Detect Linux Kernel Incorrect Resource Transfer Between Spheres (CVE-2026-31431) in Microsoft Sentinel
CVE-2026-31431 is a Linux Kernel vulnerability classified as CWE-669 (Incorrect Resource Transfer Between Spheres). The flaw allows improper transfer of resources across security boundaries within the kernel, potentially enabling privilege escalation or unauthorized memory access. This vulnerability is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active exploitation in the wild. Attackers with local access may exploit this to escalate privileges to root or escape container boundaries.
MITRE ATT&CK
KQL Detection Query
union SecurityEvent, Syslog
| where TimeGenerated > ago(7d)
| where (EventID in (4688, 4689) and (CommandLine has_any ("exploit", "privesc", "lpe")) )
or (Facility =~ "kern" and SyslogMessage has_any ("copy_to_user", "copy_from_user", "__copy_overflow", "kernel memory", "BUG:", "general protection fault", "use-after-free"))
| extend HostCustomEntity = Computer, AccountCustomEntity = Account
| project TimeGenerated, Computer, Account, EventID, CommandLine, SyslogMessage, _ResourceId
| order by TimeGenerated descDetects Linux kernel messages and process events indicative of CVE-2026-31431 exploitation — specifically kernel copy faults, memory boundary violations, and privilege escalation attempts on Linux hosts reporting to Microsoft Sentinel via Syslog or AMA.
Data Sources
Required Tables
False Positives & Tuning
- Legitimate kernel debugging sessions generating BUG or fault messages during development
- Stress testing or fuzzing tools running in CI/CD environments producing kernel error messages
- Automated patch verification scripts that trigger controlled kernel error conditions
Other platforms for CVE-2026-31431
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 kernel copy boundary fault via /proc/kcore read attempt
Expected signal: Kernel message in dmesg showing access denial or fault; audit log SYSCALL record for 'open' or 'read' on /proc/kcore by non-root UID; possible kernel warning message about unauthorized memory access attempt
- Test 2Privilege escalation simulation via SUID binary abuse on unpatched kernel
Expected signal: Audit log SYSCALL record showing execve of test_suid with uid!=0 but euid=0; EDR process event showing SUID execution; possible AppArmor/SELinux denial log if MAC policy is enforced
- Test 3Container escape boundary test via /proc/sysrq-trigger probe
Expected signal: Host kernel log entries showing container namespace probe attempts; Docker daemon log entries for the test container; audit log entries showing file access attempts to /dev/mem or /proc/1/ from container process
Unlock Pro Content
Get the full detection package for CVE-2026-31431 including response playbook, investigation guide, and atomic red team tests.