attack-tree.md

Attack Tree Analysis for pinterest/ktlint

Objective: Compromise application codebase or development environment by exploiting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations related to ktlint.

Attack Tree Visualization

Attack Goal: Compromise Application via ktlint [CRITICAL NODE]

└───[OR]─ Exploit ktlint Software Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │   └───[OR]─ Rule Execution Vulnerabilities [HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │       │   └───[AND]─ Exploit Vulnerable ktlint Rule (Built-in or Custom)
    │   │   └───[OR]─ Dependency Vulnerabilities [HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │       │   └───[AND]─ Exploit Vulnerable ktlint Dependency
    │
    └───[OR]─ Exploit ktlint Configuration Issues [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │   └───[OR]─ Misconfigured Rules (Too Permissive) [HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │       │   └───[AND]─ Disable Security-Relevant ktlint Rules
    │   │   └───[OR]─ Insecure Configuration Files [HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │       │   └───[AND]─ Tamper with ktlint Configuration Files
    │   │   └───[OR]─ Untrusted Rule Sets/Plugins [HIGH-RISK PATH]
    │       │   └───[AND]─ Introduce Malicious Custom Rules or Plugins
    │
    └───[OR]─ Exploit ktlint Execution Environment [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]
        │   └───[OR]─ Compromised Development Environment [HIGH-RISK PATH]
        │       │   └───[AND]─ Developer Workstation Compromise [HIGH-RISK PATH]
        │   │   └───[OR]─ CI/CD Pipeline Compromise [HIGH-RISK PATH]
        │       │   └───[AND]─ Compromise CI/CD System

Attack Tree Path: Attack Goal: Compromise Application via ktlint [CRITICAL NODE]

• This is the overarching objective. Success in any of the paths below leads to achieving this goal.
• Impact: Full compromise of application development environment and potentially the application codebase itself.
• Mitigation Focus: Implement comprehensive security measures across all identified high-risk paths.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit ktlint Software Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]

• This path focuses on exploiting inherent weaknesses within the ktlint software itself.
• Attack Vectors:
  • Rule Execution Vulnerabilities [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in the logic of ktlint rules, especially custom rules. Poorly written rules might contain code execution flaws (e.g., command injection, regex injection).
    • Likelihood: Low to Medium (higher for custom rules).
    • Impact: Critical - Arbitrary code execution in the development environment.
    • Mitigation:
      • Secure development practices for custom rules.
      • Thorough code review of custom rules.
      • Regularly update ktlint to patch potential vulnerabilities in built-in rules.
  • Dependency Vulnerabilities [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Description: Exploiting known vulnerabilities in third-party libraries (dependencies) used by ktlint.
    • Likelihood: Medium.
    • Impact: Varies to Critical - Can range from Denial of Service to Remote Code Execution depending on the dependency vulnerability.
    • Mitigation:
      • Regularly scan ktlint's dependencies for known vulnerabilities using tools like dependency-check.
      • Keep ktlint and its dependencies updated to patched versions.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit ktlint Configuration Issues [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]

• This path focuses on exploiting weaknesses arising from insecure or misconfigured ktlint settings.
• Attack Vectors:
  • Misconfigured Rules (Too Permissive) [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Description: Disabling or weakening security-relevant ktlint rules, allowing malicious or insecure code patterns to pass undetected.
    • Likelihood: High.
    • Impact: Moderate - Increased risk of insecure code entering the codebase, potentially leading to runtime vulnerabilities in the application.
    • Mitigation:
      • Regularly review and enforce ktlint rule configurations.
      • Centralize and version control ktlint configurations.
      • Educate developers on the importance of security rules.
  • Insecure Configuration Files [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Description: Tampering with ktlint configuration files (e.g., .editorconfig, ktlint.yml) to disable security rules or inject malicious plugins.
    • Likelihood: Medium to High (depending on access controls).
    • Impact: Moderate to Critical - Weakened security posture, potential for code execution via malicious plugins.
    • Mitigation:
      • Protect ktlint configuration files with appropriate access controls.
      • Store configuration files in version control and monitor for unauthorized changes.
      • Include configuration changes in code review processes.
  • Untrusted Rule Sets/Plugins [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Description: Introducing malicious custom rules or plugins from untrusted sources, leading to code execution during ktlint runs.
    • Likelihood: Medium to High (depending on developer practices).
    • Impact: Critical - Arbitrary code execution in the development environment.
    • Mitigation:
      • Only use ktlint rules and plugins from trusted and reputable sources.
      • Thoroughly code review any custom rules or plugins before deployment.
      • Implement a process for vetting and approving external ktlint components.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit ktlint Execution Environment [CRITICAL NODE, HIGH-RISK PATH]

• This path focuses on compromising the environment where ktlint is executed, using ktlint as a vehicle for further attacks.
• Attack Vectors:
  • Compromised Development Environment [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
    • Developer Workstation Compromise [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
      • Description: Compromising a developer's machine (e.g., via phishing, malware) and then manipulating ktlint execution.
      • Likelihood: Medium to High.
      • Impact: Critical - Full control over developer environment, ability to modify ktlint execution, inject malicious code.
      • Mitigation:
        • Robust endpoint security for developer workstations (anti-malware, patching, strong passwords, MFA).
        • Security awareness training for developers to prevent phishing and malware infections.
    • CI/CD Pipeline Compromise [HIGH-RISK PATH]:
      • Description: Compromising the CI/CD system and modifying the pipeline to execute malicious ktlint or inject code during the ktlint step.
      • Likelihood: Low to Medium.
      • Impact: Critical - Full control over build and deployment process, ability to inject malicious code into application builds.
      • Mitigation:
        • Harden CI/CD systems with strong access controls and secure configurations.
        • Implement secure credential management for CI/CD pipelines.
        • Monitor CI/CD systems for suspicious activity and unauthorized changes.