Suspicious mdfind Search for Private Key Files on macOS (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Cred Access

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
- T1552.001Credentials In Files
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects use of mdfind to enumerate .pem private key files across a macOS system, a discovery step used by the RustDoor and Koi Stealer campaign to locate credentials in files. Bulk searching for private keys precedes theft of SSH and certificate material for lateral movement and account access.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1552.001 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious mdfind Search for Private Key Files on macOS (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1552.001 · 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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