Malicious Immutable Attribute Set on SSH Authorized Keys via chattr on Linux
- Product
- linux
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-09-15
- Updated
- 2026-09-15
ATT&CK techniques
Persistence → Priv EscRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects the chattr command applying the append only or immutable attribute to an SSH authorized_keys file which cryptomining actors abusing container APIs use to lock in their backdoor SSH key and prevent defenders or competing miners from removing it.
Reporting behind it
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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