GCP Multiple Failed MFA Requests For User
The following analytic detects multiple failed multi-factor authentication (MFA) requests for a single user within a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) tenant. It triggers when 10 or more MFA prompts fail within a 5-minute…
Description
The following analytic detects multiple failed multi-factor authentication (MFA) requests for a single user within a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) tenant. It triggers when 10 or more MFA prompts fail within a 5-minute window, using Google Workspace login failure events. This behavior is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to bypass MFA by bombarding the user with repeated authentication requests. If confirmed malicious, this activity could lead to unauthorized access, allowing attackers to compromise accounts and potentially escalate privileges within the GCP environment.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- IaaSIdentity ProviderLinuxmacOSOffice SuitePRESaaSWindows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the 3 ATT&CK techniques it maps to.
- Log source category
- google_workspace
Known benign triggers
- Multiple Failed MFA requests may also be a sign of authentication or application issues. Filter as needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/03/lapsus-and-solar-winds-hackers-both-use-the-same-old-trick-to-bypass-mfa/ | 3 |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1078/004/ | 15from 2 sources |
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1621/ | 13 |
| therecord.media/russian-hackers-bypass-2fa-by-annoying-victims-with-repeated-push-notifications/ | 4 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/blog/russian-targeting-gov-business | 3 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- cbb3cb84-c06f-4393-adcc-5cb6195621f1
- Tagged by the source as
- GCP Account TakeoverScattered Lapsus$ HuntersGoogle Cloud Platform tenantcloudSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityidentity
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