Addressing the Security Vulnerabilities in Cloud Applications

We use a number of cloud based applications every day, without putting much thought to it; search engines, email service, websites and even our bank applications are all examples. Some might categorize the security of their cloud application as unimportant, but we at Lean Security disagree.

Users actively look for avenues where their personal information is safe and secured, but in a world where everything is done online, how can the security be implicated? For this, online retailers and businesses that run web applications, which attract a lot of user traffic, should recognize and understand the many vulnerabilities that cloud applications can face according to the Australian based web application scanning service, Lean Security.   

The Types of Vulnerabilities

Lean Security helps small to mid ranged retailers and businesses find the following vulnerabilities within their website applications.

Server Side Injection

This is when a hacker injects its own logic into the backend processes of any web application, in order to gain sensitive information. Cloud based applications are able to store a lot of information about the company and users, which the attacker can get a full access to.

Client Side Injection

Compared to server side injections, hackers can inject instructions directly to the server too, but they are relayed back to client and executed when the application is used next. This is XSS vulnerability in the application and works much like how a computer virus would, i.e. the user clicks on a link sent by the hacker which executes the additional code in the user’s web browser.

Exposure of Sensitive Data

Cloud based applications allow users to save data and information ranging from less to more sensitive, in the cloud storage.  Storing high priority and sensitive data is always at risk of an attack or exposure, if not properly encrypted. This is normally done from the user’s side, prior to sending and storing to the cloud which is why many businesses with web applications take help from managed security services that provide this as well as many other services.   

Logical Mistakes

Applications that allow authenticated access provide limited access to stored data in the cloud, but don’t have proper access controls that can help check whether the data that’s being accessed by a user actually belongs to that individual. The unavailability of this control means exploitation can be done where the hacker can access the application and change the ID to access information and data of other users.

It’s foolish to assume these vulnerabilities can be addressed by the small business owner, especially those whose budget simply doesn’t allow for a fully fledged and working IT department. In such a case, hiring a professional managed security service like Lean Security can make all the difference.