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Mitigation Strategies Analysis for thingsboard/thingsboard

Mitigation Strategy: Enforce Strong Password Policies for ThingsBoard Users

  • Description:
    1. Configure Password Complexity in ThingsBoard: Navigate to Platform Settings -> Security Settings in the ThingsBoard UI. Configure options like "Password policy enabled", "Minimum password length", "Require letters", "Require uppercase letters", "Require lowercase letters", "Require digits", and "Require special symbols" to enforce strong password complexity.
    2. Implement Password Expiration in ThingsBoard: In Platform Settings -> Security Settings, set "Password max age" to define a password expiration policy, forcing users to change passwords regularly.
    3. Utilize Password Strength Meter in UI: ThingsBoard UI includes a password strength meter during password creation and change. Ensure this feature is enabled and guide users to use it for choosing strong passwords.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Brute-Force Attacks (High Severity): Reduces the likelihood of successful brute-force attacks against ThingsBoard user accounts.
    • Password Guessing/Dictionary Attacks (High Severity): Makes it significantly harder to guess passwords for ThingsBoard accounts.
    • Credential Stuffing (Medium Severity): Lessens the impact of credential stuffing attacks targeting ThingsBoard if users reuse passwords.
  • Impact:
    • Brute-Force Attacks: High Risk Reduction
    • Password Guessing/Dictionary Attacks: High Risk Reduction
    • Credential Stuffing: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Basic password complexity might be enabled in ThingsBoard settings, but password expiration and full utilization of complexity options might be missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Configuration of password expiration policy in ThingsBoard, enabling all relevant password complexity options in Security Settings.

Mitigation Strategy: Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

  • Description:
    1. Enable MFA in ThingsBoard: Go to Platform Settings -> Security Settings and enable "Enable two-factor authentication".
    2. Configure MFA Providers: ThingsBoard supports various MFA providers. Configure desired providers like TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) which uses apps like Google Authenticator or Authy. Configuration details depend on the chosen provider and might involve setting up SMTP for email-based MFA or SMS gateways for SMS-based MFA if supported by extensions.
    3. Enforce MFA for User Roles: Within user role settings (e.g., Administrator, Tenant Administrator), enforce MFA requirement. This can be done by configuring role-specific security settings or using rule chains to enforce MFA based on user roles upon login.
    4. User MFA Setup Guidance: Provide clear instructions to users on how to set up MFA for their ThingsBoard accounts, including steps for installing TOTP apps and scanning QR codes provided by ThingsBoard during login setup.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Account Takeover (High Severity): Significantly reduces the risk of ThingsBoard account takeover even if passwords are compromised.
    • Phishing Attacks (Medium Severity): Provides an extra layer of protection against phishing attacks targeting ThingsBoard login credentials.
    • Insider Threats (Medium Severity): Makes it harder for malicious insiders to gain unauthorized access to ThingsBoard using compromised credentials.
  • Impact:
    • Account Takeover: High Risk Reduction
    • Phishing Attacks: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Insider Threats: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Likely Not Implemented. MFA is often a later stage security enhancement in ThingsBoard deployments.
  • Missing Implementation: MFA enablement in ThingsBoard Security Settings, configuration of MFA providers, enforcement of MFA for critical user roles, and user guidance for MFA setup.

Mitigation Strategy: Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) Properly

