> 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/storage/appsec-aws-271.md).

# DynamoDB table replica does not use CMK KMS encryption misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                           |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AWS\_271          |
| Category - Subcategory | Storage - Encryption      |
| Provider               | AWS                       |
| Severity               | HIGH                      |
| Framework              | Terraform, Terraform Plan |

## Impact

This rule is ensuring that the replica of a DynamoDB table is encrypted using a Customer Managed Key (CMK) under Key Management Service (KMS). It's crucial since it affirms that a user has direct control over the cryptographic keys used for encryption, which gives them granular control over who can use the keys and for what. If the unique keys are not managed by the user, it can lead to unauthorized access or breaches, posing significant security risks.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* aws\_dynamodb\_table\_replica

* *Arguments:* kms\_key\_arn

## To fix this issue, you should ensure that DynamoDB global tables use a Customer Managed Key (CMK) for encryption rather than the default Amazon Managed Key. This can be done by specifying the `aws_kms_key_id` property. \[source,go]

resource "aws\_dynamodb\_table\_replica" "pass" { provider = "aws.alt" global\_table\_arn = aws\_dynamodb\_table.pass.arn kms\_key\_arn = aws\_kms\_key.test.arn

## tags = { Name = "taggy" } }


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/storage/appsec-aws-271.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
