> 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/iac-security/iam/appsec-aws-1.md).

# AWS IAM policies that allow full administrative privileges are created misconfiguration detected in

## Rule Details

|                        |                                       |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AWS\_1                        |
| Category - Subcategory | IAM - Overly Permissive               |
| Provider               | AWS                                   |
| Severity               | LOW                                   |
| Framework              | Serverless, Terraform, Terraform Plan |

## Impact

IAM policies are the means by which privileges are granted to users, groups, and roles. Standard security practice is to grant *least privilege* this is granting only the permissions required to perform a task. Providing full administrative may expose resources to potentially unwanted actions. We recommend:

* You determine what users need to do, then craft policies allowing them to perform only those tasks.
* You do not allow all users full administrative privileges.
* You start with a minimum set of permissions and grant additional permissions as necessary.
* IAM policies that have a statement with Effect: Allow with Action: \* over Resource: \* are removed.


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