  • Description:
    1. Define Custom Roles in ThingsBoard: Navigate to Security -> Roles in the ThingsBoard UI. Define custom roles that accurately reflect user responsibilities and required access levels within ThingsBoard (e.g., "Device Manager", "Dashboard Viewer", "Rule Chain Editor").
    2. Assign Permissions to Roles in ThingsBoard: For each custom role, carefully configure permissions. Use the ThingsBoard permission system to grant granular access to entities (devices, assets, dashboards, rule chains, etc.) and operations (read, create, update, delete, RPC calls). Follow the principle of least privilege.
    3. Assign Roles to Users and Devices in ThingsBoard: When creating or managing users and devices, assign the appropriate roles defined in step 1 and 2. User roles are assigned in Users section, and device roles are often managed through device profiles or group assignments.
    4. Regularly Review and Adjust Roles in ThingsBoard: Periodically review the defined roles and assigned permissions in Security -> Roles. Ensure they are still relevant and aligned with current security needs. Adjust roles and permissions as user responsibilities change or new ThingsBoard functionalities are used.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Unauthorized Access (High Severity): Prevents ThingsBoard users and devices from accessing resources and functionalities they are not authorized to use within the platform.
    • Privilege Escalation (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of users or devices gaining elevated privileges within ThingsBoard beyond their intended roles.
    • Data Breaches (Medium Severity): Limits the potential damage from a compromised ThingsBoard account by restricting access to sensitive data based on roles within the platform.
    • Insider Threats (Medium Severity): Restricts the actions malicious insiders can take within ThingsBoard by limiting their authorized access based on roles.
  • Impact:
    • Unauthorized Access: High Risk Reduction
    • Privilege Escalation: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Data Breaches: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Insider Threats: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Default ThingsBoard roles might be used, but custom roles with fine-grained permissions and regular reviews are likely lacking.
  • Missing Implementation: Definition of custom roles in ThingsBoard, detailed permission assignments for these roles within ThingsBoard's RBAC system, regular role and permission reviews within ThingsBoard, and potentially more granular role assignments for devices.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Device Credentials Management

  • Description:
    1. Utilize ThingsBoard Device Profiles for Credentials: When creating device profiles in ThingsBoard (Device profiles section), configure the "Provision type" to use secure credential types like "Auto-generated access token" or "X.509 certificate based". Avoid using "Allow create new devices with defined credentials" for production environments.
    2. Leverage Device Provisioning in ThingsBoard: Implement device provisioning using ThingsBoard's provisioning features. This allows devices to securely obtain credentials during onboarding without hardcoding them. Explore options like "Claiming" or custom provisioning rule chains.
    3. Credential Rotation via Device Profiles: Configure "Token expiration time" and "Refresh token expiration time" within device profiles to enable automatic credential rotation for devices.
    4. Secure Storage of Provisioning Secrets (if applicable): If using custom provisioning with secrets, ensure these secrets are stored securely outside of ThingsBoard and accessed only through secure mechanisms.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Device Impersonation (High Severity): Prevents attackers from impersonating legitimate ThingsBoard devices if credentials are compromised.
    • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (Medium Severity): Reduces the impact of MITM attacks during device onboarding by using secure provisioning mechanisms in ThingsBoard.
    • Compromised Device Fleet (High Severity): Limits the damage if one device is compromised, as auto-generated and rotated credentials in ThingsBoard prevent widespread credential reuse.
  • Impact:
    • Device Impersonation: High Risk Reduction
    • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Compromised Device Fleet: High Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Device profiles might be used, but secure provisioning methods and credential rotation features within ThingsBoard device profiles are likely not fully utilized.
  • Missing Implementation: Configuration of secure "Provision type" in ThingsBoard device profiles, implementation of ThingsBoard device provisioning workflows, enabling credential rotation in device profiles, and potentially integration with secure elements for advanced device security.

Mitigation Strategy: Regularly Audit User and Device Permissions

  • Description:
    1. Schedule Permission Audits in ThingsBoard: Establish a schedule for periodic audits of user and device permissions within ThingsBoard (e.g., monthly or quarterly).
    2. Review User Roles and Assignments in ThingsBoard UI: Regularly review user roles and assignments in the Users section of the ThingsBoard UI. Verify that assigned roles are still appropriate and users only have necessary roles.
    3. Review Device Permissions (Implicit through Roles/Profiles): Examine device profiles and group assignments to understand the effective permissions granted to devices. Ensure device access levels to telemetry, attributes, and RPC commands are appropriate.
    4. Identify and Remove Unnecessary Permissions in ThingsBoard: Identify and remove any unnecessary or excessive permissions granted to users or devices within ThingsBoard's RBAC system. Apply the principle of least privilege by adjusting roles and assignments.
    5. Document Audit Findings: Document the findings of each ThingsBoard permission audit, including any identified issues and remediation actions taken within the ThingsBoard platform.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Privilege Creep (Medium Severity): Prevents the gradual accumulation of unnecessary permissions for ThingsBoard users and devices over time.
    • Unauthorized Access (Medium Severity): Identifies and corrects instances of ThingsBoard users or devices having excessive permissions within the platform.
    • Insider Threats (Medium Severity): Reduces the potential impact of insider threats within ThingsBoard by ensuring users have only necessary access.
  • Impact:
    • Privilege Creep: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Unauthorized Access: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Insider Threats: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Likely Not Implemented. Regular permission audits within ThingsBoard are often overlooked in initial deployments.
  • Missing Implementation: Scheduled audit process for ThingsBoard permissions, defined audit procedures for reviewing user and device roles within ThingsBoard, and documentation of audit findings related to ThingsBoard access control.

