Kernel Load or Unload via Kexec Detected
editKernel Load or Unload via Kexec Detected
editThis detection rule identifies the usage of kexec, helping to uncover unauthorized kernel replacements and potential compromise of the system’s integrity. Kexec is a Linux feature that enables the loading and execution of a different kernel without going through the typical boot process. Malicious actors can abuse kexec to bypass security measures, escalate privileges, establish persistence or hide their activities by loading a malicious kernel, enabling them to tamper with the system’s trusted state, allowing e.g. a VM Escape.
Rule type: eql
Rule indices:
- logs-endpoint.events.*
Severity: high
Risk score: 73
Runs every: 5m
Searches indices from: now-9m (Date Math format, see also Additional look-back time)
Maximum alerts per execution: 100
References:
Tags:
- Domain: Endpoint
- OS: Linux
- Use Case: Threat Detection
- Tactic: Persistence
- Tactic: Privilege Escalation
- Tactic: Defense Evasion
Version: 1
Rule authors:
- Elastic
Rule license: Elastic License v2
Rule query
editprocess where host.os.type == "linux" and event.action == "exec" and process.name == "kexec" and
process.args in ("--exec", "-e", "--load", "-l", "--unload", "-u")
Framework: MITRE ATT&CKTM
-
Tactic:
- Name: Privilege Escalation
- ID: TA0004
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0004/
-
Technique:
- Name: Escape to Host
- ID: T1611
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1611/
-
Tactic:
- Name: Persistence
- ID: TA0003
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0003/
-
Technique:
- Name: Boot or Logon Autostart Execution
- ID: T1547
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/
-
Sub-technique:
- Name: Kernel Modules and Extensions
- ID: T1547.006
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1547/006/
-
Tactic:
- Name: Defense Evasion
- ID: TA0005
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005/
-
Technique:
- Name: Modify System Image
- ID: T1601
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/
-
Sub-technique:
- Name: Patch System Image
- ID: T1601.001
- Reference URL: https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1601/001/