Malicious CreativeUpdate Cryptominer Execution via mdworker Path (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Impact

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
- T1496Resource Hijacking

What it detects

This rule detects execution of a binary from a user Library mdworker directory, the masquerading path where OSX CreativeUpdate installs its cryptominer. The name imitates the legitimate macOS mdworker service to blend mining activity into normal system processes.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1496 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious XMRig Cryptominer Execution via Custom Command-Line Flags (via process_creation)

Malicious CreativeUpdate Cryptominer Execution via mdworker Path (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1496 · 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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