Suspicious sqlite3 Access to gcloud Cached Access Token Database (via process_creation)

ATT&CK techniques

Cred Access

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
- T1552.001Credentials In Files
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects sqlite3 querying the gcloud access_tokens.db credential store under the user gcloud config directory, the local token-theft behavior Red Canary documented for harvesting GCP access tokens. These cached tokens are stored in plaintext and remain valid after key deletion, so direct database access outside the gcloud tool indicates credential theft.

Reporting behind it

Related detections9 linkedT1552.001 — drag to rearrange

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Suspicious sqlite3 Access to gcloud Cached Access Token Database (via process_creation)

Pivot detection · T1552.001 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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