> 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/unusual-ssh-activity-that-resembles-ssh-proxy.md).
# Unusual SSH activity that resembles SSH proxy
### 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:
Palo Alto Networks Firewall traffic Logs OR XDR Agent
|
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity | Informational |
### Description
A host initiated and received an unusual SSH connection, which is consistent with being an SSH proxy. This behavior may indicate an attempt to establish covert command and control communication or to exfiltrate data.
### Attacker's Goals
Attackers aim to establish a covert command and control channel or relay communications through a compromised SSH connection.
### Investigative actions
Review the SSH connections to identify any unusual proxy activity or traffic patterns. Investigate the user accounts involved in the SSH connections to determine if credentials were compromised. Additionally, examine logs for any unexpected data transfers or commands that may indicate malicious intent.
### Variations
High Volume Unusual SSH activity that resembles SSH proxy
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A host initiated and received an unusual SSH connection, which is consistent with being an SSH proxy. This behavior may indicate an attempt to establish covert command and control communication or to exfiltrate data.
**Attacker's Goals**
Attackers aim to establish a covert command and control channel or relay communications through a compromised SSH connection.
**Investigative actions**
Review the SSH connections to identify any unusual proxy activity or traffic patterns. Investigate the user accounts involved in the SSH connections to determine if credentials were compromised. Additionally, examine logs for any unexpected data transfers or commands that may indicate malicious intent.
Suspicious SSH activity that resembles SSH proxy
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A host initiated and received an unusual SSH connection, which is consistent with being an SSH proxy. This behavior may indicate an attempt to establish covert command and control communication or to exfiltrate data.
**Attacker's Goals**
Attackers aim to establish a covert command and control channel or relay communications through a compromised SSH connection.
**Investigative actions**
Review the SSH connections to identify any unusual proxy activity or traffic patterns. Investigate the user accounts involved in the SSH connections to determine if credentials were compromised. Additionally, examine logs for any unexpected data transfers or commands that may indicate malicious intent.
Unusual SSH activity that resembles SSH proxy detected
**Synopsis**
| Field | Value |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic | Command and Control (TA0011) |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Proxy: Internal Proxy (T1090.001) |
| Severity | Low |
**Description**
A host initiated and received an unusual SSH connection, which is consistent with being an SSH proxy. This behavior may indicate an attempt to establish covert command and control communication or to exfiltrate data.
**Attacker's Goals**
Attackers aim to establish a covert command and control channel or relay communications through a compromised SSH connection.
**Investigative actions**
Review the SSH connections to identify any unusual proxy activity or traffic patterns. Investigate the user accounts involved in the SSH connections to determine if credentials were compromised. Additionally, examine logs for any unexpected data transfers or commands that may indicate malicious intent.
---
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