Suspicious Masquerading systemd Unit display-managerd Creation via File System

PremiumReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
linux
Category
file_event
Author
HuntRule
Published
2026-09-23
Updated
2026-09-23

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc
  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Defense Evasion

  6. Cred Access

  7. Discovery

  8. Lateral Movement

  9. Collection

  10. C2

  11. Exfiltration

  12. Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of a systemd unit file named display-managerd.service, a masquerading name WolfsBane uses to persist by imitating the legitimate display-manager service. The trailing d makes it resemble a normal daemon unit while providing boot persistence for the backdoor. This indicates systemd service persistence by the Gelsemium Linux implant.

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Suspicious Python Execution of Fake Sysmon Script From Config Directory
Suspicious Linux Boot Persistence via rc.local or init.d Modification (via file_event)
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Suspicious Masquerading systemd Unit display-managerd Creation via File System
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.