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attack-surface.md

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Attack Surface Analysis for pyros2097/rust-embed

Attack Surface: Sensitive Data Exposure

  • Description: Extraction of confidential information embedded within the application binary.
  • rust-embed Contribution: rust-embed directly embeds files into the binary, making their contents accessible to anyone with a copy of the executable. This is the core mechanism of the attack.
  • Example: An attacker uses a disassembler to examine the binary and finds an embedded configuration file containing a hardcoded database password or API key.
  • Impact: Loss of confidentiality, unauthorized access to systems or data, potential for further attacks.
  • Risk Severity: Critical
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Never Embed Secrets: Absolutely do not embed any sensitive data (API keys, passwords, cryptographic keys, etc.) directly in the binary using rust-embed.
    • Use Secure Configuration: Load sensitive data at runtime from secure sources:
      • Environment variables.
      • Secure configuration files (not embedded, and properly protected with file system permissions).
      • Dedicated secret management services (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Azure Key Vault, Google Cloud Secret Manager).
    • Obfuscation (Limited): String obfuscation before embedding can slightly increase the effort for attackers, but it's not a strong defense.

Attack Surface: Supply Chain Attack (Pre-Compilation File Tampering)

  • Description: An attacker modifies files before they are embedded by rust-embed, injecting malicious code or data into the final binary. The critical aspect here is the embedding of the compromised file.
  • rust-embed Contribution: rust-embed is the direct mechanism by which the attacker's tampered files are incorporated into the application. Without rust-embed (or a similar embedding tool), the attacker would need to find another way to inject their payload. The attack leverages rust-embed's core functionality.
  • Example: An attacker gains access to the source code repository and modifies a JavaScript file that is specifically designated for embedding via rust-embed. The modified file contains malicious code that is executed when the application runs, and this execution is directly facilitated by the file being embedded.
  • Impact: Code execution, data breaches, complete system compromise (depending on the nature of the tampered files).
  • Risk Severity: High
  • Mitigation Strategies:
    • Secure Source Code Repository: Implement strong access controls, multi-factor authentication, code reviews, and branch protection for your source code repository. This is crucial to prevent the initial tampering.
    • Secure Build System: Protect your CI/CD pipeline from unauthorized access and modification. This prevents tampering during the build process.
    • Code Signing: Digitally sign the compiled binary to detect tampering after the build process (and after rust-embed has done its work).
    • Reproducible Builds: Strive for reproducible builds to make it easier to detect unauthorized changes. This helps verify that the build process hasn't been compromised.
    • Software Composition Analysis (SCA): While more focused on dependencies, SCA can sometimes help identify issues in build tools or scripts.
    • Input Validation of Embedded Resources (Post-Retrieval): Even though the resource is embedded, if it's used as input (e.g., a configuration file), validate it after retrieving it from rust-embed. This adds a layer of defense even if the embedded file was tampered with. This is a defense-in-depth strategy.