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Suspicious SUID Binary Execution (Auditd Sequence)

Detects suspicious sequences where a non-root user launches a high-risk parent process (interpreter, shell one-liner, or execution from user-writable paths) and then quickly executes a common privilege elevation…

Description

Detects suspicious sequences where a non-root user launches a high-risk parent process (interpreter, shell one-liner, or execution from user-writable paths) and then quickly executes a common privilege elevation helper (su, sudo, pkexec, passwd, chsh, newgrp) that gains an effective UID of 0 while the real UID remains non-root. This can indicate misuse of SUID/SGID helpers, polkit/sudo abuse, or interactive privilege escalation attempts captured via Auditd Manager telemetry.

Detection logic

Its licence does not clear it for publishing here

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Detection requirements

Platform
IaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSOffice SuiteWindows

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

Log source category
event_index

Known benign triggers

  • Some break-glass workflows or automation may legitimately invoke sudo/su from scripts under user home directories. Validate the initiating user, parent context, and change approvals; tune by known admin tooling paths or accounts.

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