Github Self-Hosted Runner Execution
Detects GitHub self-hosted runners executing workflows on local infrastructure that could be abused for persistence and code execution. Shai-Hulud is an npm supply chain worm targeting CI/CD environments. It installs…
Description
Detects GitHub self-hosted runners executing workflows on local infrastructure that could be abused for persistence and code execution. Shai-Hulud is an npm supply chain worm targeting CI/CD environments. It installs runners on compromised systems to maintain access after credential theft, leveraging their access to secrets and internal networks.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source product
- windows
- Log source category
- process_creation
Known benign triggers
- Authorized runner deployments by DevOps/Platform teams following change management
- Installation via expected/known configuration management tools (reflected mostly as parent process name)
- Legitimate GitHub self-hosted runner installations on designated CI/CD infrastructure
- Scheduled runner updates or reconfigurations on existing build agents
- Self-hosted runners that follow expected/known naming patterns
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 |
|---|---|
| about.gitlab.com/blog/gitlab-discovers-widespread-npm-supply-chain-attack/ | Only this detection cites it |
| securitylabs.datadoghq.com/articles/shai-hulud-2.0-npm-worm/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 5bac7a56-da88-4c27-922e-c81e113b20cb
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.command-and-control
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1