Privilege Escalation Runbook for AWS DynamoDB Queries

Privilege escalation in AWS DynamoDB is a real threat. It happens when a user or service can gain more permissions than intended. A flawed query or overly broad role lets low-privileged access pivot into admin-level control. The result is data exposure, unauthorized writes, or even complete table deletion.

Runbooks stop chaos before it spreads. A DynamoDB privilege escalation runbook is a step-by-step plan for detecting, containing, and remediating. It begins with scope: identify all queries that read or write using elevated permissions. Then execute watch commands against CloudTrail logs to catch suspicious usage. Track every Query and Scan event for unexpected patterns—especially from accounts that should not have write or admin access.

Key stages in an effective runbook:

1. Detection: Use AWS CloudTrail and DynamoDB Streams to log every privileged query.
2. Confirmation: Map IAM roles tied to these events. Validate against least-privilege policy baselines.
3. Containment: Rotate credentials, disable high-risk keys, and apply restrictive policies instantly.
4. Remediation: Correct IAM conditions, narrow resource ARNs, and remove wildcards from role definitions.
5. Postmortem: Document the attack vector and add automated alerts for similar patterns.

A runbook must be precise. No gaps, no assumptions. Every query logged, every permission reviewed. Privilege escalation is less about exploiting code and more about exploiting configuration. The best defense is relentless visibility and enforced least privilege.

DynamoDB queries with elevated rights should be rare. When they occur, they must be justified and tightly controlled. Your runbook is the proof. Your runbook is the shield. Without it, privilege escalation remains an invisible, silent threat inside your stack.

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