Suspicious Browser Launch With Remote Debugging Port via Process Creation

ATT&CK techniques

Collection → C2

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
- T1185Browser Session Hijacking
C2
- T1071.001Web Protocols
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects a Chromium-based browser started with the remote debugging port switch, the Chrome DevTools Protocol abuse msaRAT uses to hijack the browser and build a covert C2 channel as reported by Cisco Talos. The loader spawns the browser under its control to drive WebRTC and DevTools traffic through the victim session. Detecting the remote debugging switch surfaces browser hijacking that blends into normal web activity.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Browser Launch With Remote Debugging Port via Process Creation

Pivot detection · T1071.001 · 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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