Suspicious Linux Log Sanitization via sed In-Place Edit

ATT&CK techniques

Recon
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 sed being used to edit web and appliance log files in place, matching OVERSTEP anti-forensic behavior that strips attacker artifacts from SonicWall SMA logs. Selective log tampering conceals exploitation and backdoor activity from responders.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1685.006 — drag to rearrange

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Malicious Sed Tampering of Juniper Syslog Configuration by UNC3886 (via process_creation)

Suspicious Clearing of Linux Authentication and History Logs

Suspicious utmpdump Usage for wtmp Log Manipulation

Linux auditd: Clear kernel ring buffer via syslog syscall (action 5/4/6)

Linux Syslog Clearing or Removal Using System Utilities

macOS Host Indicator Removal via rm/unlink/shred of Local Log Paths

Linux process attempts to delete log files using rm, rmdir, shred, or unlink

Suspicious Linux Log Sanitization via sed In-Place Edit

Pivot detection · T1685.006 · 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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