title: Python Reverse Shell Execution Via PTY And Socket Modules
id: 32e62bc7-3de0-4bb1-90af-532978fe42c0
related:
    - id: c4042d54-110d-45dd-a0e1-05c47822c937
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects the execution of python with calls to the socket and pty module in order to connect and spawn a potential reverse shell.
references:
    - https://www.revshells.com/
author: '@d4ns4n_, Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)'
date: 2023-04-24
modified: 2024-11-04
tags:
    - attack.execution
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection:
        Image|contains: 'python'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -c '
            - 'import'
            - 'pty'
            - 'socket'
            - 'spawn'
            - '.connect'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Inline Python Execution - Spawn Shell Via OS System Library
id: 2d2f44ff-4611-4778-a8fc-323a0e9850cc
status: test
description: |
    Detects execution of inline Python code via the "-c" in order to call the "system" function from the "os" library, and spawn a shell.
references:
    - https://gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/python/#shell
author: Li Ling, Andy Parkidomo, Robert Rakowski, Blake Hartstein (Bloomberg L.P.)
date: 2024-09-02
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '/python'
              - '/python2'
              - '/python3'
        - Image|contains:
              - '/python2.'  # python image is always of the form ../python3.10; ../python is just a symlink
              - '/python3.'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ' -c '
            - 'os.system('
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '/bin/bash'
            - '/bin/dash'
            - '/bin/fish'
            - '/bin/sh'
            - '/bin/zsh'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Python One-Liners with Base64 Decoding - Linux
id: 55e862a8-dd9c-4651-807a-f21fcad56716
related:
    - id: 50a0aa3d-ab16-4594-a8aa-5145a6e6792b
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the use of Python's base64 decoding functions in command line executions on Linux systems.
    Malicious scripts often use python one-liners to decode and execute base64-encoded payloads, which is a common technique for obfuscation and evasion.
references:
    - https://docs.python.org/3/library/base64.html
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/bc43e925d7b4b74319f6e74e836a96f1997ba404e14ac566cf12a21e9da463db/behavior
    - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/cybercriminals-weaponize-fake-ai-websites
author: Hugh Ryan (HueCodes), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-03-09
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.006
    - attack.t1027.010
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|contains: '/python'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'import'
            - 'base64'
            - ' -c'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.decode'
            - 'b16decode'
            - 'b32decode'
            - 'b32hexdecode'
            - 'b64decode'
            - 'b85decode'
            - 'z85decode'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of Python for decoding data, which is uncommon in typical enterprise environments but possible in development or data analysis contexts.
level: high

title: Python Function Execution Security Warning Disabled In Excel
id: 023c654f-8f16-44d9-bb2b-00ff36a62af9
related:
    - id: 17e53739-a1fc-4a62-b1b9-87711c2d5e44
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects changes to the registry value "PythonFunctionWarnings" that would prevent any warnings or alerts from showing when Python functions are about to be executed.
    Threat actors could run malicious code through the new Microsoft Excel feature that allows Python to run within the spreadsheet.
references:
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327
author: '@Kostastsale'
date: 2023-08-22
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '\Microsoft\Office\'
            - '\Excel\Security'
            - 'PythonFunctionWarnings'
        CommandLine|contains: ' 0'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Python One-Liners with Base64 Decoding
id: 50a0aa3d-ab16-4594-a8aa-5145a6e6792b
related:
    - id: 55e862a8-dd9c-4651-807a-f21fcad56716
      type: similar
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects Python one-liners that use base64 decoding functions in command line executions.
    Malicious scripts or attackers often use python one-liners to decode and execute base64-encoded payloads, which is a common technique for obfuscation and evasion.
references:
    - https://docs.python.org/3/library/base64.html
    - https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/bc43e925d7b4b74319f6e74e836a96f1997ba404e14ac566cf12a21e9da463db/behavior
    - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/cybercriminals-weaponize-fake-ai-websites
author: Hugh Ryan (HueCodes), Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel (Nextron Systems)
date: 2026-03-09
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1059.006
    - attack.t1027.010
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|contains: '\python'
        - OriginalFileName|contains: 'python'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'import'
            - 'base64'
            - ' -c'
        CommandLine|contains:
            - '.decode'
            - 'b16decode'
            - 'b32decode'
            - 'b32hexdecode'
            - 'b64decode'
            - 'b85decode'
            - 'z85decode'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate use of Python for decoding data, which is uncommon in typical enterprise environments but possible in development or data analysis contexts.
level: high
regression_tests_path: regression_data/rules/windows/process_creation/proc_creation_win_python_base64_encoded_execution/info.yml

