> 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/aws-ssm-association-created-with-inventory-collection-document.md).
# AWS SSM association created with inventory collection document
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day |
| Required Data | AWS Audit Log |
| Detection Modules | Cloud |
| Detector Tags | SSM Remote Management Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Discovery (TA0007), Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote System Discovery (T1018), Cloud Administration Command (T1651) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An identity created an AWS Systems Manager State Manager association using the AWS-GatherSoftwareInventory document. This document collects software inventory from managed instances and can be used by attackers for host discovery and enumeration.
### Attacker's Goals
Enumerating managed hosts and installed software across the environment to identify targets for lateral movement or further exploitation.
### Investigative actions
* Verify if the identity intended to create the SSM association.
* Examine the targets of the association to determine the scope of inventory collection.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity to detect potential lateral movement.
### Variations
Unusual AWS SSM association created with inventory collection document
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Discovery (TA0007), Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote System Discovery (T1018), Cloud Administration Command (T1651) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An identity created an AWS Systems Manager State Manager association using the AWS-GatherSoftwareInventory document. This document collects software inventory from managed instances and can be used by attackers for host discovery and enumeration.
**Attacker's Goals**
Enumerating managed hosts and installed software across the environment to identify targets for lateral movement or further exploitation.
**Investigative actions**
* Verify if the identity intended to create the SSM association.
* Examine the targets of the association to determine the scope of inventory collection.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity to detect potential lateral movement.
---
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