AWS EC2 Multiple SSH Public Keys Uploaded by a Single Identity
Detects an AWS identity making 10 or more successful EC2 Instance ConnectSendSSHPublicKey API calls within the configured search interval. EC2 Instance Connect temporarily makes an SSH public key available to an…
Description
Detects an AWS identity making 10 or more successful EC2 Instance ConnectSendSSHPublicKey API calls within the configured search interval. EC2 Instance Connect temporarily makes an SSH public key available to an operating-system user on an EC2 instance. A burst of these calls may indicate automated attempts to establish access or move laterally using compromised AWS credentials.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- ESXiIaaSLinuxmacOS
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- aws_cloudtrail
Known benign triggers
- Administrators and automated orchestration may legitimately use EC2 Instance Connect repeatedly during fleet administration, troubleshooting, or ephemeral-access workflows. Review the AWS identity, source addresses, user agent, target instances, target operating-system users, and whether the activity corresponds to an approved administrative process.
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 |
|---|---|
| docs.aws.amazon.com/ec2-instance-connect/latest/APIReference/API_SendSSHPublicKey.html | 2from 2 sources |
| stratus-red-team.cloud/attack-techniques/AWS/aws.lateral-movement.ec2-instance-connect/ | 2from 2 sources |
| www.elastic.co/guide/en/security/8.19/prebuilt-rule-8-19-14-aws-ec2-instance-connect-ssh-public-key-uploaded.html | Only this detection cites it |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 62afb4a9-d9d0-464a-9326-aacf61c5a9f2
- Tagged by the source as
- Suspicious Cloud Instance 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
- Oct 19, 2026
- Version
- 1