Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
213 lines (187 loc) · 19.3 KB

attack-tree.md

File metadata and controls

213 lines (187 loc) · 19.3 KB

Attack Tree Analysis for mengto/spring

Objective: Compromise the Spring Application by Exploiting Spring Framework Weaknesses

Attack Tree Visualization

Root Goal: Compromise Spring Application
    ├───(OR)─ [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Dependency Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE]
    │   └───(AND)─ Exploit Known Vulnerability (CVE) in Dependency [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── (OR)─ [HIGH-RISK PATH] Remote Code Execution (RCE) via vulnerable library [CRITICAL NODE]
    │
    ├───(OR)─ [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE]
    │   └───(AND)─ Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── (OR)─ [HIGH-RISK PATH] Spring MVC/WebFlux Vulnerabilities (e.g., Parameter Binding, Data Binding, SpEL Injection) [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Spring Expression Language (SpEL) Injection [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Spring Security Vulnerabilities (e.g., Authentication Bypass, Authorization Bypass) [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Authentication Bypass [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Authorization Bypass [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Spring Boot Actuator Vulnerabilities (if exposed) [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Information Disclosure via Actuator Endpoints [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Configuration Manipulation via Actuator Endpoints (if write-enabled and insecure) [CRITICAL NODE]
    │
    ├───(OR)─ [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE]
    │   └───(AND)─ Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Insecure Default Configurations [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Exposed Actuator Endpoints (without proper authentication) [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Weak Security Configurations [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Weak Authentication Mechanisms [CRITICAL NODE]
    │           │   └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Insecure Authorization Rules [CRITICAL NODE]
    │       └─── [HIGH-RISK PATH] Sensitive Data Exposure in Configuration Files [CRITICAL NODE]

Attack Tree Path: 1. Exploit Dependency Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Known Vulnerability (CVE) in Dependency [CRITICAL NODE] -> Remote Code Execution (RCE) via vulnerable library [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting known security vulnerabilities (CVEs) in third-party libraries (dependencies) used by the Spring application.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Exploit Dependency Vulnerabilities: The root category of attacks stemming from vulnerable dependencies.
    • Known Vulnerability (CVE) in Dependency: Focuses on exploiting publicly known vulnerabilities, which are easier to research and exploit.
    • Remote Code Execution (RCE) via vulnerable library: The most severe outcome, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Identify vulnerable dependencies using dependency scanning tools or manual analysis.
    • Research publicly available exploits (CVEs) for the identified vulnerable dependencies.
    • Utilize or adapt existing exploits to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) on the application server.
  • Impact: Full system compromise, data breach, service disruption.
  • Mitigation:
    • Maintain a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to track dependencies.
    • Implement automated dependency scanning in the CI/CD pipeline.
    • Regularly update dependencies to the latest secure versions.
    • Monitor security advisories for used libraries.

Attack Tree Path: 2. Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE] -> Spring MVC/WebFlux Vulnerabilities (e.g., Parameter Binding, Data Binding, SpEL Injection) [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Spring Expression Language (SpEL) Injection [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting vulnerabilities within the Spring MVC or WebFlux frameworks, specifically focusing on Spring Expression Language (SpEL) injection.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities: The root category of attacks targeting flaws in the Spring Framework itself.
    • Identified Spring Vulnerability: Focuses on exploiting specific vulnerabilities once they are identified (either known CVEs or newly discovered).
    • Spring MVC/WebFlux Vulnerabilities: Highlights the vulnerability-prone areas within Spring's web frameworks.
    • Spring Expression Language (SpEL) Injection: A particularly dangerous vulnerability within Spring that allows for code execution through expression manipulation.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Identify potential SpEL injection points in the application (e.g., through user input processed by SpEL expressions).
    • Craft malicious SpEL expressions designed to execute arbitrary code.
    • Inject these expressions through vulnerable input fields or configuration settings.
  • Impact: Remote Code Execution (RCE), full system compromise, data manipulation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Avoid using SpEL where possible, especially with user-controlled input.
    • If SpEL is necessary, sanitize and validate user input rigorously before using it in SpEL expressions.
    • Keep the Spring Framework updated to patch known SpEL injection vulnerabilities.
    • Implement input validation and output encoding.

