T1546.018

Official Description

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.(Citation: Volexity GlobalProtect CVE 2024)

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.(Citation: DFIR Python Persistence 2025) 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.(Citation: Python Site Configuration Hook)

Adversaries may abuse these mechanisms to establish persistence on systems where Python is widely used (e.g., for automation or scripting in production environments).

Tactics: Persistence, Privilege Escalation
Platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows
Parent Technique: T1546 · Event Triggered Execution
MITRE Version: 1.0
Last Modified: Oct 21, 2025

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Reported Context (1)

Executable *-setup.pth files run during Python startup and bootstrap execution of the JavaScript stealer. Mini Shai-Hulud, Miasma and Hades Worms Spread Through Malicious PyPI Wheels

Malware (4)

MITRE ATT&CK (7)

Vendors (1)

Products (24)

Tools (3)

Industries (3)

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.