Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
302 lines (254 loc) · 17.1 KB

sec-design.md

File metadata and controls

302 lines (254 loc) · 17.1 KB

BUSINESS POSTURE

This project, represented by the GitHub repository 'swift-on-ios', appears to be a demonstration or template project showcasing Swift development for iOS applications. Assuming this is an example project, its primary business goal is likely educational or demonstrative, aiming to provide a starting point or reference for developers learning or using Swift for iOS development.

Business Priorities and Goals:

  • Provide a clear and functional example of Swift code for iOS development.
  • Demonstrate best practices in iOS development using Swift.
  • Offer a reusable template or starting point for new iOS projects.
  • Potentially showcase specific iOS features or libraries.

Business Risks:

  • Lack of adoption or interest from the developer community if the example is not relevant or well-executed.
  • Misinterpretation or misuse of the example code leading to insecure or poorly designed applications if security aspects are not properly addressed or highlighted.
  • Outdatedness of the example code if not maintained with the latest Swift and iOS updates, reducing its educational value.
  • Potential security vulnerabilities in the example code itself, which could be copied and pasted into real applications, leading to security issues.

SECURITY POSTURE

Existing Security Controls:

  • security control: iOS platform security features (sandboxing, code signing, app store review). Implemented by: iOS operating system and Apple App Store.
  • security control: Swift language safety features (memory safety, type safety). Implemented by: Swift compiler and language design.
  • security control: Secure coding practices by developers (input validation, secure data handling). Implemented by: Developers following secure coding guidelines.
  • security control: Static code analysis tools (linters, SAST) can be integrated into development workflow. Implemented by: Developer tooling and CI/CD pipelines (if used).

Accepted Risks:

  • accepted risk: Vulnerabilities in third-party libraries if used and not regularly updated.
  • accepted risk: Developer errors leading to security vulnerabilities in the application code.
  • accepted risk: Reverse engineering of the application code, common for mobile applications.
  • accepted risk: Data breaches if sensitive data is stored insecurely on the device or during transmission.

Recommended Security Controls:

  • security control: Implement automated static application security testing (SAST) in the CI/CD pipeline to identify potential vulnerabilities in the code.
  • security control: Conduct regular dependency scanning to identify and update vulnerable third-party libraries.
  • security control: Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) techniques to detect and prevent attacks at runtime (if applicable and necessary for the application's risk profile).
  • security control: Perform penetration testing or security audits to identify vulnerabilities before release.

Security Requirements:

  • Authentication:
    • requirement: If the application interacts with backend services, implement secure authentication mechanisms (e.g., OAuth 2.0, token-based authentication).
    • requirement: Store authentication tokens securely on the device, using Keychain services.
  • Authorization:
    • requirement: Implement proper authorization checks to ensure users can only access data and functionalities they are permitted to.
    • requirement: Follow the principle of least privilege when designing authorization models.
  • Input Validation:
    • requirement: Validate all user inputs to prevent injection attacks (e.g., SQL injection, cross-site scripting if using web views).
    • requirement: Sanitize inputs before processing and displaying them.
  • Cryptography:
    • requirement: Use strong and up-to-date cryptographic algorithms for data encryption and hashing.
    • requirement: Securely manage cryptographic keys, avoiding hardcoding them in the application.
    • requirement: Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.

DESIGN

C4 CONTEXT

flowchart LR
    subgraph "Users"
        A["iOS Users"]
    end
    B("swift-on-ios Project")
    subgraph "External Systems"
        C["Apple App Store"]
        D["Backend Services (Optional)"]
    end
    A -- Uses --> B
    B -- Deployed via --> C
    B -- Interacts with --> D
    style B fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
Loading

Context Diagram Elements:

  • Element:

    • Name: iOS Users
    • Type: Person
    • Description: End-users who will install and use the 'swift-on-ios' application on their iOS devices.
    • Responsibilities: Use the application to achieve their intended goals. Provide input to the application.
    • Security controls: Device passcode/biometrics, user awareness of app permissions.

  • Element:

    • Name: swift-on-ios Project
    • Type: Software System
    • Description: The iOS application developed using Swift, as represented by the GitHub repository. This is the system being designed.
    • Responsibilities: Provide functionalities as designed. Securely handle user data and interactions. Implement security controls.
    • Security controls: Input validation, authorization, secure data storage, secure communication (if applicable), code signing, adherence to iOS security guidelines.

  • Element:

    • Name: Apple App Store
    • Type: External System
    • Description: Apple's official platform for distributing iOS applications to users.
    • Responsibilities: Host and distribute the application. Perform app review and security checks before publishing.
    • Security controls: App review process, code signing enforcement, platform security features.

