Linux Deleting Critical Directory Using RM Command
The following analytic detects the deletion of critical directories on a Linux machine using the `rm` command with argument rf. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on…
Description
The following analytic detects the deletion of critical directories on a Linux machine using the `rm` command with argument rf. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on command-line executions targeting directories like /boot, /var/log, /etc, and /dev. This activity is significant because deleting these directories can severely disrupt system operations and is often associated with destructive campaigns like Industroyer2. If confirmed malicious, this action could lead to system instability, data loss, and potential downtime, making it crucial for immediate investigation and response.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows
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
- 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 |
|---|---|
| cert.gov.ua/article/39518 | 10 |
| www.welivesecurity.com/2022/04/12/industroyer2-industroyer-reloaded/ | 14 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 33f89303-cc6f-49ad-921d-2eaea38a6f7a
- Tagged by the source as
- AwfulShredData DestructionIndustroyer2EndpointendpointSplunk 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