Linux Possible Append Cronjob Entry on Existing Cronjob File
The following analytic detects potential tampering with cronjob files on a Linux system by identifying 'echo' commands that append code to existing cronjob files. It leverages logs from Endpoint Detection and…
Description
The following analytic detects potential tampering with cronjob files on a Linux system by identifying 'echo' commands that append code to existing cronjob files. It leverages logs from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names, parent processes, and command-line executions. This activity is significant because adversaries often use it for persistence or privilege escalation. If confirmed malicious, this could allow attackers to execute unauthorized code automatically, leading to system compromises and unauthorized data access, thereby impacting business operations and data integrity.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiLinuxmacOS
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 arise from legitimate actions by administrators or network operators who may use these commands for automation purposes. Therefore, it's recommended to adjust filter macros to eliminate such 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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1053/003/ | 7from 2 sources |
| blog.aquasec.com/threat-alert-kinsing-malware-container-vulnerability | 2 |
| www.intezer.com/blog/research/kaiji-new-chinese-linux-malware-turning-to-golang/ | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- b5b91200-5f27-11ec-bb4e-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Linux Living Off The LandLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Privilege EscalationScheduled TasksXorDDosEndpointendpointSplunk 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