Detectionlowtest

AWS STS AssumeRole Misuse

Identifies the suspicious use of AssumeRole. Attackers could move laterally and escalate privileges.

Convert In Phoenix Studio

Open this Sigma rule in the converter with the YAML preloaded and ready for backend selection.

Launch

Austin SongerCreated Sat Jul 24Updated Sun Oct 09905d389b-b853-46d0-9d3d-dea0d3a3cd49cloud

Log Source

AWScloudtrail

ProductAWS← raw: aws

Servicecloudtrail← raw: cloudtrail

Detection Logic

detection:
    selection:
        userIdentity.type: AssumedRole
        userIdentity.sessionContext.sessionIssuer.type: Role
    condition: selection

False Positives

AssumeRole may be done by a system or network administrator. Verify whether the user identity, user agent, and/or hostname should be making changes in your environment.

AssumeRole from unfamiliar users or hosts should be investigated. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.

Automated processes that uses Terraform may lead to false positives.

References

MITRE ATT&CK

Tactics

TA0008 · Lateral Movement TA0004 · Privilege Escalation TA0005 · Defense Evasion

Techniques

T1548 · Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism T1550 · Use Alternate Authentication Material