Ensuring security in software development – problems with CI/CD pipelines and ways to prevent threats
Security is a critical aspect in software development, and the very act of implementing it eliminates design errors, reduces costs, and focuses the team on using sound methodologies. I will share our experience of integrating its tools into software creation (using the example of a corporate password manager OneKey) and the problems that arise along the way.
Continuous Integration and Deployment
1. Code changes
CI/CD practice requires frequent code changes, and these create challenges in maintaining development security. As changes are made, it is important to thoroughly test and verify them before integrating them into the deployment pipeline.
“Good” changes: a) are compatible with current code and configurations; b) do not introduce any security flaws or new vulnerabilities.
2. Integration problems
When combining software components into systems, integration problems often arise. These components often have different security requirements, which is why new vulnerabilities appear. The team's goal is to ensure reliable integration of components with full compliance with security requirements.
3. Security flaws
Security vulnerabilities arise at any stage of the CI/CD pipeline. For example, when developers accidentally introduce them into the code or if the infrastructure is left unprotected. Hackers exploit weaknesses, gaining access to cause damage or steal confidential information.
Continuous Security Testing
1. Speed and accuracy
Finding the right balance between speed and accuracy is a big challenge in continuous security testing. Changes need to be tested quickly, but with precision and thorough testing in mind.
2. Test automation
Test automation is another component of the CI/CD pipeline that helps balance the need for speed and accuracy in software development. However, if not properly designed and protected, it also poses security problems.
Automated tests that do not include security checks often miss application vulnerabilities. In addition, a poorly protected automated testing system becomes a target for attackers who can cause damage to the pipeline.
3. Integration with current security tools
Integrating security testing into current CI/CD pipelines and tools is another challenging task:
Security tools may not be compatible with existing development tools and processes. This causes pipeline failures and causes compatibility issues that slow things down and reduce performance.
Security tools require customization to meet the needs of the organization. Working in this direction is a time-consuming and complex process that requires dedicated resources for integration management and support.
Both factors make it more difficult to integrate security testing into pipelines.
Continuous Delivery and Deployment
1. Configuration management
An important component of CI/CD security, as improperly configured systems leave the infrastructure vulnerable to attack. Properly configuring and securing configurations is key to reducing the risks associated with security breaches.
2. Infrastructure as Code (IAC)
IAC is a method of managing and provisioning IT infrastructure using machine-readable definition files rather than manually configuring individual systems. It offers automation of the entire infrastructure lifecycle: from provisioning and configuration to deployment. At the same time, the methodology reduces the risk of human errors and protects against inconsistencies in configurations.
3. Deployment pipeline security
Another important component of CI/CD security. Includes ensuring that deployment configurations are configured correctly using special security measures: SSL/TLS encryption and secure communication ports.
To prevent unauthorized access, controls must be implemented—with user authentication and authorization, network segmentation, and firewalls. It is also important to provide comprehensive monitoring and logging to enable security breaches to be detected and responded to quickly.
Security information and event management (SIEM) tools should be used to monitor during deployment and alert security experts to threats.
Other CI/CD security threats
Additionally, CI/CD security threats include:
Unauthorized access to code.
Unsafe code.
Poor management of secrets.
Lack of Shifting Left practice.
When implementing security controls in CI/CD, you need to consider:
Scan coverage.
Cost of ownership and licensing terms.
Maintenance and setup effort required.
Scalability.
Integration with the current development and security stack.
Each threat requires its own approach and comprehensive study.
Let's sum it up
A team that wants to realize the benefits of integrating security into the software lifecycle must:
Avoid poorly thought out coding of secrets in configuration files and CI/CD build tools.
Create a number of authentication mechanisms for version control.
Provide access control for CI/CD build tools.
Configure the option for comprehensive rollback of changes.
Ensure configuration parity across pipeline environments.
Implement a process for ongoing vulnerability scanning and monitoring.
Take care to regularly clean unnecessary resources and utilities.
By addressing these issues, an organization reduces the risks associated with deploying code in an automated and fast-paced CI/CD environment.