Attack Tree Path: 3. Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE] -> Spring Security Vulnerabilities (e.g., Authentication Bypass, Authorization Bypass) [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Authentication Bypass [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting flaws in Spring Security configurations or framework vulnerabilities to bypass authentication mechanisms.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Spring Security Vulnerabilities: Focuses on vulnerabilities related to authentication and authorization within Spring Security.
    • Authentication Bypass: The critical outcome of circumventing authentication, granting full access without proper credentials.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Analyze Spring Security configurations for weaknesses or misconfigurations.
    • Identify potential vulnerabilities in custom authentication logic or framework flaws.
    • Craft requests or manipulate authentication parameters to bypass the authentication process.
  • Impact: Full unauthorized access to the application, data breach, privilege escalation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Follow Spring Security best practices and secure configuration guidelines.
    • Implement robust and multi-factor authentication where appropriate.
    • Regularly review and audit Spring Security configurations.
    • Perform penetration testing to identify authentication bypass vulnerabilities.

Attack Tree Path: 4. Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE] -> Spring Security Vulnerabilities (e.g., Authentication Bypass, Authorization Bypass) [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Authorization Bypass [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting flaws in Spring Security configurations or framework vulnerabilities to bypass authorization checks and access unauthorized resources.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Spring Security Vulnerabilities: Focuses on vulnerabilities related to authorization within Spring Security.
    • Authorization Bypass: The critical outcome of circumventing authorization, allowing access to resources that should be restricted.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Analyze Spring Security configurations for weaknesses in authorization rules.
    • Identify potential vulnerabilities in custom authorization logic or framework flaws.
    • Craft requests or manipulate parameters to access resources or functionalities without proper authorization.
  • Impact: Unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionalities, data breach, privilege escalation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Implement the principle of least privilege in authorization rules.
    • Use role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC) effectively.
    • Regularly review and audit Spring Security authorization configurations.
    • Perform penetration testing to identify authorization bypass vulnerabilities.

Attack Tree Path: 5. Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE] -> Spring Boot Actuator Vulnerabilities (if exposed) [CRITICAL NODE] -> Information Disclosure via Actuator Endpoints [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting misconfigured and exposed Spring Boot Actuator endpoints to gain sensitive information about the application.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Spring Boot Actuator Vulnerabilities (if exposed): Highlights the risks associated with improperly secured Actuator endpoints.
    • Information Disclosure via Actuator Endpoints: The direct outcome of accessing exposed endpoints and retrieving sensitive data.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Discover exposed Actuator endpoints (often through common paths like /actuator).
    • Access these endpoints without authentication.
    • Retrieve sensitive information such as configuration details, environment variables, metrics, and health information.
  • Impact: Sensitive information disclosure, which can be used for further attacks, reconnaissance, and potential credential compromise.
  • Mitigation:
    • Secure Spring Boot Actuator endpoints properly.
    • Disable Actuator endpoints in production if not needed.
    • Implement strong authentication and authorization for Actuator endpoints if they are required in production.
    • Restrict access to Actuator endpoints to authorized users/networks.

Attack Tree Path: 6. Exploit Spring Framework Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Identified Spring Vulnerability [CRITICAL NODE] -> Spring Boot Actuator Vulnerabilities (if exposed) [CRITICAL NODE] -> Configuration Manipulation via Actuator Endpoints (if write-enabled and insecure) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting misconfigured and exposed Spring Boot Actuator endpoints that are write-enabled to manipulate application configuration.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Spring Boot Actuator Vulnerabilities (if exposed): Highlights the risks of exposed Actuator endpoints, especially when write operations are enabled.
    • Configuration Manipulation via Actuator Endpoints: The direct outcome of using write-enabled endpoints to alter the application's configuration.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Discover exposed and write-enabled Actuator endpoints.
    • Access these endpoints without authentication.
    • Utilize write operations on these endpoints to modify application configuration settings.
  • Impact: Service disruption, creation of backdoors, privilege escalation, data manipulation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Never enable write operations on Actuator endpoints in production unless absolutely necessary and extremely well-secured.
    • Secure Spring Boot Actuator endpoints properly, even more critically if write operations are enabled.
    • Implement strong authentication and authorization for write-enabled Actuator endpoints.
    • Monitor and audit configuration changes made through Actuator endpoints.

