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Unsecured Credentials

What: Unsecured Credentials

Unsecured credentials refer to instances where sensitive information, such as passwords, tokens, or keys, which are used for authentication and authorization purposes, are stored or transmitted without adequate security measures. This can include plain text storage in databases, code repositories, or configuration files; insufficiently protected network transmissions; and other insecure handling practices that could expose these credentials to unauthorized access.

How: Common Practices Leading to Unsecured Credentials

  1. Storage in Plain Text: Credentials are often stored without encryption in databases or configuration files accessible by multiple parties or systems.
  2. Hardcoding in Source Code: Developers might embed credentials directly within application source code which is then checked into version control systems accessible by others.
  3. Insecure Transmission: Sending credentials over networks using non-encrypted protocols like HTTP rather than HTTPS, exposing them to interception.
  4. Lack of Proper Access Controls: Insufficient access controls on servers or databases where credentials are stored can allow unauthorized access.

  5. Improper Use of Environment Variables: Storing sensitive information in environment variables without securing access to these variables.

  6. Inadequate Credential Rotation Policies: Failing to regularly update and rotate credentials leads to prolonged exposure risk if they are compromised.

Where: Areas Affected by Unsecured Credentials

  1. Web Applications: Often contain vulnerabilities due to hardcoded credentials or insecure storage in web server configurations.
  2. Databases: Credentials required for database access are frequently unencrypted or poorly managed.
  3. Version Control Systems: Source code repositories may inadvertently contain hardcoded passwords or keys.

  4. Configuration Files: Files like .env or config.json can be sources of leaks if not properly secured and excluded from public access points.

  5. Network Traffic: Credentials transmitted over unencrypted protocols can be intercepted across network segments.

Why: The Risks of Unsecured Credentials

  1. Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to systems can lead to data theft, manipulation, or loss.
  2. Identity Theft and Fraud: Compromised user credentials can lead to identity theft and fraudulent activities under the guise of legitimate users.
  3. Regulatory Non-Compliance: Many industries have regulations mandating secure handling of authentication data (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), and failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal actions.

  4. Loss of Trust/Reputation Damage: Security incidents resulting from credential leaks significantly damage an organization's reputation and trust with customers.

  5. Financial Losses: Beyond regulatory fines, there might be significant remediation costs associated with security breaches involving credential compromise.

By understanding the "what", "how", "where", and "why" of unsecured credentials within IT security practices as outlined by frameworks like those from MITRE, organizations can better prepare against potential threats posed by inadequate credential security measures—ultimately safeguarding their assets, reputation, and compliance status more effectively.