What is a Security Misconfiguration?

What is a Security Misconfiguration

 

 

Security misconfigurations occur when information systems have improper settings that could lead to unauthorized access or other security risks. Misconfigurations can occur in hardware, software, and administrative processes. Worse yet, they can often be found in a system’s default security settings which can make them harder to detect.

“It’s not always the most complex attacks that cause the most harm. It’s often the simplest vulnerabilities.”  Jeffrey S. King, President of AT-NET.

Hackers know that security features are often improperly configured. As a result, vulnerability exploitation surpassed credential theft as the number one tactic for gaining unauthorized access in 2022. Furthermore, 75% of such attacks targeted a vulnerability that had been present for 2 or more years.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand common security misconfigurations and their associated risks. The rest of this article will demonstrate some examples, attacks that can occur, and how you can protect your systems.

 

Security Misconfiguration Examples

 

Default Configurations

Keeping default configurations means attackers can gain access without much effort. That’s because, typically, default passwords or settings are widely known and, therefore, easily exploited. Resist the temptation to settle with your technology’s out-of-the-box security configurations.

 

Incomplete Configurations

When systems are not regularly maintained or when updates are delayed, systems become vulnerable to known threats. Most technology vendors recommend regular updates because the developers will often release new configurations that defend your systems if an older version’s settings have been breached.

 

Excessive Permissions

Granting users or systems more permissions than necessary increases the risk of unauthorized actions. Excessive permissions can also be accidental if access controls are not properly defined or if roles are not carefully managed. Keep a close eye on your permissions to prevent unauthorized access and unauthorized changes within the system.

 

Verbose Error Messages

Displaying detailed error messages can expose sensitive information about your system’s architecture. Overly informative error messages can aid attackers in crafting targeted attacks. If you develop in-house tools, be cognisant about this potential issue.

You can also implement logging mechanisms that capture detailed errors for internal use while displaying generic messages to users.

 

Have an IT Issue? We Have a 100% Response Rate

Talk to Us Today

 

Disabled Security Features

Disabling essential security protocols, often for convenience, exposes networks and systems to significant risks. Balancing convenience and security requires thoughtful consideration of which security features are truly necessary for your environment. You can achieve this balance by prioritizing security features that protect critical data and systems, while assessing the impact on user experience.

 

Improper Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a computer network into smaller, distinct sections. Each segment acts as a separate zone with its own security controls. By correctly segmenting the network, you can better control who can access specific resources and reduce the spread of an attack if one segment is compromised.

 

Unencrypted Data Transfers

Encryption is the process of converting data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. If encryption is not used, anyone who intercepts the data can see it in its original form. Some compliance regulations require encryption for this reason. However, you should also know that there is more than one way to encrypt data.

Here are some examples.

 

Encryption Method Description Common Use Cases
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) A widely used encryption standard that converts data into a secure format. It is known for its strength and speed. Protecting sensitive data in files, databases, and communications.
RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) An encryption method that uses a pair of keys (public and private) to secure data. RSA is commonly used for secure data transmission. Encrypting data during internet transactions and email communications.
TLS (Transport Layer Security) A protocol that ensures secure communication over a network by encrypting the data being transferred. Securing web browsing, online banking, and email exchanges.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) The predecessor to TLS, SSL also provides encryption for secure communications. It is now largely replaced by TLS but still encountered in some contexts. Older websites and applications that have not yet been updated to TLS.
Disk Encryption Encrypts the entire contents of a disk, making all stored data secure. Protecting data on laptops, desktops, and servers from unauthorized access.
File-Level Encryption Encrypts specific files or folders rather than the entire disk. Securing sensitive documents, financial records, and personal data.

 

Redundant Services

Redundant services refer to unnecessary programs or functions running on a system. These services might not be needed but are left active, providing additional ways for attackers to break into the system. This risk is particularly high because unused services aren’t typically well-maintained. Disabling unnecessary services reduces the number of possible entry points for attackers.

 

Types of Security Misconfiguration Attacks That Can Occur

 

Unauthorized Access

Attackers exploit security misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access to systems or data that should be restricted. This can happen when default passwords are left unchanged, or when security settings are not properly applied.

 

Privilege Escalation Attacks

Privilege escalation occurs when attackers take advantage of misconfigurations to gain higher-level access than they should have. For example, if a user account has excessive permissions due to a misconfiguration, an attacker may target that specific account.

 

Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks occur when attackers overwhelm a system with traffic or requests. You can prevent this type of attack by limiting the number of requests a system can handle at a time. This tactic slows down the attack by rejecting excessive requests before they can accumulate and crash the system.

 

Data Exfiltration

Attackers can use security misconfigurations to extract sensitive data from a system. This can occur when data is not properly protected or when access controls are too lenient. Once the attacker gains access, they can quietly steal data without being detected.

 

Code Injection

Code injection attacks occur when misconfigured web servers or applications allow attackers to insert malicious code into a system. This may occur if security settings do not properly validate or sanitize input data. Once injected, the malicious code can be executed.

 

Learn More About What You Can Do To Stay Secure

 

How to Stay Ahead of Security Misconfigurations

 

Regular Audits

Conduct regular, thorough audits to verify that your security settings are correctly configured. Research indicates that 97% of web applications have at least one vulnerability, and regular audits help identify and address these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

 

Training

Provide your staff with comprehensive training to help them identify and correct security misconfigurations. Well-trained personnel are essential in minimizing the risk of misconfigurations that could lead to security incidents. Continuous learning and practice will reinforce their ability to manage security effectively.

 

Automated Tools

Leverage automated security tools to monitor your systems for misconfigurations in real time. These tools ensure that your systems remain secure with minimal manual intervention. It also reduces the risk of human error, however, you will need to verify that the automated tool is properly configured itself.

 

Regular Updates

Keep all your software and hardware up to date with the latest security patches. Regular updates are crucial in protecting your systems from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Staying current with updates reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit outdated components.

 

Maintain Proper Security Controls With Expert Help
Charlotte Charleston Jacksonville Greenville Columbia

 

Preventing Security Misconfigurations is Easier with Help

Preventing data breaches may be a lot easier than it may seem. Although cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, many hackers still take the “easy route.” Configuring your systems correctly is an effective way to lower your chances of becoming their target.

If you need additional help with this effort, you can work with AT-NET’s cybersecurity experts. Our team provides 24/7 network security monitoring, which allows us to identify and respond to anomalous activities before they escalate into threats.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you.

Picture of Jeffrey King
Jeffrey King

President at AT-Net, Managed Technology Solutions Expert, Cybersecurity Specialist

Jeffrey King is an expert in managed technology solutions with over 20 years of experience.

Specializing in cybersecurity and network architecture, he is part of AT-Net, a leading MSSP, and is skilled in Unix, VMware, Linux, Cisco, and Microsoft systems.

Get in touch with our experts and get a free consultation

Recent Posts:

To safeguard your business against the unexpected, contact us for a free consultation.

Together, we can build a resilient future for your business.

This will close in 0 seconds