Suspicious utmpdump Usage for wtmp Log Manipulation

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 the utmpdump utility referencing the wtmp utmp or btmp accounting files. Operators infiltrating global telecom networks use utmpdump to dump edit and reload login records to erase evidence of their sessions. Interactive use of utmpdump against these files is a strong anti-forensics signal.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1685.006 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious utmpdump Usage for wtmp Log Manipulation

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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