Launch Agent/Daemon Execution Via Launchctl
Detects the execution of programs as Launch Agents or Launch Daemons using launchctl on macOS.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- macOS
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source product
- macos
- Log source category
- process_creation
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate administration activities is expected to trigger false positives. Investigate the command line being passed to determine if the service or launch agent are suspicious.
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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1569.001/T1569.001.md | Only this detection cites it |
| www.loobins.io/binaries/launchctl/ | Only this detection cites it |
| www.sentinelone.com/labs/20-common-tools-techniques-used-by-macos-threat-actors-malware/ | 2 |
| www.trendmicro.com/en_us/research/18/d/new-macos-backdoor-linked-to-oceanlotus-found.html | Only this detection cites it |
| www.welivesecurity.com/2020/07/16/mac-cryptocurrency-trading-application-rebranded-bundled-malware/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- ae9d710f-dcd1-4f75-a0a5-93a73b5dda0e
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.executionattack.persistenceattack.privilege-escalation
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1