An Azure VM snapshot SAS URL was generated for export from a production subscription

Cortex XDR Analytics Alert Reference by Alert name

Product
Cortex XDR
Last date published
2026-03-10
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Index by
Alert name

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

N/A (single event)

Deduplication Period

1 Day

Required Data

  • Requires:
    • Azure Audit Log

Detection Modules

Cloud

Detector Tags

Data Detection & Response, Cloud Data Asset Exfiltration

ATT&CK Tactic

Exfiltration (TA0010)

ATT&CK Technique

Transfer Data to Cloud Account (T1537)

Severity

Informational

Description

A SAS URL for an Azure VM snapshot was generated.
The operation was performed within a production subscription.
SAS URLs allow others to download or export the snapshot.

Attacker's Goals

Exfiltrate the VM disk image to access sensitive data stored on the disk.

Investigative actions

  • Verify if the identity is authorized to generate SAS URLs for VM snapshots.
  • Check if the snapshot export aligns with scheduled maintenance or backup procedures.
  • Review further actions performed by the identity to see if the snapshot was downloaded or accessed.