> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/a-commonly-abused-process-connected-to-a-rare-cloud-resource.md).

# A commonly abused process connected to a rare cloud resource

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                 |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                               |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                               |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                    |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                 |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                                             |
| Detector Tags        | EDR Windows C2 Analytics                              |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Command and Control (TA0011)                          |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols (T1071.001) |
| Severity             | Low                                                   |

### Description

A commonly abused process connected to a rare cloud resource.

### Attacker's Goals

Communicate with the attacker's Command and Control (C2) infrastructure.

### Investigative actions

* Investigate the actor process connected to the cloud resource.
* Is this use case usually takes place within the org?
* Determine if the cloud resource is owned by your organization or a known external entity.
* Assess whether this communication pattern is expected or not.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>A commonly abused software develop tool connected to a rare cloud resource</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                 |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011)                          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols (T1071.001) |
| Severity          | Informational                                         |

**Description**

A commonly abused software develop tool connected to a rare cloud resource.

**Attacker's Goals**

Communicate with the attacker's Command and Control (C2) infrastructure.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the actor process connected to the cloud resource.
* Is this use case usually takes place within the org?
* Determine if the cloud resource is owned by your organization or a known external entity.
* Assess whether this communication pattern is expected or not.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A commonly abused rare process connected to a rare cloud resource</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                 |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011)                          |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols (T1071.001) |
| Severity          | Low                                                   |

**Description**

A commonly abused rare process connected to a rare cloud resource.

**Attacker's Goals**

Communicate with the attacker's Command and Control (C2) infrastructure.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the actor process connected to the cloud resource.
* Is this use case usually takes place within the org?
* Determine if the cloud resource is owned by your organization or a known external entity.
* Assess whether this communication pattern is expected or not.

</details>

<details>

<summary>A commonly abused renamed process connected to a rare cloud resource</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                                       |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Command and Control (TA0011), Defense Evasion (TA0005)                      |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols (T1071.001), Masquerading (T1036) |
| Severity          | Medium                                                                      |

**Description**

A commonly abused renamed process connected to a rare cloud resource.

**Attacker's Goals**

Communicate with the attacker's Command and Control (C2) infrastructure.

**Investigative actions**

* Investigate the actor process connected to the cloud resource.
* Is this use case usually takes place within the org?
* Determine if the cloud resource is owned by your organization or a known external entity.
* Assess whether this communication pattern is expected or not.

</details>


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