Sunturai
Back to results
InformationalSplunk security contentGowthamaraj Rajendran +1

Linux GDB Privilege Escalation

The following analytic detects the execution of the GNU Debugger (GDB) with specific flags that indicate an attempt to escalate privileges on a Linux system. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)…

Description

The following analytic detects the execution of the GNU Debugger (GDB) with specific flags that indicate an attempt to escalate privileges on a Linux system. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry to identify processes where GDB is run with the `-nx`, `-ex`, and `sudo` flags. This activity is significant because it can allow a user to execute system commands as root, potentially leading to a root shell. If confirmed malicious, this could result in full system compromise, allowing an attacker to gain complete control over the affected endpoint.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
LinuxmacOS

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 may be present, filter as needed.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice