Living Off the Land: How Hackers Exploit Construction Network Tools
Posted On January 2, 2025, by Megawire Marketing Team
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, “Living Off the Land” (LOTL) attacks are becoming a favoured strategy for hackers, particularly within sectors like construction and contracting, where networked tools and remote operations are prevalent. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that rely on external malware or obvious intrusion methods, LOTL attacks exploit legitimate tools, software, and protocols already present within an organization’s network. The result? Cybercriminals blend seamlessly into normal operations, making detection difficult and the damage potentially devastating.
For construction companies relying heavily on management software, collaboration tools, and remote access systems, the risk is especially high. This article examines how hackers exploit construction management tools and offers strategies to identify and prevent these types of attacks.
Understanding Living Off the Land
Living Off the Land: How Hackers Exploit Construction Network Tools
As cybercrime evolves, threat actors are increasingly turning to subtle and sophisticated techniques to target organizations. One of the most insidious approaches is called “Living Off the Land” (LOTL). Rather than introducing external malware or obvious hacking tools, cybercriminals utilize legitimate tools and processes already present in an organization’s environment to infiltrate and navigate its networks undetected.
For industries like construction, where software, remote access, and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled devices are central to daily operations, LOTL attacks represent a growing and serious threat. With construction management tools, project collaboration software, and remote-access protocols being essential to seamless operations, hackers are exploiting these tools to penetrate contractor networks, disrupt workflows, and steal valuable data.
This article explores how LOTL attacks work, the specific risks they pose to the construction sector, and actionable steps companies can take to mitigate these threats.
What is Living Off the Land?
LOTL attacks leverage an organization’s native tools, processes, and infrastructure for malicious purposes. This allows hackers to blend their activities with legitimate operations, making their presence harder to detect. Common tools used in LOTL attacks include:
- PowerShell and WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation): Used for executing scripts, gaining remote control, and navigating internal systems.
- Built-in network protocols: These include tools like RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) and SSH (Secure Shell), which hackers use to move laterally within a network.
- Third-party applications: In the construction industry, applications like project management software and digital collaboration tools can be weaponized.
By avoiding external malware, hackers minimize the likelihood of triggering antivirus software or alerting IT security teams. Essentially, they “live off the land” by using the target’s own resources against them.
Why is the Construction Sector a Target?
The construction industry is becoming an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals due to its widespread reliance on digital tools, geographically dispersed teams, and interconnected supply chains. Key vulnerabilities include:
- Extensive Use of Construction Management Software: Construction projects rely on tools like Procore, Autodesk BIM 360, and PlanGrid to manage timelines, budgets, and documents. These tools, while efficient, often contain sensitive project data and financial information that hackers can exploit.
- Remote Work and Connectivity: Construction teams frequently rely on remote access to collaborate across job sites and offices. Remote desktop protocols and virtual private networks (VPNs) are prime targets for LOTL attacks if poorly configured or inadequately monitored.
- IoT-Enabled Devices and Machinery: Connected devices such as drones, sensors, and smart heavy equipment are integral to modern construction workflows. However, these devices can provide entry points for hackers to access wider networks.
- A Dispersed Supply Chain: With contractors, subcontractors, vendors, and clients all interconnected, a breach in one segment of the supply chain can compromise the entire network. LOTL attackers can exploit this complexity to mask their activities.
How LOTL Attacks Unfold in Construction Networks
Cybercriminals employing LOTL tactics often follow a staged approach to infiltrate construction networks:
- Initial Entry: Hackers may gain access to a network through spear-phishing emails, weak passwords, or by exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in software or IoT devices.
- Reconnaissance: Once inside, attackers use legitimate tools like PowerShell or remote access software to study the network’s architecture. This step is critical for identifying sensitive data, user privileges, and potential targets.
- Lateral Movement: Hackers use native protocols like RDP to navigate across the network. For instance, they might exploit the construction management software to access billing systems, architectural blueprints, or project timelines.
