Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
268 lines (205 loc) · 27.5 KB

sec-design-deep-analysis.md

File metadata and controls

268 lines (205 loc) · 27.5 KB

Deep Security Analysis of Helidon Framework

1. Objective, Scope, and Methodology

Objective: To conduct a thorough security analysis of the Helidon framework, focusing on its key components, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and providing actionable mitigation strategies. This analysis aims to assess the framework's inherent security posture and provide recommendations to developers using Helidon to build secure applications. The key components to be analyzed include:

  • Helidon Web Server (Netty-based and SE): The core component handling HTTP requests and responses.
  • Helidon Security: The framework's built-in security features for authentication, authorization, and auditing.
  • Helidon Config: The configuration management system.
  • Helidon DB Client: The database client for interacting with various databases.
  • Helidon MicroProfile Implementation (MP): The implementation of the MicroProfile specification.
  • Inter-service Communication: How Helidon facilitates communication between microservices.

Scope: This analysis focuses on the Helidon framework itself, as represented by the code in the provided GitHub repository (https://github.com/oracle/helidon) and its official documentation. It does not cover the security of applications built using Helidon, except to provide guidance on secure usage of the framework. The analysis considers the deployment context of Kubernetes, as identified in the design review.

Methodology:

  1. Architecture and Component Inference: Based on the provided security design review, codebase structure (inferred from the GitHub repository), and official Helidon documentation, we will infer the architecture, components, and data flow within the framework.
  2. Component-Specific Threat Modeling: For each key component identified above, we will perform a threat modeling exercise, considering:
    • Data Flow: How data enters, flows through, and exits the component.
    • Trust Boundaries: Where trust levels change (e.g., between the application and external services).
    • Potential Threats: Applying the STRIDE (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege) model to identify potential threats.
    • Existing Controls: Identifying the security controls already in place (as per the security design review).
    • Vulnerability Analysis: Identifying potential weaknesses that could be exploited.
  3. Mitigation Strategy Recommendation: For each identified vulnerability, we will propose specific, actionable mitigation strategies tailored to the Helidon framework and its deployment context. These recommendations will prioritize secure coding practices, configuration best practices, and leveraging Helidon's built-in security features.
  4. Unanswered Questions and Assumptions Validation: We will revisit the questions and assumptions from the initial design review and attempt to answer them or refine the assumptions based on the deeper analysis.

2. Security Implications of Key Components

2.1 Helidon Web Server (Netty-based and SE)

  • Architecture Inference: Helidon offers two web server options: a reactive, Netty-based server (Helidon MP and Helidon Reactive WebServer) and a traditional thread-per-request server (Helidon SE). Both handle incoming HTTP requests, route them to the appropriate handlers, and generate responses. Netty is a highly performant, asynchronous event-driven network application framework.

  • Data Flow: HTTP requests (headers, body, parameters) enter the server. The server parses the request, potentially performs authentication/authorization checks, and routes the request to the appropriate application logic. The application logic generates a response, which the server sends back to the client.

  • Trust Boundaries: The primary trust boundary is between the external network (client) and the Helidon Web Server. Another boundary exists between the web server and the application code.

  • Potential Threats:

    • Denial of Service (DoS): Maliciously crafted requests (e.g., slowloris, large payloads, resource exhaustion attacks) could overwhelm the server, making it unavailable. Netty's asynchronous nature provides some inherent protection, but specific configurations are crucial.
    • HTTP Request Smuggling: Exploiting discrepancies in how the server and any intermediary proxies interpret HTTP requests to bypass security controls.
    • Injection Attacks: If input validation is not properly handled in the application logic or within the server's request parsing, various injection attacks (e.g., cross-site scripting, command injection) are possible.
    • Information Disclosure: Improper error handling or verbose logging could reveal sensitive information about the server or application.
    • Header Manipulation: Attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in how HTTP headers are parsed and handled (e.g., Host header attacks).

  • Existing Controls: Netty's asynchronous architecture, Helidon's input validation guidelines.

