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MediumSplunk security contentBhavin Patel +1

AWS New MFA Method Registered For User

The following analytic detects the registration of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method for an AWS account. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs to identify the `CreateVirtualMFADevice` event. This activity is…

Description

The following analytic detects the registration of a new Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) method for an AWS account. It leverages AWS CloudTrail logs to identify the `CreateVirtualMFADevice` event. This activity 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 could allow attackers to secure their access, making it difficult to detect and remove their presence, potentially leading to further unauthorized activities and data breaches.

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
aws_cloudtrail_createvirtualmfadevice

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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