Linux Auditd Nopasswd Entry In Sudoers File
The following analytic detects the addition of NOPASSWD entries to the /etc/sudoers file on Linux systems. It leverages Linux Auditd data to identify command lines containing "NOPASSWD:". This activity is significant…
Description
The following analytic detects the addition of NOPASSWD entries to the /etc/sudoers file on Linux systems. It leverages Linux Auditd data to identify command lines containing "NOPASSWD:". This activity is significant because it allows users to execute commands with elevated privileges without requiring a password, which can be exploited by adversaries to maintain persistent, privileged access. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized privilege escalation, persistent access, and potential compromise of sensitive data and system integrity.
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_proctitle
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 |
|---|---|
| askubuntu.com/questions/334318/sudoers-file-enable-nopasswd-for-user-all-commands | 3 |
| help.ubuntu.com/community/Sudoers | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 651df959-ad17-4b73-a323-90cb96d5fa1b
- Tagged by the source as
- China-Nexus Threat ActivityCompromised Linux HostLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Privilege EscalationSalt TyphoonEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1