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Cisco NVM - Browser Spawned Unix Shell with External Connection

Detects a Unix-based (Linux or macOS) browser process spawning a Unix shell that establishes an outbound connection to an external destination. This browser-to-shell execution chain may indicate malicious browser…

Description

Detects a Unix-based (Linux or macOS) browser process spawning a Unix shell that establishes an outbound connection to an external destination. This browser-to-shell execution chain may indicate malicious browser content, drive-by execution, a compromised website, or abuse of a browser extension on Linux or macOS systems. The behavior may also occur during legitimate development, installation, automation, or enterprise software workflows.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Known benign triggers

  • Legitimate workflows may launch Unix command interpreters from browser contexts, including developer tooling, software installers, SSO helpers, browser extensions, and automation wrappers. Tuning may be required for approved applications, users, and destinations.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice