Uncommon AppleScript designed to access credential files was executed via the command line

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, Sensitive Information Stealing Analytics
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002), Credential Access (TA0006)
ATT&CK Technique	Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Credentials from Password Stores (T1555)
Severity	Medium

Description

The AppleScript interpreter was executed with a script designed to access credential files such as keychains or SSH keys.

Attacker's Goals

Access stored credentials such as keychains and SSH keys for lateral movement or unauthorized access.

Investigative actions

• Identify which credential files were targeted (keychain, SSH authorized_keys, etc.).
• Check if credentials or authentication tokens were extracted.
• Verify the legitimacy of the file access attempt and whether it aligns with the user's normal activity.
• Examine child processes for signs of data exfiltration.