Misconfigured IaC
Don't Return to Security Breaches from Misconfigured Security Configurations
TLDR: Misconfigured Infrastructure as Code (IaC) arises when declarative configurations for infrastructure provisioning contain errors, insecure settings, or violations of best practices. Common issues include unencrypted resources, overly permissive IAM policies, and hardcoded secrets. These misconfigurations can lead to vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and operational disruptions, emphasizing the importance of secure and well-audited IaC practices.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrastructure_as_code
A misconfigured IaC setup may inadvertently expose sensitive information through unencrypted state files or hardcoded credentials in templates. For instance, specifying overly permissive network rules, such as allowing unrestricted inbound traffic on critical ports, increases the attack surface. Tools like Terraform, CloudFormation, and Ansible provide powerful automation capabilities, but improper use can result in widespread misconfigurations. Scanning tools like Checkov and TFSec help identify these issues and enforce compliance with security policies.
Addressing IaC misconfigurations requires implementing practices like encrypting state files, leveraging external tools for secret management (e.g., HashiCorp Vault), and enforcing least-privilege access controls. Automating code reviews and integrating security checks into CI/CD pipelines ensures that configurations adhere to organizational standards. Regular audits and compliance with frameworks like CIS Benchmarks or NIST guidelines further mitigate risks and improve infrastructure reliability.