# T1021.004 SSH

> As of 2026-10-05, T1021.004 (SSH) appears in 63 tracked threats, first reported 2021-11-25 and most recently 2026-09-28, with linked actors including VECT, ShinyHunters, UAT-8616; it most often appears alongside T1190 (Exploit Public-Facing Application).

- **Tracked threats:** 63 (32 critical, 29 high, 2 medium)
- **First seen:** 2021-11-25
- **Last seen:** 2026-09-28
- **Threat actors:** 27
- **Detection rules:** 145 (counts only; Blue tier and above)

## Key facts

- **ID:** T1021.004
- **Framework:** MITRE ATT&CK
- **Tactics:** Lateral Movement
- **Matrix:** Enterprise
- **Parent:** T1021
- **Data as of:** 2026-10-05
- **MITRE:** https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021/004/

## Activity timeline

T1021.004 first appeared in tracked threats on 2021-11-25 and was most recently reported on 2026-09-28. The busiest month was 2026-07 with 15 reports, and 62 of the 63 threats were reported in the twelve months to 2026-09.

## How adversaries use it

T1021.004 SSH is catalogued by MITRE ATT&CK under the Lateral Movement tactic in the Enterprise matrix, as a sub-technique of [T1021 Remote Services](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1021). Threadlinqs maps 63 of 2623 tracked threats (2.4%) to it; by severity that is 32 critical, 29 high, 2 medium.

Threats that use T1021.004 most often also use [T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1190) (45 threats), [T1059.004 Unix Shell](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1059.004) (40 threats), [T1005 Data from Local System](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1005) (38 threats), [T1071.001 Web Protocols](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1071.001) (34 threats), [T1082 System Information Discovery](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1082) (33 threats). These are the techniques an intrusion set tends to chain with it, so they are the natural next places to look when it is observed.

27 tracked threat actors appear in the threats that use T1021.004; the most frequent are [VECT](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/VECT) (3), [ShinyHunters](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/ShinyHunters) (2), [UAT-8616](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/UAT-8616) (2), [UNC2814](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/UNC2814) (2), [Velvet Ant](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Velvet%20Ant) (2).

## Mitigations

MITRE ATT&CK lists 3 mitigations for T1021.004.

- [M1018 User Account Management](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1018/)
- [M1032 Multi-factor Authentication](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1032/)
- [M1042 Disable or Remove Feature or Program](https://attack.mitre.org/mitigations/M1042/)

## Data sources

Telemetry that can reveal T1021.004, per MITRE ATT&CK.

- Logon Session — Logon Session Creation
- Network Traffic — Network Connection Creation
- Process — Process Creation

## Threat actors using it

- [VECT](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/VECT) — 3
- [ShinyHunters](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/ShinyHunters) — 2
- [UAT-8616](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/UAT-8616) — 2
- [UNC2814](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/UNC2814) — 2
- [Velvet Ant](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Velvet%20Ant) — 2
- [APT38](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/APT38) — 1
- [Andariel](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Andariel) — 1
- [Black Basta](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Black%20Basta) — 1
- [DevMan](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/DevMan) — 1
- [GhostEmperor](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/GhostEmperor) — 1
- [Kapibala](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/Kapibala) — 1
- [KryBit](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/actor/KryBit) — 1

## Tracked threats

The 30 most recent of 63 tracked threats that use T1021.004.

