Suspicious osascript Spawning Shell Executing Hidden macOS Payload via Axios Compromise

ATT&CK techniques

Execution → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
- T1059.002AppleScript
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
- T1036.005Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects osascript dispatching a shell that executes a hidden payload located under Library Caches as observed in the macOS variant of the Axios supply chain RAT. Attackers use AppleScript to launch a persistent implant while evading command line inspection, marking early stage execution on developer endpoints.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1036.005 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious Data Exfiltration via curl with Stealer Specific BuildID Header

Suspicious osascript Password Prompt via AppleScript Display Dialog (via process_creation)

Suspicious MicrosoftEdgeUpdate Launched with Dat Config File

Malicious Scheduled Task Masquerading as Defender NisSrv via Schtasks

Suspicious osascript Spawning Shell Executing Hidden macOS Payload via Axios Compromise

Pivot detection · T1036.005 · 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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