Mitigation Strategy: Disable Default Accounts and Services

  • Description:
    1. Identify Default Accounts in ThingsBoard: Identify any default administrative or demo accounts that come pre-configured with ThingsBoard (e.g., "tbadmin", "tenant").
    2. Disable or Delete Default Accounts in ThingsBoard UI: Disable or delete these default accounts immediately after ThingsBoard installation through the Users section in the UI. If deletion is not possible, change their passwords to strong, unique passwords and restrict their roles to the minimum necessary.
    3. Disable Unnecessary ThingsBoard Services: Identify and disable any ThingsBoard services or features that are not required for your application. This might involve disabling specific transport protocols (e.g., CoAP server if not used) in ThingsBoard configuration files or UI settings if available.
    4. Review Default Configurations in ThingsBoard: Review default configurations of ThingsBoard components and services in configuration files (e.g., thingsboard.yml, mqtt.conf). Change any default settings that could pose a security risk, such as default ports if customization is supported and necessary.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Exploitation of Default Credentials (High Severity): Prevents attackers from exploiting well-known default ThingsBoard credentials to gain unauthorized access.
    • Reduced Attack Surface (Medium Severity): Minimizes the number of potential entry points for attackers into ThingsBoard by disabling unnecessary services.
  • Impact:
    • Exploitation of Default Credentials: High Risk Reduction
    • Reduced Attack Surface: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Default account passwords might have been changed, but disabling default accounts entirely and disabling unnecessary ThingsBoard services are often missed.
  • Missing Implementation: Disabling default accounts in ThingsBoard UI (if not already done), disabling unnecessary ThingsBoard services by modifying configuration or using UI settings, and reviewing default configurations in ThingsBoard configuration files.

Mitigation Strategy: Encrypt Sensitive Data at Rest

  • Description:
    1. Database Encryption for ThingsBoard Database: Enable database encryption for the underlying ThingsBoard database (e.g., PostgreSQL, Cassandra). This is configured at the database server level, outside of ThingsBoard itself, but is crucial for securing ThingsBoard data at rest. Consult database documentation for specific encryption setup.
    2. Consider ThingsBoard Data Entity Encryption (if available/needed): Explore if ThingsBoard offers features for encrypting specific data entities like attributes or telemetry within the platform itself. If not natively supported, consider application-level encryption before storing data in ThingsBoard.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Data Breaches from Database Compromise (High Severity): Protects sensitive ThingsBoard data if the database is compromised or accessed by unauthorized individuals.
    • Physical Security Breaches (Medium Severity): Mitigates the risk of ThingsBoard data exposure if storage media (hard drives, backups) are physically stolen.
  • Impact:
    • Data Breaches from Database Compromise: High Risk Reduction
    • Physical Security Breaches: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Likely Not Implemented. Database encryption for ThingsBoard is often a post-deployment security enhancement.
  • Missing Implementation: Database encryption configuration for the ThingsBoard database, investigation and implementation of data entity encryption within ThingsBoard if required and feasible.

