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

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 invoking a shell command through AppleScript, a pattern Poseidon Stealer uses to run base64 and hex decoded payloads before terminating the Terminal window. The combination of osascript with an inline do shell script and a decoding utility indicates obfuscated execution rather than normal automation. This behavior stages the stealer while evading casual inspection.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1059.002 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious Credential Prompt Phishing via osascript (via process_creation)

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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 osascript Execution of Encoded AppleScript on macOS (via process_creation)

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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