Infrastructure as Code (IAC) & Serverless Infrastructure Security Assessments
Serverless infrastructure is a cloud computing architecture that allows for the creation and operation of applications and services without having to manage infrastructure.
This means that the cloud provider is responsible for managing and provisioning the servers needed to run the code, and the user only pays for the amount of computing resources used during actual execution. This results in reduced operational costs, increased scalability and flexibility, and reduced time-to-market for new features and products. Examples of serverless technology include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions.
Infrastructure as code (IAC) is a practice that treats infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, network settings, and storage, as code that can be versioned, managed, and automated. This allows infrastructure to be managed and provisioned using the same processes and tools as software development, such as version control systems and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. IAC enables organizations to automate the provisioning and configuration of their infrastructure, resulting in increased speed, efficiency, and consistency. It also makes it easier to roll back changes, roll out new features, and manage infrastructure as part of the software development lifecycle.
Security and Risks:
Like any other technology, serverless infrastructure has its own set of security risks and challenges that must be properly managed to ensure the security and privacy of data and applications.
Some of the common security risks associated with serverless infrastructure include:
1) Function code vulnerability: Since the code for serverless functions is usually uploaded by the user, it can contain vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or other code-level security issues that can be exploited by attackers.
2) Third-party dependencies: Functions can depend on third-party libraries, which may contain vulnerabilities. It’s essential to monitor these dependencies and keep them up-to-date to prevent security breaches.
3) Resource abuse: Functions can be triggered by malicious users to consume excessive amounts of compute, memory, or other resources, resulting in increased costs or degraded performance.
4) Unauthorized access to data: Serverless infrastructure typically relies on managed services like databases and object stores, which may contain sensitive information. It’s crucial to properly configure access controls and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
5) Configuration errors: Misconfigured serverless infrastructure, such as leaving AWS Lambda functions publicly accessible, can result in security breaches.
6) Unsecured code: If the IAC code contains vulnerabilities, such as hardcoded credentials, sensitive data, or insecure configurations, it can be exploited by attackers to gain access to sensitive information or compromise systems.
7) Unauthorized access to IAC code: If IAC code is stored in a version control system, such as Git, it may be accessible to unauthorized individuals. Sensitive information stored in IAC code must be properly secured, encrypted, and restricted to authorized personnel only.
8) Configuration drift: Over time, changes to the IAC code may result in systems that deviate from the original intended configuration, leading to security vulnerabilities.
9) Lack of change management: Automated IAC processes can make it easier for malicious actors to make unauthorized changes to infrastructure. Appropriate change management processes and audit trails must be put in place to prevent unauthorized changes.
10) Dependency vulnerabilities: IAC code can depend on third-party libraries and tools, which may contain vulnerabilities.
It’s essential to monitor these dependencies and keep them up-to-date to prevent security breaches.
These risks must be carefully managed through a combination of secure coding practices, appropriate use of access controls and encryption, and proper configuration of serverless infrastructure.
Background:
Serverless infrastructure is a cloud computing architecture that allows for the creation and operation of applications and services without having to manage infrastructure. This means that the cloud provider is responsible for managing and provisioning the servers needed to run the code, and the user only pays for the amount of computing resources used during actual execution. This results in reduced operational costs, increased scalability and flexibility, and reduced time-to-market for new features and products. Examples of serverless technology include AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions.
Infrastructure as code (IAC) is a practice that treats infrastructure components, such as virtual machines, network settings, and storage, as code that can be versioned, managed, and automated. This allows infrastructure to be managed and provisioned using the same processes and tools as software development, such as version control systems and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines. IAC enables organizations to automate the provisioning and configuration of their infrastructure, resulting in increased speed, efficiency, and consistency. It also makes it easier to roll back changes, roll out new features, and manage infrastructure as part of the software development lifecycle.
Security and Risks:
Like any other technology, serverless infrastructure has its own set of security risks and challenges that must be properly managed to ensure the security and privacy of data and applications.
Some of the common security risks associated with serverless infrastructure include:
1) Function code vulnerability: Since the code for serverless functions is usually uploaded by the user, it can contain vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or other code-level security issues that can be exploited by attackers.
2) Third-party dependencies: Functions can depend on third-party libraries, which may contain vulnerabilities. It’s essential to monitor these dependencies and keep them up-to-date to prevent security breaches.
3) Resource abuse: Functions can be triggered by malicious users to consume excessive amounts of compute, memory, or other resources, resulting in increased costs or degraded performance.
4) Unauthorized access to data: Serverless infrastructure typically relies on managed services like databases and object stores, which may contain sensitive information. It’s crucial to properly configure access controls and encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
5) Configuration errors: Misconfigured serverless infrastructure, such as leaving AWS Lambda functions publicly accessible, can result in security breaches.
6) Unsecured code: If the IAC code contains vulnerabilities, such as hardcoded credentials, sensitive data, or insecure configurations, it can be exploited by attackers to gain access to sensitive information or compromise systems.
7) Unauthorized access to IAC code: If IAC code is stored in a version control system, such as Git, it may be accessible to unauthorized individuals. Sensitive information stored in IAC code must be properly secured, encrypted, and restricted to authorized personnel only.
8) Configuration drift: Over time, changes to the IAC code may result in systems that deviate from the original intended configuration, leading to security vulnerabilities.
9) Lack of change management: Automated IAC processes can make it easier for malicious actors to make unauthorized changes to infrastructure. Appropriate change management processes and audit trails must be put in place to prevent unauthorized changes.
10) Dependency vulnerabilities: IAC code can depend on third-party libraries and tools, which may contain vulnerabilities. It’s essential to monitor these dependencies and keep them up-to-date to prevent security breaches.
These risks must be carefully managed through a combination of secure coding practices, appropriate use of access controls and encryption, and proper configuration of serverless infrastructure.