Introduction
Although new network hacks continue to surface, the fundamentals mostly remain the same. You can keep track of the overwhelming array of techniques thieves employ to breach networks by understanding the basic categories. Although there are constantly new program flaws appearing, exploitable bugs have always existed. Although con artists use cunning social engineering techniques, human carelessness and credulity were realities long before computers. Understanding the broad structure of network vulnerabilities can help you comprehend how each new threat fits into the bigger picture.
A network vulnerability is a weakness or fault in organizational procedures, technical infrastructure, or software that, if exploited by an outside threat, might lead to a security breach. Hardware-based, software-based, and human-based vulnerabilities are the three basic categories into which network vulnerabilities can be divided.
Under these 3 Categories we are going to discuss thoroughly about 4 main Vulnerabilities.
1. Physical Device Security Issues.
2. Firewall Issues.
3. Software Issues.
4. User Issues.
1) Physical Device Security Issues
If a device is not properly maintained, it might pose a security risk to the entire network. The first line of defense is comprised of routers and security devices, but they need to be used correctly. If fixes are not available, they should be replaced since they need frequent firmware upgrades.
Getting unrestricted physical access to a network's equipment is one of the safest methods to hack it. Malware may be installed on it quickly. The hacker has the option of downloading code from a predetermined site or copying it from a USB drive.
The installed program might be used by the invader as spyware or a backdoor. It may, for instance, record keystrokes, connect to an active account, or watch internal communications.
It's not necessarily required to have direct physical access. Malicious USB devices have been sent as "gifts" by criminals to potential victims. Once plugged in, they start the process of installing malware.
Tablets, cellphones, and laptops may all be stolen. If a stolen device automatically connects to a VPN, the burglar enters the network. Devices that often leave the office should thus be encrypted and protected by a strong password.
· Unauthorized Devices
Employees occasionally connect their own computers to the internet or attach gadgets to them in an effort to do their jobs more effectively. It is more difficult to administer the network since the IT department must become familiar with them. Additionally, they seldom meet the security requirements of the firm.
BYOD guidelines are precarious. To safeguard the device and the network, the IT department should establish criteria for appropriate hardware and software. Connecting simply any mobile device, even those with outdated operating systems, introduces significant security hazards.
In the event that they are used for work-related purposes, other user-owned devices could also be appropriate. However, if the network has strict security standards, the IT department should verify them and limit their access to the network.
The IT department should maintain a list of all devices and IP addresses regardless of the policy. It is unable to resolve security problems on a machine it is unaware of.
By making some simple changes and receiving some training, you can improve physical security.
Promote effective theft prevention. Ensure that your staff is instructed on how to stop computer, mobile device, and other hardware theft as well as how to react when it occurs. Make sure you have a strategy in place to erase stolen devices, and make sure your staff is aware of what to do if any critical equipment disappears from their control.
Permit location and device clearance services at a distance. In the event that they are stolen or lost, several applications may track devices and offer remote access. You may do this to prevent data from unwanted access by erasing sensitive data from stolen or lost devices.
2) Firewall Issues
Its initial line of defense is the network firewall. It might be a standalone box, a router component, or a virtual machine. It ought to only allow ports for incoming access when necessary. Sometimes default settings will install services that are not essential. Security dangers exist with unidentified, unmanaged services. The majority of computers on a network shouldn't be able to operate servers since they don't need to.
A strong firewall reduces DDoS assaults and safeguards against IP addresses that are banned. Web application firewalls (WAFs), which identify attack patterns and block such requests, have become a popular alternative to conventional firewalls among many network administrators. They can thwart efforts at cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and other threats. They go under the name "next-generation firewalls" as well.
Only sometimes is one firewall sufficient. Segmentation helps networks with internal servers by separating the computers that store sensitive data from the network's edge. The likelihood of vulnerabilities being exploited is further decreased by a secondary firewall for the protected section.
Typical firewall flaws and setting errors include:
· Both ICMP and pinging the firewall are permitted.
· Allowing idly accessible services on the firewall.
· TCP/UDP ports that are open but not in use.
· For the blacklisted ports, the firewall responds with a Deny answer rather than a drop. This gives the attacker more information or speeds up the port scan for the attacker.
· Misconfiguration that enables internal hosts with routable IP addresses to be TCP pinged.
