Malicious macOS.Gaslight Persistence via Apple-Namespace LaunchAgent (via file_event)

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1543.001Launch Agent
Priv Esc
- T1543.001Launch Agent
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of the LaunchAgent property list that the macOS.Gaslight Rust backdoor uses for persistence, masquerading inside the Apple com.apple namespace with the label com.apple.system.services.activity. Genuine Apple daemons are not installed as user LaunchAgents under this exact label. Its presence indicates the Gaslight implant is establishing persistence.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1543.001 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious LaunchAgent Masquerading as coreaudiod (via file_event)

Suspicious LaunchAgent or LaunchDaemon Load via launchctl

Suspicious macOS LaunchAgent or LaunchDaemon Plist Creation

Suspicious macOS Persistence via launchctl submit (via process_creation)

Suspicious macOS Trojan-Proxy LaunchAgent GoogleHelperUpdater Persistence (via file_event)

Malicious macOS.Gaslight Persistence via Apple-Namespace LaunchAgent (via file_event)

Pivot detection · T1543.001 · 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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