Active Scanning: Scanning IP Blocks
- ID
- T1595.001
- Tactics
- TA0043 Reconnaissance
- Sub-technique of
- T1595 Active Scanning
- Platforms
- PRE
- Data sources
- Network Traffic Content, Network Traffic Flow
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 12 May 2026
Adversaries may scan victim IP blocks to gather information that can be used during targeting. Public IP addresses may be allocated to organizations by block, or a range of sequential addresses.
Adversaries may scan IP blocks in order to Gather Victim Network Information, such as which IP addresses are actively in use as well as more detailed information about hosts assigned these addresses. Scans may range from simple pings (ICMP requests and responses) to more nuanced scans that may reveal host software/versions via server banners or other network artifacts.[1] Information from these scans may reveal opportunities for other forms of reconnaissance (ex: Search Open Websites/Domains or Search Open Technical Databases), establishing operational resources (ex: Develop Capabilities or Obtain Capabilities), and/or initial access (ex: External Remote Services).
Detection
- DET0817 Detection of Scanning IP Blocks
Data components: Network Traffic Content, Network Traffic Flow
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. Efforts should focus on minimizing the amount and sensitivity of data available to external parties.