T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections Mappings

Adversaries may leverage Valid Accounts to log directly into accessible cloud hosted compute infrastructure through cloud native methods. Many cloud providers offer interactive connections to virtual infrastructure that can be accessed through the Cloud API, such as Azure Serial Console(Citation: Azure Serial Console), AWS EC2 Instance Connect(Citation: EC2 Instance Connect)(Citation: lucr-3: Getting SaaS-y in the cloud), and AWS System Manager.(Citation: AWS System Manager).

Methods of authentication for these connections can include passwords, application access tokens, or SSH keys. These cloud native methods may, by default, allow for privileged access on the host with SYSTEM or root level access.

Adversaries may utilize these cloud native methods to directly access virtual infrastructure and pivot through an environment.(Citation: SIM Swapping and Abuse of the Microsoft Azure Serial Console) These connections typically provide direct console access to the VM rather than the execution of scripts (i.e., Cloud Administration Command).

View in MITRE ATT&CK®

Mappings

Capability ID Capability Description Mapping Type ATT&CK ID ATT&CK Name
IA-05 Authenticator Management Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
IA-02 Identification and Authentication (organizational Users) Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
CM-07 Least Functionality Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
CM-06 Configuration Settings Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
CM-05 Access Restrictions for Change Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
AC-20 Use of External Systems Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
AC-17 Remote Access Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
SI-04 System Monitoring Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
AC-03 Access Enforcement Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
AC-06 Least Privilege Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections
AC-02 Account Management Protects T1021.008 Direct Cloud VM Connections