Preparation
Account Creation
AI-Assisted Capability Development
Archive Data
Authorization Token Staging
Boot Order Manipulation
CCTV Enumeration
Circumventing Security Controls
- Bypassing Network Segmentation
- Downgrading Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) labels
- Impairing a Security Agent
- Impairing an Anti-Virus Solution
- Modifying a Cloud-Based Firewall
- Modifying a Host-Based Firewall
- Modifying a Network-Based Firewall
- Unauthorized Manipulation of Anti-Virus Exclusions
- Uninstalling a Security Agent
- Uninstalling an Anti-Virus Solution
Credential Collection
Data Deobfuscation
Data Obfuscation
Data Staging
Delegated Preparation via Artificial Intelligence Agents
Device Mounting
Email Collection
External Media Formatting
File Download
File Exploration
Hardware-Based Remote Access (IP-KVM)
Impersonation
Increase Privileges
IT Ticketing System Exploration
Joiner
Media Capture via External Device
Mover
Network Scanning
Observational Information Gathering
On-Screen Data Collection
Oversight Circumvention and Control Degradation
Persistent Access via Bots
Physical Disk Removal
Physical Exploration
Physical Item Smuggling
Private / Incognito Browsing
Read Windows Registry
Remote Desktop (RDP)
Security Software Enumeration
Social Engineering (Outbound)
Software Installation
- Installation of Dark Web-Capable Browsers
- Installing Browser Extensions
- Installing Browsers
- Installing Cloud Storage Applications
- Installing FTP Clients
- Installing Messenger Applications
- Installing Note-Taking Applications
- Installing RDP Clients
- Installing Screen Sharing Software
- Installing SSH Clients
- Installing Virtual Machines
- Installing VPN Applications
Software or Access Request
Suspicious Web Browsing
Testing Ability to Print
Testing Security Controls
VPN Usage
- ID: PR037.004
- Created: 25th March 2026
- Updated: 25th March 2026
- Contributors: The ITM Team, João Rodrigues,
Approval Workflow Exploitation
A subject exploits weaknesses, gaps, or edge cases within formal approval workflows to obtain authorization with reduced scrutiny, while remaining within the defined process.
This includes manipulating workflow conditions such as approval thresholds, conditional routing logic, exception handling paths, or automated approval mechanisms. The subject leverages the rules and structure of the workflow itself, enabling actions to progress through approval channels with minimal or superficial validation.
The defining characteristic of this behavior is that the oversight mechanism is engaged, but its effectiveness is reduced through exploitation of process logic.
Although the subject appears to comply with formal procedures, the intent of the control is undermined. Actions that would typically require independent review or deeper scrutiny are approved with limited challenge, increasing the risk of unauthorized or harmful outcomes.