Web server misconfiguration
One of the weaknesses associated with web servers is a misconfiguration. It involves servers coming up with default sample files that are unnecessary, including scripts configuration files and web pages. They also allow redundant services such as remote administration and content management. Server misconfiguration enables debugging of functions or anonymous users having access to administrative duties. Such features promote an avenue for hackers to bypass security details in the website and have access to confidential and sensitive information. Hackers can, therefore, manipulate the data with benefits or get privileges such as requesting for money or using the website for an illegal purpose.
Servers may as well include accounts which are default and well known to a variety of people. When they fail to harden or lockdown their servers properly, they pose threats to the organizations they are serving. Web server misconfiguration may leave directory permissions or files set improperly exposing information to the third party. The SSL certificates that are misconfigured may compromise web servers as they are exposing websites to malicious people out there who go ahead to manipulate it for their gains. Security misconfiguration is defined to us failure in implementing all security controls by a web server or doing it with errors. When a company thinks they have sealed all the loopholes, but they have left loopholes setting an organization at risk.
Most common misconfigurations by the webservers include having a default configuration where the webserver has never changed for an extended period. Having wrong assumptions by the server towards important applications in the organization expose the website to malicious attacks. The world is dynamic as it keeps on changing. Technology is making cloud environments and data centres challenging to provide security. Such environments are rapidly changing and diverse, making it cumbersome to introduce secure configurations.
Without proper visibility levels, web server misconfigurations are exposing the heterogeneous environment to new risks. For example administration ports that are unnecessary present all applications, the servers are working on to remote attacks. Second outbound connections to different services on the internet could be exposing the website to hackers who are keen on important mining data and use it against the company in question.
Legacy applications which may try to open communication channels with non-existing applications could open up a loophole affecting the organization.
Mitigation on the risk of misconfiguration
Visibility is the right tool while dealing with security misconfiguration by the web servers. All web servers of an organization should learn the behaviour of configuration and focus on critical assets on a website. Firms need a real-time and accurate map of the entire website that shows flows of data and communication across all the database environment. Visibility allows the webserver to identify all the potential web misconfigurations quickly and devise appropriate remedies. It includes revealing all failures in connection from a specific site. When having a real-time map could prevent breaches in the website as malicious software’s imitate all applications abandoned to expose or extract data.
Micro-segmentation is another vital tool as it helps to promote strict policies that protect communication systems and sensitive information from the website. It helps organizations because even if hackers gain access to the system, they are limited to sensitive information from the organization.
Guardicore offers a detailed and accurate map of the cloud data making it easy to identify unusual behaviours from the website before they get worse. The software also helps to mitigate or remove unpatched applications or features and also detect anomalies in the communication channel.
In summary webserver, a misconfiguration can expose sensitive data to hackers who can manipulate it to their advantage. For example, remote access to the website is creating an avenue for hackers to use it and plant their malicious software’s. However, being visible can help to protect important data and solve problems.