Linux Shell History Access Via Command Line Utility
The following analytic detects attempts to read shell history files (bash, zsh, fish, etc.). A history file is a log file that records all the commands executed in a shell on a Linux or Unix-based operating system. A…
Description
The following analytic detects attempts to read shell history files (bash, zsh, fish, etc.). A history file is a log file that records all the commands executed in a shell on a Linux or Unix-based operating system. A malicious actor who gains access to a user's shell history file can potentially obtain sensitive information and use it to compromise the user's system and data.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSWindows
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
- Legitimate system administrators and automated scripts may access shell history files for auditing or troubleshooting purposes. Filter based on known administrative accounts and approved tooling in your environment.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
No references are available for this detection.
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 0e4c2544-b27a-4a2d-b9be-cac8efe515fb
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Linux HostCredential DumpingLinux Persistence TechniquesLinux Post-ExploitationLinux 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