Possible AF_ALG Privilege Escalation via algif_aead Module Load
- 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
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects loading of the algif_aead kernel crypto module through modprobe or insmod, an autoload step abused by the CVE-2026-31431 Copy Fail local privilege escalation. The exploit drives an AF_ALG splice chain that requires the algif_aead module to reach the vulnerable kernel path. On hosts that do not use userspace crypto the on-demand load of this module is a suspicious precursor to privilege escalation.
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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