chkrootkit -- locally checks for signs of a rootkit (2024)

chkrootkit is a tool to locally check for signs of a rootkit. It contains:

• chkrootkit: shell script that checks systembinaries for rootkit modification.
• ifpromisc.c: checks if the interface is inpromiscuous mode.
• chklastlog.c: checks for lastlog deletions.
• chkwtmp.c: checks for wtmp deletions.
• check_wtmpx.c: checks for wtmpx deletions. (Solaris only)
• chkproc.c: checks for signs of LKM trojans.
• chkdirs.c: checks for signs of LKM trojans.
• strings.c: quick and dirty strings replacement.
• chkutmp.c: checks for utmp deletions.

Chkrootkit is named Top 10 Tools to Scan Linux Servers for Vulnerability and Malware by Cyber Security News.
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What's New

This version includes:

• chkrootkit
  • New option to avoid scannig network filesystems (-T)
  • Linux BPFDoor Malware detection
  • Bug fixes

Tests performed and rootkits detected

The following tests are made:

• aliens asp bindshell lkm rexedcs sniffer w55808 wted scalperslapper z2 chkutmp OSX_RSPLUG amd basename biff chfn chsh croncrontab date du dirname echo egrep env find fingerd gpm grephdparm su ifconfig inetd inetdconf identd init killallldsopreload login ls lsof mail mingetty netstat named passwdpidof pop2 pop3 ps pstree rpcinfo rlogind rshd slogin sendmailsshd syslogd tar tcpd tcpdump top telnetd timed traceroute vdirw write

The following rootkits, worms and LKMs are currently detected: