> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/an-uncommon-service-was-started.md).

# An uncommon service was started

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                        |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                      |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                      |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                           |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                        |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                                                    |
| Detector Tags        | Kubernetes - AGENT, Containers                               |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Persistence (TA0003), Privilege Escalation (TA0004)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Create or Modify System Process: Systemd Service (T1543.002) |
| Severity             | Low                                                          |

### Description

An uncommon service was started using systemctl or service processes.

### Attacker's Goals

Attackers may create systemd services to run malicious payloads.

### Investigative actions

Check whether the executing process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>An uncommon service was started in a Kubernetes pod</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                        |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Persistence (TA0003), Privilege Escalation (TA0004)          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Create or Modify System Process: Systemd Service (T1543.002) |
| Severity          | Low                                                          |

**Description**

An uncommon service was started using systemctl or service processes.

**Attacker's Goals**

Attackers may create systemd services to run malicious payloads.

**Investigative actions**

Check whether the executing process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.

</details>


---

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