| name | T0853_scripting |
| description | Adversaries may use scripting languages to execute arbitrary code in the form of a pre-written script or in the form of user-supplied code to an interpreter. |
| category | input-validation |
| version | 18.1 |
| author | cyberstrike-official |
| tags | ["mitre-attack","ics","t0853","execution"] |
| technique_id | T0853 |
| tactic | execution |
| all_tactics | ["execution"] |
| platforms | ["ICS"] |
| mitre_url | https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T0853 |
| tech_stack | ["ics"] |
| cwe_ids | ["CWE-94"] |
| chains_with | [] |
| prerequisites | [] |
| severity_boost | {} |
T0853 Scripting
High-Level Description
Adversaries may use scripting languages to execute arbitrary code in the form of a pre-written script or in the form of user-supplied code to an interpreter. Scripting languages are programming languages that differ from compiled languages, in that scripting languages use an interpreter, instead of a compiler. These interpreters read and compile part of the source code just before it is executed, as opposed to compilers, which compile each and every line of code to an executable file. Scripting allows software developers to run their code on any system where the interpreter exists. This way, they can distribute one package, instead of precompiling executables for many different systems. Scripting languages, such as Python, have their interpreters shipped as a default with many Linux distributions.
In addition to being a useful tool for developers and administrators, scripting language interpreters may be abused by the adversary to execute code in the target environment. Due to the nature of scripting languages, this allows for weaponized code to be deployed to a target easily, and leaves open the possibility of on-the-fly scripting to perform a task.
Kill Chain Phase
Platforms: ICS
What to Check
How to Test
Identify Attack Surface
Determine if the target ICS/SCADA environment is susceptible to Scripting by examining operational technology systems and network architecture.
Assess Existing Defenses
Review whether mitigations for T0853 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable in the ICS environment.
Remediation Guide
M0938 Execution Prevention
Execution prevention may prevent malicious scripts from accessing protected resources.
M0948 Application Isolation and Sandboxing
Consider the use of application isolation and sandboxing to restrict specific operating system interactions such as access through user accounts, services, system calls, registry, and network access. This may be even more useful in cases where the source of the executed script is unknown.
M0942 Disable or Remove Feature or Program
