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InformationalSplunk security contentTeoderick Contreras +1

Linux Deletion Of Cron Jobs

The following analytic detects the deletion of cron jobs on a Linux machine. It leverages filesystem event logs to identify when files within the "/etc/cron.*" directory are deleted. This activity is significant…

Description

The following analytic detects the deletion of cron jobs on a Linux machine. It leverages filesystem event logs to identify when files within the "/etc/cron.*" directory are deleted. This activity is significant because attackers or malware may delete cron jobs to disable scheduled security tasks or evade detection mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, this action could allow an attacker to disrupt system operations, evade security measures, or facilitate further malicious activities such as data wiping, as seen with the acidrain malware.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.

Log source category
sysmon_for_linux_eventid_11

Known benign triggers

  • Administrator or network operator can execute this command. Please update the filter macros to remove false positives.

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