Skip to main content

Insecure service configuration - IAM

Description​

In compliance with the different security standards for cloud computing such as ISO 27017 and NIST SP 800-144, no sensitive information should be stored among the information that is uploaded to the cloud, as this may result in data leakage, as in the case of AWS IAM passwords.

Impact​

Generate data leakage within the sensitive information that is uploaded to the cloud, for example, the case of how through the credentials that were stored in the code can be obtained data from the buckets and AWS services.

Recommendation​

Do not store credentials in the code, it is necessary to use environment variables and protected secret sources.

Threat​

Internal attacker with access to services configurations.

Expected Remediation Time​

⌚ 45 minutes.

Score​

Default score using CVSS 3.1. It may change depending on the context of the vulnerability.

Base​

  • Attack vector: A
  • Attack complexity: L
  • Privileges required: N
  • User interaction: N
  • Scope: U
  • Confidentiality: L
  • Integrity: N
  • Availability: N

Temporal​

  • Exploit code madurity: X
  • Remediation level: O
  • Report confidence: X

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:X/RL:O/RC:X
  • Score:
    • Base: 4.3
    • Temporal: 4.1
  • Severity:
    • Base: Medium
    • Temporal: Medium

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

All resource credentials are stored using environment variables

resource "aws_iam_policy" "policy" {
  name        = "test_policy"
  path        = "/mypath"
  description = "My test policy"

  policy = jsonencode({
    Version = "2012-10-17"
    Statement = [
      {
        Action = [
          "ec2:Describe*",
        ]
        Effect   = "Allow"
        Resource = "db_critical"
      },
    ]
  })
}

Non compliant code​

Some resources have their credentials stored in the code

resource "aws_iam_policy" "policy" {
  name        = "test_policy"
  path        = "/mypath"
  description = "My test policy"

  policy = jsonencode({
    Version = "2012-10-17"
    Statement = [
      {
        Action = [
          "ec2:Describe*",
        ]
        Effect   = "Allow"
        Resource = "db_critical"
        Password = "my_service_password"
      },
    ]
  })
}

Requirements​

free trial

Search for vulnerabilities in your apps for free with our automated security testing! Start your 21-day free trial and discover the benefits of our Continuous Hacking Machine Plan. If you prefer a full service that includes the expertise of our ethical hackers, don't hesitate to contact us for our Continuous Hacking Squad Plan.