Analytics BIOC Informational
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A process modified an SSH authorized_keys file

A process modified an SSH authorized_keys file, which is used in SSH authentication. An attack can add or remove an SSH key to gain access to a targeted host.

Module:
Platform Analytics
Data source:
XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)
ATT&CK tactics: Persistence (TA0003)
ATT&CK techniques: Account Manipulation: SSH Authorized Keys (T1098.004)
Detector tags: Kubernetes - AGENT Containers Generic Persistence Analytics
Attacker's goals:

Adversaries use this to ensure that they possess the corresponding private key and may log in as an existing user via SSH.

Investigative actions:

Check the file modification, try to understand the impact of the related processes and network connections.

Test period:
N/A (single event)
Deduplication:
1 Day
3 variations:
  • A process modified an SSH authorized_keys2 file Low (parent: Informational)
  • A process modified an SSH authorized_keys file from within a Kubernetes Pod Low (parent: Informational)
  • Unpopular process modified the SSH authorized_keys file Low (parent: Informational)