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ESXi Shared or Stolen Root Account

This detection monitors for signs of a shared or potentially compromised root account on ESXi hosts by tracking the number of unique IP addresses logging in as root within a short time window. Multiple logins from…

Description

This detection monitors for signs of a shared or potentially compromised root account on ESXi hosts by tracking the number of unique IP addresses logging in as root within a short time window. Multiple logins from different IPs in a brief period may indicate credential misuse, lateral movement, or account compromise.

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

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