Virtual Private Network Connection Attempt

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Identifies the execution of macOS built-in commands to connect to an existing Virtual Private Network (VPN). Adversaries may use VPN connections to laterally move and control remote systems on a network.

Rule type: eql

Rule indices:

  • auditbeat-*
  • logs-endpoint.events.*

Severity: low

Risk score: 21

Runs every: 5m

Searches indices from: now-9m (Date Math format, see also Additional look-back time)

Maximum alerts per execution: 100

References:

Tags:

  • Domain: Endpoint
  • OS: macOS
  • Use Case: Threat Detection
  • Tactic: Lateral Movement
  • Data Source: Elastic Defend

Version: 104

Rule authors:

  • Elastic

Rule license: Elastic License v2

Investigation guide

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Rule query

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process where host.os.type == "macos" and event.type in ("start", "process_started") and
  (
    (process.name : "networksetup" and process.args : "-connectpppoeservice") or
    (process.name : "scutil" and process.args : "--nc" and process.args : "start") or
    (process.name : "osascript" and process.command_line : "osascript*set VPN to service*")
  )

Framework: MITRE ATT&CKTM