title: Python Spawning Pretty TTY on Windows
id: 480e7e51-e797-47e3-8d72-ebfce65b6d8d
related:
    - id: 899133d5-4d7c-4a7f-94ee-27355c879d90
      type: derived
status: test
description: Detects python spawning a pretty tty
references:
    - https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/06/02/zero-day-exploitation-of-atlassian-confluence/
author: Nextron Systems
date: 2022-06-03
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        Image|endswith:
            - 'python.exe' # no \ bc of e.g. ipython.exe
            - 'python3.exe'
            - 'python2.exe'
    selection_cli_1:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'import pty'
            - '.spawn('
    selection_cli_2:
        CommandLine|contains: 'from pty import spawn'
    condition: selection_img and 1 of selection_cli_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Credential Dumping Activity By Python Based Tool
id: f8be3e82-46a3-4e4e-ada5-8e538ae8b9c9
related:
    - id: 4b9a8556-99c4-470b-a40c-9c8d02c77ed0
      type: obsolete
    - id: 7186e989-4ed7-4f4e-a656-4674b9e3e48b
      type: obsolete
status: stable
description: Detects LSASS process access for potential credential dumping by a Python-like tool such as LaZagne or Pypykatz.
references:
    - https://twitter.com/bh4b3sh/status/1303674603819081728
    - https://github.com/skelsec/pypykatz
author: Bhabesh Raj, Jonhnathan Ribeiro
date: 2023-11-27
modified: 2023-11-29
tags:
    - attack.credential-access
    - attack.t1003.001
    - attack.s0349
logsource:
    category: process_access
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetImage|endswith: '\lsass.exe'
        CallTrace|contains|all:
            - '_ctypes.pyd+'
            - ':\Windows\System32\KERNELBASE.dll+'
            - ':\Windows\SYSTEM32\ntdll.dll+'
        CallTrace|contains:
            - 'python27.dll+'
            - 'python3*.dll+'
        GrantedAccess: '0x1FFFFF'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Python Function Execution Security Warning Disabled In Excel - Registry
id: 17e53739-a1fc-4a62-b1b9-87711c2d5e44
related:
    - id: 023c654f-8f16-44d9-bb2b-00ff36a62af9
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects changes to the registry value "PythonFunctionWarnings" that would prevent any warnings or alerts from showing when Python functions are about to be executed.
    Threat actors could run malicious code through the new Microsoft Excel feature that allows Python to run within the spreadsheet.
references:
    - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/data-security-and-python-in-excel-33cc88a4-4a87-485e-9ff9-f35958278327
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems), @Kostastsale
date: 2024-08-23
tags:
    - attack.defense-impairment
    - attack.t1685
logsource:
    category: registry_set
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        TargetObject|contains: '\Microsoft\Office\'
        TargetObject|endswith: '\Excel\Security\PythonFunctionWarnings'
        Details: 'DWORD (0x00000001)'
    condition: selection
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: high

title: Python SQL Exceptions
id: 19aefed0-ffd4-47dc-a7fc-f8b1425e84f9
status: stable
description: Generic rule for SQL exceptions in Python according to PEP 249
references:
    - https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0249/#exceptions
author: Thomas Patzke
date: 2017-08-12
modified: 2020-09-01
tags:
    - attack.initial-access
    - attack.t1190
logsource:
    category: application
    product: python
detection:
    keywords:
        - DataError
        - IntegrityError
        - ProgrammingError
        - OperationalError
    condition: keywords
falsepositives:
    - Application bugs
level: medium

title: Python WebServer Execution - Linux
id: 3f0f5957-04f8-4792-ad89-192b0303bde6
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects the execution of Python web servers via command line interface (CLI).
    After gaining access to target systems, adversaries may use Python's built-in HTTP server modules to quickly establish a web server without requiring additional software.
    This technique is commonly used in post-exploitation scenarios as it provides a simple method for transferring files between the compromised host and attacker-controlled systems.
references:
    - https://www.atomicredteam.io/atomic-red-team/atomics/T1048.003#atomic-test-8---python3-httpserver
    - https://docs.python.org/3/library/http.server.html
    - https://docs.python.org/2/library/simplehttpserver.html
author: Mohamed LAKRI
date: 2025-10-17
tags:
    - attack.exfiltration
    - attack.t1048.003
logsource:
    product: linux
    category: process_creation
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '/python'
              - '/python2'
              - '/python3'
        - Image|contains:
              - '/python2.'  # python image is always of the form ../python3.10; ../python is just a symlink
              - '/python3.'
    selection_module:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'http.server'
            - 'SimpleHTTPServer'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Testing or development activity
level: medium

