Purpose: The central aim of this study is to leverage machine learning techniques for the classification of Intrusion Detection System (IDS) data, with a specific focus on identifying the variables responsible for enhancing overall performance. Method: First, we classified 'R2L(Remote to Local)' and 'U2R (User to Root)' attacks in the NSL-KDD dataset, which are difficult to detect due to class imbalance, using seven machine learning models, including Logistic Regression (LR) and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN). Next, we use the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) for two classification models that showed high performance, Random Forest (RF) and Light Gradient-Boosting Machine (LGBM), to check the importance of variables that affect classification for each model. Result: In the case of RF, the 'service' variable and in the case of LGBM, the 'dst_host_srv_count' variable were confirmed to be the most important variables. These pivotal variables serve as key factors capable of enhancing performance in the context of classification for each respective model. Conclusion: In conclusion, this paper successfully identifies the optimal models, RF and LGBM, for classifying 'R2L' and 'U2R' attacks, while elucidating the crucial variables associated with each selected model.