T1059.011 Lua

> Sub-technique of: T1059

High-Level Description

Adversaries may abuse Lua commands and scripts for execution. Lua is a cross-platform scripting and programming language primarily designed for embedded use in applications. Lua can be executed on the command-line (through the stand-alone lua interpreter), via scripts (<code>.lua</code>), or from Lua-embedded programs (through the <code>struct lua_State</code>).

Lua scripts may be executed by adversaries for malicious purposes. Adversaries may incorporate, abuse, or replace existing Lua interpreters to allow for malicious Lua command execution at runtime.

Kill Chain Phase

• Execution (TA0002)

Platforms: Linux, Network Devices, Windows, macOS

What to Check

• ] Identify if Lua technique is applicable to target environment
• ] Check Linux systems for indicators of Lua
• ] Check Network Devices systems for indicators of Lua
• ] Check Windows systems for indicators of Lua
• ] Verify mitigations are bypassed or absent (3 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 Lua by examining the target platforms (Linux, Network Devices, Windows).

1. Assess Existing Defenses: Review whether mitigations for T1059.011 are in place. If defenses are absent or misconfigured, this technique may be exploitable.

1. 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 Atomic Red Team GitHub for updates.

Remediation Guide

M1033 Limit Software Installation

Prevent users from installing Lua where not required.

M1047 Audit

Inventory systems for unauthorized Lua installations.

M1038 Execution Prevention

Denylist Lua interpreters where appropriate.

Detection

Detection Strategy for Lua Scripting Abuse

Risk Assessment

| Finding | Severity | Impact | | ------------------------ | -------- | --------- | | Lua technique applicable | Low | Execution |

CWE Categories

| CWE ID | Title | | ------ | -------------------------------------- | | CWE-94 | Improper Control of Generation of Code |

References

• Kaspersky Lua
• Lua main page
• Lua state
• Cyphort EvilBunny
• PoetRat Lua
• Lua Proofpoint Sunseed
• Atomic Red Team - T1059.011
• MITRE ATT&CK - T1059.011