Mitigation Strategy: Enforce HTTPS for All Communication

  • Description:
    1. Configure TLS/SSL Certificates for ThingsBoard: Obtain and configure TLS/SSL certificates for the ThingsBoard server. This is typically done by configuring the web server (e.g., Nginx, Apache) that sits in front of ThingsBoard or directly within ThingsBoard's server configuration if it handles TLS termination.
    2. Enable HTTPS in ThingsBoard Configuration: Configure ThingsBoard to enforce HTTPS for the UI and API endpoints. This might involve setting properties in thingsboard.yml related to web server configuration or TLS settings.
    3. Redirect HTTP to HTTPS (Web Server Configuration): Configure the web server (e.g., Nginx, Apache) in front of ThingsBoard to automatically redirect all HTTP requests to HTTPS. This ensures all UI and API access is over HTTPS.
    4. Enforce HTTPS for Device Communication (if applicable): If devices communicate with ThingsBoard over HTTP, configure device profiles or device connection settings in ThingsBoard to enforce HTTPS for these connections. For protocols like MQTT, ensure MQTTS (MQTT over TLS) is used.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (High Severity): Prevents attackers from eavesdropping on or manipulating communication between users, devices, and the ThingsBoard server.
    • Data Eavesdropping (High Severity): Protects sensitive data transmitted to and from ThingsBoard over the network from being intercepted.
    • Session Hijacking (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of session hijacking for ThingsBoard UI sessions by encrypting session cookies and preventing their interception.
  • Impact:
    • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: High Risk Reduction
    • Data Eavesdropping: High Risk Reduction
    • Session Hijacking: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. HTTPS might be enabled for the ThingsBoard UI, but full enforcement, redirection, and HTTPS for device communication might be missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Enforcing HTTPS for all ThingsBoard communication channels (UI, APIs, device protocols), HTTP to HTTPS redirection for the web server, and ensuring devices are configured to use HTTPS or secure protocols when interacting with ThingsBoard.

Mitigation Strategy: Implement Input Validation and Sanitization

  • Description:
    1. Utilize ThingsBoard Input Validation Features (if available): Explore if ThingsBoard provides built-in input validation features within rule chains, widgets, or API endpoints. If available, leverage these features to validate data types, formats, and ranges.
    2. Implement Input Validation in Rule Chains: Within ThingsBoard rule chains, use script nodes or filter nodes to validate data received from devices or external systems. Check for expected data types, formats, and ranges before further processing.
    3. Sanitize Inputs in Custom Widgets: If developing custom ThingsBoard widgets, ensure proper input sanitization within the widget code to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Sanitize user-provided inputs before displaying them or using them in widget logic.
    4. Parameterized Queries (Database Level): While not directly in ThingsBoard, ensure parameterized queries are used in any custom database interactions or extensions developed for ThingsBoard to prevent SQL injection.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • SQL Injection (High Severity): Prevents attackers from injecting malicious SQL code if custom database interactions are present in ThingsBoard extensions or integrations.
    • NoSQL Injection (High Severity): Prevents attackers from injecting malicious NoSQL queries if ThingsBoard uses NoSQL database and custom queries are used.
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) (High Severity): Prevents attackers from injecting malicious scripts into ThingsBoard UI through vulnerable custom widgets or input handling.
    • Data Corruption (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of data corruption due to invalid or unexpected input data processed by ThingsBoard.
  • Impact:
    • SQL Injection: High Risk Reduction
    • NoSQL Injection: High Risk Reduction
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): High Risk Reduction
    • Data Corruption: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Basic input validation might be present in some parts of ThingsBoard, but comprehensive validation and sanitization, especially in custom widgets and rule chains, are likely missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Systematic input validation within ThingsBoard rule chains, input sanitization in custom widgets, and ensuring parameterized queries are used in any custom database interactions related to ThingsBoard.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Telemetry Data Handling

