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Mitigation Strategies Analysis for golang-migrate/migrate

Mitigation Strategy: Controlled Execution via migrate Command Flags and Environment Variables

  • Description:

    1. Understand Available Flags: Familiarize yourself with the command-line flags provided by migrate. Key flags for security include:
      • -source: Specifies the location of the migration files. This can be used to control which set of migrations is applied.
      • -database: Specifies the database connection string. This is crucial for ensuring migrations are applied to the correct database.
      • -path: Similar to -source, but often used for relative paths.
      • -prefetch: Controls how many migrations are loaded into memory. This can have performance implications, but generally doesn't have direct security implications unless extremely large numbers of migrations are involved.
      • -version: Allows applying migrations up to a specific version. This can be useful for controlled rollouts and preventing unintended application of later migrations.
      • -force: Avoid using this flag in production. It bypasses safety checks and can lead to data loss if used incorrectly.
    2. Use Environment Variables: Leverage environment variables to control the behavior of migrate. This is particularly important for:
      • Database connection strings (e.g., DATABASE_URL). Never hardcode these in scripts or configuration files.
      • Flags that control the execution environment (e.g., MIGRATE_ALLOW_DOWN=false to disable "down" migrations in production).
    3. Wrapper Scripts: Create wrapper scripts (e.g., shell scripts, Makefiles) around the migrate command. These scripts should:
      • Set environment variables appropriately for the target environment (development, staging, production).
      • Use specific flags to control the execution (e.g., only allow "up" migrations in production).
      • Include error handling and logging.
    4. Controlled Rollouts: Use the -version flag to apply migrations incrementally. This allows you to test migrations in stages and roll back if necessary.
    5. Avoid -force: Do not use the -force flag in production environments. It bypasses version checks and can lead to unexpected behavior or data loss.

  • List of Threats Mitigated:

    • Unauthorized Migration Execution (Partial): (Severity: High) - By controlling the execution environment and using specific flags, you can limit the scope of what migrations can be run.
    • Downgrade Attacks / Reversible Migrations: (Severity: Medium) - By controlling the -version flag or disallowing "down" migrations via environment variables, you can prevent rollbacks to vulnerable states.
    • Sensitive Data in Migrations (Partial): (Severity: Medium) - By using environment variables for database connection strings, you avoid hardcoding secrets in scripts.
    • Incorrect Database: (Severity: High) - Using the correct -database flag, populated by environment variable, prevents applying migrations to the wrong database.

  • Impact:

    • Provides granular control over the execution of migrations, reducing the risk of unintended or malicious actions.

  • Currently Implemented:

    • Partially implemented. Environment variables are used for database connection strings. Basic wrapper scripts exist, but they don't fully leverage all relevant flags or include comprehensive error handling.

  • Missing Implementation:

    • Consistent use of environment variables to control all relevant migrate flags.
    • More robust wrapper scripts with comprehensive error handling and logging.
    • Formalized process for controlled rollouts using the -version flag.
    • Explicit prohibition of the -force flag in production scripts.

Mitigation Strategy: Version Control and Explicit Migration Ordering

  • Description:

    1. Sequential Versioning: Ensure that your migration files use a consistent, sequential versioning scheme (e.g., timestamps or incrementing numbers). migrate relies on this ordering to apply migrations correctly.
    2. Avoid Manual Ordering Changes: Do not manually reorder or rename migration files after they have been created. This can lead to inconsistencies and errors.
    3. Atomic Migrations: Design each migration file to perform a single, well-defined change. Avoid combining multiple unrelated changes into a single migration. This makes it easier to understand, review, and revert individual changes.
    4. Use migrate create: Always use the migrate create command to generate new migration files. This ensures that the files are created with the correct naming convention and structure. Do not manually create migration files.
    5. Understand dirty state: If a migration fails, migrate may mark the database as dirty. Understand how to resolve this state, usually by either fixing the failed migration and re-running it, or manually adjusting the schema_migrations table (with extreme caution).

  • List of Threats Mitigated:

    • Incorrect Migration Application Order: (Severity: Medium) - Ensures that migrations are applied in the correct sequence, preventing unexpected schema changes or data corruption.
    • Downgrade Attacks (Partial): (Severity: Medium) - By maintaining a clear and consistent version history, it's easier to track and control which migrations have been applied.

  • Impact:

    • Ensures the integrity and predictability of the migration process.

  • Currently Implemented:

    • Mostly implemented. Sequential versioning is used, and migrate create is generally used. However, there isn't explicit documentation or enforcement of the "atomic migrations" principle.

  • Missing Implementation:

    • Formal documentation and enforcement of the "atomic migrations" principle.
    • Training for developers on best practices for creating and managing migration files.