AppleScript do-shell-script Abuse via Osascript (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.002AppleScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects osascript running an AppleScript do-shell-script clause that also invokes curl, base64, python or a shell in temp, a pattern macOS malware and post-exploitation tooling use to stage and run second-stage code. AppleScript-driven shell execution is a scripting-abuse technique noted in the Red Canary Threat Detection Report macOS coverage. Detecting this combination surfaces script-based execution on macOS endpoints.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.002 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious osascript Spawning Shell Interpreter on macOS

Suspicious AMOS Stealer Fake Password Prompt via osascript (via process_creation)

Suspicious osascript Spawning Shell curl to External Host on macOS (via process_creation)

Malicious Fake Zoom AppleScript Execution via Osascript

Suspicious osascript Fake Password Prompt by ClickLock macOS Stealer (via process_creation)

Malicious AppleScript Execution of curl-Fetched Shell Payload via osascript (via process_creation)

AppleScript do-shell-script Abuse via Osascript (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1059.002 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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