> 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/gcp-service-account-impersonation-attempt.md).

# GCP service account impersonation attempt

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                                                                                                    |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                                                                                                  |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                                                                                                  |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                                                                                                       |
| Deduplication Period | 5 Days                                                                                                                                                   |
| Required Data        | Gcp Audit Log                                                                                                                                            |
| Detection Modules    | Cloud                                                                                                                                                    |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Privilege Escalation (TA0004), Initial Access (TA0001)                                                                                                   |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts (T1078.004), Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Temporary Elevated Cloud Access (T1548.005), Trusted Relationship (T1199) |
| Severity             | Informational                                                                                                                                            |

### Description

An attempt to impersonate the GCP service account failed.

### Attacker's Goals

* Escalate privileges to gain elevated access to cloud resources.

### Investigative actions

* Review activity on the target service account.
* Check which principals have permission to impersonate the service account.


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