· Believing in certain IP addresses.
The following are the top 7 firewall risks and vulnerabilities:
· DDoS Assaults
· Insider Threats
· Ineffective Firewall Software
· Lack of Controls Activation
· Missing documentation
· Standard Inspection Procedures
· Faulty Configuration
1. DDoS Attacks
Popular assault tactics like DDoS attacks are well known for being both very effective and inexpensive to carry out. The primary objective is to deplete a defender's resources, causing a shutdown or extended incapacity to provide services. Attacks against protocols aim to overtax load balancers and firewalls, preventing them from processing legitimate traffic.
Firewalls can reduce certain DDoS assaults, although protocol attacks can still overcome them.
One strategy that hackers employ to get through firewalls is tiny fragmentation. The maximum size allowed by the underlying network is regularly exceeded by the size of an IP packet. The package must be broken in these circumstances in order to be transported farther. The attacker makes use of this TCP/IP protocol feature. In this kind of attack, the attacker creates and transmits fragments of the original packet in an attempt to mislead the firewall. All TCP-enabled and fragmented packets are discarded by firewalls to thwart this kind of attack. Dynamic Packet Filters only let incoming TCP packets if they are replies to outgoing TCP packets.
Because there are several attack tactics that might take advantage of different flaws in network architecture, DDoS assaults do not have a straightforward cure. Many cyber security companies provide scrubbing services, which redirect incoming traffic away from your network and separate legitimate access attempts from DDoS attacks. Then, this legitimate traffic is diverted to your network, enabling you to resume business as usual.
2. Insider Attacks
Insider assaults constitute a hazard to firewalls even if they are not the most likely kind of attacks. Someone who has been given permission to penetrate your perimeter firewall is the one who takes advantage of this prevalent firewall vulnerability. That individual should have also been given access to your internal systems. To reduce employee risks, use an appropriate network segmentation configuration plan.
3. Outdated Firewall Software
Like any other piece of software, a firewall contains flaws that hackers might take advantage of. When firewall providers identify these problems, they often move quickly to create a patch to resolve the issue. On the other side, some security teams are quite busy, making it simple to fall behind on firewall upgrades. The vulnerability won't be fixed until the patch is applied to firewall firmware, where it will wait for an uninvited intruder to exploit it. Businesses that don't follow proper patching practices are more susceptible to firewall assaults.
The best solution to this issue is to establish and follow a strict patch management plan. According to this approach, the security team should check for any firewall software security updates and make sure to deploy them.
4. Failure to Activate Controls
One of the most prevalent firewall issues that businesses have is improperly triggered controls. For instance, anti-spoofing technologies are an essential part of any managed security system because they prevent malicious software, spam, and other false communications from infiltrating your network. A distributed denial-of-service attack will almost surely occur if you don't turn on this control.
5. Lack of Documentation
Having application documentation and rule decryptions on hand could assist your company prevent security breaches if any of your security specialists resigns suddenly or is absent for a prolonged length of time. With appropriate documentation, work is less likely to be repeated, giving staff more time to concentrate on higher-level tasks.
6. Basic Inspection Protocols
Deep packet inspection is a capability offered by next-generation firewalls that examines a network packet's contents before allowing or disallowing its transit to or from a system. Simpler firewalls may only check the data packet's origin and destination before allowing or rejecting it; this information is simple for an attacker to impersonate in order to bypass the firewall.
Using a firewall that can do deep packet inspection on data packets in order to identify and block known malware is the best way to handle this problem.
7. Improper Configuration
Even though your network has a firewall and the most recent vulnerability fixes are deployed, there might be a discrepancy in the firewall's configuration settings that leads to issues. In certain instances, this might result in a decrease in network performance, while in others, a firewall might not offer the necessary protection. Data from Gartner indicates that 95% of firewall breaches are the result of incorrect setup rather than flaws. This suggests that a firewall's settings are off because of human mistake or a lack of research. In fact, Gartner predicted in 2016 that this ratio will reach 99 percent by 2020. A typical setup error is using a weak password. Modern passwords might be challenging to remember due to character restrictions. Some workers could make use of easy-to-remember passwords or factory default settings for the purpose of convenience. You are more susceptible to account theft if this occurs on your firewall than you would otherwise be. A poorly built firewall wastes your time, money, and effort while making things simpler for attackers.
