Malicious Kernel Module Loaded From a User-Writable Path on Linux (via process_creation)
- Product
- linux
- Category
- process_creation
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-07-27
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
Persistence → Priv EscRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects insmod loading a kernel module (.ko) from a temporary or user-writable directory, an indicator of a loadable-kernel-module rootkit being installed rather than a package-managed driver. Kernel module abuse is a stealthy Linux persistence and defense-evasion technique referenced in the Red Canary Threat Detection Report. Because legitimate drivers load from system paths, module loads from user paths are a strong indicator of malicious activity.
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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