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MediumSigmaHQIvan Saakov

AWS Key Pair Import Activity

Detects the import of SSH key pairs into AWS EC2, which may indicate an attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to instances. This activity could lead to initial access, persistence, or privilege escalation,…

Description

Detects the import of SSH key pairs into AWS EC2, which may indicate an attacker attempting to gain unauthorized access to instances. This activity could lead to initial access, persistence, or privilege escalation, potentially compromising sensitive data and operations.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.

Log source product
aws
Log source service
cloudtrail

Known benign triggers

  • Automated processes for infrastructure setup may trigger this alert.
  • Legitimate administrative actions by authorized users importing keys for valid purposes.
  • Verify the user identity, user agent, and source IP address to ensure they are expected.

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