MITRE ATT&CK Technique
T1059Command and Scripting Interpreter
- First Reported
- Jan 30, 2018
- Latest Reported
- Nov 6, 2026
Official Description
Adversaries may abuse command and script interpreters to execute commands, scripts, or binaries. These interfaces and languages provide ways of interacting with computer systems and are a common feature across many different platforms. Most systems come with some built-in command-line interface and scripting capabilities, for example, macOS and Linux distributions include some flavor of [Unix Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/004) while Windows installations include the [Windows Command Shell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/003) and [PowerShell](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/001).
There are also cross-platform interpreters such as [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006), as well as those commonly associated with client applications such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005).
Adversaries may abuse these technologies in various ways as a means of executing arbitrary commands. Commands and scripts can be embedded in [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) payloads delivered to victims as lure documents or as secondary payloads downloaded from an existing C2. Adversaries may also execute commands through interactive terminals/shells, as well as utilize various [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) in order to achieve remote Execution.(Citation: Powershell Remote Commands)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)(Citation: Remote Shell Execution in Python)
There are also cross-platform interpreters such as [Python](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/006), as well as those commonly associated with client applications such as [JavaScript](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/007) and [Visual Basic](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/005).
Adversaries may abuse these technologies in various ways as a means of executing arbitrary commands. Commands and scripts can be embedded in [Initial Access](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0001) payloads delivered to victims as lure documents or as secondary payloads downloaded from an existing C2. Adversaries may also execute commands through interactive terminals/shells, as well as utilize various [Remote Services](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1021) in order to achieve remote Execution.(Citation: Powershell Remote Commands)(Citation: Cisco IOS Software Integrity Assurance - Command History)(Citation: Remote Shell Execution in Python)
- Tactics
- Execution
- Platforms
- Containers, ESXi, IaaS, Identity Provider, Linux, macOS, Network Devices, Office Suite, SaaS, Windows
- MITRE Version
- 2.7
- Last Modified
- May 12, 2026
Sub-techniques (13)
Reported Context (224)
- The described attack can run PHP code with the web server's permissions. WordPress Fix Can Leave a Brief Exploitation Window During Installation
- The exploit can redirect execution to an attacker-chosen OS command, which runs with root privileges. Zyxel Releases Patch 3 for Exploited GS1900 Zero-Day
- Malicious Ruby code in gem extension build files runs during gem installation. RubyGems Extensions and Plugins Can Execute Code During Installation
- The staged Exploit.class invoked system commands including id, hostname, and uname -a; recovered shell scripts also contained command-execution functionality. Hunt.io Traces ARTEX Infrastructure Through Exposed Directories and Tooling
- Operators executed shell scripts and commands on infected devices, including commands used to establish reverse shells. Google and Partners Disrupt XCPE Botnet Linked to 1.3 Million Android Devices
CVE (229)
Malware (259)
People (147)
Threat Actors (183)
MITRE ATT&CK (279)
Vendors (163)
Products (564)
Tools (205)
Industries (99)
Countries (68)
Note: Related entities, including threat actors, malware, CVEs, MITRE ATT&CK techniques, vendors, products, tools, countries, and industries, are shown when they appear in the same reporting. Their presence does not necessarily mean they were targeted, compromised, vulnerable, responsible for the activity, or directly involved in the incident.
