Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Detection overview
Triggers
- Unusual modifications were made to a hybrid Runbook in an Azure Automation Account.
- An unusual test job was run on an Azure Automation Account Runbook for an Azure hybrid machine before it was staged for execution.
- A hybrid machine Runbook was updated or tested as part of legitimate business workflows.
Possible Root Causes
- Compromised Principal Account: An attacker has gained access to a principal account and is attempting unauthorized modifications to the Automation Account.
- Legitimate Development Activity: An authorized user is making changes to the hybrid Runbook as part of a valid development process.
- Unauthorized Automation: Automated deployment scripts, not previously used, are updating the hybrid Runbook code or configuration.
- Testing Activity: A developer is creating or modifying a hybrid Runbook for testing purposes.
- Misconfigured Permissions: Improperly configured access levels within Azure are allowing unauthorized users to modify the Automation Account.
Business Impact
- Exposure of sensitive data through unauthorized access or data leaks.
- Security vulnerabilities exploited due to misconfigured or malicious hybrid Runbooks.
- Unplanned changes to business logic or workflows.
- Potential data breaches, unauthorized access to resources, disruption of critical business services, and reputational damage.
Steps to Verify
- Review the Azure Activity Logs for the suspicious event, focusing on the user/service principal and the modified hybrid Runbook.
- Inspect the Runbook code for signs of malicious activity, such as code injection or data exfiltration.
- To view the Runbook:
- Navigate to the Automation Accounts service in Azure.
- Identify the Automation Account associated with the Runbook.
- Locate the Runbooks under the Process Automation tab for the selected Automation Account.
- Investigate the user�s or service principal�s permissions and access levels within Azure Automation.
- Verify if other security alerts or notifications were triggered around the time of the suspicious event.
- Consult with Azure administrators, security teams, and relevant stakeholders to determine the cause and scope of the incident.
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Possible root causes
Malicious Detection
Benign Detection
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Example scenarios
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Business impact
If this detection indicates a genuine threat, the organization faces significant risks:
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Steps to investigate
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
MITRE ATT&CK techniques covered
Azure Suspicious Hybrid Automation Test
Related detections
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