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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Linux Account Manipulation Of SSH Config and Keys

The following analytic detects the deletion of SSH keys on a Linux machine. It leverages filesystem event logs to identify when files within "/etc/ssh/*" or "~/.ssh/*" are deleted. This activity is significant…

Description

The following analytic detects the deletion of SSH keys on a Linux machine. It leverages filesystem event logs to identify when files within "/etc/ssh/*" or "~/.ssh/*" are deleted. This activity is significant because attackers may delete or modify SSH keys to evade security measures or as part of a destructive payload, similar to the AcidRain malware. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could lead to impaired security features, hindered forensic investigations, or further unauthorized access, necessitating immediate investigation to identify the responsible process and user.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.

Log source category
sysmon_for_linux_eventid_11

Known benign triggers

  • Administrator or network operator can execute this command. Please update the filter macros to remove false positives.

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