- [ShinyHunters Claims Breach of FBI Jobs Portal (fbijobs.gov) via Alleged Oracle PeopleSoft Zero-Day, Exposing…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2760) — high — 2026-09-28
- [CARBONATO Botnet Exploits Exposed Docker Daemons to Deploy AI Agent Framework, Prioritizes AI API Key Theft](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2689) — high — 2026-09-27
- [Nation-State Intrusions into Telecom Infrastructure via SS7, BGP Hijacking, and Router Compromise (Salt…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2649) — high — 2026-09-25
- [Carbonato botnet: AI-agent-driven worm hijacks unauthenticated Docker daemons on port 2375 and installs the…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2639) — high — 2026-09-24
- [Chinese-Speaking 'Kapibala' Actor (Red Heron-Linked) Chains WordPress wp2shell, Zyxel GS1900, and Ubiquiti…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2619) — critical — 2026-09-22
- [Attacker Maintains Root-Level MeshCentral Backdoor Inside Thai ISP 3BB, Targets RADIUS Subscriber-Credential…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2514) — high — 2026-09-15
- [Red Heron Weaponizes Gitea RCE (CVE-2026-60004) with JITTERLY Implant and SIXZUT Rootkit](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2516) — critical — 2026-09-14
- [CISA Adds Actively Exploited Cisco Secure Email Gateway SQL Injection (CVE-2026-76461) to KEV Catalog](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2508) — critical — 2026-09-14
- [Adobe Campaign Classic Critical OS Command Injection (CVE-2026-82004, APSB26-142, CVSS 10.0)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2408) — critical — 2026-09-08
- [CVE-2026-75754: Unauthenticated Remote Root in ASUS Control Center Enterprise (CVSS 10.0)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2354) — critical — 2026-09-06
- [npm Supply-Chain Compromise: @7nohe/openapi-react-query-codegen Ships "Trinitite" Credential-Harvesting Worm](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2193) — critical — 2026-08-28
- [CrossC2 Cross-Platform Cobalt Strike Loader Deployed with ReadNimeLoader in Attacks Linked to BlackBasta…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2135) — high — 2026-08-24
- [VECT 2.0 Ransomware's Nonce-Reuse Flaw Turns It Into an Accidental Wiper for Files Over 128KB](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2116) — high — 2026-08-22
- [Hackers Target Zimbra Servers in Active Exploitation Campaign via CVE-2026-73570 SNMP Command Injection](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2082) — critical — 2026-08-20
- [AI-Agent-Driven Offensive Operation: Mass Cryptocurrency Wallet and Credential Compromise via Autonomous AI…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2070) — critical — 2026-08-19
- [CVE-2026-50641: Plaintext Password Storage in Streamsoft Business Intelligence](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1825) — high — 2026-08-03
- [BlackTech Deploys BlueShell Linux Backdoor Against Japanese Organizations](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1803) — high — 2026-07-31
- [North Korea's Lazarus Group Linked to Tool-Sharing with Gunra Ransomware Operators Against South Korean…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1797) — high — 2026-07-31
- [STAC4749 Campaign: Microsoft Teams Vishing Leads to Chaos Ransomware Deployment](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1776) — high — 2026-07-30
- [CVE-2026-20316: Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center Hard-coded Password Vulnerability Added to CISA KEV](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1759) — critical — 2026-07-29
- [msaRAT: Rust-based RAT Hides C2 in Browser Process, Tied to Chaos Ransomware RaaS](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1694) — high — 2026-07-25
- [HelloNet Campaign Abuses ViPNet Update Mechanism to Deploy HelloInjector/HelloProxy/HelloBackdoor Toolset…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1528) — high — 2026-07-19
- [CVE-2025-12480: Triofox HTTP Host Header Authentication Bypass Exploited by UNC6485 for SYSTEM-Level Code…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1507) — high — 2026-07-19
- [Forbidden Hyena Adopts AI-Generated BlackReaperRAT and Milkyway (Blackout Locker) Ransomware in Telegram-C2…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1496) — high — 2026-07-18
- [NadMesh Botnet Hunts Exposed AI Services (ComfyUI, Ollama, n8n, Open WebUI, Langflow, Gradio) for…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1455) — high — 2026-07-17
- [Actively Exploited SonicWall SMA1000 Zero-Days (CVE-2026-15409, CVE-2026-15410) Chained for Full Appliance…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1451) — critical — 2026-07-17
- [Check Point AI Security Report 2026: AI Shifts from Attack Tool to Autonomous Intrusion Operator (VoidLink…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1286) — high — 2026-07-13
- [npm 12 Disables Install Scripts, Git Dependencies, and Remote Tarball URLs by Default to Curb Supply-Chain…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1163) — medium — 2026-07-10
- [The Gentlemen Ransomware: Worm-Like Self-Propagation and Network-Wide Encryption via Storm-2697's RaaS…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1138) — critical — 2026-07-06
- [Multi-Malware Campaign Targeting Poorly Secured Linux SSH Servers — XMRig, ShellBot, MIG LogCleaner, XHide…](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1156) — medium — 2026-07-03

## Related CVEs

CVEs referenced by the tracked threats that use T1021.004, most frequent first.

- [CVE-2026-39987](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-39987)
- [CVE-2026-41940](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-41940)
- [CVE-2016-5195](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2016-5195)
- [CVE-2021-4034](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2021-4034)
- [CVE-2022-20775](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2022-20775)
- [CVE-2024-21762](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-21762)
- [CVE-2025-33073](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-33073)
- [CVE-2025-55182](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-55182)
- [CVE-2026-20127](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-20127)
- [CVE-2026-60004](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-60004)
- [CVE-2026-60137](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-60137)
- [CVE-2026-63030](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-63030)
- [CVE-2018-0171](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2018-0171)
- [CVE-2018-0802](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2018-0802)
- [CVE-2019-11580](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2019-11580)
- [CVE-2020-1472](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2020-1472)
- [CVE-2022-0847](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2022-0847)
- [CVE-2022-42045](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2022-42045)
- [CVE-2023-20198](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2023-20198)
- [CVE-2023-27532](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2023-27532)
- [CVE-2023-27997](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2023-27997)
- [CVE-2023-46805](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2023-46805)
- [CVE-2023-4966](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2023-4966)
- [CVE-2024-1708](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-1708)
- [CVE-2024-1709](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-1709)
- [CVE-2024-21887](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-21887)
- [CVE-2024-3400](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-3400)
- [CVE-2024-55591](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-55591)
- [CVE-2025-0282](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-0282)
- [CVE-2025-26125](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2025-26125)

## Detection coverage

Threadlinqs maintains 145 detection rules mapped to T1021.004 (SPL 45, KQL 51, Sigma 49). Rule content is available to Blue tier accounts and above; this page shows counts only.

145 detection rules (SPL/KQL/Sigma), Blue and above: https://threadlinqs.com/pricing

## Parent technique

[T1021 Remote Services](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1021) — 364 tracked threats at the technique level.

## Links

- Canonical page: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/technique/T1021.004
- All techniques: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/techniques
- Full detection coverage and IOCs: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/mcp (Purple tier)