Mapping API security vulnerabilities to various compliance frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and SOC can help organizations identify gaps in their security posture and align their security practices with industry standards. Below are some common API security vulnerabilities in 2019 and how they can be mapped to these frameworks:
- Description: Injection attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious code (e.g., SQL, NoSQL, or OS commands) into API parameters or payloads, leading to unauthorized access or data manipulation.
- Mapping:
- NIST: This vulnerability can be mapped to NIST Special Publication 800-53, specifically AC-10 (Concurrent Session Control), which addresses the need to prevent unauthorized code execution.
- ISO 27001: This vulnerability can be addressed under the A.14 (System Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance) domain, specifically in the section related to secure coding practices.
- SOC: SOC 2 principles cover the security, availability, processing integrity, and confidentiality of customer data. Injection attacks should be mitigated through secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments.
- Description: This vulnerability arises when authentication mechanisms of APIs are improperly implemented, allowing attackers to bypass or guess credentials.
- Mapping:
- NIST: This vulnerability relates to multiple controls in the NIST SP 800-53, such as AC-2 (Account Management), AC-3 (Access Enforcement), and AC-6 (Session Termination).
- ISO 27001: This maps to the A.9 (Access Control) domain, which emphasizes proper authentication mechanisms and identity management.
- SOC: Broken authentication is relevant to the security principle of SOC 2, and it should be addressed through strong authentication measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Description: APIs may unintentionally expose sensitive information, such as Personally Identifiable Information (PII), due to inadequate data filtering or improper access controls.
- Mapping:
- NIST: This vulnerability aligns with several NIST controls like AC-6 (Session Termination), AC-14 (Permitted Actions without Identification or Authentication), and SC-28 (Protection of Information at Rest).
- ISO 27001: This maps to the A.9 (Access Control) domain, specifically in the section related to data handling and classification.
- SOC: Excessive data exposure can be covered under the security principle of SOC 2, emphasizing the need for data protection and access controls.
Lack of Resources & Rate Limiting:
- Description: If APIs don't implement proper rate limiting or resource management, they become susceptible to DoS (Denial of Service) attacks.
- Mapping:
- NIST: This vulnerability can be addressed under SC-5 (Denial of Service Protection) and SC-36 (Resource Priority).
- ISO 27001: This maps to the A.12 (Operational Security) domain, which covers security controls related to protecting against DoS attacks and ensuring availability.
- SOC: Lack of proper resource management can impact the availability principle of SOC 2, which requires maintaining adequate resources for service availability.
Insufficient Logging & Monitoring:
- Description: Inadequate or ineffective logging and monitoring mechanisms make it difficult to detect and respond to security incidents and anomalies in APIs.
- Mapping:
- NIST: This vulnerability can be mapped to AU-2 (Audit Events) and AU-6 (Audit Review, Analysis, and Reporting) controls in NIST SP 800-53.
- ISO 27001: This aligns with the A.12 (Operational Security) domain, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures.
- SOC: Insufficient logging and monitoring can impact the security and availability principles of SOC 2, requiring effective monitoring of systems and timely incident response.
It's important to note that compliance frameworks are extensive and have numerous controls and guidelines. Organizations should thoroughly review these frameworks to ensure all relevant controls are implemented to address API security vulnerabilities effectively. Additionally, compliance is an ongoing process, so regular reviews, updates, and improvements are essential to maintain a robust security posture.