Cloud Penetration Testing, a method used to actively assess and analyze the security of a Cloud system by simulating an attack from malicious code, is gaining traction as more businesses migrate their infrastructure to the Cloud. With the shared responsibility between the Cloud provider and the client, it is crucial to ensure that proper security measures are in place to protect sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks.
However, there are certain restrictions in place when it comes to carrying out Penetration Testing in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environment due to the impact it can have on the infrastructure. On the other hand, Penetration Testing is allowed in Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) with some required coordination between the Cloud service provider (CSP) and the client.
To ensure a comprehensive and effective Cloud Penetration Testing, it is essential to follow a checklist that covers all the necessary aspects. One of the first steps is to thoroughly review the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the CSP and the client to determine the policies and responsibilities related to security. This helps establish proper governance and compliance in the Cloud environment.
Additionally, it is crucial to track and document the CSP’s role and responsibility in maintaining the security of the Cloud resources. This involves checking the computer and Internet usage policy to ensure that it is implemented properly. Unused ports and protocols should be blocked to minimize potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, encryption of data stored in Cloud servers should be enforced by default to protect sensitive information.
Two-factor authentication should be implemented to enhance network security, and SSL certificates for Cloud services should be purchased from reputable Certificate Authorities to ensure secure communication. It is also essential to review the access points, data centers, and devices to ensure that appropriate security controls are in place.
Furthermore, policies and procedures for disclosing data to third parties should be examined, and if necessary, cloning and virtual machine features offered by the CSP should be assessed. Validating the input for Cloud applications to prevent web application attacks, such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and SQL injection (SQLi), is also crucial for maintaining the security of the Cloud environment.
When it comes to Cloud Computing Attacks, there are several types of attacks that can target the Cloud infrastructure. Session Riding (CSRF) is an attack that tricks users into submitting malicious requests, exploiting shared resources in the Cloud. Side Channel Attacks take advantage of shared resources to breach confidentiality. Signature Wrapping Attacks exploit a technique used in web services to compromise the security of web applications.
To conduct Cloud Penetration Testing effectively, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Vulnerability scanning should be performed on all available hosts in the Cloud environment, and the type of Cloud (SaaS, PaaS, or IaaS) should be determined to understand the scope of testing permitted by the CSP. Coordination and scheduling of the testing should be done in collaboration with the CSP, and both internal and external testing should be carried out.
Obtaining written consent from the relevant parties involved is crucial before conducting any Penetration Testing, and it is recommended to perform web Pentesting on web apps or services without a firewall and reverse proxy to assess vulnerabilities. Authentication using usernames and passwords and enforcing strong password policies can enhance the security of the Cloud environment.
To support Cloud Penetration Testing, several tools are available in the market. SOASTA CloudTest enables various types of testing on a single platform, including mobile functional and performance testing, and web-based functional and performance testing. LoadStorm is a cost-effective load-testing tool for web and mobile applications. BlazeMeter is used for end-to-end performance and load testing of mobile apps, websites, and APIs. Nexpose is a widely used vulnerability scanner that can detect vulnerabilities in various systems and cloud infrastructure. Lastly, AppThwack provides a cloud-based simulator for testing Android, iOS, and web apps on actual devices.
In conclusion, Cloud Penetration Testing plays a vital role in ensuring the security of Cloud systems. By adhering to the recommended checklist and considering important factors, businesses can identify vulnerabilities and mitigate potential risks in their Cloud environment. With the help of advanced tools specifically designed for Cloud Penetration Testing, businesses can gain insights into their security posture and take necessary actions to protect their data and infrastructure.