> 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-send-command-attempt.md).
# AWS SSM send command attempt
### Synopsis
| Field | Value |
| -------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period | 14 Days |
| Training Period | 30 Days |
| Test Period | N/A (single event) |
| Deduplication Period | 3 Days |
| Required Data | AWS Audit Log |
| Detection Modules | Cloud |
| Detector Tags | Cloud Lateral Movement Analytics |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008), Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Cloud Administration Command (T1651) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
An identity executed an AWS SSM Document.
### Attacker's Goals
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
### Investigative actions
* Examine the code in the SSM document, and the target objects.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant targets.
### Variations
AWS SSM SendCommand targeting multiple instances
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008), Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Cloud Administration Command (T1651) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An identity executed an AWS SSM Document.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the code in the SSM document, and the target objects.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant targets.
Unusual AWS SSM send command
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Lateral Movement (TA0008), Execution (TA0002) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Remote Services: Direct Cloud VM Connections (T1021.008), Cloud Administration Command (T1651) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
An identity executed an AWS SSM Document.
**Attacker's Goals**
Gaining unauthorized access, executing unauthorized commands, or compromising sensitive information within the target system.
**Investigative actions**
* Examine the code in the SSM document, and the target objects.
* Validate the permissions and roles associated with the user initiating the SSM session to ensure they align with the expected level of access.
* Follow further actions taken by the identity or on the relevant targets.
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