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CTEM-EXP-4 - Corporate Cloud-Connected System

To be Completed

Documentation has not been completed. This page is a placeholder for future documentation.

Corporate Cloud-Connected System refers to a system that has been discovered to be accessible from the internet and appears to be connected to a corporate-owned cloud account, such as AWS, GCP, or Azure. With more assets moving to the cloud, these types of exposures are increasingly common. Notably, these systems often include ephemeral instances, which can add complexity to managing their security.

Characteristics of a Corporate Cloud-Connected System​

  • Cloud Connectivity: The system is connected to a corporate cloud environment, allowing it to interact with cloud resources and services. This connection can be used to facilitate a wide range of functions, such as hosting applications, storing data, or managing cloud infrastructure.
  • Internet Exposure: The system is publicly accessible from the internet, increasing the risk of unauthorized access or exploitation if proper security controls are not in place.
  • Ephemeral Nature: Many of these systems are ephemeral, meaning they may be spun up and terminated automatically based on demand. This transient nature can make it challenging to keep track of them and ensure they are always secured properly.

Common Methods of Discovery​

Corporate cloud-connected systems are typically discovered through:

  • Cloud Scanning Tools: Tools like ScoutSuite, Prowler, or other cloud security assessment tools can be used to identify exposed cloud-connected systems, their configurations, and any potential security risks.
  • Internet Scanning Services: Internet scanning services such as Shodan or Censys can help identify cloud-connected systems that are exposed to the public internet, revealing open ports, services, and other useful information.
  • Cloud Account Monitoring: Monitoring cloud environments for newly provisioned resources or configurations can help identify cloud-connected systems that may be exposed to the internet.

Risks and Impact​

The risks associated with corporate cloud-connected systems include:

  • Unauthorized Access: Publicly accessible cloud-connected systems are vulnerable to unauthorized access if they are not properly secured. This can lead to data breaches or unauthorized use of cloud resources.
  • Lateral Movement in Cloud Environment: If a cloud-connected system is compromised, attackers may gain access to other resources within the cloud environment, such as databases, storage, or other instances, potentially compromising sensitive data.
  • Misconfigured Access Permissions: Cloud environments are complex, and misconfigurations are a common source of vulnerabilities. If a cloud-connected system is improperly configured, it may expose additional services or data to the internet.
  • Shadow IT and Ephemeral Systems: The presence of shadow IT and ephemeral systems that are not centrally managed can increase the organization's attack surface, as these systems may not be subject to standard security protocols or oversight.

Key Considerations for Threat Exposure Management​

Managing corporate cloud-connected systems requires a combination of monitoring, proper configuration management, and coordination with cloud teams:

  • Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): Implement CSPM solutions to continuously monitor cloud environments for exposed systems, misconfigurations, and compliance violations. This helps ensure that cloud-connected systems adhere to security best practices.
  • Access Controls and Hardening: Enforce strict access controls for cloud-connected systems, including requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) and implementing least privilege principles for permissions. Harden system configurations to reduce the attack surface.
  • Ephemeral System Management: Develop a strategy for managing ephemeral systems, including ensuring that security configurations are applied consistently when systems are spun up. Use automated tools to enforce security policies and monitor ephemeral assets.
  • Continuous Monitoring and Alerts: Continuously monitor cloud environments for changes, such as newly exposed resources or misconfigured services. Set up automated alerts to notify the security team when a new cloud-connected system becomes publicly accessible.
  • Cloud Team Collaboration: Work closely with cloud infrastructure teams to ensure that all cloud-connected systems are properly configured and managed according to corporate security policies. Provide training and resources to help cloud teams understand the risks associated with internet exposure.
  • Incident Response Planning: Develop an incident response plan specifically for cloud-connected systems, including procedures for isolating compromised systems, assessing lateral movement, and remediating vulnerabilities.

Corporate cloud-connected systems present unique challenges to an organization's security posture due to their cloud integration and potential internet exposure. Effective threat exposure management requires proactive monitoring, strong access controls, and close collaboration with cloud teams to minimize the risk of compromise and ensure cloud security best practices are consistently applied.