Audit Rules Deleted Via Auditctl

Title: Audit Rules Deleted Via Auditctl
Status: experimental
Description:Detects the execution of 'auditctl' with the '-D' command line parameter, which deletes all configured audit rules and watches on Linux systems. This technique is commonly used by attackers to disable audit logging and cover their tracks by removing monitoring capabilities. Removal of audit rules can significantly impair detection of malicious activities on the affected system.
References:
  -https://www.atomicredteam.io/atomic-red-team/atomics/T1562.012
  -https://linux.die.net/man/8/auditct
Author: Mohamed LAKRI
Date: 2025-10-17
modified:None
Tags:

• -'attack.defense-evasion'
• -'attack.t1562.012'

Logsource:

• product: linux
• category: process_creation

Detection:
  selection:
    Image|endswith: '/auditctl'
    CommandLine|re: '-D'
  condition:selection
Falsepositives:
  -An administrator troubleshooting. Investigate all attempts.
Level: high