huntrule

Python Process Spawning a Pretty TTY via pty.spawn on Windows

Flags Windows python executions whose command line imports pty and calls pty.spawn to create a pseudo-terminal.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
process_creation
Author
Nextron Systems (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-06-03
Updated
2026-07-30
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule identifies Windows process creation events where python.exe (or python2/python3) is invoked with code importing and calling pty spawning functionality (e.g., importing pty and using spawn). Attackers may leverage pseudo-terminal behavior to improve interactive command execution, stealth, or terminal handling during exploitation. It relies on Windows process creation telemetry, matching the executable name and specific Python command-line patterns associated with pty usage.

Reporting behind it

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Python Process Spawning a Pretty TTY via pty.spawn on Windows
Pivot detection · T1059 · 9 related

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