In cybersecurity, remote file inclusion (RFI) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate a web application by incorporating malicious code from a remote server. This can have severe consequences for the targeted system.

Here's a breakdown of RFI:

• Vulnerability: The web application relies on user-supplied input to determine the path of a file for inclusion.

• Exploitation: The application fails to properly validate this user input, allowing attackers to inject a URL pointing to a malicious script on a server they control.

• Attacker Goal: The attacker's script, once included and executed by the application, can perform various malicious actions:

• Information Disclosure: Stealing sensitive data like user credentials, configuration files, or other sensitive information stored on the server.

• System Compromise: Downloading and installing additional malware on the server, potentially leading to a complete system takeover.

• Website Defacement: Modifying the content or functionality of the website.

Key Points about RFI:

• It's distinct from Local File Inclusion (LFI), in which the attacker includes a malicious file stored on the same server.

• RFI exploits weaknesses in the application's logic for handling user input, not a security flaw in the server itself.

• Mitigating RFI involves implementing proper input validation to restrict the application from including files from untrusted sources. Additionally, using security headers like Content-Security-Policy (CSP) can help prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts.

Examples of RFI vulnerabilities:

• A search function that allows users to specify search criteria. An attacker can inject a URL pointing to a malicious script in the search field.

• A content management system (CMS) that allows users to upload content. An attacker can upload a file containing a malicious script disguised as an image or document.

Importance of Mitigating RFI:

RFI vulnerabilities are a serious security threat because they allow attackers to access a system remotely and potentially compromise it entirely. Organizations can significantly improve their security posture by taking steps to mitigate RFI vulnerabilities.

ThreatNG: Proactive Management of Remote File Inclusion (RFI) Vulnerabilities

ThreatNG offers a proactive approach to managing RFI vulnerabilities with its combined EASM, DRP, and security ratings capabilities. Here's how:

1. Proactive Identification:

• Inventory & Assessment: ThreatNG scans your external attack surface, including applications, login pages, and exposed admin panels. This comprehensive view helps identify potential entry points for RFI attacks.

• Input Validation Checks (Indirect): While ThreatNG doesn't directly scan code, it identifies functionalities that rely on user input, like search bars or file uploads. If proper validation isn't implemented, these functionalities are likely vulnerable to RFI.

• Security Header Analysis: ThreatNG analyzes using security headers like Content-Security-Policy (CSP). A well-configured CSP restricts the execution of scripts from unauthorized sources, mitigating RFI vulnerabilities.

2. Web Application Hijacking Susceptibility:

• Exposed Admin Panels: ThreatNG identifies exposed admin panels, a prime target for attackers leveraging RFI to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges. It allows for prioritizing mitigation efforts.

• Security Posture Assessment: ThreatNG assesses the overall security posture of web applications, including outdated plugins or misconfigured settings, which can increase the risk of RFI vulnerabilities.

3. Complementary Solutions and Handoff:

• Vulnerability Scanners: ThreatNG integrates with vulnerability scanners that perform deeper code analysis for RFI vulnerabilities. Scanners can identify specific code sections vulnerable to manipulation for RFI attacks.

• Prioritization and Handoff: ThreatNG prioritizes vulnerabilities based on severity and potential impact, considering the functionality involved and the type of data it accesses. This information is then handed off to Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems for investigation and alerting.

• Development & Patching: Developers can leverage these findings to prioritize patching efforts and address RFI vulnerabilities within the code itself.

Example:

ThreatNG identifies a website search function that doesn't validate user input. An attacker can inject a URL pointing to a malicious script in the search field. If the application includes and executes the script, the attacker can steal sensitive data from the server (information disclosure).

Benefits:

• Early Detection: ThreatNG helps identify applications with functionalities susceptible to RFI attacks, enabling proactive mitigation strategies.

• Reduced Attack Surface: By identifying exposed admin panels and functionalities relying on user input, ThreatNG helps reduce the attack surface vulnerability to RFI exploitation.

• Improved Security Posture: ThreatNG's analysis of security headers and overall security posture empowers businesses to identify and address weaknesses before attackers exploit them.

Desired Business Outcomes:

• Reduced Risk of Data Breaches: Mitigating RFI vulnerabilities protects sensitive data from unauthorized remote access.

• Enhanced Security Posture: Proactive management is committed to security building trust with customers and partners.

• Improved Regulatory Compliance: Meeting industry standards and regulations related to data security.

ThreatNG acts as a central hub, identifying potential RFI vulnerabilities and working with complementary solutions for a comprehensive approach. This empowers businesses to proactively manage their security posture and achieve their desired security outcomes through early detection and prioritization.