Malicious Python Inline Base64 Reverse Shell Execution

PremiumReviewedSigma · Medium · v1
Product
linux
Category
process_creation
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-11-04
Updated
2026-11-04

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → C2
  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Persistence

  5. Priv Esc

  6. Defense Evasion

  7. Cred Access

  8. Discovery

  9. Lateral Movement

  10. Collection

  11. Exfiltration

  12. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects python invoked with an inline command that decodes base64 and opens a socket, a pattern used to spawn reverse shells. Wiz Research observed the SeleniumGreed campaign exploiting exposed Selenium Grid to run such python one liners for cryptomining, so this construction indicates code execution and command and control.

Related detections9 linkedT1105 — drag to rearrange
Suspicious Python HTTP Server Staging for Payload Delivery
Suspicious Python Executing Staged Script From Temp Directory via DPRK Pyperclip Loader
Linux process chain for Axios NPM compromise: curl download with nohup and python3
Suspicious Linux Payload Fetch Piping curl Output Into a Shell
Suspicious Bitsadmin Transfer Download
Suspicious PowerShell Hidden Download Cradle via IEX
Suspicious Python Reverse Shell One-Liner Execution via GlobalProtect Exploitation
Suspicious PowerShell WebClient DownloadString Payload Retrieval via Script (via ps_script)
Suspicious Plist Download via curl on macOS
Malicious Python Inline Base64 Reverse Shell Execution
Pivot detection · T1105 · 9 related

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