Linux Binary Executed from Shared Memory Directory
The following analytic identifies the execution of a binary by root from Linux shared memory directories (/dev/shm/ and /run/shm/). Threat actors place executables in these directories to persist on high-uptime…
Description
The following analytic identifies the execution of a binary by root from Linux shared memory directories (/dev/shm/ and /run/shm/). Threat actors place executables in these directories to persist on high-uptime servers as system backdoors. Both /dev/shm and /run/shm are tmpfs-backed directories that exist only in virtual memory with no persistent storage, making them attractive for staging fileless or semi-fileless malware while avoiding disk forensics.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- sysmon_for_linux_eventid_1
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate applications may use shared memory directories for temporary file storage or inter-process communication. Verify any flagged activity against known software behavior and filter accordingly.
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/elastic/detection-rules/blob/main/rules/linux/execution_process_started_in_shared_memory_directory.toml | Only this detection cites it |
| linuxsecurity.com/features/fileless-malware-on-linux | 2from 2 sources |
| twitter.com/GossiTheDog/status/1522964028284411907 | 5from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 2e954190-d547-447c-94d7-d8acac97873b
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Post-ExploitationLinux 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