Research Update Enhanced src/linux-hardening/linux-post-expl...

[carlospolop]

🤖 Automated Content Update

This PR was automatically generated by the HackTricks News Bot based on a technical blog post.

📝 Source Information

• Blog URL:
• Blog Title: Research Update: Enhanced src/linux-hardening/linux-post-exploitation/pam-pluggable-authentication-modules.md
• Suggested Section: Research

🎯 Content Summary

Research Update for src/linux-hardening/linux-post-exploitation/pam-pluggable-authentication-modules.md

This PR contains automated research updates including:

• Latest security vulnerabilities and attack vectors
• Updated techniques and tools
• Enhanced explanations and examples
• Additional references and resources

Generated by: HackTricks Research Agent
Timestamp: 2026-02-16 13:20:07 UTC

Tool usage

• No tool calls recorded

This update was generated through automated sec...

🔧 Technical Details

Research update for HackTricks content

🤖 Agent Actions

Summary of changes:

• Added recent in-the-wild “Plague” PAM backdoor details (paths, behaviors, anti-forensics, hard-coded passwords) with up-to-date citations.
• Expanded detection/triage guidance: package integrity checks (rpm -V, debsums), hunting for alien PAM modules/config edits, and quick commands to spot unpackaged .so files.
• Included persistence alternative via pam_exec with minimal footprint example.
• Updated references with fresh 2025 research/blog sources relevant to PAM backdoors.

References used:

• https://www.nextron-systems.com/2025/08/01/plague-a-newly-discovered-pam-based-backdoor-for-linux/
• https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/new-plague-pam-backdoor-exposes.html

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This PR was automatically created by the HackTricks Feed Bot. Please review the changes carefully before merging.

[carlospolop]

🔗 Additional Context

Original Blog Post:

Content Categories: Based on the analysis, this content was categorized under "Research".

Repository Maintenance:

• MD Files Formatting: 948 files processed

Review Notes:

• This content was automatically processed and may require human review for accuracy
• Check that the placement within the repository structure is appropriate
• Verify that all technical details are correct and up-to-date
• All .md files have been checked for proper formatting (headers, includes, etc.)

Bot Version: HackTricks News Bot v1.0