Linux Auditd Sudo Or Su Execution
The following analytic detects the execution of the "sudo" or "su" command on a Linux operating system. It leverages data from Linux Auditd, focusing on process names and parent process names. This activity is…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the "sudo" or "su" command on a Linux operating system. It leverages data from Linux Auditd, focusing on process names and parent process names. This activity is significant because "sudo" and "su" commands are commonly used by adversaries to elevate privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control over the system. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to execute commands with root privileges, leading to severe security breaches, data exfiltration, or further system compromise.
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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1548/003/ | 4 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 817a5c89-5b92-4818-a22d-aa35e1361afe
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostLinux 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