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MASWE-0051: Unprotected Open Ports

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This content is in beta and still under active development, so it is subject to change any time (e.g. structure, IDs, content, URLs, etc.).

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Overview

Applications that open network ports without proper protection are vulnerable to unauthorized access and potential exploitation. This weakness occurs when an application listens on a network port and accepts incoming connections without adequate security measures, allowing other applications or attackers to connect and interact with it.

Impact

  • Unauthorized Access: Attackers can connect to open ports and gain access to application functionalities or sensitive data.
  • Data Leakage: Sensitive information may be exposed through unprotected ports if proper authentication and encryption are not enforced.
  • Remote Code Execution: Exploitation of open ports can lead to the execution of arbitrary code on the device.
  • Denial of Service: Attackers may overload the open port, causing the application or device to become unresponsive.
  • Privacy Breach: User data and application state can be compromised, leading to privacy violations and non-compliance with regulations.

Modes of Introduction

  • Binding to All Network Interfaces: Configuring the application to bind to all available network interfaces (e.g., using wildcard addresses), making it accessible over untrusted networks.
  • Insecure Loopback Address Usage: Misconfiguring the application to listen on loopback addresses without proper access restrictions.
  • Lack of Access Controls: Failing to implement authentication and authorization mechanisms for services exposed via open ports.
  • Debug Services Left Enabled: Leaving development or debugging network services active in production releases.
  • Misconfigured Firewall Settings: Not setting up proper firewall rules, allowing unauthorized inbound connections to open ports.

Mitigations

  • Restrict Network Bindings: Configure the application to bind only to specific, necessary network interfaces, avoiding the use of wildcard addresses like INADDR_ANY.
  • Implement Strong Access Controls: Enforce authentication and authorization for any services exposed through open ports to ensure only authorized entities can connect.
  • Disable Debugging Services in Production: Ensure that all development and debugging network services are disabled or removed in production builds.
  • Configure Firewalls Appropriately: Set up firewall rules to restrict access to open ports, allowing connections only from trusted sources.