  • Element:

    • Name: Backend Services (Optional)
    • Type: External System
    • Description: Optional backend services that the 'swift-on-ios' application might interact with for data storage, processing, or other functionalities. This is dependent on the specific features of the application.
    • Responsibilities: Provide data and services to the application. Implement backend security controls.
    • Security controls: Authentication and authorization APIs, secure data storage, network security, API security best practices.

C4 CONTAINER

flowchart LR
    subgraph "iOS Device"
        E["iOS Application Container"]
    end
    E -- Uses --> F["Swift Code"]
    E -- Uses --> G["iOS SDK"]
    E -- Stores Data --> H["Local Storage (Keychain, Files)"]
    E -- Communicates with --> D["Backend Services (Optional)"]
    style E fill:#ccf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
Loading

Container Diagram Elements:

  • Element:

    • Name: iOS Application Container
    • Type: Container - Application
    • Description: The running iOS application on a user's device. This container encapsulates all the application's components and resources.
    • Responsibilities: Execute the application logic. Manage user interface. Handle user interactions. Store and retrieve data. Communicate with external systems. Enforce application-level security controls.
    • Security controls: Application sandboxing, input validation within the application, authorization logic, secure data storage within the container, secure communication protocols.

  • Element:

    • Name: Swift Code
    • Type: Container - Code
    • Description: The Swift source code that implements the application's functionalities and logic.
    • Responsibilities: Implement the application's features. Handle data processing and manipulation. Define user interface elements and interactions.
    • Security controls: Secure coding practices, input validation logic within the code, implementation of authorization checks, proper error handling, use of secure libraries and frameworks.

  • Element:

    • Name: iOS SDK
    • Type: Container - Library/Framework
    • Description: Apple's Software Development Kit for iOS, providing APIs and libraries for accessing device features and functionalities.
    • Responsibilities: Provide access to device hardware and software features. Offer pre-built UI components and functionalities. Manage system resources.
    • Security controls: Platform-level security controls provided by iOS, secure APIs, permission management.

  • Element:

    • Name: Local Storage (Keychain, Files)
    • Type: Container - Data Store
    • Description: Local storage mechanisms on the iOS device used to persist application data, including Keychain for secure storage of credentials and file system for other data.
    • Responsibilities: Securely store application data locally on the device. Provide mechanisms for data retrieval and management.
    • Security controls: iOS Keychain encryption, file system permissions, data encryption at rest (if implemented by the application).

  • Element:

    • Name: Backend Services (Optional)
    • Type: Container - External System
    • Description: Optional backend services that the iOS application communicates with over the network.
    • Responsibilities: Provide data and services to the application. Handle backend data storage and processing. Implement backend security controls.
    • Security controls: API authentication and authorization, secure communication protocols (HTTPS), backend data encryption, server-side input validation.

DEPLOYMENT

Deployment Architecture: Apple App Store Distribution

flowchart LR
    subgraph "Developer Environment"
        A["Developer Machine"]
        B["Code Repository (GitHub)"]
        C["CI/CD Pipeline"]
    end
    subgraph "Apple Infrastructure"
        D["Apple App Store Connect"]
        E["TestFlight (Optional)"]
        F["Apple App Store"]
    end
    subgraph "End User Environment"
        G["iOS Devices"]
    end
    A -- Push Code --> B
    B -- Triggers Build --> C
    C -- Builds & Signs App --> D
    D -- Distribute (Test) --> E
    D -- Submit for Review --> F
    F -- Distribute --> G
    style F fill:#efe,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
Loading

Deployment Diagram Elements:

  • Element:

    • Name: Developer Machine
    • Type: Infrastructure - Workstation
    • Description: Developer's local computer used for writing code, building, and testing the application.
    • Responsibilities: Code development, local testing, building application packages.
    • Security controls: Developer workstation security (OS hardening, antivirus), code repository access controls, secure development practices.

  • Element:

    • Name: Code Repository (GitHub)
    • Type: Infrastructure - Code Repository
    • Description: Version control system (GitHub) used to store and manage the application's source code.
    • Responsibilities: Source code version control, collaboration, code history tracking.
    • Security controls: Access control to the repository, branch protection, audit logs, secure communication (HTTPS, SSH).

  • Element:

    • Name: CI/CD Pipeline
    • Type: Infrastructure - Automation Server
    • Description: Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery pipeline (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins) used to automate the build, test, and deployment process.
    • Responsibilities: Automated building, testing, code analysis, signing, and deployment of the application.
    • Security controls: Secure pipeline configuration, access control to pipeline resources, secure build environment, secrets management, automated security scans (SAST, dependency scanning).

  • Element:

    • Name: Apple App Store Connect
    • Type: Infrastructure - Distribution Platform
    • Description: Apple's platform for managing and submitting applications to the App Store.
    • Responsibilities: Application management, TestFlight distribution, App Store submission, app metadata management.
    • Security controls: Apple's platform security, access control, secure communication (HTTPS).

