threat-modeling.md

Threat Model Analysis for apache/cassandra

Threat: Unauthorized SSTable Access

• Description: An attacker gains unauthorized access to the server's file system and directly reads Cassandra SSTable files. This could be achieved through compromised server credentials, physical access, or exploiting file system vulnerabilities.
• Impact: Disclosure of sensitive data stored in Cassandra, potentially leading to identity theft, financial loss, or reputational damage.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Data Storage (SSTables on Disk)
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Implement strong file system permissions to restrict access to SSTable directories.
  • Enable disk encryption for data at rest to protect data even if physical access is gained.
  • Regularly audit file system permissions and access logs.

Threat: Backup Data Exposure

• Description: An attacker gains access to unsecured Cassandra backups (SSTables, snapshots). This could happen if backups are stored in publicly accessible locations, without proper access controls, or if backup storage is compromised.
• Impact: Disclosure of sensitive data contained in backups, similar to unauthorized SSTable access.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Backup/Snapshot Mechanism
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Store backups in secure, access-controlled locations.
  • Encrypt backups at rest and in transit.
  • Implement strong authentication and authorization for backup access.
  • Regularly test backup and restore procedures and security.

Threat: Node Compromise Data Corruption

• Description: An attacker compromises a Cassandra node (e.g., through OS vulnerabilities, weak credentials). Once compromised, the attacker can directly modify or corrupt data on that node. This corruption can then propagate to other nodes via replication.
• Impact: Data integrity loss across the cluster, application malfunction due to corrupted data, potential data loss if not detected and corrected.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Data Replication, Storage Engine
• Risk Severity: Critical
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Harden Cassandra nodes (OS and Cassandra configurations).
  • Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
  • Regularly perform security audits and vulnerability scanning.
  • Implement data validation mechanisms within the application.
  • Utilize Cassandra's repair mechanisms regularly.

Threat: CQL Injection

• Description: An attacker injects malicious CQL code into application inputs that are not properly sanitized before being used in CQL queries. This allows the attacker to manipulate data, bypass security controls, or potentially gain further access.
• Impact: Data integrity loss, unauthorized data modification or deletion, potential application compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: CQL Query Processing, Application-Cassandra Interface
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent CQL injection.
  • Implement robust input validation and sanitization on the application side.
  • Apply least privilege principles to Cassandra user permissions.

Threat: Cluster Overload DoS

• Description: An attacker floods the Cassandra cluster with excessive requests, overwhelming its resources (CPU, memory, network, I/O). This can lead to performance degradation, service unavailability, and denial of service for legitimate users.
• Impact: Denial of service, application downtime, business disruption.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Request Handling, Coordinator Nodes, Cluster Resources
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Implement rate limiting and request throttling at the application or network level.
  • Employ load balancing and resource monitoring.
  • Perform capacity planning to ensure sufficient resources for expected load and surges.
  • Consider using DDoS protection services.

Threat: Weak/Default Credentials

• Description: Using default credentials for Cassandra users or failing to enforce strong password policies allows attackers to easily gain unauthorized access to the database and cluster management tools.
• Impact: Unauthorized access to data, cluster management, potential data breaches, system compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Authentication Module, User Management
• Risk Severity: Critical
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Change default credentials immediately upon installation.
  • Enforce strong password policies (complexity, rotation, length).
  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible, especially for administrative access.
  • Regularly audit user accounts and permissions.

Threat: Insufficient RBAC

• Description: Improperly configured or overly permissive Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) grants users or applications excessive privileges. This can allow unauthorized access to data or operations beyond their legitimate needs.
• Impact: Unauthorized data access, data modification, or cluster management operations, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Authorization Module, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Implement granular RBAC with least privilege principles.
  • Define roles based on specific job functions and application needs.
  • Regularly review and audit role assignments and permissions.
  • Use dedicated service accounts with limited permissions for applications.

