Application Attack Surface

In a cybersecurity context, the application attack surface encompasses all the possible entry points that attackers could exploit to compromise a web application or API. It includes any part of the application that is accessible to external users or systems, such as:

• Web servers and application servers: The underlying infrastructure that hosts the application.

• Source code and libraries: Vulnerabilities in the code or third-party libraries can be exploited.

• Databases and data stores: The application can target sensitive data stored.

• APIs and integrations: Connections with other applications or services can create vulnerabilities.

• User interfaces and forms: Input fields and other user interactions can be exploited.

• Network protocols and ports: Open ports and insecure protocols can be used to gain access.

• Cloud services and infrastructure: Cloud-based components can introduce vulnerabilities.

• Mobile apps and devices: Mobile versions of the application can have unique vulnerabilities.

The larger and more complex the application attack surface, the greater the risk of a successful attack. Therefore, it's crucial to continuously identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities across the entire application attack surface to maintain a strong security posture.

ThreatNG can be valuable in managing and securing the application attack surface by providing comprehensive visibility, assessment, and continuous monitoring capabilities. Here's how ThreatNG addresses the various aspects of the application attack surface:

1. Web Servers and Application Servers:

ThreatNG's external discovery module identifies and maps all internet-facing web servers and application servers, providing visibility into the underlying infrastructure hosting the applications. It analyzes HTTP headers, TLS certificates, and other metadata to identify server software, versions, and potential vulnerabilities. This helps organizations understand the technology stack and assess the risk associated with outdated or vulnerable server software.

2. Source Code and Libraries:

ThreatNG's Sensitive Code Exposure module analyzes public code repositories to identify exposed credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information that attackers could exploit. It also helps identify vulnerable or outdated libraries in the application's codebase. This information allows developers remediate vulnerabilities and improve the security of the application's source code.

3. Databases and Data Stores:

ThreatNG's Cloud and SaaS Exposure module identifies cloud-based databases and data stores, such as Amazon S3 buckets, Azure databases, and Google Cloud Storage, that may be exposed to the internet. It also analyzes the security configurations of these services to identify potential vulnerabilities, such as open access permissions or weak authentication mechanisms. This helps organizations secure their data stores and prevent unauthorized access.

4. APIs and Integrations:

ThreatNG's external discovery and assessment modules identify the application's APIs and integrations, analyzing their security configurations and potential vulnerabilities.

5. User Interfaces and Forms:

ThreatNG's external assessment module analyzes user interfaces and forms for potential vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or SQL injection. It also identifies sensitive information that may be transmitted insecurely, such as passwords or credit card details. This helps organizations improve the security of their user interfaces and prevent attacks that exploit user interactions.

6. Network Protocols and Ports:

ThreatNG's external discovery and assessment modules identify the application's network protocols and ports, analyzing their security configurations and potential vulnerabilities. For example, it can identify open ports that are unnecessary for the application's functionality, exposing them to possible attacks. This helps organizations secure their network perimeter and prevent unauthorized system access.

7. Cloud Services and Infrastructure:

ThreatNG's Cloud and SaaS Exposure module provides comprehensive visibility into cloud services and infrastructure used by the application, identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. This helps organizations secure their cloud deployments and prevent attacks targeting cloud-based components.

8. Mobile Apps and Devices:

ThreatNG's Mobile App Exposure module analyzes mobile apps associated with the application, identifying potential vulnerabilities such as exposed credentials or insecure data storage. This helps organizations secure their mobile apps and prevent attacks targeting mobile users.

Continuous Monitoring and Reporting:

ThreatNG's continuous monitoring capabilities ensure the entire application attack surface is continuously monitored for changes and new vulnerabilities. Its reporting module provides detailed reports on identified vulnerabilities, prioritized by severity and risk, helping organizations focus on the most critical issues.

Working with Complementary Solutions:

ThreatNG can integrate with other security solutions, such as vulnerability scanners and web application firewalls, to provide a more comprehensive application security solution. For example, ThreatNG can provide vulnerability intelligence to a WAF, enabling it to block attacks targeting known vulnerabilities.

Examples of ThreatNG Helping:

• Discovering a forgotten web server running an outdated operating system and vulnerable to attacks.

• Identifying an API endpoint that is not authenticated correctly, exposing sensitive data.

• Detecting exposed database credentials in a public code repository.

• Providing continuous monitoring of cloud services for new vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.

Examples of ThreatNG Working with Complementary Solutions:

• Integrating with a vulnerability scanner to provide external vulnerability assessment data enhances vulnerability prioritization accuracy.

• Working with a WAF to block attacks targeting known vulnerabilities identified by ThreatNG.

• Integrating a SOAR platform to automate incident response tasks based on ThreatNG alerts.

By leveraging ThreatNG's capabilities, organizations can effectively manage and secure their application attack surface, reducing the risk of successful attacks and protecting their critical assets.