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AWS IAM User Self-Created Access Key Subsequently Used

Detects an AWS IAM user using an existing credential to create a new access key for itself and subsequently using the new key within one hour. This behavior can indicate an adversary converting compromised…

Description

Detects an AWS IAM user using an existing credential to create a new access key for itself and subsequently using the new key within one hour. This behavior can indicate an adversary converting compromised credentials into an additional long-term credential for persistence. Unlike a standalone self-service key creation alert, requiring subsequent use of the new key reduces noise from unused or abandoned credential-rotation operations.

Detection logic

Its licence does not clear it for publishing here

Sunturai publishes a detection's own text where the licence it arrived under has been reviewed and permits it, and Elastic License 2.0 has not. The query as its source wrote it, its canonical form and the hash that pins this revision are in the workspace record.

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows

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

Known benign triggers

  • Approved credential-rotation automation may create and immediately validate or use a replacement access key. Confirm the principal, source addresses, user agents, timing, and change records. Exclude only verified rotation workflows.

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