Cloud misconfigurations | A catalyst for exploitation
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 7:21 am
Cloud services promise scalability and convenience but demand precision in setup. A simple misstep, such as leaving a storage bucket public or mismanaging Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles, can expose critical assets to the internet. Worse still, the nature of cloud environments means that vulnerabilities can propagate across regions and accounts, amplifying their impact. A report from XM Cyber which analysed 40 million exposures, states that 80% of exposures are caused by identity and credential misconfigurations. Then we have improperly configured databases. Common missteps include:
Publicly accessible storage buckets: Sensitive data stored in cloud buckets often lacks proper access controls, leading to breaches.
Weak identity and access management (IAM): Misconfigured permissions can allow attackers to escalate privileges and access critical resources.
Overlooked default settings: Cloud services often come with default settings that prioritize usability over security.
These misconfigurations act as a gateway for attackers, who exploit IoT weaknesses to gain a foothold in the cloud.
The anatomy of misconfigurations
The role of APIs in IoT and cloud ecosystems cannot be overstated. APIs are the backbone of IoT and cloud integration, facilitating everything from device management to data transfer in real japan whatsapp number data time. However, they are also one of the most exploited components in these environments. Misconfigured or poorly secured APIs can:
Expose sensitive device telemetry to unauthorized users.
Allow attackers to manipulate data streams or device functionality.
Serve as entry points for lateral movement within hybrid cloud infrastructures.
For instance, API keys embedded in IoT firmware can be extracted and reused by attackers to compromise entire cloud-hosted IoT fleets.
Open ports, open doors | How much of IoT security is misconfiguration-driven?
Microminder’s report is stating that 80% security breaches are caused by identity and credential misconfiguration. This figure dwarfs other common IoT vulnerabilities such as unpatched software or outdated firmware. While the percentage varies depending on the industry and use case, misconfiguration is a dominant factor across smart homes, industrial IoT (IIoT), and healthcare devices.
Why misconfigurations amplify threats
Attack surface multiplication | The quiet growth of IoT and cloud vulnerabilities
IoT ecosystems and cloud environments are vast, dynamic and interconnected. A misconfigured IoT camera, for instance, can serve as an entry point to an entire corporate network. A misconfigured cloud service, video stream can expose sensitive customer data.
Blind spots in detection | How blind spots erode your security posture
Misconfigurations often fly under the radar of traditional security monitoring tools. Attackers exploit these blind spots, leveraging tools like Shodan to scan for vulnerable IoT devices or misconfigured cloud assets.
Speed of exploitation | Why IoT devices can’t afford delayed security
Once discovered, misconfigurations can be exploited within minutes. Attackers use automated tools to weaponize these errors at scale, launching botnets or ransomware campaigns.
Publicly accessible storage buckets: Sensitive data stored in cloud buckets often lacks proper access controls, leading to breaches.
Weak identity and access management (IAM): Misconfigured permissions can allow attackers to escalate privileges and access critical resources.
Overlooked default settings: Cloud services often come with default settings that prioritize usability over security.
These misconfigurations act as a gateway for attackers, who exploit IoT weaknesses to gain a foothold in the cloud.
The anatomy of misconfigurations
The role of APIs in IoT and cloud ecosystems cannot be overstated. APIs are the backbone of IoT and cloud integration, facilitating everything from device management to data transfer in real japan whatsapp number data time. However, they are also one of the most exploited components in these environments. Misconfigured or poorly secured APIs can:
Expose sensitive device telemetry to unauthorized users.
Allow attackers to manipulate data streams or device functionality.
Serve as entry points for lateral movement within hybrid cloud infrastructures.
For instance, API keys embedded in IoT firmware can be extracted and reused by attackers to compromise entire cloud-hosted IoT fleets.
Open ports, open doors | How much of IoT security is misconfiguration-driven?
Microminder’s report is stating that 80% security breaches are caused by identity and credential misconfiguration. This figure dwarfs other common IoT vulnerabilities such as unpatched software or outdated firmware. While the percentage varies depending on the industry and use case, misconfiguration is a dominant factor across smart homes, industrial IoT (IIoT), and healthcare devices.
Why misconfigurations amplify threats
Attack surface multiplication | The quiet growth of IoT and cloud vulnerabilities
IoT ecosystems and cloud environments are vast, dynamic and interconnected. A misconfigured IoT camera, for instance, can serve as an entry point to an entire corporate network. A misconfigured cloud service, video stream can expose sensitive customer data.
Blind spots in detection | How blind spots erode your security posture
Misconfigurations often fly under the radar of traditional security monitoring tools. Attackers exploit these blind spots, leveraging tools like Shodan to scan for vulnerable IoT devices or misconfigured cloud assets.
Speed of exploitation | Why IoT devices can’t afford delayed security
Once discovered, misconfigurations can be exploited within minutes. Attackers use automated tools to weaponize these errors at scale, launching botnets or ransomware campaigns.