Cisco ASA - User Privilege Level Change
This analytic detects privilege level changes for user accounts on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may escalate account privileges to gain elevated access to network infrastructure, enable additional…
Description
This analytic detects privilege level changes for user accounts on Cisco ASA devices via CLI or ASDM. Adversaries may escalate account privileges to gain elevated access to network infrastructure, enable additional command execution capabilities, or establish higher-level persistent access. Privilege levels on Cisco ASA range from 0 (lowest) to 15 (full administrative access), with level 15 providing complete device control. The detection monitors for ASA message ID 502103, which is generated whenever a user account's privilege level is modified, capturing both the old and new privilege levels along with the username and administrator who made the change. Investigate unexpected privilege changes, especially escalations to level 15, substantial privilege increases (e.g., from level 1 to 15), changes performed outside business hours, changes by non-administrative users, or changes without corresponding change management tickets.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- cisco_asa_logs
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate changes occur during role changes, temporary escalation for maintenance, or security policy adjustments. Verify against change management. Filter known admin accounts during maintenance windows.
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.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/asa/syslog/asa-syslog/syslog-messages-500000-to-520025.html#con_4773975 | 3 |
| www.ncsc.gov.uk/static-assets/documents/malware-analysis-reports/RayInitiator-LINE-VIPER/ncsc-mar-rayinitiator-line-viper.pdf | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 5f7d8c3e-9a2b-4d6f-8e1c-3b5a9d7f2c4e
- Tagged by the source as
- ArcaneDoorSuspicious Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance ActivityNetworkapplicationSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securitynetwork
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1