Suspicious MOTD Or Git Hook Script Creation For Linux Persistence

ATT&CK techniques

Persistence → Priv Esc

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
- T1037Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts
- T1546Event Triggered Execution
Priv Esc
- T1037Boot or Logon Initialization Scripts
- T1546Event Triggered Execution
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects creation of executable scripts in the dynamic message-of-the-day directory or a git hooks directory which are persistence locations abused to run attacker code on login or developer workflow events. Adversaries drop scripts into update-motd.d or git hooks so their payload executes automatically with the privileges of the triggering process.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1546 — drag to rearrange

Suspicious Python Path Configuration Hook Persistence (via file_event)

Suspicious Zsh Persistence via zshrc_aliases Appended to Shell Startup (via process_creation)

Malicious UNC4841 Dropper Deployment to Boot Partition via mknod (via process_creation)

Malicious Coyote Persistence via UserInitMprLogonScript Environment Value (via registry_set)

Malicious DeadBolt Persistence via QNAP Update Package Overwrite

Suspicious NetworkManager Dispatcher Script Persistence

Suspicious APT Or YUM Package Manager Hook Configuration Created

AdminSDHolder Permissions Changed for Persistence (via security)

Suspicious Persistence via Shell Script Dropped in profile.d Directory (via file_event)

Suspicious MOTD Or Git Hook Script Creation For Linux Persistence

Pivot detection · T1546 · 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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