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threat-modeling.md

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Threat Model Analysis for zerotier/zerotierone

Threat: Unauthorized Network Access

  • Description: An attacker gains access to the ZeroTier network without proper authorization. While the authorization is handled by the controller, the zerotierone service on the compromised or impersonated node is what allows the unauthorized network connection. The attacker might have obtained a valid, but stolen or illegitimately acquired, API key, and zerotierone accepts this key.
  • Impact: The attacker can access network traffic, potentially intercepting sensitive data, and may be able to access application services exposed on the ZeroTier network. This could lead to data breaches and unauthorized access.
  • Affected Component: zerotierone service (network joining process, authentication handling). Specifically, the Join() function and related network authentication mechanisms are directly involved.
  • Risk Severity: Critical
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Strong Authentication: Use strong, unique, and randomly generated API keys. Never hardcode keys. Use secure storage mechanisms.
    • Client-Side Validation: Implement application-level checks within your application to verify the identity of other nodes, even if they are "authorized" by ZeroTier. This could involve cryptographic signatures or other mutual authentication. This adds a layer of defense beyond ZeroTier's authentication.
    • Regular Auditing: (While primarily a controller-side mitigation, it's relevant because it impacts zerotierone's operation). Regularly review authorized members.

Threat: Traffic Eavesdropping (Passive) - via Compromised Controller interaction

  • Description: An attacker passively monitors network traffic. While ZeroTier encrypts traffic, a compromised controller with access to root keys can potentially decrypt this traffic. The zerotierone service is the component sending and receiving this encrypted traffic, making it the direct target of the eavesdropping, even though the vulnerability lies in the controller's compromise.
  • Impact: Exposure of sensitive data transmitted over the ZeroTier network.
  • Affected Component: zerotierone service (network traffic handling, encryption/decryption modules). The core networking stack and cryptographic functions are directly involved.
  • Risk Severity: High
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • End-to-End Encryption (Application Layer): Implement end-to-end encryption within the application, independent of ZeroTier's encryption. Use TLS/HTTPS even within the ZeroTier network. This is the primary mitigation, as it protects data even if the controller is compromised.

Threat: Traffic Manipulation (Active) - via Compromised Controller interaction

  • Description: An attacker actively modifies network traffic. Similar to eavesdropping, a compromised controller could potentially inject or modify packets. The zerotierone service is the component processing these packets, making it the direct target of the manipulation.
  • Impact: Data corruption, execution of malicious code, impersonation, and potential compromise of connected devices.
  • Affected Component: zerotierone service (network traffic handling, packet processing). The core networking stack and packet parsing functions are directly involved.
  • Risk Severity: High
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • End-to-End Encryption (Application Layer): Crucial for preventing modification, as with passive eavesdropping.
    • Data Integrity Checks: Implement data integrity checks (e.g., cryptographic signatures) within the application to detect any unauthorized modifications.

Threat: zerotierone Service Vulnerability Exploitation

  • Description: An attacker exploits a vulnerability directly within the zerotierone service itself (e.g., a buffer overflow, code injection flaw) to gain unauthorized access or control of the host system. This is a direct attack on the zerotierone code.
  • Impact: Potential compromise of the entire host system, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, steal data, and potentially pivot to other systems.
  • Affected Component: zerotierone service (potentially any module, depending on the specific vulnerability).
  • Risk Severity: High
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Regular Updates: Keep the zerotierone service up-to-date with the latest security patches. This is the most important mitigation. Subscribe to ZeroTier security advisories.
    • Least Privilege (System Level): Run the zerotierone service with the minimum necessary system privileges. Avoid running as root if possible.
    • Sandboxing/Containerization: Run the zerotierone service in a sandboxed environment or container to limit the impact of a compromise.
    • Intrusion Detection/Prevention: Use intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor for and block exploitation attempts.