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InformationalSplunk security contentRaven Tait +1

ESXi External Root Login Activity

This detection identifies instances where the ESXi UI is accessed using the root account instead of a delegated administrative user. Direct root access to the UI bypasses role-based access controls and auditing…

Description

This detection identifies instances where the ESXi UI is accessed using the root account instead of a delegated administrative user. Direct root access to the UI bypasses role-based access controls and auditing practices, and may indicate risky behavior, misconfiguration, or unauthorized activity by a malicious actor using compromised credentials.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesOffice SuiteSaaSWindows

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

Log source category
vmware_esxi_syslog

Known benign triggers

  • Limited false positives in most environments, however tune as needed. Administrators may use the root account for troubleshooting or initial user creation.

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