Linux Auditd Insert Kernel Module Using Insmod Utility
The following analytic detects the insertion of a Linux kernel module using the insmod utility. It leverages data from Linux Auditd, focusing on process execution logs that include process names and command-line…
Description
The following analytic detects the insertion of a Linux kernel module using the insmod utility. It leverages data from Linux Auditd, focusing on process execution logs that include process names and command-line details. This activity is significant as it may indicate the installation of a rootkit or malicious kernel module, potentially allowing an attacker to gain elevated privileges and bypass security detections. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, persistent access, and severe compromise of the affected system.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOS
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- linux_auditd_syscall
Known benign triggers
- Administrator or network operator can execute this command. Please update the filter macros to remove false positives.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| 0x00sec.org/t/kernel-rootkits-getting-your-hands-dirty/1485 | 5 |
| docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/rawhide/system-administrators-guide/kernel-module-driver-configuration/Working_with_Kernel_Modules/ | 5 |
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/388942adbd9641f4dfdcf079d7efe9a75ec0ac43/atomics/T1547.006/T1547.006.yaml#L5 | 3 |
| security.stackexchange.com/questions/175953/how-to-load-a-malicious-lkm-at-startup | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- bc0ca53f-dea6-4906-9b12-09c396fdf1d3
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Privilege EscalationLinux RootkitXorDDosEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Oct 13, 2026
- Version
- 2