attack-tree.md

Attack Tree Analysis for lightningnetwork/lnd

Objective: Compromise Application Using LND by Exploiting LND Weaknesses

Attack Tree Visualization

Root Goal: Compromise Application Using LND ├───[OR]─ Exploit LND API Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[OR]─ gRPC API Exploitation [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├───[AND]─ Authentication Bypass [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Weak or Default Credentials [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └───[AND]─ Authorization Bypass [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Insufficient Access Control Checks [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├───[AND]─ API Endpoint Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Input Validation Issues (e.g., Injection Attacks) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └───[AND]─ REST API Exploitation (If Enabled - Less Common in Production) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Authentication Bypass (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Weak or Default Credentials (REST) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Authorization Bypass (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Insufficient Access Control Checks (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── API Endpoint Vulnerabilities (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ │ ├─── Input Validation Issues (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH] ├───[OR]─ Exploit LND Configuration Weaknesses [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[AND]─ Insecure Network Configuration [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Exposed gRPC/REST Ports to Public Network [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[AND]─ Weak or Default LND Configuration Parameters [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Insecure lnd.conf settings [HIGH RISK PATH] │ └───[AND]─ Logging/Debugging Information Leakage [HIGH RISK PATH] │ └─── Excessive logging exposing sensitive data (keys, paths, etc.) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] ├───[OR]─ Exploit LND Dependency Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[AND]─ Outdated Dependencies [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Vulnerable Go Libraries [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Vulnerable System Libraries [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ └───[AND]─ Supply Chain Attacks │ └─── Compromised Dependencies Introduced During Build/Deployment [CRITICAL NODE] ├───[OR]─ Exploit LND Storage/Wallet Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[AND]─ Wallet Encryption Weakness [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Weak Password/Passphrase for Wallet Encryption [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Vulnerability in Wallet Encryption Implementation [CRITICAL NODE] │ ├───[AND]─ Insecure File Permissions on Wallet Data [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── World-readable wallet files [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Group-readable wallet files accessible to malicious processes [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ ├───[AND]─ Backup Key Compromise (If Backups are Made) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Insecure Storage of Backup Seed/Keys [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Interception of Backup Transmission [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ └───[AND]─ Physical Access to LND Server [CRITICAL NODE] │ └─── Direct access to server to steal wallet data or keys [CRITICAL NODE] ├───[OR]─ Exploit LND Code Vulnerabilities │ ├───[AND]─ Known LND Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ ├─── Exploiting Publicly Disclosed CVEs in LND [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH] │ │ └─── Zero-day Vulnerabilities in LND Code [CRITICAL NODE] │ ├───[AND]─ Bugs in LND Core Logic [CRITICAL NODE] │ │ ├─── Payment Channel Logic Flaws [CRITICAL NODE] │ │ └─── Consensus/Network Protocol Issues [CRITICAL NODE] │ └───[AND]─ Memory Safety Issues [CRITICAL NODE] │ ├─── Buffer Overflows [CRITICAL NODE] │ ├─── Use-After-Free [CRITICAL NODE] │ └─── Other Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] └───[OR]─ Social Engineering Targeting LND Operators/Application Users [HIGH RISK PATH] └───[AND]─ Phishing or Credential Theft [HIGH RISK PATH] └─── Gaining access to LND control interfaces or application accounts [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]