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • DoS: Default configurations might not be sufficiently restrictive against all DoS attack vectors.
    • HTTP Request Smuggling: Requires careful configuration and potentially the use of web application firewalls (WAFs) to mitigate.
    • Injection: Relies heavily on proper input validation within the application code using Helidon.
    • Information Disclosure: Default error handling might be too verbose.
    • Header Manipulation: Netty's header parsing needs to be scrutinized for known vulnerabilities.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • DoS:
      • Configure request timeouts: Set appropriate timeouts for connections, requests, and idle connections to prevent slowloris attacks. Use Helidon's server.timeouts() configuration.
      • Limit request sizes: Restrict the maximum size of request headers and bodies to prevent large payload attacks. Use Helidon's server.max-header-size() and server.max-content-length() configurations.
      • Connection limits: Limit the number of concurrent connections from a single IP address or globally. Use Helidon's connection pooling and limiting features.
      • Rate limiting: Implement rate limiting to prevent rapid-fire requests from overwhelming the server. Helidon's RateLimiter component can be used.
    • HTTP Request Smuggling:
      • Use a WAF: Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of the Helidon application to detect and block request smuggling attempts.
      • Ensure consistent HTTP parsing: Configure Helidon and any intermediary proxies (e.g., load balancers) to use consistent HTTP parsing rules.
    • Injection:
      • Strict Input Validation: Enforce rigorous input validation for all data received from clients, using whitelisting where possible. Utilize Helidon's validation features and libraries like Hibernate Validator. This is primarily the responsibility of the application developer, but Helidon should provide clear guidance and examples.
      • Parameterized Queries: When interacting with databases, always use parameterized queries (prepared statements) to prevent SQL injection. Helidon DB Client should be used with parameterized queries.
      • Output Encoding: Encode output appropriately to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Use Helidon's templating engines (if used) with proper context-aware escaping.
    • Information Disclosure:
      • Custom Error Handling: Implement custom error handlers that return generic error messages to clients, avoiding revealing internal details. Use Helidon's error handling mechanisms.
      • Disable Server Headers: Remove or customize server headers (e.g., Server, X-Powered-By) that might reveal information about the server software. Use Helidon's server configuration to remove these headers.
      • Secure Logging: Configure logging to avoid logging sensitive information (e.g., credentials, session tokens). Use Helidon's logging features with appropriate levels and filtering.
    • Header Manipulation:
      • Validate Host Header: Verify the Host header against a whitelist of allowed hostnames to prevent Host header attacks. This can be done within the application logic or using a WAF.
      • Review Netty Security Updates: Stay up-to-date with Netty security advisories and apply patches promptly. Helidon's dependency management should ensure the latest secure version of Netty is used.

2.2 Helidon Security

  • Architecture Inference: Helidon Security provides a comprehensive set of features for authentication, authorization, and auditing. It supports various providers (e.g., HTTP Basic Auth, JWT, OAuth2, OIDC) and integrates with external identity providers.

  • Data Flow: Authentication requests (e.g., with credentials or tokens) are processed by the security component. If authentication is successful, a security context is established. Authorization checks are performed based on the security context and configured policies. Audit logs may be generated for security-relevant events.

  • Trust Boundaries: The trust boundary exists between the application and the Helidon Security component, and between the security component and any external identity providers.

  • Potential Threats:

    • Authentication Bypass: Vulnerabilities in the authentication logic could allow attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access.
    • Authorization Bypass: Flaws in the authorization logic could allow users to access resources they are not permitted to access.
    • Privilege Escalation: Attackers could exploit vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges than they should have.
    • Session Management Issues: Weak session management (e.g., predictable session IDs, lack of proper session expiration) could lead to session hijacking.
    • Token Handling Vulnerabilities: Improper handling of JWTs or other tokens (e.g., weak signing keys, lack of audience/issuer validation) could allow attackers to forge or manipulate tokens.
    • Improper Integration with IdPs: Misconfiguration or vulnerabilities in the integration with external identity providers could compromise security.

  • Existing Controls: Support for standard authentication and authorization protocols (OAuth2, OIDC, JWT), integration with identity providers.

