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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Linux Auditd Add User Account

The following analytic detects the creation of new user accounts on Linux systems using commands like "useradd" or "adduser." It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process…

Description

The following analytic detects the creation of new user accounts on Linux systems using commands like "useradd" or "adduser." It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as adversaries often create new user accounts to establish persistence on compromised hosts. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to maintain access, escalate privileges, and further compromise the system, posing a severe security risk.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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

Log source category
linux_auditd_proctitle

Known benign triggers

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

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