Attack Tree Path: 7. Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE] -> Insecure Default Configurations [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting vulnerabilities arising from relying on insecure default configurations in Spring applications.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Exploit Configuration Vulnerabilities: The root category of attacks stemming from misconfigurations.
    • Exploit Misconfiguration: Focuses on exploiting various types of misconfigurations.
    • Insecure Default Configurations: Highlights the risk of using default settings that are not hardened for production environments.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Identify default configurations used by the Spring application.
    • Determine if these default configurations are insecure or have known vulnerabilities.
    • Exploit these insecure defaults to gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
  • Impact: Varies depending on the specific insecure default, can range from information disclosure to authentication bypass.
  • Mitigation:
    • Avoid relying on default configurations in production.
    • Explicitly configure all security-relevant settings.
    • Harden configurations based on security best practices and guidelines.
    • Regularly review and audit application configurations.

Attack Tree Path: 8. Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exposed Actuator Endpoints (without proper authentication) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Reiterates the risk of exposed and unauthenticated Spring Boot Actuator endpoints, now categorized under configuration vulnerabilities.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Exposed Actuator Endpoints (without proper authentication): Emphasizes the misconfiguration of leaving Actuator endpoints accessible without authentication.
  • Attack Steps: (Same as point 5 - Information Disclosure via Actuator Endpoints)
  • Impact: (Same as point 5 - Sensitive information disclosure)
  • Mitigation: (Same as point 5 - Secure Actuator Endpoints)

Attack Tree Path: 9. Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE] -> Weak Security Configurations [CRITICAL NODE] -> Weak Authentication Mechanisms [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting weak or flawed authentication mechanisms implemented in Spring Security configurations.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Weak Security Configurations: A broad category of misconfigurations related to security settings.
    • Weak Authentication Mechanisms: Specifically targets vulnerabilities in how authentication is implemented.
    • Weak Authentication Mechanisms: Examples include using default credentials, weak password policies, or flawed custom authentication logic.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Identify weak authentication mechanisms used by the application.
    • Attempt to brute-force credentials, exploit default credentials, or bypass weak authentication logic.
  • Impact: Full unauthorized access to the application, data breach, privilege escalation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Implement strong authentication mechanisms (e.g., multi-factor authentication).
    • Enforce strong password policies.
    • Avoid using default credentials.
    • Regularly review and test authentication mechanisms.

Attack Tree Path: 10. Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE] -> Weak Security Configurations [CRITICAL NODE] -> Insecure Authorization Rules [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting overly permissive or flawed authorization rules defined in Spring Security configurations.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Insecure Authorization Rules: Specifically targets vulnerabilities in how authorization is implemented.
    • Insecure Authorization Rules: Examples include overly broad role assignments, logic errors in authorization checks, or missing authorization checks.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Analyze authorization rules for weaknesses and overly permissive settings.
    • Attempt to access resources or functionalities that should be restricted based on flawed authorization logic.
  • Impact: Unauthorized access to sensitive data and functionalities, data breach, privilege escalation.
  • Mitigation:
    • Implement the principle of least privilege in authorization rules.
    • Use role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC) effectively.
    • Regularly review and audit authorization rules.
    • Perform access control testing to identify authorization bypass vulnerabilities.

Attack Tree Path: 11. Exploit Spring Configuration Vulnerabilities [CRITICAL NODE] -> Exploit Misconfiguration [CRITICAL NODE] -> Sensitive Data Exposure in Configuration Files [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]:

  • Attack Vector: Exploiting the exposure of sensitive data (like credentials, API keys) that is inadvertently stored in Spring application configuration files.
  • Critical Nodes:
    • Sensitive Data Exposure in Configuration Files: Highlights the risk of storing secrets directly in configuration files.
  • Attack Steps:
    • Gain access to configuration files (e.g., through source code access, misconfigured deployments, or exposed configuration endpoints).
    • Extract sensitive data such as database credentials, API keys, or other secrets from these files.
  • Impact: Credential compromise, API key theft, unauthorized access to external services, data breach.
  • Mitigation:
    • Never store sensitive data directly in configuration files.
    • Externalize sensitive configuration using environment variables, secrets management tools (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager), or secure configuration servers.
    • Implement proper access controls for configuration files and deployment environments.
    • Scan configuration files for accidentally committed secrets.