Linux Docker Shell Execution
This detection identifies shell execution activity associated with Docker containers on Linux systems. Specifically, it monitors for interactive or non-interactive shell processes (e.g., `/bin/bash`, `/bin/sh`,…
Description
This detection identifies shell execution activity associated with Docker containers on Linux systems. Specifically, it monitors for interactive or non-interactive shell processes (e.g., `/bin/bash`, `/bin/sh`, `/bin/zsh`) launched via Docker commands such as `docker exec`, or through container entrypoint overrides. Shell execution inside a container may indicate administrative troubleshooting activity. However, it can also represent post-exploitation behavior, where an attacker gains access to a container and spawns a shell to execute arbitrary commands, establish persistence, or pivot to the host.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Containers
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
- False positives are present based on automated tooling or system administrative usage. Filter as needed.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
1 exclusive technique.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| docs.docker.com/reference/cli/docker/container/exec/ | Only this detection cites it |
| gtfobins.github.io/gtfobins/docker/ | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 03b2b286-fa86-4ec9-b1a1-ec19d314bdf7
- Tagged by the source as
- Linux Living Off The LandLinux 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
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1