T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter

Tactics:
Execution
Platforms:
ESXi IaaS Identity Provider Linux +4
Detection:
Not specified
Description:
Adversaries may abuse command and script interpreters to execute commands, scripts, or binaries. These interfaces and languages provide ways of interacting with computer systems and are a common feature across many different platforms. Most systems come with some built-in command-line interface and scripting capabilities, for example, macOS and Linux distributions include some flavor of [Unix Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/004) while Windows installations include the [Windows Command Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).

There are also cross-platform interpreters such as [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006), as well as those commonly associated with client applications such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005).

Adversaries may abuse these technologies in various ways as a means of executing arbitrary commands. Commands and scripts can be embedded in [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) payloads delivered to victims as lure documents or as secondary payloads downloaded from an existing C2. Adversaries may also execute commands through interactive terminals/shells, as well as utilize various [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) in order to achieve remote Execution.(Citation: Powershell Remote Commands)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)(Citation: Remote Shell Execution in Python)
Sub-techniques (13)
ID ATT&CK Actions
T1059.001 PowerShell
T1059.002 AppleScript
T1059.003 Windows Command Shell
T1059.004 Unix Shell
T1059.005 Visual Basic
T1059.006 Python
T1059.007 JavaScript
T1059.008 Network Device CLI
T1059.009 Cloud API
T1059.010 AutoHotKey & AutoIT
T1059.011 Lua
T1059.012 Hypervisor CLI
T1059.013 Container CLI/API