Cloud-specific Vulnerabilities - CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 - 2.3
Cloud Security Challenges and Best Practices
The Rise of Cloud Applications
- Companies have rapidly adopted cloud technology, with most organizations running applications in public clouds.
- Alongside these applications, a significant amount of sensitive data is also stored in the cloud, necessitating robust security measures.
Current Security Practices
- Many organizations are not following best practices for cloud security; 76% do not use multifactor authentication for central console access.
- A concerning 63% of cloud code remains unpatched, exposing systems to serious vulnerabilities with CVSS scores ≥ 7.
Vulnerabilities and Threats
- Publicly accessible applications can be targeted by anyone globally, increasing risks such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
- Weak or misconfigured authentication processes can lead to significant data breaches.
Common Misconfigurations
- Directory traversal is a frequent misconfiguration that allows unauthorized users to navigate web server structures improperly.
- Unpatched systems may allow attackers to exploit existing vulnerabilities through remote code execution.
Notable Exploits and Attacks
- Recent vulnerabilities like Log4j and Spring Cloud Function highlight how easily attackers can gain control over systems without extensive IT knowledge.