Suspicious MacOS Firmware Behavior (via process_creation)

title: Suspicious MacOS Firmware Behavior (via process_creation)
id: 9e0bb68b-a5b3-5b96-9115-950d4c9f24b6
status: stable
description: This rule detects when a user manipulates with Firmward Password on MacOS. NOTE - this command has been disabled on silicon-based apple computers.
references:
    - https://github.com/usnistgov/macos_security/blob/932a51f3e819dd3e02ebfcf3ef433cfffafbe28b/rules/os/os_firmware_password_require.yaml
    - https://www.manpagez.com/man/8/firmwarepasswd/
    - https://support.apple.com/guide/security/firmware-password-protection-sec28382c9ca/web
author: Huntrule Team
date: 2026-04-05
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.defense-evasion
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.t1542
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: macos
detection:
    selection1:
        Image: '/usr/sbin/firmwarepasswd'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'setpasswd'
            - 'full'
            - 'delete'
            - 'check'
    condition: selection1
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium