T1569.001_launchctl

T1569.001 Launchctl

Sub-technique of: T1569

High-Level Description

Adversaries may abuse launchctl to execute commands or programs. Launchctl interfaces with launchd, the service management framework for macOS. Launchctl supports taking subcommands on the command-line, interactively, or even redirected from standard input.

Adversaries use launchctl to execute commands and programs as Launch Agents or Launch Daemons. Common subcommands include: launchctl load,launchctl unload, and launchctl start. Adversaries can use scripts or manually run the commands launchctl load -w "%s/Library/LaunchAgents/%s" or /bin/launchctl load to execute Launch Agents or Launch Daemons.

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0002)

Platforms: macOS

What to Check

• Identify if Launchctl technique is applicable to target environment
• Check macOS systems for indicators of Launchctl
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (1 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Atomic Red Team Tests

The following tests are from Atomic Red Team and provide actionable ways to test this technique:

Atomic Test 1: Launchctl

Utilize launchctl

Supported Platforms: macos

launchctl submit -l #{label_name} -- #{executable_path}

Manual Testing

If Atomic Red Team tests are not applicable, manually verify the technique by:

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Launchctl by examining the target platforms (macOS).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1569.001 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

3. Execute Test: Use tools and methods described in the MITRE ATT&CK page and external references below.

Remediation Guide

M1018 User Account Management

Prevent users from installing their own launch agents or launch daemons.

Detection

Detection Strategy for System Services: Launchctl

Risk Assessment

CWE Categories

References

• Sofacy Komplex Trojan
• 20 macOS Common Tools and Techniques
• Launchctl Man
• Atomic Red Team - T1569.001
• MITRE ATT&CK - T1569.001