Evolving Threats

Application Security - Understanding the Problem

Desktop Transport Network Web Applications

AntivirusProtection

Encryption(SSL)

Firewalls /IDS / IPS

Firewall

Databases

BackendServer

ApplicationServers

Info Security Landscape

Hackers Exploit Unintended Functionality to Attack Apps

Unintended Functionality

Actual FunctionalityIntended Functionality

The OWASP Top 10Application Threat Negative Impact Example Impact

Cross Site scripting Identity Theft, Sensitive Information Leakage, … Hackers can impersonate legitimate users, and control their accounts.

Injection Flaws Attacker can manipulate queries to the DB / LDAP / Other system

Hackers can access backend database information, alter it or steal it.

Malicious File Execution Execute shell commands on server, up to full control Site modified to transfer all interactions to the hacker.

Insecure Direct Object Reference Attacker can access sensitive files and resources Web application returns contents of sensitive file (instead of harmless one)

Cross-Site Request Forgery Attacker can invoke “blind” actions on web applications, impersonating as a trusted user

Blind requests to bank account transfer money to hacker

Information Leakage and Improper Error Handling

Attackers can gain detailed system information Malicious system reconnaissance may assist in developing further attacks

Broken Authentication & Session Management Session tokens not guarded or invalidated properly Hacker can “force” session token on victim; session tokens can be stolen after logout

Insecure Cryptographic Storage Weak encryption techniques may lead to broken encryption

Confidential information (SSN, Credit Cards) can be decrypted by malicious users

Insecure Communications Sensitive info sent unencrypted over insecure channel Unencrypted credentials “sniffed” and used by hacker to impersonate user

Failure to Restrict URL Access Hacker can access unauthorized resources Hacker can forcefully browse and access a page past the login page

Common Web Application Vulnerabilities

Contd..

Where Do These Problems Exist?

• Type:• Customer facing services• Partner portals• Employee intranets

• Source:• Applications you buy• Applications you build internally• Applications you outsource

How common are these issues ?

• 80% of Websites and applications are vulnerable to these attacks – Watchfire Research

Motives Behind Application Hacking Incidents

Source: Breach/WASC Web Hacking Incident Annual Report

Web Hacking Incidents by Industry

What is the Root Cause?

• Developers not trained in security• Most computer science curricula have no security courses

• Under investment from security teams• Lack of tools, policies, process, etc.

• Growth in complex, mission critical online applications• Online banking, commerce, Web 2.0, etc

• Number one focus by hackers• 75% of attacks focused on applications - Gartner

Result: Application security incidents and lost data on the rise

Building Security Into the Development Process

• Test existing deployed apps• Eliminate security exposure in

live applications

Production

• Test apps before going to production

• Deploy secure web applications

Deploy

• Test apps for security issues in QA organization along with performance and functional testing

Test

• Test apps for security issues in Development identifying issues at their earliest point

• Realize optimum security testing efficiencies (cost reduction)

Development• Security requirements, architecture, threat modeling, etc

Define/Design

Security Testing Within the Software Lifecycle

Build

Developers

SDLC

Developers

Developers

Coding QA Security Production

Application Security Testing Maturity

Other Vector for Attack

• Network• Cloud• LAN/WAN

• Network Devices

• Database• Processed information of

• Financial data• People Private Information• Government's Confidential data

Resources

• https://www.owasp.org• Sans.org• Nist.gov• Tools

• Nikto• Burp• Zap Proxy• W3af• Nmap• shodan