Command & Control
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Detection overview
The "Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider" detection alerts security teams to logins to Azure AD accounts from cloud provider IP addresses that are unusual for that account. This detection can indicate an attacker attempting to mask their location by using public cloud services, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, to gain unauthorized access and further conceal their true source.
Triggers
- An account has been accessed successfully from a public cloud IP, e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP which is unusual for this account.
- Vectra’s AI will continuously learn whether a cloud provider and region are normal for a given user based on their history.
Possible Root Causes
- An attacker has successfully logged into an account using a public cloud IP. The attacker has used a public IP to hide their true location and appear from a normal geolocation and IP space.
- A user or a user connected software has successfully logged into an account from a public cloud IP provider and region for the first time. The user may be actively using the cloud provider for a legitimate business function, or a cloud host software associated with the account has connected.
Business Impact
- An attacker who has access to an internal account can access any connected applications and progress their attack.
Steps to Verify
- Review whether the account owner would have a reason to be accessing their account from a public cloud.
- Consult the available logs to determine if there has been any attack progression. • Reach out to the account owner to confirm that they were behind the sign-in event
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Possible root causes
Malicious Detection
An attacker, having compromised a valid account, may use a public cloud IP to obscure their true location and avoid detection. This method provides the attacker with a level of anonymity, allowing them to operate as though they are within the legitimate cloud environment while potentially bypassing location-based restrictions.
Benign Detection
Legitimate users or applications may access Azure AD from a cloud provider IP address due to routine use of cloud services or the presence of legitimate software hosted on these platforms. For example, a developer accessing corporate resources from a managed cloud environment may trigger this detection if the behavior is newly introduced.
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Example scenarios
1. Unexpected Cloud-Based Access Attempt
A user account linked to a specific geographic region logs in from a cloud provider IP located in another region. This deviation might indicate unauthorized access.
2. Access from a Cloud Provider After Account Compromise
Following an account compromise, an attacker utilizes cloud provider IPs to maintain access, attempting to bypass location-based detection measures.
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Business impact
If this detection indicates a genuine threat, the organization faces significant risks:
Obscured attacker presence
Attackers using cloud IPs can blend into routine traffic patterns, making detection challenging and allowing for sustained, covert access.
Risk of data compromise
Unauthorized access through this method may expose sensitive data, leading to confidentiality breaches and possible data exfiltration.
Compliance violation potential
Unauthorized logins via cloud IPs can lead to non-compliance with data security policies, increasing the risk of regulatory penalties.
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Steps to investigate
Validate Login Context and IP Origin
Investigate the IP address and cloud provider details to determine if this access aligns with known, expected activity for the account.
Review Account Activity Logs
Assess recent activity from the account to identify any suspicious behaviors that might suggest compromise, such as abnormal resource access or escalated privileges.
Contact Account Owner
Confirm directly with the account owner whether they were behind the login event and if this access method was intentional.
Monitor for Anomalous Subsequent Activity
Continue to monitor the account for any unusual patterns, including login times, access to critical resources, or additional suspicious logins.
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
MITRE ATT&CK techniques covered
Azure AD Suspicious Access from Cloud Provider
Related detections
FAQs
Why would a cloud provider IP be suspicious?
Cloud provider IPs can be used by attackers to mask true locations and mimic legitimate traffic, avoiding detection.
How does this detection help identify suspicious activity?
It identifies logins from IPs tied to cloud providers that are atypical for the user, prompting further investigation into unauthorized access.
Could legitimate cloud services trigger this detection?
Yes, some users and applications may legitimately access Azure AD from cloud provider IPs, particularly if they’re hosted on cloud environments.
What should I do if this detection is triggered?
First, verify the login’s legitimacy with the account owner, and investigate any signs of unusual behavior or attack progression.
How can attackers leverage cloud provider IPs?
Attackers use cloud provider IPs to disguise their activity, accessing resources without revealing their true location.
Could this detection indicate a policy violation?
Potentially, as unauthorized access from unknown cloud IPs can conflict with organizational security policies.
Is the account necessarily compromised if this detection occurs?
Not always; legitimate changes in user behavior can sometimes appear suspicious. Confirm the login details and review surrounding activities.
What data should be reviewed in this situation?
Examine login details such as IP, geolocation, user agent, and any correlated activity on Azure AD resources.
What further actions are advisable if compromise is confirmed?
Immediate steps include disabling the account, resetting credentials, and initiating a comprehensive security review.
How does Vectra’s AI help in detecting these patterns?
Vectra’s AI continuously assesses login patterns, identifying unusual cloud provider accesses that deviate from user norms.