  • Description:
    1. Use Secure Communication Protocols in ThingsBoard: Configure device profiles and device connection settings in ThingsBoard to enforce secure protocols like MQTTS, CoAPS, or HTTPS for device communication.
    2. Encrypt Telemetry Payloads (Optional, Rule Chain based): For highly sensitive telemetry data, implement payload encryption within ThingsBoard rule chains. Use script nodes in rule chains to encrypt telemetry data before storage or transmission to external systems. Decryption would also be handled in rule chains if needed.
    3. Telemetry Data Integrity Checks (Rule Chain based): Implement data integrity checks within rule chains. Use script nodes to calculate checksums or digital signatures for telemetry data and verify them upon reception or before further processing.
    4. Secure Storage of Telemetry Data (Database Encryption): Rely on database encryption (as described earlier) to protect telemetry data stored in the ThingsBoard database at rest.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Telemetry Data Eavesdropping (High Severity): Prevents attackers from intercepting and reading sensitive telemetry data transmitted to ThingsBoard.
    • Telemetry Data Manipulation (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of attackers tampering with telemetry data during transmission to ThingsBoard.
    • Data Integrity Issues (Medium Severity): Ensures the reliability and trustworthiness of telemetry data processed and stored by ThingsBoard.
  • Impact:
    • Telemetry Data Eavesdropping: High Risk Reduction
    • Telemetry Data Manipulation: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Data Integrity Issues: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Secure communication protocols might be used for some devices connecting to ThingsBoard, but payload encryption and data integrity checks within rule chains are likely missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Enforcing secure communication protocols for all devices connecting to ThingsBoard, implementing telemetry payload encryption within ThingsBoard rule chains (if needed), and adding data integrity checks in rule chains.

Mitigation Strategy: Implement Data Retention and Purging Policies

  • Description:
    1. Define Retention Policies for ThingsBoard Data: Establish clear data retention policies for telemetry data, events, alarms, and other data stored in ThingsBoard. Define retention periods based on business needs and compliance requirements.
    2. Utilize ThingsBoard Data Purging Features: Explore and utilize ThingsBoard's built-in data purging features. ThingsBoard may offer options to purge old telemetry data, events, or alarms based on time ranges or data volume. Configure these features according to defined retention policies.
    3. Custom Data Purging Scripts (if needed): If ThingsBoard's built-in features are insufficient, develop custom scripts or rule chains to implement more complex data purging logic. These scripts can be scheduled to run periodically to purge or archive old data from the ThingsBoard database.
    4. Secure Data Archiving (if applicable): If data is archived from ThingsBoard instead of purged, ensure archived data is stored securely and access is restricted. Consider encrypting archived data and storing it in a separate secure location.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Data Breaches due to Excessive Data Retention (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of data breaches by minimizing the amount of sensitive data stored long-term in ThingsBoard.
    • Compliance Violations (Medium Severity): Helps comply with data privacy regulations that mandate data minimization and limited retention periods for data stored in ThingsBoard.
    • Storage Capacity Issues (Low Severity): Prevents storage capacity issues in the ThingsBoard database by regularly purging old data.
  • Impact:
    • Data Breaches due to Excessive Data Retention: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Compliance Violations: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Storage Capacity Issues: Low Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Likely Not Implemented. Data retention policies and purging mechanisms within ThingsBoard are often addressed later in the project lifecycle.
  • Missing Implementation: Defined data retention policies for ThingsBoard data, configuration of ThingsBoard's built-in data purging features, development of custom data purging scripts or rule chains if needed, and secure data archiving procedures for ThingsBoard data.

