Our Dependency on Cloudflare: Are We Putting Security at Risk?

Vulnerabilities in Cloudflare‘s Security Controls Expose Users to Internal Attacks

Cloudflare, a major cybersecurity vendor offering web application firewall (WAF), bot management, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protections, has been found to have vulnerabilities in its security controls that allow users to bypass customer-configured protections and target other users from within the platform. Certitude, a technology consulting firm, has raised concerns about the shared infrastructure on Cloudflare that all tenants have access to, making it possible for malicious actors to abuse the trust customers place in the platform’s protections.

The Issue with Cloudflare‘s Infrastructure

The problem arises from the fact that traffic originating from Cloudflare‘s own infrastructure is considered trusted by default and is not passed through the configured reverse-proxy servers, unlike traffic from other parties. This means that if an attacker is registered with Cloudflare, they can target other users on the platform and bypass the protections put in place by the victim.

Specific Vulnerabilities Identified

Certitude has identified two specific vulnerabilities in Cloudflare‘s security controls. The first relates to the ‘Authenticated Origin Pulls’ on the Transport Layer mechanism, which relies on a Cloudflare SSL certificate for authentication. Customers have the option to use a Cloudflare certificate or their own certificate for this authentication mechanism. However, because the options are insufficiently documented, it is more convenient for customers to use the Cloudflare certificate. This shared certificate permits all connections originating from Cloudflare, regardless of the tenant initiating them.

The second vulnerability involves the ‘Allowlist Cloudflare IP addresses’ on the Network Layer mechanism. This mechanism allows connections originating from within Cloudflare‘s infrastructure, but blocks connections from outside Cloudflare‘s IP ranges. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by establishing a custom domain with Cloudflare, directing the DNS A record to the victim’s IP address, disabling all protection features for that custom domain, and routing their attack through Cloudflare‘s infrastructure. This effectively bypasses the victim’s configured protection features.

Risk and Recommendation

These vulnerabilities pose significant risks to Cloudflare‘s users, as they allow attackers to bypass protections and target other users from within the platform. Certitude recommends using custom certificates for connection authentication to mitigate these gaps in Cloudflare‘s security controls. Additionally, Certitude suggests using Cloudflare Aegis as another measure to mitigate these vulnerabilities.

Response and Bug Bounty Program

Certitude reported these vulnerabilities to Cloudflare through its bug bounty program in March, but the report was marked as ‘informative’ and closed without a fix. A spokesperson for Cloudflare has yet to respond to requests for a statement regarding these vulnerabilities.

Editorial

This revelation of vulnerabilities within Cloudflare‘s security controls raises concerns about the potential risks associated with relying on third-party providers for cybersecurity. Cloudflare is a widely trusted platform used by organizations around the world to protect their web servers from malicious activities. However, this incident highlights the need for organizations to remain vigilant and regularly assess the security controls and measures implemented by their service providers.

The issue at hand is not unique to Cloudflare. Similar vulnerabilities and gaps in security controls can exist in any shared infrastructure that provides services to multiple users. This incident serves as a reminder that organizations should not blindly trust the default security measures provided by these platforms, but instead thoroughly review and validate the security controls and configure them to meet their specific needs and requirements.

Cloudflare, as a trusted cybersecurity vendor, must prioritize the prompt resolution of these vulnerabilities and ensure that their bug bounty program is effective in addressing reported issues. In an era of increasing cybersecurity threats, it is essential for service providers to be proactive in addressing vulnerabilities and providing timely fixes to ensure the safety and security of their customers.

Philosophical Discussion

This incident raises philosophical questions around trust and dependency in the digital age. Organizations place immense trust in service providers like Cloudflare to protect their digital assets and ensure the continuous operation of their web services. However, incidents like this remind us that trust should be balanced with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Dependency on third-party providers for cybersecurity measures can create vulnerabilities and potential points of failure. While these providers play a critical role in securing organizations’ web infrastructure, it is important for organizations to maintain a degree of self-reliance and invest in their own security measures. This includes conducting regular security audits, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, and implementing additional layers of security beyond what is provided by the service provider.

Advice for Organizations

Organizations relying on Cloudflare or similar third-party cybersecurity vendors should take the following steps to enhance their security posture:

1. Thoroughly review and assess the security controls and measures implemented by the service provider. Do not solely rely on default configurations and settings.
2. Validate and configure the security controls to meet your organization’s specific needs and requirements. Consult with cybersecurity professionals to ensure that the configurations align with best practices.
3. Regularly conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify any potential gaps or vulnerabilities in your web infrastructure.
4. Invest in additional layers of security, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems, to supplement the protections provided by the service provider.
5. Stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and threats. Subscribe to relevant security advisories and follow cybersecurity news outlets to ensure that you are aware of any potential risks.
6. Consider diversifying your cybersecurity solutions by implementing a multi-vendor approach. This can help mitigate the impact of a single provider’s vulnerabilities or service disruptions.

By taking these proactive measures, organizations can minimize their risk exposure and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture. Security should be viewed as an ongoing process, and organizations must remain vigilant in identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities.