APT28 httd Implant Persistence via systemd linux.service from Boot Directory (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1543.002Systemd Service
Priv Esc
- T1543.002Systemd Service
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects systemctl enabling a service named linux.service, the systemd persistence behavior used by the APT28 httd Linux implant staged from the boot directory in Operation Roundish. Adversaries leverage a generically named systemd unit to survive reboots on compromised mail servers.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1543.002 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious systemd-daemon Masquerading Binary Execution on Linux

Suspicious Masquerading systemd Unit display-managerd Creation via File System

Suspicious Systemd Service Unit Written to System Directory (via process_creation)

APT28 httd Implant Persistence via systemd linux.service from Boot Directory (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1543.002 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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