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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Linux Auditd Whoami User Discovery

The following analytic detects the suspicious use of the whoami command, which may indicate an attacker trying to gather information about the current user account on a compromised system. The whoami command is…

Description

The following analytic detects the suspicious use of the whoami command, which may indicate an attacker trying to gather information about the current user account on a compromised system. The whoami command is commonly used to verify user privileges and identity, especially during initial stages of an attack to assess the level of access. By monitoring for unusual or unauthorized executions of whoami, this analytic helps in identifying potential reconnaissance activities, enabling security teams to take action before the attacker escalates privileges or conducts further malicious operations.

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_syscall

Known benign triggers

  • Administrator or network operator can use this application for automation purposes. Please update the filter macros to remove false positives.

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