sigma-rules/hunting/macos/docs/defense_evasion_self_deleting_python_script.md

Self-Deleting Python Script

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Metadata

• Author: Elastic

• Description: Detects when a Python script is executed and then deletes itself within a short time window. This behavior is often observed in malware used by DPRK threat actors to remove traces post-execution and avoid detection.

• UUID: 6461f45e-b03f-4756-94d2-34a210caeb78

• Integration: endpoint

• Language: [EQL]

• Source File: Self-Deleting Python Script

Query

sequence by process.entity_id with maxspan=10s
  [process where event.type == "start" and event.action == "exec" and
    process.name like~ "python*" and process.args_count == 2 and
    process.args like ("/Users/Shared/*.py", "/tmp/*.py", "/private/tmp/*.py", "/Users/*/Public/*.py")]
  [file where event.action == "deletion" and
    file.extension in ("py", "pyc") and
    file.path like ("/Users/Shared/*", "/tmp/*", "/private/tmp/*", "/Users/*/Public/*")]

Notes

• Self-deletion of Python scripts is commonly used to evade detection and forensic recovery.
• This hunt is effective at uncovering ephemeral post-exploitation scripts or loaders.
• You may pivot on file.path, process.args, and process.executable to understand intent and targets.

MITRE ATT&CK Techniques

• T1059.006
• T1070.004

References

• https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/dprk-code-of-conduct
• https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/slow-pisces-new-custom-malware/
• https://slowmist.medium.com/cryptocurrency-apt-intelligence-unveiling-lazarus-groups-intrusion-techniques-a1a6efda7d34
• https://x.com/safe/status/1897663514975649938
• https://www.sygnia.co/blog/sygnia-investigation-bybit-hack/

License

• Elastic License v2