Mitigation Strategy: Protect API Keys and Access Tokens

  • Description:
    1. Secure Storage of ThingsBoard API Keys: Store ThingsBoard API keys securely. Avoid storing them in plain text in configuration files or code repositories. Use environment variables, secure vaults, or dedicated secret management systems to manage ThingsBoard API keys.
    2. Avoid Hardcoding ThingsBoard API Keys: Never hardcode ThingsBoard API keys directly into application code that interacts with ThingsBoard APIs.
    3. Least Privilege for ThingsBoard API Keys: When creating API keys in ThingsBoard (Security -> API keys), grant them only the necessary permissions and scopes. Restrict their access to specific ThingsBoard resources and actions.
    4. Token Expiration and Rotation (for Access Tokens): For access tokens used to authenticate with ThingsBoard APIs, implement token expiration and rotation policies. Use short-lived access tokens and refresh tokens if supported by the integration method. ThingsBoard access tokens can be configured with expiration times.
    5. Secure Transmission of ThingsBoard API Keys/Tokens: Transmit ThingsBoard API keys and access tokens over secure channels (HTTPS) when interacting with ThingsBoard APIs.
    6. Audit API Key Usage in ThingsBoard: Monitor and audit the usage of ThingsBoard API keys to detect any suspicious or unauthorized activity. ThingsBoard audit logs can be used for this purpose.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Unauthorized API Access (High Severity): Prevents attackers from using compromised ThingsBoard API keys to gain unauthorized access to ThingsBoard APIs and data.
    • Data Breaches via API Exploitation (High Severity): Reduces the risk of data breaches if ThingsBoard API keys are compromised and used to exfiltrate data.
    • Account Takeover via API Keys (Medium Severity): In some cases, compromised ThingsBoard API keys could be used to escalate privileges or take over ThingsBoard accounts.
  • Impact:
    • Unauthorized API Access: High Risk Reduction
    • Data Breaches via API Exploitation: High Risk Reduction
    • Account Takeover via API Keys: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Secure storage might be used for some ThingsBoard API keys, but hardcoding and lack of rotation for access tokens are common issues. Least privilege for API keys might not be fully enforced.
  • Missing Implementation: Secure storage for all ThingsBoard API keys and access tokens, removal of hardcoded keys, implementation of token expiration and rotation for ThingsBoard access tokens, enforcement of least privilege when creating API keys in ThingsBoard, and API key usage auditing using ThingsBoard logs.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure MQTT Broker Configuration

  • Description:
    1. Authentication and Authorization for MQTT in ThingsBoard: If using the built-in ThingsBoard MQTT broker or integrating with an external one, ensure authentication and authorization are enabled for MQTT clients. Configure username/password authentication or certificate-based authentication for devices connecting via MQTT to ThingsBoard.
    2. TLS/SSL Encryption for MQTT in ThingsBoard: Enable TLS/SSL encryption for MQTT connections to ThingsBoard. Configure the MQTT broker (built-in or external) to require encrypted connections (MQTTS).
    3. Access Control Lists (ACLs) for MQTT (if using external broker): If using an external MQTT broker, configure ACLs to restrict MQTT client access to specific topics relevant to ThingsBoard. This might be less relevant for the built-in broker if ThingsBoard manages topic access internally.
    4. Rate Limiting and Throttling for MQTT in ThingsBoard: Configure rate limiting and throttling on the ThingsBoard MQTT broker (built-in or external) to prevent denial-of-service attacks and resource exhaustion from excessive MQTT traffic. ThingsBoard might offer configuration options for MQTT rate limiting.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Unauthorized Access to MQTT Broker (High Severity): Prevents unauthorized MQTT clients from connecting to the ThingsBoard MQTT broker and publishing or subscribing to topics related to ThingsBoard.
    • MQTT Data Eavesdropping (High Severity): Protects MQTT data in transit to ThingsBoard from being intercepted.
    • MQTT Data Manipulation (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of attackers tampering with MQTT messages intended for ThingsBoard.
    • MQTT Broker DoS Attacks (High Severity): Mitigates the risk of denial-of-service attacks against the ThingsBoard MQTT broker.
  • Impact:
    • Unauthorized Access to MQTT Broker: High Risk Reduction
    • MQTT Data Eavesdropping: High Risk Reduction
    • MQTT Data Manipulation: Medium Risk Reduction
    • MQTT Broker DoS Attacks: High Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Basic authentication and TLS might be enabled for MQTT in ThingsBoard, but fine-grained authorization (ACLs if external broker), and rate limiting/throttling might be missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Fine-grained MQTT authorization (ACLs if using external broker), configuration of rate limiting/throttling for MQTT in ThingsBoard, and potentially more robust authentication methods for MQTT clients connecting to ThingsBoard.

