macOS Security Software Discovery via Grep

Identifies the use of grep to discover known third-party macOS security tools, such as antivirus software or host firewalls. This reconnaissance activity is commonly performed by malware to identify security products before proceeding with malicious actions.

Rule type: eql
Rule indices:

• logs-endpoint.events.process-*

Rule Severity: medium
Risk Score: 47
Runs every:
Searches indices from: now-9m
Maximum alerts per execution: ?
References:

• https://objective-see.com/blog/blog_0x4F.html

Tags:

• Domain: Endpoint
• OS: macOS
• Use Case: Threat Detection
• Tactic: Discovery
• Data Source: Elastic Defend

Version: ?
Rule authors:

• Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

process where host.os.type == "macos" and event.type == "start" and
  ((process.name in ("grep", "egrep", "pgrep")) or
   (process.name in ("bash", "sh", "zsh") and process.args == "-c")) and
  process.args in ("Little Snitch", "CbOsxSensorService", "CbDefense", "ESET", "Littlesnitch",
                   "elastic-endpoint", "falcond", "SentinelOne", "lulu", "WhatsYourSign",
                   "KnockKnock", "reikey", "OverSight", "KextViewr", "blockblock",
                   "Netiquette", "processmonitor", "filemonitor") and
  not process.parent.executable like "/Library/Application Support/*"
		

Framework: MITRE ATT&CK

• Tactic:

  • Name: Discovery
  • Id: TA0007
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0007/

• Technique:

  • Name: Software Discovery
  • Id: T1518
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/

• Sub Technique:

  • Name: Security Software Discovery
  • Id: T1518.001
  • Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1518/001/