  • Element:

    • Name: TestFlight (Optional)
    • Type: Infrastructure - Beta Distribution
    • Description: Apple's beta testing platform for distributing pre-release versions of the application to testers.
    • Responsibilities: Beta testing distribution, feedback collection.
    • Security controls: Apple's platform security, access control, limited distribution.

  • Element:

    • Name: Apple App Store
    • Type: Infrastructure - Public App Store
    • Description: Apple's public marketplace for distributing iOS applications to end-users.
    • Responsibilities: Public distribution of the application, app discovery, updates.
    • Security controls: App review process, code signing enforcement, platform security features.

  • Element:

    • Name: iOS Devices
    • Type: Infrastructure - End User Devices
    • Description: End-users' iPhones and iPads where the application is installed and run.
    • Responsibilities: Run the application, provide user input, store application data.
    • Security controls: Device passcode/biometrics, iOS platform security features, app sandboxing.

BUILD

Build Process Diagram:

flowchart LR
    A["Developer"] --> B["Code Changes"]
    B --> C["Code Repository (GitHub)"]
    C --> D["CI/CD Pipeline (GitHub Actions)"]
    D --> E["Build & Test"]
    E --> F["Static Analysis (SAST, Linters)"]
    F --> G["Dependency Scan"]
    G --> H["Code Signing"]
    H --> I["Build Artifact (IPA)"]
    I --> J["Apple App Store Connect"]
    style I fill:#cdf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
Loading

Build Process Description:

  1. Developer: Developers write and modify Swift code for the iOS application.
  2. Code Changes: Developers commit and push code changes to the code repository.
  3. Code Repository (GitHub): GitHub stores the source code and triggers the CI/CD pipeline upon code changes.
  4. CI/CD Pipeline (GitHub Actions): GitHub Actions is used as the CI/CD pipeline to automate the build process.
  5. Build & Test: The pipeline builds the iOS application using Xcode build tools and runs automated unit and UI tests.
  6. Static Analysis (SAST, Linters): Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools and linters are used to analyze the code for potential security vulnerabilities and code quality issues.
  7. Dependency Scan: The pipeline scans project dependencies to identify known vulnerabilities in third-party libraries.
  8. Code Signing: The application is code-signed with Apple Developer certificates to ensure integrity and authenticity.
  9. Build Artifact (IPA): The build process produces an IPA (iOS App Package) file, which is the distributable package for iOS applications.
  10. Apple App Store Connect: The IPA file is uploaded to Apple App Store Connect for distribution through TestFlight or the App Store.

Build Security Controls:

  • security control: Secure access control to the code repository and CI/CD pipeline.
  • security control: Use of secure build environments and hardened build agents.
  • security control: Implementation of static application security testing (SAST) and linters in the pipeline.
  • security control: Automated dependency scanning to identify and manage vulnerable dependencies.
  • security control: Secure storage and management of code signing certificates and provisioning profiles.
  • security control: Audit logging of build process activities.
  • security control: Code review process before merging code changes to the main branch.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Critical Business Processes:

  • Providing a functional and secure example of Swift iOS development for educational purposes.
  • Maintaining the integrity and security of the example code to prevent misuse in real-world applications.
  • Ensuring the example remains relevant and up-to-date with current iOS development practices.

Data Sensitivity:

  • The example project itself likely does not handle sensitive user data.
  • However, if the example is extended or used as a template for real applications, the data sensitivity will depend on the specific application's functionality.
  • For the example project, the primary data to protect is the source code itself and the integrity of the build artifacts to prevent malicious modifications.

Data to Protect and Sensitivity:

  • Source Code: High sensitivity - Intellectual property, potential vulnerabilities if exposed or modified maliciously.
  • Build Artifacts (IPA): Medium sensitivity - Integrity is important to ensure users download the intended application.
  • Developer Credentials and Signing Certificates: High sensitivity - Critical for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the application.
  • CI/CD Pipeline Configuration: Medium sensitivity - Misconfiguration could lead to security vulnerabilities in the build process.

QUESTIONS & ASSUMPTIONS

Questions:

  • Is this project intended purely as an educational example, or is it meant to be a starting point for a real application?
  • Are there any specific features or functionalities that are considered high priority for this project?
  • Are there any specific compliance requirements or industry standards that this project needs to adhere to?
  • Are there any plans to integrate backend services or handle user data in the future?
  • What is the expected lifespan and maintenance plan for this project?

Assumptions:

  • BUSINESS POSTURE: Assumed to be primarily educational/demonstrative.
  • SECURITY POSTURE: Assumed a standard secure software development lifecycle and deployment model for iOS applications. Assumed no specific sensitive data handling in the example project itself.
  • DESIGN: Assumed a typical iOS application architecture without complex backend integrations for this example. Assumed deployment via Apple App Store as the primary distribution method.