Cloud compute instance user data script modification

Synopsis

Field	Value
Activation Period	14 Days
Training Period	30 Days
Test Period	N/A (single event)
Deduplication Period	1 Day
Required Data	Requires one of the following data sources: AWS Audit Log OR Gcp Audit Log
Detection Modules	Cloud
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002)
ATT&CK Technique	Cloud Administration Command (T1651)
Severity	Informational

Description

The user data of a cloud compute instance was modified.

Attacker's Goals

Execute commands within virtual machines.

Investigative actions

• Verify whether this action is expected.
• Inspect the user data script for malicious content.

Variations

Unusual Cloud compute instance user data script modification

Synopsis

Field	Value
ATT&CK Tactic	Execution (TA0002)
ATT&CK Technique	Cloud Administration Command (T1651)
Severity	Low

Description

The user data of a cloud compute instance was modified.

Attacker's Goals

Execute commands within virtual machines.

Investigative actions

• Verify whether this action is expected.
• Inspect the user data script for malicious content.