attack-tree.md

Attack Tree Analysis for google/leveldb

Objective: Unauthorized Read/Write Access to LevelDB Data [CN]

Attack Tree Visualization

                                      Attacker's Goal:
                      Unauthorized Read/Write Access to LevelDB Data [CN]
                                            |
          -----------------------------------------------------------------
          |                                                               |
  1. Direct File Access [CN]                                  2. Exploiting LevelDB API [CN]
          |
  ---------------------                                               ----------
  |                   |                                               |
1.1 Insufficient    1.2 Bypassing                                  2.1 Input
    Filesystem        Application                                     Validation
    Permissions [CN]  Level Access                                    (Key/Value) [CN]
    [HR]              [HR]                                            |
                                                                    ----------
                                                                    |
                                                                  2.1.1
                                                                  Crafted
                                                                  Keys
                                                                  to
                                                                  Access
                                                                  Unauth-
                                                                  orized
                                                                  Data
                                                                  [CN]
                                                                  [HR]

Attack Tree Path: 1. Direct File Access [CN]

• Description: This category encompasses all attack vectors where the attacker gains direct access to the LevelDB database files on the filesystem, bypassing any application-level security controls. This is a critical node because it represents a complete circumvention of the application's intended security mechanisms.
• Sub-Vectors:
  • 1.1 Insufficient Filesystem Permissions [CN] [HR]
    • Description: The LevelDB database files (e.g., .ldb files) have overly permissive read and/or write permissions, allowing unauthorized users or processes on the system to directly access and modify the data. This is a high-risk path due to its common occurrence, high impact, and low effort/skill requirements.
    • Likelihood: Medium
    • Impact: High (Complete data compromise)
    • Effort: Very Low
    • Skill Level: Beginner
    • Detection Difficulty: Easy
    • Mitigation:
      • Ensure that the LevelDB database files are owned by the application's user.
      • Set the minimum necessary permissions (e.g., chmod 600 or 700 on Linux/Unix).
      • Regularly audit file permissions.
      • Consider filesystem encryption.
  • 1.2 Bypassing Application Level Access [HR]
    • Description: The attacker exploits vulnerabilities within the application itself (e.g., path traversal, directory listing, arbitrary file upload/download) to gain access to the LevelDB database files. This is a high-risk path, although its likelihood depends on the presence of other application vulnerabilities.
    • Likelihood: Low (depends on other application vulnerabilities)
    • Impact: High (Complete data compromise)
    • Effort: Medium
    • Skill Level: Intermediate
    • Detection Difficulty: Medium
    • Mitigation:
      • Thoroughly address general web application vulnerabilities, especially those related to file access and path manipulation.
      • Implement robust input validation and sanitization.
      • Use secure coding practices to prevent file-related vulnerabilities.
      • Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).

Attack Tree Path: 2. Exploiting LevelDB API [CN]

• Description: This category covers attacks that leverage the intended interface (API) of LevelDB, but in a malicious way. This is a critical node because it focuses on how the application uses LevelDB, which is often a source of vulnerabilities.
• Sub-Vectors:
  • 2.1 Input Validation (Key/Value) [CN]
    • Description: This node highlights the critical importance of input validation when interacting with LevelDB. LevelDB itself does not enforce any schema or data validation; it's entirely the application's responsibility.
    • Sub-Vectors:
      • 2.1.1 Crafted Keys to Access Unauthorized Data [CN] [HR]
        • Description: The attacker manipulates the input used to generate LevelDB keys to access data they are not authorized to see or modify. This is a high-risk path because it's a common attack vector if the application doesn't properly sanitize and authorize keys.
        • Likelihood: Medium
        • Impact: High (Unauthorized data access/modification)
        • Effort: Low
        • Skill Level: Intermediate
        • Detection Difficulty: Medium
        • Mitigation:
          • Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all data used to construct LevelDB keys.
          • Never directly use user-provided input as a key without thorough validation.
          • Implement strong authorization checks to ensure the user is allowed to access the data associated with the generated key.
          • Consider using a secure, non-predictable key generation scheme (e.g., UUIDs, cryptographic hashes of authorized data).