title: Python Spawning Pretty TTY Via PTY Module
id: c4042d54-110d-45dd-a0e1-05c47822c937
related:
    - id: 32e62bc7-3de0-4bb1-90af-532978fe42c0
      type: similar
status: test
description: |
    Detects a python process calling to the PTY module in order to spawn a pretty tty which could be indicative of potential reverse shell activity.
references:
    - https://www.volexity.com/blog/2022/06/02/zero-day-exploitation-of-atlassian-confluence/
author: Nextron Systems
date: 2022-06-03
modified: 2024-11-04
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: linux
detection:
    selection_img:
        - Image|endswith:
              - '/python'
              - '/python2'
              - '/python3'
        - Image|contains:
              - '/python2.'  # python image is always of the form ../python3.10; ../python is just a symlink
              - '/python3.'
    selection_cli_import:
        CommandLine|contains:
            - 'import pty'
            - 'from pty '
    selection_cli_spawn:
        CommandLine|contains: 'spawn'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Unknown
level: medium

title: Python Initiated Connection
id: bef0bc5a-b9ae-425d-85c6-7b2d705980c6
status: test
description: Detects a Python process initiating a network connection. While this often relates to package installation, it can also indicate a potential malicious script communicating with a C&C server.
references:
    - https://github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/f339e7da7d05f6057fdfcdd3742bfcf365fee2a9/atomics/T1046/T1046.md#atomic-test-4---port-scan-using-python
    - https://pypi.org/project/scapy/
author: frack113
date: 2021-12-10
modified: 2025-03-05
tags:
    - attack.discovery
    - attack.t1046
logsource:
    category: network_connection
    product: windows
    definition: 'Requirements: Field enrichment is required for the filters to work. As field such as CommandLine and ParentImage are not available by default on this event type'
detection:
    selection:
        Initiated: 'true'
        Image|contains|all:
            - '\python'
            - '.exe'
    filter_optional_conda:
        # Related to anaconda updates. Command example: "conda update conda"
        # This filter will only work with aurora agent enriched data as Sysmon EID 3 doesn't contain CommandLine nor ParentImage
        ParentImage: C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\Scripts\conda.exe
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - ':\ProgramData\Anaconda3\Scripts\conda-script.py'
            - 'update'
    filter_optional_conda_jupyter_notebook:
        # Related to anaconda opening an instance of Jupyter Notebook
        # This filter will only work with aurora agent enriched data as Sysmon EID 3 doesn't contain CommandLine nor ParentImage
        ParentImage: C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\python.exe
        CommandLine|contains: 'C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\Scripts\jupyter-notebook-script.py'
    filter_main_local_communication:
        # This could be caused when launching an instance of Jupyter Notebook locally for example but can also be caused by other instances of python opening sockets locally etc. So comment this out if you want to monitor for those instances
        DestinationIp: 127.0.0.1
        SourceIp: 127.0.0.1
    filter_main_pip:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - 'pip.exe'
            - 'install'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate python scripts using the socket library or similar will trigger this. Apply additional filters and perform an initial baseline before deploying.
level: medium

title: Python Inline Command Execution
id: 899133d5-4d7c-4a7f-94ee-27355c879d90
status: test
description: Detects execution of python using the "-c" flag. This is could be used as a way to launch a reverse shell or execute live python code.
references:
    - https://docs.python.org/3/using/cmdline.html#cmdoption-c
    - https://www.revshells.com/
    - https://pentestmonkey.net/cheat-sheet/shells/reverse-shell-cheat-sheet
author: Nasreddine Bencherchali (Nextron Systems)
date: 2023-01-02
modified: 2025-10-07
tags:
    - attack.execution
    - attack.t1059
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:
        - OriginalFileName: 'python.exe'
        - Image|endswith:
              - 'python.exe' # no \ bc of e.g. ipython.exe
              - 'python3.exe'
              - 'python2.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains: ' -c'
    filter_main_python_1: # Based on baseline
        ParentImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
        ParentImage|endswith: '\python.exe'
        ParentCommandLine|contains: '-E -s -m ensurepip -U --default-pip'
    filter_main_python_trace: # Based on baseline
        ParentImage|startswith:
            - 'C:\Program Files\Python'
            - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python'
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            # CommandLine: \"C:\\Program Files\\Python312\\python.exe\" -W ignore::DeprecationWarning -c \"\nimport runpy\nimport sys\nsys.path = ['C:\\\\Users\\\\User\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Temp\\\\tmpdakwn6aj\\\\pip-23.2.1-py3-none-any.whl'] + sys.path\nsys.argv[1:] = ['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links', 'C:\\\\Users\\\\User\\\\AppData\\\\Local\\\\Temp\\\\tmpdakwn6aj', '--upgrade', 'pip']\nrunpy.run_module(\\\"pip\\\", run_name=\\\"__main__\\\", alter_sys=True)\n\
            - '-W ignore::DeprecationWarning'
            - "['install', '--no-cache-dir', '--no-index', '--find-links',"
            - "'--upgrade', 'pip'"
    filter_optional_vscode:
        - ParentImage|endswith: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
        - ParentImage:
              - 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft VS Code\Code.exe'
    filter_optional_pip:
        CommandLine|contains|all:
            - '<pip-setuptools-caller>'
            - 'exec(compile('
    condition: all of selection_* and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Python libraries that use a flag starting with "-c". Filter according to your environment
level: medium

