Find sigma rule
Attack: Plist File Modification
Adversaries may modify property list files (plist files) to enable other malicious activity, while also potentially evading and bypassing system defenses. macOS applications use plist files, such as the info.plist
file, to store properties and configuration settings that inform the operating system how to handle the application at runtime. Plist files are structured metadata in key-value pairs formatted in XML based on Apple’s Core Foundation DTD. Plist files can be saved in text or binary format.(Citation: fileinfo plist file description)
Adversaries can modify key-value pairs in plist files to influence system behaviors, such as hiding the execution of an application (i.e. Hidden Window) or running additional commands for persistence (ex: Launch Agent/Launch Daemon or Re-opened Applications).
For example, adversaries can add a malicious application path to the ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.dock.plist
file, which controls apps that appear in the Dock. Adversaries can also modify the LSUIElement
key in an application’s info.plist
file to run the app in the background. Adversaries can also insert key-value pairs to insert environment variables, such as LSEnvironment
, to enable persistence via Dynamic Linker Hijacking.(Citation: wardle chp2 persistence)(Citation: eset_osx_flashback)
MITRE
Tactic
- defense-evasion
technique
- T1647
Test : Plist Modification
OS
- macos
Description:
Modify MacOS plist file in one of two directories
Executor
manual