TA0002 · EXECUTION
Unix Shell
Adversaries may abuse Unix shell commands and scripts for execution. Unix shells are the primary command prompt on Linux, macOS, and ESXi systems, though many variations of the Unix shell exist (e.g.
Detect it with
Unix shell usage may be common on administrator, developer, or power user systems, depending on job function. If scripting is restricted for normal users, then any attempt to enable scripts running on a system would be considered suspicious.
Why it matters on shift
Unix Shell is one of the concrete ways adversaries achieve execution. Recognising it in telemetry lets you name the technique in your ticket and pivot to what came before and after.
What to look for next
After execution, the next tactic is usually Persistence. Search your telemetry for the transition before closing the ticket.
Kill-chain context