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MediumSplunk security contentRaven Tait +1

ESXi Lockdown Mode Disabled

This detection identifies when Lockdown Mode is disabled on an ESXi host, which can indicate that a threat actor is attempting to weaken host security controls. Disabling Lockdown Mode allows broader remote access…

Description

This detection identifies when Lockdown Mode is disabled on an ESXi host, which can indicate that a threat actor is attempting to weaken host security controls. Disabling Lockdown Mode allows broader remote access via SSH or the host client and may precede further malicious actions such as data exfiltration, lateral movement, or VM tampering.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
ContainersESXiIaaSLinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows

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.

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