Back to results

AWS Console Login Failed During MFA Challenge

The following analytic identifies failed authentication attempts to the AWS Console during the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) challenge. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs, specifically the `additionalEventData`…

Description

The following analytic identifies failed authentication attempts to the AWS Console during the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) challenge. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs, specifically the `additionalEventData` field, to detect when MFA was used but the login attempt still failed. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to access an account with compromised credentials but being thwarted by MFA. If confirmed malicious, this could suggest an ongoing attempt to breach the account, potentially leading to unauthorized access and further attacks if MFA is bypassed.

Detection logic

Detection requirements

Platform
IaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSOffice SuitePRESaaSWindows

The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 2 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.

Log source category
aws_cloudtrail_consolelogin

Known benign triggers

  • Legitimate users may miss to reply the MFA challenge within the time window or deny it by mistake.

Detections can measure how the public catalogue is used — which detections people look for, and which pages bring them here. It sets a cookie that recognises this browser for 180 days. It is never linked to an account and never follows you to other sites. Privacy notice