Deciphering the Risks of AWS SSM in Hybrid Landscapes

This technical report examines the risks associated with AWS Systems Manager (SSM) in hybrid environments. It outlines how attackers exploit AWS SSM to gain unauthorized access and escalate privileges within organizations. The report begins by describing the hybrid network architecture and its advantages, such as flexibility and scalability, while also noting the increased attack surface it presents. It details the functionalities of AWS SSM, including its centralized management capabilities and automation features, which make it appealing to both administrators and attackers. Several real-world attack scenarios are presented, illustrating how attackers can leverage AWS SSM to harvest credentials and maintain persistence in the network. The report concludes by providing strategies for mitigating risks and limiting exposure to vulnerabilities associated with AWS SSM, emphasizing the importance of understanding these risks in the context of hybrid environments.