Malicious systemd-daemon Masquerading Binary Execution on Linux

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Defense Evasion

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1543.002Systemd Service
Priv Esc
- T1543.002Systemd Service
Defense Evasion
- T1036.005Match Legitimate Resource Name or Location
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects execution of a binary named systemd-daemon, a masquerade used by the PeerBlight Linux backdoor to disguise its persistence component installed via a systemd-agent service unit. The name mimics legitimate systemd tooling to evade casual process review. No genuine systemd binary is named systemd-daemon, so this execution indicates backdoor persistence.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious systemd-daemon Masquerading Binary Execution on Linux

Pivot detection · T1036.005 · 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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