SaaS Attack Surface
The SaaS (Software as a Service) attack surface refers to all possible points where an unauthorized user or malicious entity can exploit a SaaS application's vulnerabilities to compromise its security. It encompasses the various entry points, interfaces, and interactions susceptible to security threats. The attack surface is influenced by factors such as the design, architecture, and configuration of the SaaS application.
Common elements contributing to the SaaS attack surface include:
User Interfaces (UI): Web-based interfaces and user portals where users interact with the SaaS application.
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Exposed APIs that allow integration with other systems or third-party applications. Insecure APIs can be potential attack vectors.
Authentication and Authorization Mechanisms: These techniques are employed to manage resource access within the SaaS application and confirm the user's identity.
Data Storage: The storage infrastructure and mechanisms for handling sensitive data. Unauthorized access to stored data can be a significant security risk.
Network Communication: Channels through which data is transmitted between the SaaS application and its users or other connected systems.
Third-Party Components: Dependencies on external libraries, frameworks, or services that may introduce vulnerabilities if not properly secured or monitored.
Configuration Settings: Improperly configured settings, permissions, or security controls that could expose the application to risks.
User Inputs and Outputs: This includes handling user inputs and outputs, including forms, file uploads, and other interactions that may be exploited for attacks like injection or cross-site scripting.
Updates and Patch Management: Processes for keeping the SaaS application up-to-date with security patches and mitigations.
A comprehensive understanding of the SaaS attack surface is crucial for implementing adequate security measures, including regular security assessments, penetration testing, and adherence to best secure development and deployment practices.
ThreatNG's combined EASM, DRP, and security ratings functionalities offer a comprehensive approach to managing your organization's SaaS attack surface. Here's how each component contributes:
1. External Attack Surface Management (EASM):
Discovery: ThreatNG crawls the internet to discover all your organization's SaaS applications, including sanctioned tools and 'shadow IT' (unauthorized software or applications used within an organization). It doesn't require any pre-existing knowledge or integration with the SaaS platforms.
Assessment: It continuously analyzes the discovered SaaS applications for security misconfigurations, outdated software versions, and suspicious activities.
Vulnerability Management: By identifying vulnerabilities, ThreatNG helps prioritize which SaaS applications require immediate attention for patching or configuration adjustments.
2. Digital Risk Protection (DRP):
Brand Protection: ThreatNG identifies and monitors for 'cybersquatting' (registering, trafficking in, or using a domain name with bad faith intent to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else) that could be used for phishing attacks.
Third-Party Risk Management: It discovers and assesses the security posture of interconnected third-party applications, repositories, and APIs associated with your SaaS usage. It provides a broader view of potential security risks beyond the SaaS applications.
3. Security Ratings:
Vendor Risk Assessment: ThreatNG assigns security ratings to the discovered SaaS vendors based on their 'security posture' (the overall security strength of an organization, including its policies, procedures, and practices) and industry best practices. It helps prioritize which vendors require further investigation or pose a higher risk.
How They Work Together:
Imagine this workflow:
EASM discovers all your SaaS applications, including sanctioned tools and shadow IT, providing a complete picture of your SaaS attack surface.
DRP then assesses the risk associated with these applications by looking for brand impersonations and vulnerabilities in interconnected third-party components.
Security ratings provide a risk score for each SaaS vendor, helping you prioritize which applications require more focus based on their security posture.
Benefits of a Combined Approach:
Reduced Attack Surface: By identifying all SaaS applications and their interconnected elements, you can close potential security gaps and harden your overall attack surface.
Improved Threat Detection: Continuous monitoring helps identify misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities before they can be exploited.
Prioritized Remediation: Security ratings help you focus resources on the SaaS applications that pose the highest risk.
Complementary Solutions:
ThreatNG can integrate with security solutions, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. The information from ThreatNG can enrich SIEM data and provide more context for security events.
Workflow Example:
ThreatNG identifies a critical vulnerability in your organization's widely used SaaS application (EASM).
DRP discovers that this vulnerability can be exploited through the application's specific third-party API (DRP).
Security ratings indicate that the SaaS vendor has a poor track record of patching vulnerabilities (Security Ratings).
This combined information is then fed into your SIEM system, which can trigger 'automated responses' (such as user access restrictions or notifications to the security team for further investigation) for immediate action (SIEM Integration).
ThreatNG doesn't just manage security risks; it empowers organizations to address them proactively. Providing a holistic view of your SaaS attack surface enables you to prioritize your resources for maximum impact, giving you control over your security.
