Suspicious MSR Kernel Module Loading for Cryptomining Optimization via Command Line (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Impact

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
- T1496Resource Hijacking

What it detects

This rule detects loading of the model specific register kernel module via modprobe msr, which cryptominer ELF binaries use to write MSR values that boost hashing performance. It is associated with cryptominer ELFs abusing MSR reported by Uptycs. Loading the msr module and writing to it is uncommon on production servers and, combined with mining activity, indicates resource-hijacking malware tuning the CPU.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1496 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious MSR Kernel Module Loading for Cryptomining Optimization via Command Line (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1496 · 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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