Linux Auditd Possible Append Cronjob Entry On Existing Cronjob File
The following analytic detects potential tampering with cronjob files on a Linux system. It leverages logs from Linux Auditd, focusing on events of type PATH or CWD. This activity could be significant because…
Description
The following analytic detects potential tampering with cronjob files on a Linux system. It leverages logs from Linux Auditd, focusing on events of type PATH or CWD. This activity could be significant because adversaries often use it for persistence or privilege escalation. Correlate this with related EXECVE or PROCTITLE events to identify the process or user responsible for the access or modification. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute unauthorized code automatically, leading to system compromises and unauthorized data access, thereby impacting business operations and data integrity.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOS
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- linux_auditd_cwdlinux_auditd_path
Known benign triggers
- False positives may arise from legitimate actions by administrators or network operators who may use these commands for automation purposes. Therefore, it's recommended to adjust filter macros to eliminate such 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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/003/ | 7from 2 sources |
| blog.aquasec.com/threat-alert-kinsing-malware-container-vulnerability | 2 |
| www.intezer.com/blog/research/kaiji-new-chinese-linux-malware-turning-to-golang/ | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- fea71cf0-fa10-4ef6-9202-9682b2e0c477
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostLinux Living Off The LandLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Privilege EscalationScheduled TasksXorDDosEndpointendpointSplunk 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