Threat: Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

• Description: Vulnerabilities in Cassandra's authentication mechanisms could be exploited to bypass authentication checks and gain unauthorized access without valid credentials.
• Impact: Unauthorized access to data and cluster management, potentially leading to data breaches or system compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Authentication Module
• Risk Severity: Critical
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Keep Cassandra version up-to-date with security patches.
  • Regularly review security advisories and apply recommended updates.
  • Implement strong authentication mechanisms and avoid relying on default configurations.
  • Consider using external authentication providers if supported and appropriate.

Threat: Unencrypted Inter-Node Communication

• Description: If inter-node communication (gossip, streaming, client-to-node) is not encrypted, sensitive data transmitted between Cassandra nodes can be intercepted by attackers on the network. This is especially critical in untrusted network environments.
• Impact: Data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdropping on sensitive data.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Inter-Node Communication, Gossip Protocol, Streaming
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Enable encryption for inter-node communication using TLS/SSL.
  • Secure network infrastructure and use network segmentation to isolate Cassandra traffic.
  • Use private networks or VPNs for inter-node communication in untrusted environments.

Threat: Unencrypted Client-to-Node Communication

• Description: If client-to-node communication is not encrypted, sensitive data transmitted between applications and Cassandra can be intercepted by attackers on the network. This is a common vulnerability if TLS/SSL is not enabled for client connections.
• Impact: Data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, eavesdropping on sensitive application data.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Client-to-Node Communication, CQL Protocol
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Enable encryption for client-to-node communication using TLS/SSL.
  • Enforce encrypted connections from applications to Cassandra.
  • Educate developers on the importance of using encrypted connections.

Threat: Public Exposure of Cassandra Ports

• Description: Exposing Cassandra ports (CQL port, inter-node communication ports) directly to the public internet significantly increases the attack surface. Attackers can directly attempt to connect, exploit vulnerabilities, or launch denial-of-service attacks.
• Impact: Increased risk of unauthorized access, denial of service, and other network-based attacks, potential cluster compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Network Ports, Firewall Configuration
• Risk Severity: High
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Restrict access to Cassandra ports to trusted networks only using firewalls.
  • Implement network segmentation to isolate Cassandra infrastructure within a private network.
  • Use network address translation (NAT) or bastion hosts to further limit direct exposure.

Threat: Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities

• Description: Attackers exploit publicly known vulnerabilities in specific Cassandra versions. This is possible if the system is not promptly patched and updated after vulnerability disclosures. Public vulnerability databases and security advisories are common sources of information for attackers.
• Impact: Various security impacts depending on the vulnerability, potentially leading to remote code execution, data breaches, denial of service, or system compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Various Cassandra Modules (depending on the vulnerability)
• Risk Severity: Critical (for exploitable vulnerabilities) to High (for potential vulnerabilities)
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Keep Cassandra version up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
  • Subscribe to security advisories from Apache Cassandra and relevant security sources.
  • Implement a vulnerability management program to regularly scan for and remediate vulnerabilities.
  • Automate patching processes where possible.

Threat: Zero-Day Vulnerability Exploitation

• Description: Attackers exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities (zero-day vulnerabilities) in Cassandra. These are more difficult to defend against proactively as patches are not yet available. Sophisticated attackers or nation-state actors might utilize zero-day exploits.
• Impact: Potentially severe security breaches, as zero-day exploits are often difficult to detect and mitigate proactively. Can lead to remote code execution, data breaches, or complete system compromise.
• Affected Cassandra Component: Various Cassandra Modules (depending on the vulnerability)
• Risk Severity: Critical (if exploited)
• Mitigation Strategies:
  • Implement defense-in-depth security measures (multiple layers of security).
  • Utilize intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and anomaly detection.
  • Proactive security monitoring and threat intelligence gathering.
  • Participate in security communities and share threat information.
  • Regularly perform penetration testing and security assessments to identify potential weaknesses.