> 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/appsec-rules/ci-cd-security/credential-hygiene/appsec-cicd-87.md).

# CircleCI accesses cloud provider using insecure long-term credentials

## Rule Details

|                       |                    |
| --------------------- | ------------------ |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID | APPSEC\_CICD\_87   |
| Category              | Credential Hygiene |
| Severity              | MEDIUM             |

## Impact

CircleCI uses long-term credentials to authenticate cloud service providers when running pipeline jobs. These credentials are stored as environment variables in CircleCI. Attackers who gain access to a user with write permissions can expose these secrets, allowing them long term access to the cloud service provider.


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