Elastic Security Detection Rules

Kernel Object File Creation

Last updated 7 months ago on 2025-01-24
Created 8 months ago on 2024-12-19

About

This rule detects the creation of a Linux kernel object file (.ko) on a system. Threat actors may leverage Linux kernel object files to load a rootkit or other type of malware on a system providing them with complete control and the ability to hide from security products.
Tags
Domain: EndpointOS: LinuxUse Case: Threat DetectionTactic: PersistenceTactic: Defense EvasionData Source: Elastic DefendLanguage: kuery
Severity
low
Risk Score
21
MITRE ATT&CK™

Persistence (TA0003)(opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Boot or Logon Autostart Execution (T1547)(opens in a new tab or window)

Defense Evasion (TA0005)(opens in a new tab or window)

↳ Rootkit (T1014)(opens in a new tab or window)

License
Elastic License v2(opens in a new tab or window)

Definition

Rule Type
New Terms Rule
Integration Pack
Prebuilt Security Detection Rules
Index Patterns
logs-endpoint.events.file-*
Related Integrations

endpoint(opens in a new tab or window)

Query
event.category:file and host.os.type:linux and event.type:creation and file.extension:ko and not (
  file.path:/var/tmp/mkinitramfs_* or process.executable:/snap/* or process.name:cpio
) and not file.path:/tmp/mkinitramfs*

Install detection rules in Elastic Security

Detect Kernel Object File Creation in the Elastic Security detection engine by installing this rule into your Elastic Stack.

To setup this rule, check out the installation guide for Prebuilt Security Detection Rules(opens in a new tab or window).