Masquerading Execution of Binary from Var Log 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 execution of an executable located under the var log directory on Linux, the persistence staging behavior of the Kimsuky Gomir variant which copies its binary to var log rsyslogd and runs it through a systemd service. Adversaries leverage a log directory that normally holds only text logs to hide an executable while masquerading as the rsyslog daemon, making early detection critical for surfacing the implant before it beacons.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1543.002 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious systemd User Service Persistence miasma-monitor (via file_event)

Masquerading Execution of Binary from Var Log 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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