AWS STS GetCallerIdentity API Called for the First Time
An adversary with access to a set of compromised credentials may attempt to verify that the credentials are valid and determine what account they are using. This rule looks for the first time an identity has called…
Description
An adversary with access to a set of compromised credentials may attempt to verify that the credentials are valid and determine what account they are using. This rule looks for the first time an identity has called the STS GetCallerIdentity API, which may be an indicator of compromised credentials. A legitimate user would not need to perform this operation as they should know the account they are using.
Detection logic
Its licence does not clear it for publishing here
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Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- event_index
Known benign triggers
- Verify whether the user identity should be using the STS GetCallerIdentity API. If known behavior is causing false positives, it can be exempted from the rule.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| detectioninthe.cloud/ttps/discovery/sts_get_caller_identity | 2 |
| docs.aws.amazon.com/STS/latest/APIReference/API_GetCallerIdentity.html | 3from 2 sources |
| www.secureworks.com/research/detecting-the-use-of-stolen-aws-lambda-credentials | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 30fbf4db-c502-4e68-a239-2e99af0f70da
- Tagged by the source as
- Data Source: Amazon Web ServicesData Source: AWSData Source: AWS CloudTrailDomain: CloudNoise: MediumPerformance: NormalPlatform: AWSResources: Investigation GuideRule Type: New TermsService: AWS STSTactic: Discovery
Licence
- Published under
- Elastic License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Sep 20, 2026
- Version
- 3