DET0414 Detection of AppleScript-Based Execution on macOS

Item	Value
ID	DET0414
Version	1.0
Created	21 October 2025
Last Modified	21 October 2025

Technique Detected: T1059.002 (AppleScript)

Analytics

macOS

AN1164

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.

Log Sources

Data Component	Name	Channel
Process Creation (DC0032)	macos:unifiedlog	process: spawn, exec

Mutable Elements

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.