SOAP API
SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) APIs are web API types that use a specific XML-based messaging format to exchange data between applications. In the context of security and cybersecurity, SOAP APIs offer both advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Standardized format: SOAP uses a well-defined XML format, making it easier to develop and integrate with applications than custom protocols. This standardization can lead to more secure development practices by following established guidelines.
Security features: SOAP offers built-in features like message signing and encryption, allowing for secure data exchange.
Disadvantages:
Increased complexity: SOAP messages are complex and lengthy compared to lighter-weight formats like JSON in RESTful APIs. This complexity can make it more challenging to implement security measures correctly and introduce potential vulnerabilities.
Potential for vulnerabilities: Improper implementation of security features within SOAP messages can leave them vulnerable to XML injection and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.
Outdated technology: While still used in some enterprise systems, SOAP is considered a more traditional technology than RESTful APIs. This means that fewer security tools and expertise are readily available for secure systems.
Security Considerations for SOAP APIs:
Secure coding practices: Developers must follow secure coding practices when working with SOAP APIs to avoid common vulnerabilities, such as XML injection attacks.
Proper implementation of security features: Features like message signing and encryption should be implemented correctly to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
Validation and sanitization: To prevent attacks, all user input and data passed through the SOAP message should be thoroughly validated and sanitized.
Firewall configuration: Firewalls should allow only authorized SOAP traffic and filter out malicious requests.
Security testing: Regular security testing of SOAP APIs is crucial to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
SOAP APIs can be secure if implemented with proper attention to security best practices. However, their complexity and potentially outdated nature require extra vigilance from security teams compared to securing modern RESTful APIs.
ThreatNG and SOAP API Security: Discovery as the Foundation
ThreatNG, with its external attack surface management (EASM) capabilities, plays a vital role in securing SOAP APIs by focusing on discovery. Here's how it helps organizations manage and secure SOAP APIs through pure discovery, interacts with complementary solutions, and creates a comprehensive defense:
1. Shining a Light on Hidden SOAP Services:
ThreatNG scans the external environment, identifying all exposed SOAP APIs, including those potentially hidden within shadow IT (unapproved applications).
This discovery provides a crucial first step for securing SOAP APIs, as many security vulnerabilities arise because these APIs were simply unknown to the security team.
2. Handoff to Specialized Solutions:
ThreatNG acts as the initial investigator, uncovering exposed APIs, and then hands off the information to other security solutions for further analysis and protection:
Web Application Firewall (WAF): ThreatNG can inform WAFs about the discovered SOAP APIs. WAFs can then be configured with specific rules to filter SOAP messages and identify potential attacks that target SOAP vulnerabilities (e.g., XML injection attacks). While WAFs might require some custom rule development for SOAP compared to RESTful APIs, ThreatNG's discovery helps prioritize which APIs need this extra attention.
Security Testing Tools: ThreatNG's discovery can be used to prioritize security testing efforts. Security teams can focus their resources on penetration testing or static code analysis specifically for the discovered SOAP APIs, identifying potential security misconfigurations or vulnerabilities within the SOAP messages.
3. Example: Securing a Legacy Customer Portal SOAP API
Imagine ThreatNG discovers an exposed SOAP API for a legacy customer portal that the IT department wasn't aware of. This API might be using outdated security practices or have vulnerabilities specific to the SOAP protocol.
ThreatNG to WAF: ThreatNG shares the API details with the WAF solution.
WAF Configuration: Security specialists can develop custom WAF rules to inspect SOAP messages for this specific API, focusing on identifying potential XML injection attacks or unauthorized access attempts.
Security Testing Prioritization: Knowing about the SOAP API, the security team can prioritize penetration testing or static code analysis to assess the API's security posture and identify potential vulnerabilities within the SOAP messages.
4. Benefits of Discovery-Driven Approach:
Reduced Attack Surface: ThreatNG exposes hidden SOAP APIs, allowing organizations to identify and secure them before attackers exploit them.
Prioritized Security Testing: By highlighting newly discovered APIs, ThreatNG helps organizations focus their security testing efforts on potentially vulnerable SOAP APIs.
Streamlined WAF Configuration: ThreatNG's discovery allows for targeted WAF rule development, ensuring the WAF effectively protects the newly discovered SOAP APIs.
ThreatNG is the foundation for SOAP API security, which provides a complete view of all exposed APIs. This discovery power allows other security solutions to take informed actions, ultimately creating a layered defense against attacks that target SOAP APIs.
