Malicious SUGARLOADER Configuration Masquerading as Safari Cache via File Event

ATT&CK techniques

Defense Evasion → Cred Access

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1036Masquerading
Cred Access
- T1555Credentials from Password Stores
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of a com.apple.safari.ck file in the Library Caches directory which is the RC4 encrypted configuration written by the SUGARLOADER stage of the KANDYKORN intrusion. The filename masquerades as a legitimate Safari cache to hide malware configuration on macOS hosts.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious SUGARLOADER Configuration Masquerading as Safari Cache via File Event

Pivot detection · T1036 · 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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