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • Authentication/Authorization Bypass: Requires careful review of the Helidon Security implementation and configuration.
    • Privilege Escalation: Depends on the correct implementation of RBAC/ABAC policies within the application.
    • Session Management: Helidon's default session management needs to be assessed for security.
    • Token Handling: Requires secure configuration and adherence to best practices for JWT/OAuth2/OIDC.
    • IdP Integration: Depends on the security of the chosen IdP and the secure configuration of the integration.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Use Standard Protocols: Leverage Helidon's support for standard protocols like OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect for authentication and authorization, rather than implementing custom solutions.
    • Secure Configuration: Follow Helidon's documentation carefully to configure security providers securely. Pay close attention to:
      • Secret Management: Never hardcode secrets (e.g., client secrets, API keys). Use Helidon Config with secure sources (e.g., environment variables, HashiCorp Vault).
      • Key Management: Use strong cryptographic keys and manage them securely. For JWTs, use strong signing algorithms (e.g., RS256) and protect the private key.
      • Token Validation: Always validate JWTs thoroughly, including signature, expiration, audience, and issuer. Use Helidon's built-in JWT validation features.
      • Scope Management: Define and enforce appropriate scopes for OAuth 2.0/OIDC to limit the access granted to clients.
    • Secure Session Management:
      • Use HTTPS: Always use HTTPS to protect session cookies from being intercepted.
      • Set Secure and HttpOnly Flags: Configure session cookies with the Secure and HttpOnly flags to prevent access from JavaScript and mitigate XSS attacks.
      • Proper Session Expiration: Set appropriate session timeouts and implement proper session invalidation on logout.
      • Session ID Regeneration: Regenerate session IDs after successful authentication to prevent session fixation attacks.
    • Auditing: Enable Helidon's auditing features to log security-relevant events (e.g., authentication successes and failures, authorization decisions). Regularly review audit logs for suspicious activity.
    • Regular Security Reviews: Conduct regular security reviews of the Helidon Security configuration and integration with external identity providers.
    • Stay Updated: Keep Helidon Security and its dependencies up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.

2.3 Helidon Config

  • Architecture Inference: Helidon Config provides a mechanism for managing application configuration from various sources (e.g., configuration files, environment variables, external systems like HashiCorp Vault).

  • Data Flow: Configuration data is loaded from various sources and made available to the application.

  • Trust Boundaries: The trust boundary exists between the configuration sources and the Helidon Config component. If sensitive data (e.g., secrets) is stored in configuration, the security of the configuration source is critical.

  • Potential Threats:

    • Exposure of Secrets: If secrets are stored insecurely (e.g., in plain text in configuration files, in version control), they could be exposed to attackers.
    • Configuration Tampering: Attackers could modify configuration data to alter the behavior of the application or gain unauthorized access.
    • Injection Attacks: If configuration data is used directly in code without proper validation, it could be vulnerable to injection attacks.

  • Existing Controls: Support for various configuration sources, including secure sources like HashiCorp Vault.

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • Exposure of Secrets: Highly dependent on how developers choose to store and manage secrets.
    • Configuration Tampering: Requires secure storage and access control for configuration sources.
    • Injection Attacks: Relies on proper input validation within the application code.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Never Hardcode Secrets: Never store secrets directly in the application code or configuration files.
    • Use Secure Configuration Sources: Use secure configuration sources like:
      • Environment Variables: For non-sensitive configuration data.
      • HashiCorp Vault: For secrets management. Helidon provides integration with Vault.
      • Kubernetes Secrets: For managing secrets in a Kubernetes environment.
    • Encrypt Sensitive Data: Encrypt sensitive configuration data at rest and in transit.
    • Access Control: Restrict access to configuration sources to authorized users and processes.
    • Input Validation: Validate configuration data before using it in the application code, just like any other input.
    • Regular Audits: Regularly audit configuration data and access controls.

2.4 Helidon DB Client

  • Architecture Inference: Helidon DB Client provides a unified API for interacting with various databases (relational and NoSQL). It simplifies database access and promotes best practices.

  • Data Flow: The application uses the DB Client to send queries and commands to the database. The database returns results to the DB Client, which are then processed by the application.

  • Trust Boundaries: The trust boundary is between the application and the DB Client, and between the DB Client and the database.

  • Potential Threats:

    • SQL Injection: If parameterized queries are not used, attackers could inject malicious SQL code into database queries.
    • Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to the database could lead to data breaches.
    • Denial of Service: Attackers could overwhelm the database with requests, making it unavailable.

  • Existing Controls: Encourages the use of parameterized queries.

