
Summary
The rule detects instances where 'EC2 Serial Console Access' is enabled on AWS accounts, a feature that allows direct, text-based access to an instance's serial port without going through the network layer. This access method can be exploited by adversaries to create an out-of-band communication channel, making it easier to establish persistent backdoors without triggering network-based defenses. The rule specifically looks for successful API calls to 'EnableSerialConsoleAccess', alerting security teams to potential attempts by unauthorized users to bypass network security measures. While enabling this feature may occasionally be necessary for troubleshooting, in most production environments it should remain disabled to mitigate risk. The rule includes a structured approach for triage, investigation, and response, along with guidelines for assessing possible false positives associated with legitimate troubleshooting activities.
Categories
- Cloud
- AWS
- Infrastructure
Data Sources
- Cloud Service
- Application Log
ATT&CK Techniques
- T1562
- T1562.001
Created: 2026-02-05