attack-tree.md

Attack Tree Analysis for shakacode/react_on_rails

Objective: Exfiltrate Data or Execute Arbitrary Code on Server

Attack Tree Visualization

                                  +-----------------------------------------------------+
                                  | Exfiltrate Data or Execute Arbitrary Code on Server |
                                  +-----------------------------------------------------+
                                                    ^
                                                    |
                                  +-----------------+
                                  |                 |
                  +---------------+---------------+
                  |  Exploit Server  |
                  |  Rendering (SSR) |
                  |  Vulnerabilities |
                  +---------------+---------------+
                            ^ [HIGH RISK]
                            |
            +---------------+---------------+
            |               |               |
    +-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
    |  Node.js    | |  React      |
    |  Vulnerabilities| |  Component  |
    |  in ExecJS  | |  Injection  |
    |  Context    | |             |
    +-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
            | {CRITICAL}      | [HIGH RISK]
    +-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
    |  Outdated   | |  XSS via    |
    |  Node.js    | |  Server-    |
    |  Version    | |  Rendered   |
    | {CRITICAL}  | |  Content    |
    |             | |  {CRITICAL}  |
    +-------+-------+ +-------+-------+
                  +---------------+---------------+
                  |  Exploit       |
                  |  Configuration  |
                  |  Issues         |
                  +---------------+---------------+
                            ^
                            |
            +---------------+
            |               |
    +-------+-------+
    |  Leaked      |
    |  API Keys    |
    |  in Config   |
    |  Files       |
    |  {CRITICAL}  |        +-------+-------+

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Server Rendering (SSR) Vulnerabilities [HIGH RISK]

This entire path is considered high-risk due to the inherent dangers of executing JavaScript on the server, a core feature of SSR.

• Node.js Vulnerabilities in ExecJS Context {CRITICAL}

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting vulnerabilities within the Node.js runtime environment used by ExecJS for server-side rendering.
  • Details:
    • Attackers leverage known vulnerabilities in specific Node.js versions.
    • These vulnerabilities can allow for arbitrary code execution on the server.
    • Often, exploits are publicly available, making this a low-effort attack.
  • Specific Attack:
    • Outdated Node.js Version {CRITICAL}:
      • Description: The application uses an outdated Node.js version with known security vulnerabilities.
      • Impact: Complete server compromise, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, and potentially pivot to other systems.
      • Mitigation: Crucially, keep the Node.js version up-to-date. Use a version manager (nvm, asdf) and regularly check for security updates. Use dependency checkers (npm audit, yarn audit).

• React Component Injection [HIGH RISK]

  • Attack Vector: Injecting malicious code into React components during the server-side rendering process.
  • Details:
    • Attackers manipulate input data to inject malicious JavaScript.
    • If this data is not properly sanitized before being used in SSR, the injected code will execute on the server.
  • Specific Attack:
    • XSS via Server-Rendered Content {CRITICAL}:
      • Description: User-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being passed to React components for server-side rendering, allowing for the injection of malicious JavaScript.
      • Impact: Server-side code execution, leading to potential data exfiltration, server compromise, and further attacks.
      • Mitigation: Strictly sanitize all user-supplied data before it is used in server-side rendering. Use a robust HTML sanitization library (like DOMPurify on the server, if possible, or a Rails-specific sanitization helper). Never trust user input. Consider a Content Security Policy (CSP). Sanitize before data hits the React component on the server.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Configuration Issues

• Specific Attack:
  • Leaked API Keys in Config Files {CRITICAL}:
    • Description: Sensitive API keys or other credentials are hardcoded in react_on_rails configuration files, which are then accidentally exposed (e.g., committed to a public repository).
    • Impact: Direct access to the services protected by those API keys, potentially leading to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
    • Mitigation: Never hardcode sensitive credentials in configuration files. Use environment variables. Use a gem like dotenv-rails in development. In production, use your hosting provider's mechanism for setting environment variables (Heroku config vars, AWS Parameter Store, etc.).