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • SQL Injection: The primary vulnerability if parameterized queries are not used consistently.
    • Data Breaches: Depends on the security of the database itself and the network configuration.
    • Denial of Service: Depends on the database's capacity and configuration.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Always Use Parameterized Queries: This is the most critical mitigation. Helidon DB Client should always be used with parameterized queries (prepared statements) to prevent SQL injection. The framework should provide clear examples and documentation to enforce this.
    • Database Security Configuration: Follow database-specific security best practices:
      • Least Privilege: Grant database users only the necessary privileges.
      • Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for database users.
      • Network Security: Restrict network access to the database to authorized clients only (e.g., using database firewalls, Kubernetes network policies).
      • Encryption: Encrypt data at rest and in transit.
      • Regular Audits: Regularly audit database activity and security configuration.
    • Connection Pooling: Use connection pooling to manage database connections efficiently and prevent resource exhaustion. Helidon DB Client should provide built-in connection pooling.
    • Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting on database queries to prevent DoS attacks.

2.5 Helidon MicroProfile Implementation (MP)

  • Architecture Inference: Helidon MP is an implementation of the Eclipse MicroProfile specification, which provides a set of APIs for building microservices. This includes features like REST client, fault tolerance, metrics, and health checks.

  • Data Flow: Depends on the specific MicroProfile APIs used. For example, the REST client handles outgoing HTTP requests, while metrics and health checks expose information about the application's state.

  • Trust Boundaries: Vary depending on the specific API. For the REST client, the trust boundary is between the application and the external service being called.

  • Potential Threats:

    • Vulnerabilities in MicroProfile APIs: Any vulnerabilities in the implemented MicroProfile specifications could be exploited.
    • Misconfiguration: Incorrect configuration of MicroProfile features could lead to security issues.
    • Specific threats related to individual APIs: For example, the REST client could be vulnerable to SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery) if not used carefully.

  • Existing Controls: Adherence to the MicroProfile specifications.

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • Vulnerabilities in APIs: Requires ongoing monitoring of security advisories for MicroProfile.
    • Misconfiguration: Depends on the developer's understanding and adherence to best practices.
    • SSRF (REST Client): A potential vulnerability if the REST client is used to make requests to URLs provided by untrusted sources.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Stay Updated: Keep the Helidon MP implementation and its dependencies up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.
    • Follow MicroProfile Best Practices: Adhere to the security best practices outlined in the MicroProfile specifications.
    • Secure Configuration: Configure MicroProfile features securely, paying attention to any security-related settings.
    • SSRF Prevention (REST Client):
      • Whitelist Allowed URLs: If possible, restrict the URLs that the REST client can access to a whitelist of known, trusted services.
      • Input Validation: If the REST client needs to make requests to URLs provided by users, validate those URLs rigorously to prevent SSRF attacks. Avoid using user-provided input directly in URLs.
      • Network Segmentation: Use network segmentation to isolate the Helidon application from internal resources that should not be accessible from the outside.

2.6 Inter-service Communication

  • Architecture Inference: In a microservices architecture, Helidon applications need to communicate with each other. This can be done using various mechanisms, such as REST APIs, gRPC, or messaging systems. Helidon provides support for these communication patterns.

  • Data Flow: Data flows between microservices over the network.

  • Trust Boundaries: The trust boundary exists between each pair of communicating microservices.

  • Potential Threats:

    • Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Attackers could intercept and modify communication between microservices if the communication is not secured.
    • Unauthorized Access: One microservice could gain unauthorized access to another microservice's resources.
    • Data Breaches: Sensitive data transmitted between microservices could be exposed.
    • Replay Attacks: Attackers could capture and replay messages to disrupt the system.

  • Existing Controls: Helidon's support for secure communication protocols (e.g., HTTPS, gRPC with TLS).

  • Vulnerability Analysis:

    • MitM Attacks: The primary vulnerability if secure communication protocols are not used.
    • Unauthorized Access: Requires proper authentication and authorization between microservices.
    • Data Breaches: Depends on the sensitivity of the data and the security of the communication channel.
    • Replay Attacks: Requires mechanisms to prevent message replay (e.g., using nonces or timestamps).

