T1651: Cloud Administration Command
Adversaries may abuse cloud management services to execute commands within virtual machines. Resources such as AWS Systems Manager, Azure RunCommand, and Runbooks allow users to remotely run scripts in virtual machines by leveraging installed virtual machine agents.
If an adversary gains administrative access to a cloud environment, they may be able to abuse cloud management services to execute commands in the environment’s virtual machines. Additionally, an adversary that compromises a service provider or delegated administrator account may similarly be able to leverage a Trusted Relationship to execute commands in connected virtual machines.
How it's found
Detection Strategy for Cloud Administration Command: Monitor for suspicious use of cloud-native administrative command services (e.g., AWS Systems Manager Run Command, Azure RunCommand, GCP OS Config) to execute code inside VMs. Detect anomalies such as commands/scripts executed by unexpected users, execution outside of maintenance windows, or commands initiated by service accounts not normally tied to administration. Correlate cloud control-plane activity logs with host-level execution (process creation, script execution) to validate if commands materialized inside the guest OS.
Standards mapping
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is T1651 Cloud Administration Command?
Adversaries may abuse cloud management services to execute commands within virtual machines. Resources such as AWS Systems Manager, Azure RunCommand, and Runbooks allow users to remotely run scripts in virtual machines by leveraging installed virtual machine agents. If an adversary gains administrative access to a cloud environment, they may be able to abuse cloud management services to execute commands in the environment’s virtual machines. Additionally, an adversary that compromises a service provider or delegated administrator account may similarly be able to leverage a Trusted Relationship to execute commands in connected virtual machines.
Which tactics does T1651 belong to?
T1651 maps to the Execution tactic.
Does TurboPentest test for Cloud Administration Command?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related MITRE ATT&CK techniques
- ExecutionT1047: Windows Management Instrumentation
- Execution, Persistence, Privilege EscalationT1053: Scheduled Task/Job
- ExecutionT1059: Command and Scripting Interpreter
- Execution, Lateral MovementT1072: Software Deployment Tools
- ExecutionT1106: Native API
- Execution, StealthT1127: Trusted Developer Utilities Proxy Execution
About this reference
These security references are maintained by IntegSec, an offensive-security firm whose team holds CISSP, OSCP, and OSCE certifications and has run thousands of penetration tests. Content is kept current as tools, standards, and attack techniques evolve.
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