GitHub Actions Unusual Bot Push to Repository
Detects when the github-actions[bot] pushes code to a repository where it has not performed this behavior before in a certain time window. This may indicate a supply chain attack where malicious code running in a CI…
Description
Detects when the github-actions[bot] pushes code to a repository where it has not performed this behavior before in a certain time window. This may indicate a supply chain attack where malicious code running in a CI workflow attempts to modify repository contents, such as injecting backdoor workflow files.
Detection logic
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Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 3 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- event_index
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate CI/CD automation that commits and pushes changes (e.g., auto-formatting, changelog updates, version bumps, Dependabot auto-merge) will trigger this alert on first use in a repository. Review the repository's workflow configurations to determine if bot pushes are expected.
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 |
|---|---|
| www.elastic.co/blog/shai-hulud-worm-npm-supply-chain-compromise | 12 |
| www.wiz.io/blog/shai-hulud-2-0-ongoing-supply-chain-attack | 17from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 03245b25-3849-4052-ab48-72de65a82c35
- Tagged by the source as
- Data Source: GithubData Source: GitHub Audit LogsDomain: CloudDomain: SaaSNoise: MediumPerformance: FastPlatform: GitHubResources: Investigation GuideRule Type: New TermsService: GitHub ActionsTactic: Initial AccessTactic: PersistenceThreat: Supply ChainUse Case: Threat Detection
Licence
- Published under
- Elastic License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Sep 20, 2026
- Version
- 3