., SSH Authorized Keys).

References

1. Zhongyuan Hau (Aaron), Ren Jie Yow, and Yoav Mazor. (2025, January 21). ESXi Ransomware Attacks: Stealthy Persistence through. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
2. Junestherry Dela Cruz. (2022, January 24). Analysis and Impact of LockBit Ransomware’s First Linux and VMware ESXi Variant. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
3. Abigail See, Zhongyuan (Aaron) Hau, Ren Jie Yow, Yoav Mazor, Omer Kidron, and Oren Biderman. (2025, February 4). The Anatomy of Abyss Locker Ransomware Attack. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
4. Windows. (2024, May 29). Tutorial: SSH in Windows Terminal. Retrieved September 17, 2026.

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