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
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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.
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 |
|---|---|
| docs.aws.amazon.com/IAM/latest/APIReference/API_CreateAccessKey.html | 2 |
| github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu/tree/master/pacu/modules/iam__backdoor_users_keys | Only this detection cites it |
| hackingthe.cloud/aws/exploitation/iam_privilege_escalation/#iamcreateaccesskey | 7 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- dfb7dc0b-2caf-4186-9b59-5752bc59bc19
- Tagged by the source as
- Data Source: Amazon Web ServicesData Source: AWSData Source: AWS IAMDomain: CloudNoise: LowPerformance: FastPlatform: AWSResources: Investigation GuideRule Type: ES|QLService: AWS IAMTactic: PersistenceUse Case: Identity and Access Audit
Licence
- Published under
- Elastic License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Sep 20, 2026
- Version
- 3