How to Improve Firewall Security
· The IP address of an intruder should be filtered out while configuring the firewall.
· Set up the firewall rule set to only permit access to services that are required, blocking all other traffic.
· If feasible, create a distinct user IP to manage the firewall services. The services are started without utilizing the root ID.
· Install a remote Syslog server and take security measures to protect it from unauthorized users.
· At regular intervals, firewall logs are examined, and any questionable log entries are looked at.
· Every FTP connection to and from the network is deactivated by default.
· Control who can change the firewall settings and keep track of user access to firewalls.
· Specify the source/destination IP addresses as well as the ports. Run periodic risk queries to discover high-risk firewall rules. Catalog and examine all incoming and outgoing traffic permitted via the firewall.
· Restrict physical access to the firewall; regularly backup the firewall rule set and configuration files; schedule frequent firewall security audits; document changes to the firewall and inform the security policy administrator of those changes.
· To stop denial of service attacks and related threats, anti-spoofing limitations on the external interface should be implemented.
In conclusion, you should document your network infrastructure, update the firewall and security architecture, fine-tune your firewall, security hardening, standards, policies, change management, etc., to improve your firewall security.
3) Software Issues
Now let's talk about network security's software component. Even a basic network has devices running a variety of operating systems and applications. If any of them contain critical faults, attackers will take advantage of them to access the whole network. It's only feasible to safeguard what you are aware of, just like with hardware. Applications may be easily exploited when they are made widely available for anybody to utilize without restrictions.
· Outdated and Buggy Software
A common issue with application security is old software that has known flaws. If anything is out of date, it is a target just waiting to be shot at. These issues can be found by routine network vulnerability monitoring, allowing IT administrators to deploy the most recent security fixes.
Software that is no longer used but is still present is simple to forget about. Content management system plug-ins and add-ons are particularly prone to this. All software that can be impacted through the Internet should be known to IT management, who should either maintain it or get rid of it.
Some software, particularly house-written code, could have issues that need to be fixed. They are therefore vulnerable to zero-day exploits. While there may occasionally be no way to avoid this risk, strict access controls will lessen the threat.
· Unmanaged Software
Shadow IT issues affect both software and hardware. Without IT clearance, employees who install software on their computers pose a security risk. The program may be dangerous, and it's very possible that no one is installing security updates. The installation of a Trojan horse to penetrate the network can even be tricked users into doing.
Sadly, this occasionally occurs because IT policies need to be looser. Employees will discover other means of completing their tasks if they are unable to do so through the normal routes. To develop secure solutions to challenges, IT professionals should collaborate with staff members.
The most common software security vulnerabilities include:
- Missing data encryption
- OS command injection
- SQL injection
- Buffer overflow
- Missing authentication for critical function
- Missing authorization
- Unrestricted upload of dangerous file types
- Reliance on untrusted inputs in a security decision
- Cross-site scripting and forgery
- Download of codes without integrity checks
- Use of broken algorithms
- URL redirection to untrusted sites
- Path traversal
- Bugs
- Weak passwords
- Software that is already infected with virus
4) User Issues
Hardware and software problems can be handled by engineers, but human problems can appear insurmountable. Human error is real, and mistakes are made by humans all the time. For instance, individuals tend to choose flimsy passwords or need to be cautious with them. When phishing emails are opened, links to dangerous websites are clicked. It might be difficult to get employees to abide by a security policy and comprehend their organizational responsibilities. However, when the initiative comes from the top, a solid security culture may be developed. Since hackers regularly use these techniques to obtain unauthorized access to network systems, human security vulnerabilities are the most common. Access may be gained by deception and human engineering tactics, such as phishing to get login information through phony emails.
· Authentication and Authorization
People struggle to come up with secure passwords for themselves on their own. It's natural to want to make passwords that are simple to remember and apply to a variety of websites. People frequently write down their passwords in a visible and memorable place in case they forget them. To put it another way, it should be somewhere that is visible to them and other people and is also simple to find. Software can set minimum password complexity criteria, but that only goes so far in preventing password breaches.
Account security is considerably increased with multi-factor authentication. The second component prevents someone from breaking in using merely a stolen password, whether it employs text messaging, a mobile application, or a specific gadget.
