Security Misconfiguration: Overview

With the move to the cloud and reliance on third-party solutions, one important vulnerability often occurs: security misconfiguration.

The impact of security misconfigurations can be disastrous, but with proper precautions and cybersecurity, they can be prevented.

Security misconfiguration represents any error or vulnerability in the setup of any system organizations rely on. There are many types of security misconfigurations, but they all expose your company to the same danger: illegitimate access to sensitive data or services.

How Do Security Misconfigurations Occur?

Security misconfiguration occurs when security related settings are put in place poorly or not implemented at all. For instance, cloud misconfiguration and identity service misconfiguration will always cause security vulnerabilities.

Such misconfigurations can lead to a data breach and depending on the value of the compromised data, it can have a significant impact on your organization.

Types of Security Misconfiguration

Any application or code that should include security measures is susceptible to security misconfiguration. Here are just a few examples.

• Identity access misconfiguration, which provides hackers easy access to applications.
• Application Programming Interface security misconfiguration, which leaves unrestricted endpoints and unprotected files.
• Active Directory misconfiguration, which can expose the administrator and domain credentials.
• Network security misconfiguration by using default configuration of software, improper separation of user/admin privileges, etc.
• Cloud security misconfiguration, which may lead to vulnerabilities because certain settings were not implemented.

Causes of Security Misconfiguration

Security misconfiguration can occur in many ways. Some of the common causes include:

• Failure to remove any unnecessary features
• Using default credentials, default passwords or abandoned user accounts.
• Inadequate access controls
• Directory traversal is a web vulnerability that allows hackers to access files and directories by manipulating input parameters or file paths.
• Poor coding practices
• Disabled antivirus
• Unpatched software.

The Impact of Security Misconfiguration

Security misconfiguration can expose a business to high risks, such as unauthorized access to systems, services, or data, causing significant and often permanent loss for an organization. The risks of security misconfiguration vary depending on the data that is exposed.

When sensitive data is leaked or stolen, the result often involves regulatory fines for failing to meet required security measures, losing customers, damaged reputation, etc.

Exploitable vulnerabilities and any business-critical information gained by a hacker can put your organization at further risk. That is why preventing security misconfiguration is crucial.

According to Wiz, about 20% of all organizations have at least one misconfigured application that can be exploited.

Prevention & Diagnosis

Preventing security misconfiguration requires implementing necessary security protocols, complex access controls, typically with an identity and access management (IAM) framework.

Diagnosing security misconfigurations quickly is key. Also, finding security misconfigurations is just as important as preventing them.

Along with scanning, security testing can provide valuable insights into vulnerabilities. The testing stage is where security misconfigurations discovered can be successfully diagnosed and the risk is 100% preventable.

Some other ways to prevent security misconfigurations:

• Update all default accounts, usernames, and passwords.
• Provide cybersecurity training to all users.
• Encrypt data-at-rest and data-in-transit.
• Strengthen remote access controls.
• Always use a layered security approach with intrusion detection systems, permission zones, firewalls, etc.
• Remove any unused applications or features.
• Regularly monitor web applications for vulnerabilities. Get real-time insights which can provide your organization with the ability to identify misconfigurations before they become security issues.
• Create a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and monitor security settings for apps and programs.

Conclusion

Security misconfiguration vulnerabilities leave organizations exposed to potential attacks which can cause a company to lose money, customers, and reputation. Therefore, finding and fixing such misconfigurations should be one of your top priorities.

For a professional cybersecurity approach, don’t hesitate to reach out to StratusPointIT.