Detectionmediumtest

Launch Agent/Daemon Execution Via Launchctl

Detects the execution of programs as Launch Agents or Launch Daemons using launchctl on macOS.

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Launch

Pratinav ChandraCreated Mon May 13ae9d710f-dcd1-4f75-a0a5-93a73b5dda0emacos

Log Source

macOSProcess Creation

ProductmacOS← raw: macos

CategoryProcess Creation← raw: process_creation

Events generated when a new process is spawned on the system. Covers command-line arguments, parent/child relationships, and process metadata.

Detection Logic

detection:
    selection:
        Image|endswith: '/launchctl'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'submit'
            - 'load'
            - 'start'
    condition: selection

False Positives

Legitimate administration activities is expected to trigger false positives. Investigate the command line being passed to determine if the service or launch agent are suspicious.

References

MITRE ATT&CK