title: Potential Python DLL SideLoading
id: d36f7c12-14a3-4d48-b6b8-774b9c66f44d
status: test
description: Detects potential DLL sideloading of Python DLL files.
references:
    - https://www.securonix.com/blog/seolurker-attack-campaign-uses-seo-poisoning-fake-google-ads-to-install-malware/
    - https://thedfirreport.com/2024/09/30/nitrogen-campaign-drops-sliver-and-ends-with-blackcat-ransomware/
    - https://github.com/wietze/HijackLibs/tree/dc9c9f2f94e6872051dab58fbafb043fdd8b4176/yml/3rd_party/python
author: Swachchhanda Shrawan Poudel
date: 2024-10-06
modified: 2025-08-18
tags:
    - attack.privilege-escalation
    - attack.persistence
    - attack.execution
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1574.001
logsource:
    category: image_load
    product: windows
detection:
    selection:
        ImageLoaded|endswith:
            - '\python39.dll'
            - '\python310.dll'
            - '\python311.dll'
            - '\python312.dll'
    filter_main_default_install_paths:
        - ImageLoaded|startswith:
              - 'C:\Program Files\Python3'
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Python3'
        - ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Programs\Python\Python3'
    filter_optional_visual_studio:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio\'
    filter_optional_anaconda:
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\' # Comment out if you don't use Anaconda in your environment
    filter_optional_cpython:
        ImageLoaded|contains:
            - '\cpython\externals\'
            - '\cpython\PCbuild\'
    filter_optional_pyinstaller:
        # Triggered by programs bundled with PyInstaller
        ImageLoaded|startswith: 'C:\Users'
        ImageLoaded|contains: '\AppData\Local\Temp\_MEI'
    filter_main_legit_signature_details:
        Product: 'Python'
        Signed: 'true'
        Description: 'Python'
        Company: 'Python Software Foundation'
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate software using Python DLLs
level: medium

title: Python Image Load By Non-Python Process
id: cbb56d62-4060-40f7-9466-d8aaf3123f83
status: test
description: |
    Detects the image load of "Python Core" by a non-Python process. This might be indicative of a execution of executable that has been bundled from Python code.
    Various tools like Py2Exe, PyInstaller, and cx_Freeze are used to bundle Python code into standalone executables.
    Threat actors often use these tools to bundle malicious Python scripts into executables, sometimes to obfuscate the code or to bypass security measures.
references:
    - https://www.py2exe.org/
    - https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-technical-analysis-seaduke/
author: Patrick St. John, OTR (Open Threat Research)
date: 2020-05-03
modified: 2025-08-18
tags:
    - attack.stealth
    - attack.t1027.002
logsource:
    product: windows
    category: image_load
detection:
    selection:
        Description: 'Python Core'
    filter_main_generic:
        - Image|contains: 'Python'  # FPs with python38.dll, python.exe etc.
        - Image|startswith:
              - 'C:\Program Files\'
              - 'C:\Program Files (x86)\'
              - 'C:\ProgramData\Anaconda3\' # Comment out if you don't use Anaconda in your environment
    filter_optional_null_image:
        Image: null
    condition: selection and not 1 of filter_main_* and not 1 of filter_optional_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate Py2Exe Binaries
    - Known false positive caused with Python Anaconda
    - Various legitimate software is bundled from Python code into executables
level: low