Since they don't have to remember them, password managers encourage users to generate complex passwords. When used in tandem, a password manager and password generator offer strong account security.
· Deception of Users
The most popular method for breaching network security is trickery. Phishing communications, telemarketing scams, and lookalike websites are a few techniques used to deceive consumers into giving over sensitive information without realizing it. Employees become more aware of such scams and are less likely to fall for them as a result of security awareness training and testing.
But everyone may be duped occasionally. When they are, the damage is lessened by the least privilege principle. Accounts should only have the rights required to do their tasks. There shouldn't be many accounts with unrestricted access. Thus, someone who hacks into an account won't be able to get as far.
Impacts of these Vulnerabilities in Networking Devices
1. Not Staying Current with Vulnerability Assessments
While network devices with improperly configured vulnerabilities might cause havoc, firmware vulnerabilities represent a greater risk. Consider that a significant firewall device vendor has informed you of a firmware flaw. While the manufacturer waits to deliver updates or fixes, attackers who have heard about the vulnerability may try to breach into your network.
The worst thing is that vulnerability exploit codes are also made accessible online. Some of them are provided by dishonest people for nothing, while others cost thousands of dollars. Regardless of how much they may cost, they present a serious danger to businesses. Potential assaults are increasing dramatically. Attacks on your network might do harm before you are even aware of a danger if you are not proactively monitoring forums that announce your firewall vendor's vulnerabilities.
2. Data Theft
Data theft is the common effect of firmware hacking. It won't take long for attackers to gain access to your servers once they get past your firewall, the network's outer layer of security. The private information of your company will then be highly risky.
Other crimes might also result from data theft. For instance, identity theft and insurance frauds may result from the theft of healthcare network data.
3. Ransomware
Rogue users that initiate ransomware attacks on your devices are another danger brought on by weak firmware. Attackers encrypt your data and render it unavailable to everyone rather than taking it. Businesses are compelled to pay the hackers a ransom in order for them to release their data.
Your email servers and other sensitive systems that house private data might be seriously damaged if ransomware is introduced. Imagine if financial institutions were the target of such an attack. If done on a wide scale, it might prevent thousands of people from transacting money and have an effect on the economy.
4. IoT devices Hijacking
The dangers of assaults rise as more Internet of Things (IoT) devices are used for both personal and professional purposes. Hackers can take control of your gadgets and their operations and use them for a variety of evil purposes.
IoT gadgets you possess might end up being bugs you unintentionally placed across your house. They may be used by attackers to eavesdrop on your talks, and they can then use the information they learn about you to blackmail you into paying a ransom. Additionally, businesses have started automating manufacturing procedures and gaining insights more quickly thanks to IoT. However, if these devices are taken over, it may result in the theft of data or damage your organizations or brand's goodwill and image.
5. Network Outages
Attackers can start modifying the behavior of your network devices once they have discovered and exploited firmware vulnerabilities. Additionally, they can disrupt network connectivity by constantly restarting equipment.
Network interruptions affect enterprises negatively by interfering with business continuity. This may result in financial and brand damage for internet enterprises. But companies may avoid this by using a system that regularly checks their network devices for vulnerabilities and maintains them updated with the most recent firmware.
Mitigations for Vulnerabilities
1) Asset Discovery & Vulnerability Identification
You must be aware of what you are defending. Using a discovery scan is the initial step in vulnerability mitigation. This will list all of the devices that are currently connected to your network, list all of the operating systems, map those systems to their IP addresses, and show any open ports and services that are currently available on those systems.
Then, you may use vulnerability scanning to look for gaps on each of these devices. Find the holes in your network and utilize this knowledge to lessen the attack surface that may be used.
By scheduling routine discovery scans, you can continually make sure that your networks are protected and include any new devices that are later added to the network.
There are more methods than scans for finding vulnerabilities. A full cybersecurity risk assessment is a crucial and all-inclusive technique to find organizational vulnerabilities that a scan by itself is unable to find. Your assets will be identified and prioritized, your controls' effectiveness will be shown, holes will be found, and advice on reducing cybersecurity risk will be provided through a cyber-risk assessment. You can keep up with emerging vulnerabilities and threats by using a specialized cybersecurity risk management software.
