attack-tree.md

Attack Tree Analysis for adobe/brackets

Objective: Compromise Application via Brackets Integration

Attack Tree Visualization

• Compromise Application via Brackets Integration [CRITICAL NODE - Root Goal]
  • Exploit Brackets Core Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]
    • Identify Known Brackets Vulnerabilities
      • Publicly Disclosed CVEs [CRITICAL NODE - Entry Point]
      • Zero-Day Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact, Low Likelihood]
    • Exploit Vulnerable Dependency [CRITICAL NODE - Exploitation Point]
      • Remote Code Execution (RCE) via Dependency [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]
    • Exploit Brackets-Specific Code Flaws [HIGH RISK PATH]
      • Code Injection Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
      • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in Brackets UI [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
      • Path Traversal Vulnerabilities in File Handling [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
  • Exploit Brackets Extension Ecosystem [HIGH RISK PATH]
    • Malicious Extension Installation [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]
      • Social Engineering [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]
      • Supply Chain Attack [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact, Lower Likelihood but Devastating]
    • Exploit Vulnerable Extension [CRITICAL NODE - Exploitation Point]
      • Remote Code Execution (RCE) via Extension [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]
      • Data Exfiltration via Extension [CRITICAL NODE - Data Breach Outcome]
  • Exploit Brackets File System Access [HIGH RISK PATH]
    • Path Traversal via Brackets File Operations [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
    • File Manipulation via Brackets [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]
      • Malicious File Upload/Overwrite [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]
      • Code Injection via File Modification [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]
  • Exploit Brackets Communication Channels
    • Frontend-Backend Communication Exploits (If Brackets has a backend) [HIGH RISK PATH if Backend Exists]
      • Insecure API Endpoints [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
      • Data Injection in Communication [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]
      • Authentication/Authorization Bypass [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Brackets Core Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Publicly Disclosed CVEs [CRITICAL NODE - Entry Point]:
    • Attackers leverage known vulnerabilities in Brackets core code that have been publicly documented (CVEs).
    • Exploits may be readily available or easily developed based on CVE details.
    • Targets older, unpatched versions of Brackets.
  • Zero-Day Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact, Low Likelihood]:
    • Attackers discover and exploit previously unknown vulnerabilities in Brackets core code.
    • Requires significant reverse engineering and vulnerability research skills.
    • Extremely impactful as no patches or defenses exist initially.
  • Exploit Vulnerable Dependency [CRITICAL NODE - Exploitation Point]:
    • Brackets relies on third-party libraries (dependencies). Attackers target known vulnerabilities in these dependencies.
    • Exploitation depends on how the vulnerable dependency is used within Brackets.
    • Can lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE) if the vulnerability allows it.
  • Remote Code Execution (RCE) via Dependency [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]:
    • Successful exploitation of a dependency vulnerability leading to the attacker's ability to execute arbitrary code on the system running Brackets.
    • Grants full control over the application and potentially the underlying system.
  • Exploit Brackets-Specific Code Flaws [HIGH RISK PATH]:
    • Attackers identify and exploit coding errors or design flaws unique to Brackets' own codebase.
    • Code Injection Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
      • Attackers inject malicious code (e.g., JavaScript, HTML) into Brackets through user-supplied input or data processing flaws.
      • Code is executed within the context of Brackets, potentially leading to RCE or other malicious actions.
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in Brackets UI [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
      • Attackers inject malicious scripts that execute within the Brackets editor's user interface.
      • Can lead to session hijacking, UI manipulation, or further attacks within the Brackets context.
    • Path Traversal Vulnerabilities in File Handling [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
      • Attackers exploit flaws in how Brackets handles file paths to access files and directories outside of the intended scope.
      • Can lead to information disclosure, access to sensitive application files, or even file manipulation.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Brackets Extension Ecosystem [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Malicious Extension Installation [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]:
    • Attackers trick users into installing malicious Brackets extensions.
    • Social Engineering [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]:
      • Attackers use social engineering tactics (phishing, deceptive websites, misleading instructions) to convince users to install a seemingly legitimate but malicious extension.
    • Supply Chain Attack [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact, Lower Likelihood but Devastating]:
      • Attackers compromise the extension supply chain (e.g., extension repository, developer accounts) to inject malicious code into legitimate extensions.
      • Can affect a large number of users who install or update the compromised extension.
  • Exploit Vulnerable Extension [CRITICAL NODE - Exploitation Point]:
    • Attackers target vulnerabilities within legitimate Brackets extensions.
    • Remote Code Execution (RCE) via Extension [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]:
      • Exploiting a vulnerability in an extension to execute arbitrary code within the Brackets environment.
      • Can lead to application compromise or further attacks.
    • Data Exfiltration via Extension [CRITICAL NODE - Data Breach Outcome]:
      • Malicious extensions are designed to steal sensitive data from the application or the user's environment.
      • Can lead to data breaches and loss of confidential information.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Brackets File System Access [HIGH RISK PATH]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Path Traversal via Brackets File Operations [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
    • Similar to path traversal in core Brackets, but specifically targeting file operations exposed through Brackets' file system access features.
    • Allows access to unauthorized files and directories.
  • File Manipulation via Brackets [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]:
    • Attackers abuse Brackets' file manipulation capabilities to compromise the application.
    • Malicious File Upload/Overwrite [CRITICAL NODE - Attack Vector]:
      • Using Brackets' file upload or overwrite features to upload malicious files or replace legitimate application files with malicious ones.
    • Code Injection via File Modification [CRITICAL NODE - High Impact Outcome]:
      • Modifying existing application code files using Brackets' file editing features to inject malicious code directly into the application's codebase.
      • Can create persistent backdoors or directly compromise application functionality.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Brackets Communication Channels - Frontend-Backend (If Backend Exists) [HIGH RISK PATH if Backend Exists]

• Attack Vectors:
  • Insecure API Endpoints [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
    • If Brackets communicates with a backend server, vulnerabilities in the backend APIs can be exploited.
    • Common API vulnerabilities include injection flaws, broken authentication, and insufficient authorization.
  • Data Injection in Communication [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
    • Injecting malicious data into the communication channels between the Brackets frontend and backend.
    • Can lead to backend compromise, data manipulation, or bypassing application logic.
  • Authentication/Authorization Bypass [CRITICAL NODE - Vulnerability Type]:
    • Bypassing authentication or authorization mechanisms in the communication between Brackets and the backend.
    • Allows unauthorized access to backend functionality and data.