title: Network Device CLI (T1059.008)
id: df00tech-t1059-008
status: experimental
description: "Adversaries may abuse scripting or built-in command line interpreters (CLI) on network devices to execute malicious commands and payloads. The CLI is the primary means through which users and administrators interact with network devices to view system information, modify device operations, or perform diagnostic and administrative functions. CLIs typically contain various permission levels. Adversaries can use the network CLI to change how devices behave, manipulate traffic flows to intercept data, modify startup configuration, load malicious firmware, or disable security features. The ArcaneDoor campaign (Line Dancer malware) demonstrated sophisticated CLI abuse on Cisco ASA devices."
references:
  - https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1059/008/
  - https://df00tech.com/detections/T1059.008
author: df00tech
date: 2026/04/17
tags:
  - attack.t1059.008
# NOTE: logsource is auto-derived and may need adjustment for your environment
logsource:
  category: network_connection
  product: windows
detection:
  # This detection logic could not be auto-translated; see the KQL/SPL query on df00tech.
  selection:
    EventID: '*'
  condition: selection
falsepositives:
  - Network engineers performing scheduled maintenance windows with configuration changes
  - "Automated network management tools (Ansible, NAPALM, Oxidized) making approved configuration backups"
  - Firmware upgrades during planned change windows
level: high