Obtain Capabilities
- ID
- T1588
- Tactics
- TA0042 Resource Development
- Platforms
- PRE
- Data sources
- Certificate Registration, Malware Metadata, Response Content, Malware Content
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 25 Oct 2025
Adversaries may buy and/or steal capabilities that can be used during targeting. Rather than developing their own capabilities in-house, adversaries may purchase, freely download, or steal them. Activities may include the acquisition of malware, software (including licenses), exploits, certificates, and information relating to vulnerabilities. Adversaries may obtain capabilities to support their operations throughout numerous phases of the adversary lifecycle.
In addition to downloading free malware, software, and exploits from the internet, adversaries may purchase these capabilities from third-party entities. Third-party entities can include technology companies that specialize in malware and exploits, criminal marketplaces, or from individuals.[1][2]
In addition to purchasing capabilities, adversaries may steal capabilities from third-party entities (including other adversaries). This can include stealing software licenses, malware, SSL/TLS and code-signing certificates, or raiding closed databases of vulnerabilities or exploits.[3]
Sub-techniques (7)
- T1588.001 Malware
- T1588.002 Tool
- T1588.003 Code Signing Certificates
- T1588.004 Digital Certificates
- T1588.005 Exploits
- T1588.006 Vulnerabilities
- T1588.007 Artificial Intelligence
Detection
- DET0850 Detection of Obtain Capabilities
Data components: Certificate Registration, Malware Metadata, Response Content, Malware Content
Mitigations (1)
- M1056 Pre-compromise
This technique cannot be easily mitigated with preventive controls since it is based on behaviors performed outside of the scope of enterprise defenses and controls.