Cloud Service CLI Tools and Credential Leakage: A Timely Alert for Your IT Security
What is it?
Recent findings from cybersecurity researchers at Orca have revealed a troubling vulnerability within command-line interface (CLI) tools used by major cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Azure. This vulnerability, known as LeakyCLI, makes it possible for sensitive credentials to be exposed in build logs during routine operations with CLI tools. Commands that could reveal sensitive information, including environment variables, may inadvertently be captured in CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment) pipelines and logs, accessible through platforms like GitHub Actions, CircleCI, and TravisCI.
Why should you care?
Understanding the implications of LeakyCLI is crucial for IT teams to safeguard their environments. Credentials are keys to the kingdom. If malicious actors access these, they can potentially compromise not only individual projects but entire cloud infrastructures. This vulnerability puts at risk everything from server access to sensitive data storage, creating a gateway for further exploits. It’s notable that while Microsoft has patched this vulnerability for Azure, AWS and Google have not, considering it an expected behavior that demands vigilance on the part of users to avoid missteps.
What can you do?
The first step is to be aware of the specific CLI commands that pose risks. These include various AWS Lambda and Google Cloud functions commands that manipulate environment variables. Organizations should avoid using these commands in scripts that output to CI/CD logs or implement stringent log management practices to prevent sensitive information from being exposed. AWS and Google advise using dedicated secret management services, such as AWS Secrets Manager and Google Cloud Secret Manager, to securely handle sensitive data. Furthermore, Google suggests disabling user output in CLI operations to minimize the risk of leaking credentials.
As you navigate these cloud security challenges, remember that you’re not alone. Britec is here to provide expert guidance and tailored cybersecurity solutions that protect your infrastructure and data. Our experienced IT team understands the complexities of cloud environments and is ready to assist you in implementing best practices and secure technologies to defend against vulnerabilities like LeakyCLI.
Let us help you ensure that your CLI tools and operations are secure, so you can focus on what you do best. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support your security needs.