- Data Exfiltration or Disruption: Depending on their objective, attackers may steal intellectual property, deploy ransomware, or cause operational disruptions by tampering with schedules, budgets, or supplier databases.
Signs of a LOTL Attack
Identifying LOTL attacks is challenging because they rely on tools and processes that are typically considered trustworthy. However, organizations should watch for these warning signs:
- Unusual use of administrative tools, such as unexpected PowerShell commands or script executions.
- Anomalous login activity, especially from unusual locations or outside normal working hours.
- Sudden changes to configurations in construction management software or IoT devices.
- Data transfers that are inconsistent with normal workflows, such as files being sent to unknown external servers.
Real-World Examples of LOTL in Action
- Targeting Collaboration Software: In a recent cyberattack on a large contracting firm, hackers used stolen credentials to access project management software. They then exploited the tool’s file-sharing features to distribute malware to other contractors in the supply chain.
- Exploiting Remote Desktop Protocols: A hacker group gained access to a construction company’s network through a poorly secured RDP connection. Once inside, they moved laterally to the firm’s financial systems, stealing sensitive payment data and compromising vendor accounts.
- IoT Exploitation: In a case involving smart construction equipment, hackers used a compromised IoT sensor to infiltrate a larger network. They disabled critical systems remotely, causing costly project delays.
Preventing LOTL Attacks in Construction Networks
Construction companies can take proactive measures to defend against LOTL attacks by implementing robust security practices. Here’s a playbook for prevention:
- Strengthen Access Controls:
- Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) for all remote access points.
- Restrict administrative privileges to essential personnel only.
- Regularly update and rotate passwords for critical systems.
- Monitor Network Activity:
- Use tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to identify unusual activity.
- Set up alerts for abnormal use of administrative tools, unexpected login attempts, and changes in data flow.
- Secure Construction Management Software:
- Ensure all project management tools are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Disable unused features or modules to reduce the attack surface.
- Limit third-party access to sensitive project data.
- Protect IoT Devices:
- Segregate IoT devices from the primary network using firewalls.
- Regularly update IoT firmware and disable unused ports and services.
- Conduct vulnerability assessments of all connected devices.
- Educate Staff and Contractors:
- Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
- Provide clear guidelines on secure remote access and data-sharing practices.
- Encourage reporting of suspicious activity without fear of reprisal.
- Implement Zero Trust Architecture:
- Assume that no user, device, or application can be trusted by default.
- Verify the identity and security posture of every entity attempting to access network resources.
- Plan for Incident Response:
- Develop a clear response plan for LOTL attacks, including steps for containment, recovery, and communication with stakeholders.
- Regularly test the plan through simulations or tabletop exercises.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Construction
As construction companies continue to adopt digital tools and technologies, the risk of LOTL attacks will only grow. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly adept at blending in with legitimate network activity, making proactive security measures more critical than ever.
By securing native tools, implementing strict access controls, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, construction firms can reduce their exposure to these threats. Moreover, collaboration with cybersecurity experts and managed services providers can help companies stay ahead of emerging attack vectors.
Living Off the Land attacks pose a unique and significant challenge to the construction industry, where digital transformation and remote connectivity are the norm. Hackers are exploiting the very tools that make modern construction efficient, turning them into vulnerabilities.
However, with vigilance and proactive measures, construction companies can fortify their defenses and safeguard their networks. The key lies in understanding how LOTL attacks work, recognizing the signs, and taking swift, decisive action to prevent them. In a world where cyber threats are ever-present, building a resilient cybersecurity framework is no longer optional—it’s essential.
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This blog is not meant to provide specific advice or opinions regarding the topic(s) discussed above. Should you have a question about your specific situation, please discuss it with your Megawire IT advisor.
Megawire is a full-service Managed IT services provider. We primarily service all of Ontario and the rest of Canada, the US, and Australia virtually. Our team provides IT infrastructure assessments, network security audits, cloud computing solutions, and IT support for businesses of all sizes and industries.
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