Sub-technique of T1546 Event Triggered Execution.View on attack.mitre.org
Adversaries may achieve persistence by leveraging Python’s startup mechanisms, including path configuration (`.pth`) files and the `sitecustomize.py` or `usercustomize.py` modules. These files are automatically processed during the initialization of the Python interpreter, allowing for the execution of arbitrary code whenever Python is invoked.
Path configuration files are designed to extend Python’s module search paths through the use of import statements. If a `.pth` file is placed in Python's `site-packages` or `dist-packages` directories, any lines beginning with `import` will be executed automatically on Python invocation. Similarly, if `sitecustomize.py` or `usercustomize.py` is present in the Python path, these files will be imported during interpreter startup, and any code they contain will be executed.
Adversaries may abuse these mechanisms to establish persistence on systems where Python is widely used (e.g., for automation or scripting in production environments).
Rules on DetectionCode tagged with T1546.018.
None recorded.
None recorded.
| Used by | Procedure example |
|---|---|
| MalwareMini Shai-Hulud | Mini Shai-Hulud has utilized Python startup hooks to include the .pth import mechanism for execution. |
| MalwareTeamPCP Cloud Stealer | TeamPCP Cloud Stealer has used .pth files to establish persistence on compromised hosts due to the Python interpreter's automatic processing of .pth files at startup. |
Data from MITRE ATT&CK® (Enterprise). ATT&CK® is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation.
