> 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-systems-manager-hosts-enumeration.md).

# AWS Systems Manager hosts enumeration

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                  |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                     |
| Deduplication Period | 5 Days                                 |
| Required Data        | AWS Audit Log                          |
| Detection Modules    | Cloud                                  |
| Detector Tags        | SSM Remote Management Analytics        |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Discovery (TA0007)                     |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Cloud Infrastructure Discovery (T1580) |
| Severity             | Informational                          |

### Description

A cloud identity enumerated hosts managed by AWS Systems Manager. Adversaries may use this API to discover SSM managed instances as a precursor to lateral movement or remote code execution.

### Attacker's Goals

Discover SSM managed instances to plan lateral movement, remote command execution, or further reconnaissance.

### Investigative actions

* Determine whether the identity legitimately needs to enumerate SSM managed instances.
* Review subsequent activity by the identity, especially SSM SendCommand, StartSession, or instance profile modifications.
* Validate the source IP and user-agent of the API call.

### Variations

<details>

<summary>AWS Systems Manager hosts enumeration via programmatic access</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                  |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Discovery (TA0007)                     |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Cloud Infrastructure Discovery (T1580) |
| Severity          | Low                                    |

**Description**

A cloud identity enumerated hosts managed by AWS Systems Manager. Adversaries may use this API to discover SSM managed instances as a precursor to lateral movement or remote code execution.

**Attacker's Goals**

Discover SSM managed instances to plan lateral movement, remote command execution, or further reconnaissance.

**Investigative actions**

* Determine whether the identity legitimately needs to enumerate SSM managed instances.
* Review subsequent activity by the identity, especially SSM SendCommand, StartSession, or instance profile modifications.
* Validate the source IP and user-agent of the API call.

</details>


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