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ASL AWS New MFA Method Registered For User

The following analytic identifies the registration of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method for an AWS account, as logged through Amazon Security Lake (ASL). It detects this activity by monitoring the…

Description

The following analytic identifies the registration of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method for an AWS account, as logged through Amazon Security Lake (ASL). It detects this activity by monitoring the `CreateVirtualMFADevice` API operation within ASL logs. This behavior is significant because adversaries who gain unauthorized access to an AWS account may register a new MFA method to maintain persistence. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow attackers to secure their access, making it harder to detect and remove their presence from the compromised environment.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
IaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSOffice SuiteSaaSWindows

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

Log source category
asl_aws_cloudtrail

Known benign triggers

  • Newly onboarded users who are registering an MFA method for the first time will also trigger this detection.

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