Linux Malformed Auth Entry
The following analytic detects when su runs from a page-cache-corrupted binary. When this happens a partial corruption of its runtime state can prevent it from resolving the identity of the calling user. Under normal…
Description
The following analytic detects when su runs from a page-cache-corrupted binary. When this happens a partial corruption of its runtime state can prevent it from resolving the identity of the calling user. Under normal conditions, su logs both the target account and the invoking user. When exploitation has occurred via this path, the invoking username field is absent. This activity is significant because it indicates a possible privilege escalation attempt, allowing a user to gain root access. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could achieve full control over the system, execute arbitrary commands, and compromise the entire environment.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersLinuxmacOSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- linux_secure
Known benign triggers
- No false positives have been identified at this time.
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/Neo23x0/auditd/blob/master/audit.rules | 5from 2 sources |
| github.com/theori-io/copy-fail-CVE-2026-31431 | 3 |
| xint.io/blog/copy-fail-linux-distributions | 4from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 962602e9-08ae-47ff-af89-a1e83f461a26
- Tagged by the source as
- Linux 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