LoFP LoFP / system administrators or scripts that intentionally clear logs

Techniques

Sample rules

Clear or Disable Kernel Ring Buffer Logs via Syslog Syscall

Description

Detects the use of the syslog syscall with action code 5 (SYSLOG_ACTION_CLEAR), (4 is SYSLOG_ACTION_READ_CLEAR and 6 is SYSLOG_ACTION_CONSOLE_OFF) which clears the kernel ring buffer (dmesg logs). This can be used by attackers to hide traces after exploitation or privilege escalation. A common technique is running dmesg -c, which triggers this syscall internally.

Detection logic

condition: selection
selection:
  a0:
  - 4
  - 5
  - 6
  syscall: syslog
  type: SYSCALL