Detect kernel-level rootkits in Linux memory dumps using Volatility3 linux plugins (check_syscall, lsmod, hidden_modules), rkhunter system scanning, and /proc vs /sys discrepancy analysis to identify hooked syscalls, hidden kernel modules, and tampered system structures.

Analyzing Linux Kernel Rootkits Overview Linux kernel rootkits operate at ring 0, modifying kernel data structures to hide processes, files, network connections, and kernel modules from userspace tools. Detection requires either memory forensics (analyzing physical memory dumps with Volatility3) or cross view analysis (comparing /proc, /sys, and kernel data structures for inconsistencies). This skill covers using Volatility3 Linux plugins to detect syscall table hooks, hidden kernel modules, and modified function pointers, supplemented by live system scanning with rkhunter and chkrootkit. When to Use When investigating security incidents that require analyzing linux kernel rootkits When building detection rules or threat hunting queries for this domain When SOC analysts need structured procedures for this analysis type When validating security monitoring coverage for related attack techniques Prerequisites Volatility3 installed (pip install volatility3) Linux memory dump (acquired via LiME, AVML, or /proc/kcore) Volatility3 Linux symbol table (ISF) matching the target kernel version rkhunter and chkrootkit for live system scanning Reference known good kernel image for comparison Steps Step 1: Acquire Memory Dump Capture Linux physical memory using LiME kernel module or AVML for cloud instances. Step 2: Analyze with Volatility3 Run linux.check syscall, linux.lsmod, linux.hidden modules, and linux.check idt plugins to detect rootkit artifacts. Step 3: Cross View Analysis Compare module lists from /proc/modules, lsmod, and /sys/module to identify modules hidden from one view but present in another. Step 4: Live System Scanning Run rkhunter and chkrootkit to detect known rootkit signatures, suspicious files, and modified system binaries. Expected Output JSON report containing detected syscall hooks, hidden kernel modules, modified IDT entries, suspicious /proc discrepancies, and rkhunter findings. Example Output

analyzing-linux-kernel-rootkits