Suspicious AppleScript Execution Spawning a Shell via Osascript

ATT&CK techniques

Execution

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.002AppleScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects osascript running an AppleScript that invokes do shell script to launch shell commands, a bridge XCSSET v4.0 uses to run in-memory modules and shell payloads on macOS. This pattern lets the malware execute code while presenting as ordinary automation. Detecting the AppleScript to shell bridge exposes scripted execution used to run the stealer components.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.002 — drag to rearrange

Malicious Remote Script Piped to a Shell on macOS (via process_creation)

AppleScript do-shell-script Abuse via Osascript (via process_creation)

Suspicious AppleScript Payload Execution via osascript (macOS)

Suspicious osascript Execution of Encoded AppleScript on macOS (via process_creation)

Suspicious Credential Prompt Phishing via osascript (via process_creation)

Malicious ClickFix Stager Piping curl Output to osascript

Suspicious Shell Execution Referencing Mounted DMG Volume via Terminal (macOS)

Suspicious osascript to zsh Executing Hidden Payload via Axios Compromise

Suspicious Osascript Muting System Volume via BANSHEE Infostealer

Suspicious AppleScript Execution Spawning a Shell via Osascript

Pivot detection · T1059.002 · 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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