Linux Auditd Private Keys and Certificate Enumeration
The following analytic detects suspicious attempts to find private keys, which may indicate an attacker's effort to access sensitive cryptographic information. Private keys are crucial for securing encrypted…
Description
The following analytic detects suspicious attempts to find private keys, which may indicate an attacker's effort to access sensitive cryptographic information. Private keys are crucial for securing encrypted communications and data, and unauthorized access to them can lead to severe security breaches, including data decryption and identity theft. By monitoring for unusual or unauthorized searches for private keys, this analytic helps identify potential threats to cryptographic security, enabling security teams to take swift action to protect the integrity and confidentiality of encrypted information.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- linux_auditd_execve
Known benign triggers
- Administrator or network operator can use this application for automation purposes. 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 |
|---|---|
| github.com/peass-ng/PEASS-ng/tree/master/linPEAS | 10 |
| www.splunk.com/en_us/blog/security/deep-dive-on-persistence-privilege-escalation-technique-and-detection-in-linux-platform.html | 25 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 892eb674-3344-4143-8e52-4775b1daf3f1
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostLinux Living Off The LandLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Privilege EscalationEndpointendpointSplunk 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