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Event: interpreter_shell_spawn

Quick Explanation

The interpreter_shell_spawn detection recipe identifies instances where a shell is spawned by a language interpreter. This is suspicious because it can indicate an attempt to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the environment.

More Information

Information

  1. Description: Shell spawned by a language interpreter
  2. Category: Execution
  3. Method: Command and Scripting Interpreter
  4. Importance: Critical

Analysis of the Event

The detection event, identified by Jibril as interpreter_shell_spawn, is triggered when a shell is executed by a language interpreter such as Python, Node.js, or Java. This action is critical because it can be used to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the environment.

Language interpreters are commonly used in development environments for running scripts and applications. However, when these interpreters spawn shells, it can be a sign of malicious activity, such as an attacker attempting to gain control over the system or execute unauthorized commands. This detection falls under the MITRE ATT&CK framework category of Execution, specifically using the method of Command and Scripting Interpreter. The critical importance of this detection highlights the potential severity of the threat, as it could lead to unauthorized access or control over the environment.

Implications for the CI/CD Pipeline

The detection of a shell being spawned by a language interpreter during a CI/CD pipeline run suggests that recent code changes might introduce potential vulnerabilities or backdoors. If such changes were merged into production, it could lead to unauthorized command execution in a live environment, facilitating further attacks, data breaches, or unauthorized access. This event underscores the need for thorough security reviews and monitoring throughout the development and deployment phases.

To mitigate risks associated with this detection:

  1. Review Recent Commits: Examine recent commits for changes that could have introduced modifications related to shell spawning by language interpreters. Focus on any new dependencies or updates to existing ones.
  2. Audit Dependency Sources: Ensure that all dependencies are sourced from trusted repositories and that no unauthorized changes have been made to them.
  3. Enhance Monitoring: Implement additional monitoring around the use of language interpreters and shell executions, particularly focusing on unusual or unexpected activities within your environment.
  4. Conduct Security Testing: Perform dynamic analysis and penetration testing on the affected components to identify any possible misuse scenarios or vulnerabilities introduced by these changes.
  5. Update Security Documentation: Ensure that all documentation reflects any new understanding about potential threats associated with language interpreters and shell spawning, and includes guidelines on safe handling practices.
  6. Educate Developers: Provide training sessions on secure coding practices related to language interpreters and shell executions.

By following these steps, teams can better manage their security posture against similar threats in future development cycles while ensuring compliance with best practices in software development and deployment processes.