Remote Access Tool - Renamed MeshAgent Execution - MacOS

experimentalhigh
log source: macos · process_creationauthor Norbert Jaśniewicz (AlphaSOC)date 2025-05-19
01

description

What this is, in brief.

Detects the execution of a renamed instance of the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool, MeshAgent. RMM tools such as MeshAgent are commonly utilized by IT administrators for legitimate remote support and system management. However, malicious actors may exploit these tools by renaming them to bypass detection mechanisms, enabling unauthorized access and control over compromised systems.

02

tags

attack.command-and-controlattack.stealthattack.t1219.002attack.t1036.003
03

rule source (YAML)

title: Remote Access Tool - Renamed MeshAgent Execution - MacOS
id: bd3b5eaa-439d-4a42-8f35-a49f5c8a2582
related:
    - id: b471f462-eb0d-4832-be35-28d94bdb4780
      type: similar
    - id: 22c45af6-f590-4d44-bab3-b5b2d2a2b6d9
      type: derived
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of a renamed instance of the Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tool, MeshAgent.
    RMM tools such as MeshAgent are commonly utilized by IT administrators for legitimate remote support and system management.
    However, malicious actors may exploit these tools by renaming them to bypass detection mechanisms, enabling unauthorized access and control over compromised systems.
references:
    - https://www.huntress.com/blog/know-thy-enemy-a-novel-november-case-on-persistent-remote-access
    - https://thecyberexpress.com/ukraine-hit-by-meshagent-malware-campaign/
    - https://wazuh.com/blog/how-to-detect-meshagent-with-wazuh/
    - https://www.security.com/threat-intelligence/medusa-ransomware-attacks
author: Norbert Jaśniewicz (AlphaSOC)
date: 2025-05-19
tags:
    - attack.command-and-control
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1219.002
    - attack.t1036.003
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: macos
detection:
    selection_meshagent:
        - CommandLine|contains: '--meshServiceName'
        - OriginalFileName|contains: 'meshagent'
    filter_main_legitimate:
        Image|endswith:
            - '/meshagent'
            - '/meshagent_osx64'
    condition: selection_meshagent and not 1 of filter_main_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high
04

detects techniques (2)

ATT&CK techniques this enables or maps to.

05

references

External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.