Suspicious Kernel Extension Load on macOS (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.006Kernel Modules and Extensions
Priv Esc
- T1547.006Kernel Modules and Extensions
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects kextload, kextutil or kmutil loading a kernel extension, a technique that can install a persistent, high-privilege driver on macOS and is abused by rootkits and stalkerware. Kernel extension abuse is tracked in the Red Canary Threat Detection Report macOS coverage. Detecting the load surfaces kernel-level code being introduced.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Kernel Extension Load on macOS (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1547.006 · 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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