Kernel Load or Unload via Kexec Detectededit
This 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: medium
Risk score: 47
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
- Data Source: Elastic Defend
Version: 5
Rule authors:
- Elastic
Rule license: Elastic License v2
Rule queryedit
process 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/