> 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-40.md).

# AWS IAM policy attached to users misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                                                       |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AWS\_40                                       |
| Category - Subcategory | IAM - Overly Permissive                               |
| Provider               | AWS                                                   |
| Severity               | LOW                                                   |
| Framework              | CloudFormation, Serverless, Terraform, Terraform Plan |
| Mapped CSPM/KSPM Rule  | 2b7e07ba-56c8-42db-8db4-a4b65f5066c4                  |

## Impact

This rule identifies IAM policies attached to user. By default, IAM users, groups, and roles have no access to AWS resources. IAM policies are the means by which privileges are granted to users, groups, or roles. It is recommended that IAM policies be applied directly to groups but not users.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* AWS::IAM::Policy

* *Arguments:* Properties.Users \[source,go]

***

{ "Resources: ExamplePolicy: Type: 'AWS::IAM::Policy' Properties: ...

* Users:
* * example\_user", }

***


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