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Mutual TLS (mTLS): Use mutual TLS (mTLS) for all inter-service communication. mTLS provides strong authentication and encryption, ensuring that only authorized microservices can communicate with each other. Helidon should provide easy configuration for mTLS. In a Kubernetes environment, this can be managed by a service mesh like Istio or Linkerd.
    • Service Mesh: Consider using a service mesh (e.g., Istio, Linkerd) to manage inter-service communication security. Service meshes provide features like mTLS, traffic management, and observability.
    • Authentication and Authorization: Implement authentication and authorization between microservices, even if mTLS is used. This provides an additional layer of security. Use Helidon Security with JWTs or other tokens to authenticate and authorize microservice requests.
    • Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data transmitted between microservices, even if the communication channel is already encrypted (e.g., using mTLS). This provides defense-in-depth.
    • Input Validation: Validate all data received from other microservices, just like any other input.
    • Replay Attack Prevention: Implement mechanisms to prevent replay attacks, such as using nonces or timestamps in messages.

3. Revisited Questions and Assumptions

  • Questions:

    • What specific SAST and SCA tools are used in the Helidon build process? This requires access to the Helidon build configuration (e.g., GitHub Actions workflows, Maven pom.xml files) to determine the specific tools used. Common choices include SonarQube, FindBugs, SpotBugs, OWASP Dependency-Check, and Snyk.
    • What is the process for handling security vulnerabilities reported through the vulnerability disclosure program? This information is likely available on Oracle's security website or through their vulnerability disclosure program documentation.
    • Are there any specific compliance requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA) that Helidon applications need to meet? This depends on the specific application and the data it handles. Helidon itself, as a framework, does not inherently guarantee compliance. Developers must ensure their applications meet the relevant requirements.
    • What is the frequency of security reviews and audits? This information is likely internal to Oracle. However, given Oracle's security posture, regular security reviews and audits are expected.
    • Is there a dedicated security team responsible for Helidon? Likely yes, given Oracle's size and focus on security.
    • Are there any plans to implement fuzz testing? This would require investigation into Oracle's development roadmap for Helidon. It is a highly recommended practice.
    • What are the specific mechanisms used for secure communication between microservices (e.g., mutual TLS)? Helidon supports various mechanisms, including HTTPS and gRPC with TLS. Mutual TLS (mTLS) is highly recommended and can be facilitated by Helidon's configuration and integration with service meshes.
    • How are secrets (e.g., API keys, database credentials) managed in Helidon applications? Helidon Config provides integration with secure configuration sources like HashiCorp Vault and Kubernetes Secrets, which are the recommended approaches for managing secrets.

  • Assumptions:

    • BUSINESS POSTURE: Oracle has a low risk appetite and prioritizes security. This assumption remains valid.
    • SECURITY POSTURE: Oracle follows secure coding practices and conducts regular security reviews. The build process includes SAST and SCA. This assumption remains valid, although the specific tools used for SAST and SCA need confirmation.
    • DESIGN: Helidon applications are typically deployed on Kubernetes. The build process uses Maven and GitHub Actions. Microservices communicate securely. This assumption remains valid. The recommendation to use mutual TLS (mTLS) for inter-service communication is reinforced.

4. Conclusion

This deep security analysis of the Helidon framework reveals a generally strong security posture, reflecting Oracle's commitment to security. Helidon provides many built-in security features and encourages secure coding practices. However, like any framework, it is not inherently secure. The security of applications built with Helidon depends heavily on the developers' understanding and implementation of security best practices.

The most critical recommendations for developers using Helidon are:

  1. Strict Input Validation: Validate all input from external sources and other microservices.
  2. Parameterized Queries: Always use parameterized queries when interacting with databases.
  3. Secure Configuration and Secret Management: Never hardcode secrets. Use secure configuration sources like HashiCorp Vault or Kubernetes Secrets.
  4. Mutual TLS (mTLS): Use mTLS for all inter-service communication.
  5. Leverage Helidon Security: Utilize Helidon's built-in security features for authentication, authorization, and auditing.
  6. Stay Updated: Keep Helidon and its dependencies up-to-date to benefit from the latest security patches.
  7. Regular Security Testing: Perform DAST, SCA and Fuzz testing.

By following these recommendations and continuously monitoring for new vulnerabilities, developers can build secure and robust microservices applications using the Helidon framework.