Mitigation Strategy: Rate Limiting and Throttling

  • Description:
    1. API Rate Limiting in ThingsBoard: Configure rate limiting for ThingsBoard API endpoints. ThingsBoard provides options in Platform Settings -> Security Settings or configuration files to set limits on the number of API requests from a single IP address or user within a given time period. Configure these settings to prevent API abuse and DoS attacks.
    2. Device Connection Throttling in ThingsBoard: Implement throttling mechanisms to limit the rate at which devices can connect to ThingsBoard or send telemetry data. This can be configured in device profiles within ThingsBoard. Device profiles might offer settings to control telemetry upload frequency or connection rates.
    3. Rule Engine Rate Limiting (Rule Chain based): Within ThingsBoard rule chains, implement rate limiting logic using script nodes or dedicated rate limiting nodes (if available in extensions). This can prevent rule chains from being overwhelmed by excessive events or data.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks (High Severity): Prevents attackers from overwhelming the ThingsBoard server or MQTT broker with excessive requests or connections.
    • Brute-Force Attacks (Medium Severity): Slows down brute-force attacks against ThingsBoard login forms or API endpoints.
    • Resource Exhaustion (Medium Severity): Protects ThingsBoard system resources from being exhausted by excessive traffic or processing load.
  • Impact:
    • Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks: High Risk Reduction
    • Brute-Force Attacks: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Resource Exhaustion: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Basic API rate limiting might be configured in ThingsBoard, but device connection throttling and rule engine-based rate limiting are likely missing.
  • Missing Implementation: Comprehensive API rate limiting configuration in ThingsBoard Security Settings, device connection throttling configuration in device profiles, and implementation of rate limiting logic within ThingsBoard rule chains.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Widget Development and Usage

  • Description:
    1. Secure Coding Practices for ThingsBoard Widgets: If developing custom ThingsBoard widgets, strictly adhere to secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Sanitize all user inputs and properly encode outputs within widget code.
    2. Input Validation in ThingsBoard Widgets: Implement input validation within custom ThingsBoard widgets to ensure data processed by widgets is valid and prevent malicious data injection.
    3. Output Encoding in ThingsBoard Widgets: Encode outputs in custom ThingsBoard widgets before displaying them in the UI. Use appropriate encoding methods (e.g., HTML encoding, JavaScript encoding) to prevent XSS attacks.
    4. Widget Security Reviews for ThingsBoard: Conduct security reviews of custom ThingsBoard widgets before deploying them to production dashboards. Identify and fix potential vulnerabilities like XSS or insecure data handling.
    5. Trusted Widget Sources for ThingsBoard: Only use ThingsBoard widgets from trusted and verified sources. Avoid using widgets from unknown or untrusted developers or repositories.
    6. Widget Permissions in ThingsBoard (Dashboard Level): Control widget permissions at the ThingsBoard dashboard level. Restrict access to dashboards containing sensitive widgets to authorized users based on roles.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via Widgets (High Severity): Prevents attackers from injecting malicious scripts through vulnerable ThingsBoard widgets, compromising other users' sessions.
    • Widget-Based Data Breaches (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of data breaches caused by vulnerabilities in custom ThingsBoard widgets that might expose sensitive data.
    • Widget-Based DoS Attacks (Medium Severity): Prevents attackers from using malicious ThingsBoard widgets to cause denial-of-service within the ThingsBoard UI or backend.
  • Impact:
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via Widgets: High Risk Reduction
    • Widget-Based Data Breaches: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Widget-Based DoS Attacks: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Secure coding practices might be followed by some widget developers, but systematic widget security reviews and a policy for trusted widget sources for ThingsBoard are likely missing. Widget permissions are often basic dashboard-level access control.
  • Missing Implementation: Secure coding guidelines specifically for ThingsBoard widget development, a formal widget security review process for ThingsBoard, a policy for using only trusted widget sources within ThingsBoard deployments, and potentially more granular widget-level permissions within ThingsBoard dashboards.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Rule Engine Configuration

