Unsecured Credentials: Cloud Instance Metadata API
- ID
- T1552.005
- Tactics
- TA0006 Credential Access
- Sub-technique of
- T1552 Unsecured Credentials
- Platforms
- IaaS
- Data sources
- Network Connection Creation, Cloud Service Metadata, Network Traffic Content
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 12 May 2026
Adversaries may attempt to access the Cloud Instance Metadata API to collect credentials and other sensitive data.
Most cloud service providers support a Cloud Instance Metadata API which is a service provided to running virtual instances that allows applications to access information about the running virtual instance. Available information generally includes name, security group, and additional metadata including sensitive data such as credentials and UserData scripts that may contain additional secrets. The Instance Metadata API is provided as a convenience to assist in managing applications and is accessible by anyone who can access the instance.[3] A cloud metadata API has been used in at least one high profile compromise.[4]
If adversaries have a presence on the running virtual instance, they may query the Instance Metadata API directly to identify credentials that grant access to additional resources. Additionally, adversaries may exploit a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in a public facing web proxy that allows them to gain access to the sensitive information via a request to the Instance Metadata API.[1]
The de facto standard across cloud service providers is to host the Instance Metadata API at http[:]//169.254.169.254.
Detection
- DET0001 Detect Access to Cloud Instance Metadata API (IaaS)
Data components: Network Connection Creation, Cloud Service Metadata, Network Traffic Content
Mitigations (3)
- M1035 Limit Access to Resource Over Network
Limit access to the Instance Metadata API using a host-based firewall such as iptables.
- M1037 Filter Network Traffic
Limit access to the Instance Metadata API. A properly configured Web Application Firewall (WAF) may help prevent external adversaries from exploiting Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks that allow access to the Cloud Instance Metadata API.[1]
- M1042 Disable or Remove Feature or Program
Disable unnecessary metadata services and restrict or disable insecure versions of metadata services that are in use to prevent adversary access.[2]
Groups (1)
Software (6)
- S0601 Hildegard
- S0683 Peirates
- S9008 Shai-Hulud
- S9009 TruffleHog
- S9043 Mini Shai-Hulud
- S9045 BACKUPOSINT v9.0 APEX PREDATOR