Attack Tree Path: Exploit LND API Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • gRPC API Exploitation [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Authentication Bypass [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Weak or Default Credentials [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Using easily guessable or default macaroon credentials to access the gRPC API without proper authorization.
        • Mitigation: Enforce strong, randomly generated macaroon passwords. Rotate them periodically. Implement principle of least privilege for macaroon permissions.
    • Authorization Bypass [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Insufficient Access Control Checks [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Exploiting flaws in LND's authorization logic to perform actions beyond granted permissions, even with valid authentication.
        • Mitigation: Implement granular macaroon permissions. Thoroughly test authorization logic, especially for sensitive API endpoints.
    • API Endpoint Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Input Validation Issues (e.g., Injection Attacks) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Injecting malicious payloads into API requests to exploit vulnerabilities like command injection or other input-based attacks.
        • Mitigation: Implement strict input validation on all API endpoints. Use secure coding practices to prevent injection vulnerabilities.
  • REST API Exploitation (If Enabled - Less Common in Production) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Authentication Bypass (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Weak or Default Credentials (REST) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Similar to gRPC, using weak or default credentials for REST API access.
        • Mitigation: Apply the same strong credential management and least privilege principles as for gRPC.
    • Authorization Bypass (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Insufficient Access Control Checks (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Similar to gRPC, bypassing authorization in the REST API.
        • Mitigation: Apply the same granular permissions and thorough testing as for gRPC.
    • API Endpoint Vulnerabilities (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Input Validation Issues (REST) [HIGH RISK PATH]:
        • Attack Vector: Similar to gRPC, injection attacks via REST API endpoints.
        • Mitigation: Apply the same strict input validation and secure coding practices as for gRPC.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit LND Configuration Weaknesses [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Insecure Network Configuration [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Exposed gRPC/REST Ports to Public Network [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Directly accessing exposed LND API ports from the public internet, bypassing network security.
      • Mitigation: Isolate LND in a private network segment. Use firewalls to restrict access to only authorized application servers.
  • Weak or Default LND Configuration Parameters [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Insecure lnd.conf settings [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Misconfigurations in lnd.conf that weaken security, such as insecure defaults or disabled security features.
      • Mitigation: Regularly review lnd.conf and ensure secure settings are in place, following LND's security best practices.
  • Logging/Debugging Information Leakage [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Excessive logging exposing sensitive data (keys, paths, etc.) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Verbose logging inadvertently exposing sensitive information like private keys, macaroon secrets, or internal paths in log files.
      • Mitigation: Minimize logging verbosity in production. Avoid logging sensitive data. Securely store and access LND logs.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit LND Dependency Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Outdated Dependencies [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Vulnerable Go Libraries [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated Go libraries used by LND.
      • Mitigation: Use dependency management tools. Keep LND and its Go library dependencies updated. Regularly scan for vulnerabilities.
    • Vulnerable System Libraries [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting known vulnerabilities in outdated system libraries used by LND's runtime environment.
      • Mitigation: Keep the system libraries updated. Regularly scan for system-level vulnerabilities.
  • Supply Chain Attacks:
    • Compromised Dependencies Introduced During Build/Deployment [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Malicious code injected into LND's dependencies during the build or deployment process.
      • Mitigation: Verify dependency integrity. Obtain LND and dependencies from reputable sources. Secure the build process.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit LND Storage/Wallet Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Wallet Encryption Weakness [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Weak Password/Passphrase for Wallet Encryption [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Brute-forcing a weak password or passphrase used to encrypt the LND wallet to gain access to private keys.
      • Mitigation: Enforce strong, randomly generated wallet passwords/passphrases. Consider HSMs for key management.
    • Vulnerability in Wallet Encryption Implementation [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting bugs in LND's wallet encryption code to bypass or weaken encryption.
      • Mitigation: Regular security audits of LND's wallet encryption implementation.
  • Insecure File Permissions on Wallet Data [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • World-readable wallet files [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Any user on the system gaining access to world-readable wallet files and stealing private keys.
      • Mitigation: Restrict file permissions on LND wallet data directory and files. Ensure only the LND process user has access.
    • Group-readable wallet files accessible to malicious processes [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Malicious processes running under a group with access to group-readable wallet files, leading to key theft.
      • Mitigation: Restrict file permissions. Run LND under a dedicated user with minimal privileges.
  • Backup Key Compromise (If Backups are Made) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Insecure Storage of Backup Seed/Keys [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Storing backups of LND seed or keys insecurely (e.g., plain text, unencrypted storage).
      • Mitigation: Store backups securely using strong encryption and access controls. Consider offline storage.
    • Interception of Backup Transmission [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Intercepting backup transmissions over insecure channels.
      • Mitigation: Use secure channels for backup transmission (e.g., encrypted connections).
  • Physical Access to LND Server [CRITICAL NODE]:
    • Direct access to server to steal wallet data or keys [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Gaining physical access to the server and directly accessing wallet data or keys.
      • Mitigation: Implement strong physical security measures. Use full disk encryption.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit LND Code Vulnerabilities

• Attack Vectors:
  • Known LND Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Exploiting Publicly Disclosed CVEs in LND [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities (CVEs) in LND if it's not updated.
      • Mitigation: Stay informed about LND security updates and apply them promptly.
    • Zero-day Vulnerabilities in LND Code [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting undiscovered vulnerabilities (zero-days) in LND's code.
      • Mitigation: Thorough testing, fuzzing, secure coding practices. Stay updated on LND development.
  • Bugs in LND Core Logic [CRITICAL NODE]:
    • Payment Channel Logic Flaws [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting bugs in payment channel logic to steal funds or disrupt operations.
      • Mitigation: Thorough testing and code reviews of LND integration.
    • Consensus/Network Protocol Issues [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting bugs in LND's implementation of the Lightning Network protocol or Bitcoin network interaction.
      • Mitigation: Thorough testing, stay updated on LND development and protocol changes.
  • Memory Safety Issues [CRITICAL NODE]:
    • Buffer Overflows [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting buffer overflow vulnerabilities to achieve code execution or DoS.
      • Mitigation: Memory safety tools, secure coding practices.
    • Use-After-Free [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting use-after-free vulnerabilities for code execution or DoS.
      • Mitigation: Memory safety tools, secure coding practices.
    • Other Memory Corruption Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE]:
      • Attack Vector: Exploiting other types of memory corruption vulnerabilities for code execution or DoS.
      • Mitigation: Memory safety tools, secure coding practices.

Attack Tree Path: Social Engineering Targeting LND Operators/Application Users [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Phishing or Credential Theft [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Gaining access to LND control interfaces or application accounts [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH RISK PATH]:
      • Attack Vector: Tricking LND operators or application users into revealing credentials through phishing or social engineering.
      • Mitigation: Security awareness training for operators and users. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Phishing detection and prevention measures.