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Clear or Disable Kernel Ring Buffer Logs via Syslog Syscall

Detects the use of the `syslog` syscall with action code 5 (SYSLOG_ACTION_CLEAR), (4 is SYSLOG_ACTION_READ_CLEAR and 6 is SYSLOG_ACTION_CONSOLE_OFF) which clears the kernel ring buffer (dmesg logs). This can be used…

Description

Detects the use of the `syslog` syscall with action code 5 (SYSLOG_ACTION_CLEAR), (4 is SYSLOG_ACTION_READ_CLEAR and 6 is SYSLOG_ACTION_CONSOLE_OFF) which clears the kernel ring buffer (dmesg logs). This can be used by attackers to hide traces after exploitation or privilege escalation. A common technique is running `dmesg -c`, which triggers this syscall internally.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOS

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Log source product
linux
Log source service
auditd

Known benign triggers

  • Debugging scripts
  • System administrators or scripts that intentionally clear logs

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