AWS Exfiltration via DataSync Task
The following analytic detects the creation of an AWS DataSync task, which could indicate potential data exfiltration. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs to identify the `CreateTask` event from the DataSync service.…
Description
The following analytic detects the creation of an AWS DataSync task, which could indicate potential data exfiltration. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs to identify the `CreateTask` event from the DataSync service. This activity is significant because attackers can misuse DataSync to transfer sensitive data from a private AWS location to a public one, leading to data compromise. If confirmed malicious, this could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, causing severe data breaches and compliance violations.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- IaaSLinuxmacOSOffice SuiteSaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- aws_cloudtrail_createtask
Known benign triggers
- It is possible that an AWS Administrator has legitimately created this task for creating backup. Please check the `sourceLocationArn` and `destinationLocationArn` of this task
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| labs.nettitude.com/blog/how-to-exfiltrate-aws-ec2-data/ | 7 |
| www.shehackske.com/how-to/data-exfiltration-on-cloud-1606/ | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 05c4b09f-ea28-4c7c-a7aa-a246f665c8a2
- Tagged by the source as
- Data ExfiltrationHellcat RansomwareSuspicious AWS S3 ActivitiesAWS AccountcloudSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securitythreat
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1