Detection of Impair Defenses

Technique Detected:  Impair Defenses | T1629

ID: DET0687
Domains: Mobile
Analytics: AN1797
Version: 1.0
Created: 21 October 2025
Last Modified: 12 May 2026

Analytics

AN1797

For Android, detect Impair Defenses from documented management, network, or vetting evidence; treat state queries as periodic observations rather than real-time events. Correlate Application Permission via Android Enterprise DPC / Application Vetting [DevicePolicyManager.getPermissionGrantState(); PackageManager manifest/requested-permission review]; OS API Execution via Application Vetting / Instrumented Dynamic Analysis [Dynamic API/runtime trace: App invokes package management, DevicePolicyManager, or settings operations capable of disabling security tooling — API invocation to disable security control]. Alert on a sequence or state change inconsistent with the device/app baseline, approved management policy, or expected user workflow; do not infer unobserved API calls, file/process activity, or payload content from management state alone.

Log Sources
Data Component Name Channel
Application Permission (DC0114) android:DevicePolicyManager DevicePolicyManager.getPermissionGrantState(); PackageManager manifest/requested-permission review
OS API Execution (DC0021) mobile:DynamicAnalysis Dynamic API/runtime trace: App invokes package management, DevicePolicyManager, or settings operations capable of disabling security tooling — API invocation to disable security control
Mutable Elements
Field Description
ElevationAllowList MDM agent and approved Device Admin apps only. Any other app acquiring Device Admin then modifying security settings is Impair Defenses.
SecurityToolPackageList MDM agent, AV, MTD packages deployed on managed fleet. Derive from MDM enrollment configuration.