> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/uncommon-applescript-was-executed-via-the-command-line-to-contact-an-external-server.md).

# Uncommon AppleScript was executed via the command line to contact an external server

### 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, Abnormal Communication Analytics                                          |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Execution (TA0002), Exfiltration (TA0010)                                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041) |
| Severity             | Low                                                                                              |

### Description

The AppleScript interpreter executed a script designed to contact an external server.

### Attacker's Goals

Exfiltrate collected data, including sensitive documents and credentials, from the compromised system.

### Investigative actions

* Analyze the command line and determine whether it performs any malicious or suspicious actions.
* Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
* Verify the legitimacy of the persistence mechanism being created or modified.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>Uncommon AppleScript was executed via the command line to contact an external server using 'curl' to transfer a .zip file</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                                            |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Execution (TA0002), Exfiltration (TA0010)                                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                                                           |

**Description**

The AppleScript interpreter executed a script designed to contact an external server.

**Attacker's Goals**

Exfiltrate collected data, including sensitive documents and credentials, from the compromised system.

**Investigative actions**

* Analyze the command line and determine whether it performs any malicious or suspicious actions.
* Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
* Verify the legitimacy of the persistence mechanism being created or modified.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Uncommon AppleScript was executed via the command line to contact an external server using 'curl' to upload a file</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                                            |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Execution (TA0002), Exfiltration (TA0010)                                                        |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Command and Scripting Interpreter: AppleScript (T1059.002), Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041) |
| Severity          | Low                                                                                              |

**Description**

The AppleScript interpreter executed a script designed to contact an external server.

**Attacker's Goals**

Exfiltrate collected data, including sensitive documents and credentials, from the compromised system.

**Investigative actions**

* Analyze the command line and determine whether it performs any malicious or suspicious actions.
* Check the events generated by the process or its children for potential malicious behavior.
* Verify the legitimacy of the persistence mechanism being created or modified.

</details>


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