Techniques › T1059.002 › AN1164
AN1164 Analytic 1164
macOS · attack.mitre.org · ATT&CK Enterprise v19.2
<p>Detects AppleScript execution via 'osascript', NSAppleScript/OSAScript APIs, and abnormal application control events across user sessions. Focuses on causal chains such as osascript spawning child processes, script-induced keystrokes, or API-backed dialog spoofing.</p>
- Detects
- T1059.002 AppleScript
- Part of
- DET0414 Detection of AppleScript-Based Execution on macOS
Log sources and channels
Exactly as MITRE states them in x_mitre_log_source_references. Where a channel is vague, it is vague in the source; kevmap does not tidy it.
| Log source | Channel | Data component |
|---|---|---|
| macos:unifiedlog | process: spawn, exec | DC0032 Process Creation |
Mutable elements
Parameters MITRE marks as environment-specific. These are the knobs you are expected to tune; they are why an analytic is not a rule.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
ScriptInvocationParent | Identify rare or suspicious parent processes launching AppleScript (e.g., Safari, Mail, msedge). |
TimeWindow | Flag AppleScript execution during user-inactive hours, especially for automation frameworks. |
AppleEventActionType | Filter AppleEvent-based automation involving UI interaction, keystrokes, or remote control. |
TargetApplicationSet | Scope AppleScript use toward security-sensitive apps (e.g., Terminal, ssh, Keychain Access). |
ExecutionPathRegex | Restrict to unusual paths like /tmp/, ~/Library/, or embedded in Automator workflows. |