Suspicious Autostart Desktop Entry Persistence via Linux File Creation
- Product
- linux
- Category
- file_event
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-10-25
- Updated
- 2026-10-25
ATT&CK techniques
Persistence → Priv EscRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects creation of a system-backup.desktop autostart entry under the user config autostart directory on Linux. TransparentTribe uses this masqueraded desktop file together with a systemd unit and a per-minute crontab to persist the DeskRAT implant. A backup themed autostart entry is a low effort way to regain execution at every login which is why it warrants review.
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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Also included
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