Exposed Web Interfaces
"Exposed web interfaces" refers to the web-based interfaces or applications accessible over the internet. These interfaces allow users to interact with a system or service using a web browser. They offer a graphical user interface (GUI) that gives users access to and control data, configure settings, and perform administrative duties.
When a web interface is "exposed," it is accessible to external users or systems outside of the organization or network that hosts the interface. This accessibility can be intentional, allowing users to access a web application or service remotely, or it can be unintentional, resulting from misconfigurations or security vulnerabilities.
Exposing web interfaces can have both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, it enables convenient access to services, facilitates collaboration, and promotes remote work. Exposed web interfaces can, however, be a potential target for bad actors from a security standpoint. They may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber attacks if not properly secured.
Implementing appropriate security measures, such as using robust authentication mechanisms, employing encryption for data transmission, regularly updating and patching software, and conducting security audits and assessments, is crucial to securing exposed web interfaces.
External Attack Surface Management (EASM), Digital Risk Protection (DRP), and security ratings solutions like ThreatNG with Domain Intelligence, Subdomain Intelligence, and Certificate Intelligence play vital roles in securing exposed web interfaces by providing comprehensive visibility into an organization's digital footprint, assessing the security posture of web applications, and analyzing digital certificates associated with these interfaces. For instance, ThreatNG's Domain Intelligence can identify all domains associated with an organization, including those hosting exposed web interfaces. Subdomain Intelligence can further analyze these domains to identify specific web applications and interfaces vulnerable to exploitation due to misconfigurations or outdated software versions. Certificate Intelligence can assess the validity and trustworthiness of digital certificates associated with these interfaces, flagging any issues such as expired certificates or certificates signed by untrusted Certificate Authorities. When integrated with complementary security solutions like web application firewalls (WAFs), vulnerability scanners, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), ThreatNG can facilitate seamless handoffs by providing actionable intelligence and alerts. For example, suppose ThreatNG detects a vulnerable web interface. In that case, it can trigger alerts in the WAF to implement additional protections, in the vulnerability scanner to conduct targeted scans, or in the IDS/IPS to detect and block malicious traffic targeting the exposed interface, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers. This collaborative approach strengthens an organization's ability to identify and mitigate security risks associated with exposed web interfaces, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.
