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

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

Pivot detection · T1059.002 · 9 related

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