Kernel Module Load

The process of loading a kernel module into the operating system kernel. Kernel modules are object files that extend the kernel’s functionality, such as adding support for device drivers, new filesystems, or additional system calls. This action can be legitimate (e.g., loading a driver) or malicious (e.g., adding a rootkit).

Data Collection Measures:

• Linux:
• Auditd: Enable auditing of kernel module loading. Example rule: -a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S init_module,delete_module.
• Syslog: Monitor /var/log/syslog or /var/log/messages for entries related to kernel module loads.
• Systemd Journal: Use journalctl to query logs for module loading events: journalctl -k | grep "Loading kernel module"
• macOS:
• Unified Logs: Use the log command to query kernel module events: log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "kextload"' --info
• Endpoint Security Framework (ESF): Monitor for ES_EVENT_TYPE_AUTH_KEXTLOAD (kernel extension loading events).
• Kernel-Specific Tools:
• Lsmod: Use lsmod to list loaded kernel modules in real-time.
• Kprobe/eBPF: Use extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) or Kernel Probes (kprobes) to monitor kernel events, including module loading. Example using eBPF tools like BCC:

sudo python /path/to/bcc/tools/kprobe -v do_init_module

• Enable EDR Monitoring:
• Configure alerts for: Suspicious kernel module loads from non-standard paths (e.g., /tmp). Unexpected or unsigned kernel modules.
• Review detailed telemetry data provided by the EDR for insight into who initiated the module load, the file path, and whether the module was signed.

1. Resumen

1.1 Referencias

1.2 Requisitos identificados

1.3 Regulaciones relacionadas

2. Requisitos identificados

3. Regulaciones relacionadas

Incidencias vinculadas

• MITREATTACK -

  © 2026 The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation. https://attack.mitre.org/

  Terms of Use

  LICENSE

  The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) hereby grants you a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use ATT&CK^® for research, development, and commercial purposes. Any copy you make for such purposes is authorized provided that you reproduce MITRE's copyright designation and this license in any such copy.

  "© 2026 The MITRE Corporation. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of The MITRE Corporation."

  DISCLAIMERS

  MITRE does not claim ATT&CK enumerates all possibilities for the types of actions and behaviors documented as part of its adversary model and framework of techniques. Using the information contained within ATT&CK to address or cover full categories of techniques will not guarantee full defensive coverage as there may be undisclosed techniques or variations on existing techniques not documented by ATT&CK.

  ALL DOCUMENTS AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS AND THE CONTRIBUTOR, THE ORGANIZATION HE/SHE REPRESENTS OR IS SPONSORED BY (IF ANY), THE MITRE CORPORATION, ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES, DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION THEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

  See our FAQ for more information on how to use and represent the ATT&CK name.