  • Description:
    1. Rule Chain Validation in ThingsBoard: Implement thorough validation and testing for ThingsBoard rule chains before deploying them to production. Ensure rule chains are logically sound, perform as expected, and do not introduce security vulnerabilities or resource exhaustion.
    2. Resource Limits in ThingsBoard Rules: Configure resource limits within ThingsBoard rule chains to prevent resource exhaustion or denial-of-service attacks caused by poorly designed or malicious rules. This might involve setting limits on script execution time, memory usage, or message processing rates within rule chain nodes.
    3. Input Validation in ThingsBoard Rules: Validate inputs within ThingsBoard rule chains to prevent processing of malicious or unexpected data. Use script nodes or filter nodes to validate data at various stages of rule chain processing.
    4. Output Sanitization in ThingsBoard Rules: Sanitize outputs from ThingsBoard rule chains before sending them to external systems or displaying them in the UI. Use script nodes to sanitize data before external API calls or UI updates.
    5. Rule Chain Auditing in ThingsBoard: Implement auditing to track changes to ThingsBoard rule chains and monitor their execution for suspicious activity or errors. ThingsBoard audit logs can be used to track rule chain modifications and execution events.
    6. Least Privilege for Rule Execution in ThingsBoard: Ensure ThingsBoard rule chains execute with the least necessary privileges. Avoid granting excessive permissions to rule chains that are not required for their intended functionality. Review the permissions required by custom rule chain nodes or integrations.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Rule Engine-Based DoS Attacks (High Severity): Prevents attackers from creating or modifying ThingsBoard rules that cause denial-of-service by consuming excessive resources.
    • Rule Engine-Based Data Breaches (Medium Severity): Reduces the risk of data breaches caused by vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in ThingsBoard rule chains that might unintentionally expose sensitive data.
    • Unauthorized Actions via Rule Engine (Medium Severity): Prevents attackers from using the ThingsBoard rule engine to perform unauthorized actions, such as modifying device attributes or sending malicious commands.
  • Impact:
    • Rule Engine-Based DoS Attacks: High Risk Reduction
    • Rule Engine-Based Data Breaches: Medium Risk Reduction
    • Unauthorized Actions via Rule Engine: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. Basic rule chain validation might be performed, but resource limits within ThingsBoard rules, input validation, output sanitization, and rule chain auditing are likely missing. Least privilege for rule execution is often not explicitly considered.
  • Missing Implementation: Formal rule chain validation process for ThingsBoard, configuration of resource limits within ThingsBoard rule chain nodes, systematic input validation and output sanitization within rule chains, rule chain auditing using ThingsBoard logs, and explicit consideration of least privilege when designing and deploying rule chains in ThingsBoard.

Mitigation Strategy: Regularly Update ThingsBoard and Dependencies

  • Description:
    1. Establish ThingsBoard Update Schedule: Establish a regular schedule for updating ThingsBoard itself and its dependencies (e.g., monthly or quarterly).
    2. Subscribe to ThingsBoard Security Advisories: Subscribe to the official ThingsBoard security advisories and mailing lists to receive timely notifications about security vulnerabilities and available updates for the platform.
    3. Test ThingsBoard Updates in Staging Environment: Before applying updates to the production ThingsBoard environment, thoroughly test them in a dedicated staging or test environment. This ensures compatibility with existing configurations, widgets, rule chains, and integrations, and verifies stability.
    4. Apply ThingsBoard Security Updates Promptly: Apply security updates and patches for ThingsBoard promptly after testing and verification in the staging environment. Prioritize security updates over feature updates to minimize the window of vulnerability.
    5. Dependency Management for ThingsBoard: Keep track of ThingsBoard's dependencies (Java, database, message queue, etc.) and update them regularly as well. Follow ThingsBoard's recommendations for compatible dependency versions and update them according to the established schedule.
  • List of Threats Mitigated:
    • Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities (High Severity): Prevents attackers from exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities in the ThingsBoard platform or its dependencies that are addressed by updates.
    • Zero-Day Exploits (Medium Severity): While updates cannot directly prevent zero-day exploits, keeping ThingsBoard updated reduces the overall attack surface and ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched, improving the overall security posture against various threats, including potential zero-days.
  • Impact:
    • Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities: High Risk Reduction
    • Zero-Day Exploits: Medium Risk Reduction
  • Currently Implemented: Partially Implemented. ThingsBoard updates might be applied occasionally, but a regular update schedule, dedicated staging environment for testing updates, and proactive dependency management are likely missing. Prompt application of security updates might not be consistently followed.
  • Missing Implementation: Establishment of a regular ThingsBoard update schedule, creation and maintenance of a staging environment for testing ThingsBoard updates, implementation of a dependency management process for ThingsBoard and its components, and consistent and prompt application of security updates for ThingsBoard and its dependencies.