t1543-create-or-modify-system-process

name	T1543_create-or-modify-system-process
description	Adversaries may create or modify system-level processes to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence.
category	configuration
version	18.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["mitre-attack","enterprise","t1543","persistence","privilege-escalation","windows","macos","linux","containers"]
technique_id	T1543
tactic	persistence
all_tactics	["persistence","privilege-escalation"]
platforms	["Windows","macOS","Linux","Containers"]
mitre_url	https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1543
tech_stack	["windows","macos","linux","containers"]
cwe_ids	["CWE-276"]
chains_with	["T1543.001","T1543.002","T1543.003","T1543.004","T1543.005"]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{"T1543.001":"Chain with T1543.001 for deeper attack path","T1543.002":"Chain with T1543.002 for deeper attack path","T1543.003":"Chain with T1543.003 for deeper attack path"}

T1543 Create or Modify System Process

High-Level Description

Adversaries may create or modify system-level processes to repeatedly execute malicious payloads as part of persistence. When operating systems boot up, they can start processes that perform background system functions. On Windows and Linux, these system processes are referred to as services. On macOS, launchd processes known as Launch Daemon and Launch Agent are run to finish system initialization and load user specific parameters.

Adversaries may install new services, daemons, or agents that can be configured to execute at startup or a repeatable interval in order to establish persistence. Similarly, adversaries may modify existing services, daemons, or agents to achieve the same effect.

Services, daemons, or agents may be created with administrator privileges but executed under root/SYSTEM privileges. Adversaries may leverage this functionality to create or modify system processes in order to escalate privileges.

Kill Chain Phase

• Persistence (TA0003)
• Privilege Escalation (TA0004)

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Containers

What to Check

• Identify if Create or Modify System Process technique is applicable to target environment
• Check Windows systems for indicators of Create or Modify System Process
• Check macOS systems for indicators of Create or Modify System Process
• Check Linux systems for indicators of Create or Modify System Process
• Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (9 known mitigations)
• Assess detection coverage (1 detection strategies)

How to Test

Manual Testing

1. Identify Attack Surface: Determine if the target environment is susceptible to Create or Modify System Process by examining the target platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).

2. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1543 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.

Note: No Atomic Red Team tests available for this technique. See for updates.