Hidden Flag Set On File/Directory Via Chflags - MacOS
Detects the execution of the "chflags" utility with the "hidden" flag, in order to hide files on MacOS. When a file or directory has this hidden flag set, it becomes invisible to the default file listing commands and…
Description
Detects the execution of the "chflags" utility with the "hidden" flag, in order to hide files on MacOS. When a file or directory has this hidden flag set, it becomes invisible to the default file listing commands and in graphical file browsers.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 4 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source product
- macos
- Log source category
- process_creation
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate usage of chflags by administrators and users.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| ss64.com/mac/chflags.html | 2from 2 sources |
| www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/assets/pdf/reports/Unit_42/unit42-wirelurker.pdf | Only this detection cites it |
| www.sentinelone.com/labs/apt32-multi-stage-macos-trojan-innovates-on-crimeware-scripting-technique/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.welivesecurity.com/2019/04/09/oceanlotus-macos-malware-update/ | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 3b2c1059-ae5f-40b6-b5d4-6106d3ac20fe
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.command-and-controlattack.credential-accessattack.stealth
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1