GitHub Actions Workflow Modification Blocked
Detects when a GitHub Actions workflow attempts to create or modify workflow files in a protected branch but is blocked due to insufficient permissions. This behavior is indicative of a supply chain attack where a…
Description
Detects when a GitHub Actions workflow attempts to create or modify workflow files in a protected branch but is blocked due to insufficient permissions. This behavior is indicative of a supply chain attack where a malicious package or compromised CI/CD pipeline attempts to inject persistent backdoor workflows into a repository.
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 3 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate CI/CD automation that requires workflow file modifications may trigger this alert if not properly configured with the necessary permissions. Review the workflow configuration and ensure the GITHUB_TOKEN or PAT has the required 'workflows' permission if the modification is intentional.
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.wiz.io/blog/shai-hulud-2-0-ongoing-supply-chain-attack | 17from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- e8b37f18-4804-4819-8602-4aba1169c9f4
- Tagged by the source as
- Data Source: GithubData Source: GitHub Audit LogsDomain: CloudDomain: SaaSNoise: LowPerformance: FastPlatform: GitHubProfile: RecommendedResources: Investigation GuideRule Type: ES|QLService: GitHub ActionsTactic: ExecutionTactic: 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