Network security misconfigurations refer to errors, oversights, or improper settings related to the networking infrastructure within a cloud setup involving multiple cloud service providers. These misconfigurations can result in security vulnerabilities, data exposure, and operational inefficiencies. Network misconfigurations can occur at various levels, including virtual networks, subnets, security groups, firewalls, and communication channels between cloud resources. Several important network misconfigurations can lead to security vulnerabilities and breaches. Here are some of the most important network misconfigurations to watch out for:

• Unrestricted inbound access: Allowing unrestricted network access (that is, 0.0.0.0/0) to critical resources such as databases, APIs, or storage buckets.

Risk: This can expose sensitive data and services to the public internet, making them susceptible to unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.

• Inadequate network segmentation: Failing to implement proper network segmentation and security groups/firewalls between different tiers of your application.

Risk: Without proper segmentation, attackers who gain access to one part of your infrastructure can potentially move laterally to other sensitive components, increasing the impact of a breach.

• Weak network access control lists (ACLs)/firewall rules: Incorrectly configured network ACLs or firewall rules that permit excessive or unnecessary traffic.

Risk: Attackers can exploit these misconfigurations to bypass network security controls, perform reconnaissance, or launch attacks.

Network reconnaissance

Reconnaissance or network reconnaissance refers to the initial phase of a cyber attack or hacking where an attacker gathers information about a target system or network. This phase is also commonly known as information gathering or footprinting. The primary goal of reconnaissance is to collect as much relevant information as possible about the target, enabling the attacker to plan and launch subsequent stages of the attack more effectively.

• Unused security groups and rules: Leaving unused security groups and rules in place that could provide unintended access paths.

Risk: Attackers could manipulate these unused rules to gain unauthorized access to resources or services that were not meant to be exposed.

• Lack of encryption in transit: Not enforcing encryption (for example, SSL/TLS) for data transmitted between resources within your cloud environment.

Risk: Attackers can intercept sensitive information transmitted in clear text, leading to data leaks or unauthorized access to data in transit.

• Missing or misconfigured network monitoring and logging: Failing to set up proper network monitoring, intrusion detection, and logging for network activities.

Risk: Without adequate monitoring, it is challenging to detect and respond to suspicious activities or security breaches promptly.

• Improper virtual private network (VPN) configuration: Incorrectly configuring VPNs between on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources.

Risk: Misconfigurations in VPNs can expose your internal network to potential attackers or create unintentional data leakage paths.

• Neglecting hybrid cloud security: Overlooking security configurations when integrating on-premises infrastructure with multi-cloud environments.

Risk: Improper integration can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to compromise both cloud and on-premises resources.

• Overlooking Domain Name System (DNS) configuration: Not properly securing DNS settings, leading to DNS spoofing, cache poisoning, or unauthorized domain hijacking.

Risk: DNS vulnerabilities can redirect legitimate traffic to malicious sites, leading to data exfiltration or service disruption.

Network misconfigurations can lead to serious security incidents, data breaches, and operational disruptions. In a multi-cloud environment, where the complexity is heightened by the presence of multiple cloud providers, these misconfigurations can compound the risks.

Now, let’s understand some misconfigurations that can be serious security concerns, such as lateral movement and data leakage.