Possible AF_ALG Privilege Escalation via algif_aead Module Load

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1547.006Kernel Modules and Extensions
Priv Esc
- T1068Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
- T1547.006Kernel Modules and Extensions
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

Related detections9 linkedT1068 — drag to rearrange

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Possible noPac sAMAccountName Spoofing via Machine Account Rename

Possible AF_ALG Privilege Escalation via algif_aead Module Load

Pivot detection · T1068 · 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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