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attack-surface.md

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Attack Surface Analysis for dani-garcia/vaultwarden

Attack Surface: Brute-force attacks on login

  • Description: Attackers attempt to guess user credentials by repeatedly trying different usernames and passwords against the Vaultwarden login form.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vaultwarden's authentication mechanism is the direct target. The sensitivity of stored password data amplifies the risk.
    • Example: An attacker uses automated tools to repeatedly submit login requests with different password combinations to a Vaultwarden instance.
    • Impact: Unauthorized access to user accounts and their password vaults, leading to data breaches and potential compromise of other online accounts.
    • Risk Severity: High
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Implement strong password policies and enforce complexity requirements.
      • Enable and properly configure Vaultwarden's built-in rate limiting and account lockout features.
      • Consider deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to further enhance brute-force protection.
      • Mandatory enforcement of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all users.

Attack Surface: Password Reset Vulnerabilities

  • Description: Flaws in Vaultwarden's password reset process can be exploited to gain unauthorized account access without knowing the original password.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vaultwarden's password reset functionality itself is the attack vector if not implemented securely.
    • Example: An attacker exploits a vulnerability in Vaultwarden's password reset token generation, making tokens predictable and reusable. Or, an attacker finds a flaw allowing password reset without proper email verification.
    • Impact: Account takeover and unauthorized access to password vaults.
    • Risk Severity: High
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Ensure Vaultwarden uses strong, unpredictable, and time-limited password reset tokens.
      • Implement robust email verification within the password reset workflow in Vaultwarden.
      • Consider CAPTCHA integration in Vaultwarden's password reset form to deter automated attacks.
      • Regularly audit and test the password reset process for potential vulnerabilities specific to Vaultwarden's implementation.

Attack Surface: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Bypass

  • Description: Circumventing Vaultwarden's 2FA mechanisms allows attackers to gain access even when users have enabled this security layer.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vulnerabilities in Vaultwarden's 2FA implementation or weaknesses in how it integrates with supported 2FA methods are direct points of failure.
    • Example: An attacker discovers a session fixation vulnerability within Vaultwarden that allows bypassing the 2FA check after obtaining a valid session ID. Or, a flaw in Vaultwarden's TOTP handling is exploited.
    • Impact: Bypassing a critical security control, leading to unauthorized access to user accounts and password vaults.
    • Risk Severity: High
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Thoroughly test and audit Vaultwarden's 2FA implementation for any bypass vulnerabilities.
      • Encourage users to utilize stronger 2FA methods supported by Vaultwarden like WebAuthn or U2F, if available, over less secure options.
      • Ensure secure session management within Vaultwarden to prevent session fixation and related attacks.
      • Keep Vaultwarden updated to benefit from any 2FA security patches.

Attack Surface: Database Vulnerabilities

  • Description: Weaknesses in the database system used by Vaultwarden can be exploited to directly access or manipulate the stored encrypted password vaults.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vaultwarden's architecture relies on a database to persist sensitive data. Vulnerabilities in how Vaultwarden interacts with or configures the database are relevant.
    • Example: Although less likely in Vaultwarden's core code, potential SQL injection vulnerabilities in custom extensions or integrations interacting with Vaultwarden's database. Or, misconfiguration of database access permissions within Vaultwarden's deployment.
    • Impact: Exposure of encrypted password vaults, potential data manipulation or deletion, and complete compromise of the Vaultwarden instance.
    • Risk Severity: Critical
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Adhere to database security best practices when deploying Vaultwarden, including strong access controls and minimal privileges.
      • Ensure the database software (SQLite, MySQL/MariaDB) is kept up-to-date with security patches in the Vaultwarden deployment environment.
      • Minimize external network access to the database server hosting Vaultwarden's data.

Attack Surface: Encryption Key Management Weaknesses

  • Description: Insecure generation, storage, or management of encryption keys within Vaultwarden can compromise the confidentiality of the encrypted password vaults.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vaultwarden's core security relies on strong encryption. Flaws in its key management are direct vulnerabilities.
    • Example: Vaultwarden using a weak or outdated key derivation function, making brute-forcing encryption keys feasible if the database is compromised. Or, insecure storage of encryption keys within the Vaultwarden server environment.
    • Impact: Compromise of encryption keys renders the encryption ineffective, allowing attackers to decrypt and access all stored passwords.
    • Risk Severity: Critical
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Ensure Vaultwarden utilizes strong and well-vetted encryption algorithms and key derivation functions as designed.
      • Verify secure storage of encryption keys within the Vaultwarden deployment, limiting access to only necessary processes and users.
      • Regularly review and audit Vaultwarden's key management practices and configurations.

Attack Surface: API Endpoint Vulnerabilities

  • Description: Flaws in the API endpoints exposed by Vaultwarden can be exploited to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to functionality and sensitive password data.
    • Vaultwarden Contribution: Vaultwarden's API is the interface for client applications. Vulnerabilities in these API endpoints are direct attack vectors against Vaultwarden.
    • Example: An attacker exploits an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability in Vaultwarden's API to access password vaults of other users. Or, an API endpoint lacks proper authentication, allowing unauthorized data extraction.
    • Impact: Unauthorized access to password vaults, data manipulation, potential privilege escalation, and compromise of user accounts.
    • Risk Severity: High
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Implement robust input validation and output encoding for all Vaultwarden API endpoints.
      • Enforce strict authentication and authorization controls for all API requests within Vaultwarden.
      • Conduct regular security testing and penetration testing specifically targeting Vaultwarden's API endpoints.
      • Implement rate limiting on sensitive API endpoints within Vaultwarden to prevent abuse and denial-of-service attempts.
      • Adhere to API security best practices (e.g., OWASP API Security Top 10) during Vaultwarden deployment and configuration.