2) Implement Security Controls
After you have determined your unique vulnerabilities, it is important to implement mitigating security measures. Your security objectives, budget, and priorities will have an impact on these, but it is advised to follow a well-established cybersecurity framework that is pertinent to your sector and has a complete list of all available security measures.
Depending on the sort of organization you run, there are frequently rules and regulations that specify the security measures you are required to implement. Make sure you have those in place. Information security, data privacy, government regulations, as well as some larger frameworks and more in-depth industry-specific recommendations, are all covered by several frameworks. The most well-known and popular frameworks include:
ISO 27001, NIST CSF, NIST 800-171, PCI DSS, CMMC.
Preventative, corrective, and detective internal controls are the three categories to take into account. Controls are frequently divided into administrative, technological, and physical categories. Online, extensive listings are available. These 4 categories will contain some of the most crucial controls to take into account:
· Technical Controls: This includes both the technology and software needed to safeguard systems, networks, and businesses. These consist of encryption, password management, identity and authentication methods, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems (IDS). Endpoint security barriers play a significant role in this.
· Physical Access Controls: Security guards, perimeter security, cameras, locks, and restricted access are a few examples.
· Compliance Controls: These comprise the many policies and practices that a company must implement in order to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Observation, training, and internal auditing are a few examples.
· Procedural Controls: Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and "user manuals" like an incident response plan serve as typical examples of procedural controls.
The need for vulnerability mitigation will be lessened and possibilities for exploitation will be avoided with the right controls in place.
3) Patch Management
As we've previously indicated, software will inevitably include flaws and vulnerabilities. "Patches" are mitigations made available by the designers of various hardware and software to address found problems. It's crucial to promptly apply such fixes if you want to keep your system secure. In addition to threat actors actively exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, keeping them unpatched exposes your firm to compliance and regulatory sanctions.
The solutions discussed here should be used in conjunction to provide an efficient patch management life cycle. Learn about the normal patch release timetables adhered to by the relevant firms. Consider Microsoft, which has a monthly "patch Tuesday" to watch for. CISA maintains a database of known exploited vulnerabilities and regularly publishes updates. All companies are urged to prioritize quick repair of Catalog vulnerabilities as part of their vulnerability management procedures in order to lessen their susceptibility to assaults. To make sure you are keeping an eye on all pertinent releases, carefully work with a list of your product producers and service suppliers.
4) Continuous Monitoring & Change Management Plans
The best way to remain ahead is to handle vulnerabilities in a proactive manner. Unfortunately, this sort of procedure is never finished. Maintaining your vulnerability management objectives requires regular scanning, analysis of data, and continuous monitoring of security measures and patch releases.
A key component of safeguarding your systems and networks is change management. Put rules and processes in place to make sure that any alterations, additions, or deletions (to hardware, software, or even the workforce) are taken into consideration and evaluated in terms of how they influence the current situation.
5) Incident Response
Despite taking all the preventative measures and safety procedures possible, accidents may and will still happen.
If you have an incident response strategy in place, responding to a breach or assault will be simpler. Quickly and intelligently responding to a danger occurrence can lessen your exposure, lessen the effects, and perhaps help activities resume as soon as feasible. By having an incident response plan, all teams and employees will be aware of their responsibilities, prepared to take action, and capable of effectively resolving any problems.
Make sure you frequently test your strategy and to take change management into account.
These risk mitigation best practices for vulnerability management are sensible and useful, but without the right tools, the entire process may be daunting. Automated technologies will be available on contemporary risk and compliance management platforms, streamlining the process at every stage. Utilize automated analysis, scanning tools, and external intelligence to help you prioritize your operations.
Conclusion
Network vulnerability protection is a challenging, full-time task. Every piece of hardware, every program, and every user on the network have the potential to either increase or decrease cyber security. As a result, it's important to examine security procedures and policies on a frequent basis. Employees need to understand the dangers and how to minimize them.
As bad actors try to exploit network weaknesses and breach your company's system, there is always a risk of this happening. The greatest threat to a company and its consumers is posed by social engineering and malware. There is a security risk while using outdated software since it frequently has flaws that are not present in the most recent version. Last but not least, poorly configured firewalls and operating system default policy settings run the substantial danger of being compromised by a threat actor.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
