Detect Linux Kernel Integer Overflow in create_elf_tables (CVE-2018-14634) in Microsoft Sentinel
CVE-2018-14634 is an integer overflow vulnerability in the Linux kernel's create_elf_tables() function, triggered during process execution via the execve syscall. A local unprivileged attacker can exploit this flaw to achieve privilege escalation to root by crafting a binary with an extremely large argument list. This vulnerability exists in Linux kernel versions 2.6.x through 4.14.x and is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
MITRE ATT&CK
- Tactic
- Privilege Escalation
KQL Detection Query
SecurityEvent
| where EventID == 4688
| where ProcessName endswith "bash" or ProcessName endswith "sh" or ProcessName endswith "python" or ProcessName endswith "perl"
| where CommandLine matches regex @"(?i)(execve|/proc/self/exe)"
| join kind=inner (
SecurityEvent
| where EventID == 4672
| where PrivilegeList has "SeDebugPrivilege" or PrivilegeList has "SeTcbPrivilege"
| project TimeGenerated, SubjectLogonId, PrivilegeList
) on $left.SubjectLogonId == $right.SubjectLogonId
| where TimeGenerated - TimeGenerated1 between (0min .. 5min)
| project TimeGenerated, Computer, Account, ProcessName, CommandLine, PrivilegeList
| where Account !in ("SYSTEM", "LOCAL SERVICE", "NETWORK SERVICE")Detects potential exploitation of CVE-2018-14634 by correlating execve-related process creation events with subsequent privilege escalation events on Linux hosts forwarding to Sentinel. Looks for non-privileged accounts gaining elevated privileges shortly after executing shell-like processes.
Data Sources
Required Tables
False Positives & Tuning
- Legitimate administrative privilege escalation via sudo or authorized tools
- Security tooling that exercises privilege transitions during testing
- Container orchestration systems that legitimately spawn root processes
- Package manager updates or system services performing privileged operations
Other platforms for CVE-2018-14634
Testing Methodology
Validate this detection against 3 adversary techniques from Atomic Red Team. Each test below lists the behaviour to exercise and the telemetry you should expect to see. Executable commands and cleanup steps are available with Pro.
- Test 1Simulate Large Argument execve Invocation
Expected signal: Auditd logs an execve syscall record with an unusually large a1 or args array. Process creation event logged with high argument count.
- Test 2Check for Vulnerable Kernel Version
Expected signal: Process execution of uname and package manager commands logged via auditd or endpoint telemetry.
- Test 3Exploit Binary Drop and Execute Simulation (Lab Only)
Expected signal: File creation in /tmp, chmod syscall, bash script execution, and id command execution all logged via auditd. File write to /tmp from a non-root user.
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