AppleScript executed a shell script

Synopsis

Field	Value
Activation Period	14 Days
Training Period	30 Days
Test Period	N/A (single event)
Deduplication Period	1 Day
Required Data	XDR Agent
Detector Tags	AppleScript Analytics, Shell Analytics
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002)
ATT&CK Technique	Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell (T1059.004)
Severity	Informational

Description

An uncommon shell script has been executed by the AppleScript interpreter process.

Attacker's Goals

Use the AppleScript interpreter to execute a second stage payload.

Investigative actions

• Analyze both the AppleScript and executed shell script to determine whether they perform malicious actions.
• Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
• Check whether the script was executed in an unusual way.

Variations

AppleScript executed a shell script using an unsigned, globally rare causality actor

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002)
ATT&CK Technique	Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell (T1059.004)
Severity	Low

Description

An uncommon shell script has been executed by the AppleScript interpreter process.

Attacker's Goals

Use the AppleScript interpreter to execute a second stage payload.

Investigative actions

• Analyze both the AppleScript and executed shell script to determine whether they perform malicious actions.
• Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
• Check whether the script was executed in an unusual way.

AppleScript executed a shell script using an uncommon shell process

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002)
ATT&CK Technique	Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Command and Scripting Interpreter: Unix Shell (T1059.004)
Severity	Low

Description

An uncommon shell script has been executed by the AppleScript interpreter process.

Attacker's Goals

Use the AppleScript interpreter to execute a second stage payload.

Investigative actions

• Analyze both the AppleScript and executed shell script to determine whether they perform malicious actions.
• Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
• Check whether the script was executed in an unusual way.