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By Bleon Proko
🔓 Ever wondered how attackers might bypass AWS security policies? This article dives deep into the AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2 Policy and uncovers the methods that could be exploited to escape its safeguards.
💡 Key insights include:
- How AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2 works: Understand the AWS policy designed to isolate compromised keys.
- Exploitation Methods: Learn about techniques attackers may use to bypass the quarantine mechanism and regain control over compromised accounts.
- Defensive Strategies: Explore ways to bolster your AWS security and mitigate these risks.
- Practical Code Examples: See real-world scenarios of how the policy can be circumvented with step-by-step analysis.
🔗 Explore the full breakdown here: AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2 Bypass
🔗 Originally featured in AWS Security Digest Issue #182: AWS Security Digest
You Should Know:
1. Understanding AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2
AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2 is a security policy designed to isolate AWS keys that are suspected to be compromised. When triggered, it restricts the key’s permissions, preventing further misuse.
2. Exploitation Methods
Attackers can bypass this policy by:
- Creating new IAM roles or policies to regain access.
- Using temporary credentials to bypass key restrictions.
- Exploiting misconfigured S3 buckets to escalate privileges.
3. Defensive Strategies
- Enable AWS CloudTrail: Monitor and log all API calls to detect suspicious activity.
- Use AWS Config: Ensure compliance with security policies and detect configuration changes.
- Implement Least Privilege: Restrict IAM roles and policies to only necessary permissions.
4. Practical Code Examples
Step 1: Check for Compromised Keys
aws iam list-access-keys --user-name <username>
**Step 2: Restrict Compromised Keys**
aws iam update-access-key --user-name <username> --access-key-id <key-id> --status Inactive
**Step 3: Monitor CloudTrail Logs**
aws cloudtrail lookup-events --lookup-attributes AttributeKey=Username,AttributeValue=<username>
Step 4: Create a Custom Policy to Quarantine Keys
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "<em>",
"Resource": "</em>",
"Condition": {
"StringEquals": {
"aws:ResourceTag/Status": "Quarantined"
}
}
}
]
}
**Step 5: Apply the Policy**
aws iam put-user-policy --user-name <username> --policy-name QuarantinePolicy --policy-document file://quarantine-policy.json
### **What Undercode Say:**
AWSCompromisedKeyQuarantineV2 is a critical security feature, but it is not foolproof. Attackers can exploit misconfigurations or weaknesses in IAM policies to bypass it. To defend against such threats, organizations must adopt a multi-layered security approach, including continuous monitoring, least privilege principles, and regular audits.
**Additional Commands for Enhanced Security:**
- Check S3 Bucket Permissions:
aws s3api get-bucket-acl --bucket <bucket-name>
- Rotate IAM Keys Regularly:
aws iam create-access-key --user-name <username>
- Enable MFA for IAM Users:
aws iam enable-mfa-device --user-name <username> --serial-number <mfa-serial> --authentication-code-1 <code1> --authentication-code-2 <code2>
By implementing these strategies and commands, you can significantly reduce the risk of AWS key compromise and ensure a robust security posture.
References:
Reported By: Asd Newsletter – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
