Skip to content

Event: binary_executed_by_loader

Quick Explanation

The binary_executed_by_loader detection recipe identifies when a binary is executed through a loader. This is suspicious because loaders are typically used to load and execute binaries in a controlled manner. Such an event could suggest an attempt to bypass standard execution paths, potentially leading to unauthorized access or control over the system, posing significant risks to the CI/CD pipeline.

More Information

Information

  1. Description: Binary executed through loader
  2. Category: Execution
  3. Method: System Services
  4. Importance: Critical

Analysis of the Event

The detection indicates that a binary was executed through a loader, specifically ld.so. This is flagged as suspicious because loaders are typically used to load and execute binaries in a controlled manner. The execution of a binary through a loader could suggest an attempt to bypass standard execution paths, potentially to evade detection mechanisms or to execute unauthorized actions within the system. This event falls under the MITRE ATT&CK framework category of Execution, specifically using the method of System Services. System Services involve using legitimate system services to execute malicious activities, often to avoid detection. The critical importance of this detection highlights the potential severity of the threat, as it could lead to unauthorized access or control over the system.

Implications for the CI/CD Pipeline

The detected security event poses significant risks to the CI/CD pipeline. If the offending code is merged and deployed, it could allow malicious actors to execute unauthorized commands within the system, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruptions, or further exploitation of the infrastructure. The integrity of the CI environment could be compromised, affecting the reliability and security of the entire software delivery process.

  1. Review Code Changes: Thoroughly examine the recent code changes in the pull request to identify any modifications that could lead to the suspicious execution of binaries through loaders.
  2. Examine Dependencies: Check for any new or updated dependencies that might introduce vulnerabilities or unauthorized behaviors.
  3. Audit Loader Configurations: Ensure that only authorized processes can invoke loaders and that proper access controls are in place.
  4. Implement Monitoring and Alerts: Enhance monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect any unusual binary executions within the system.
  5. Conduct Security Testing: Perform additional security testing on the CI/CD pipeline to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities introduced by the recent changes.
  6. Update Security Policies: Review and update security policies to enforce stricter controls over binary executions and to prevent unauthorized process executions.