Azure Secure Cloud Config Review

What is Microsoft Cloud?

Microsoft Cloud is a computing service that offers users a complete set of tools and services to help them be more productive and efficient in their work. The service is available through various subscription plans, each offering different features and services. Some of the features and services include:

Storage: Microsoft Cloud offers users a variety of storage options, including Azure Storage, OneDrive, and SharePoint. These storage options allow users to store their data in the cloud and access it from any location.

Computing: Microsoft Cloud offers various computing services, including Azure VMs, App Services, and Functions. These services allow users to create and run virtual machines, web apps, and serverless functions in the cloud.

Networking: Microsoft Cloud offers various networking services, including Azure DNS, Traffic Manager, and VPN Gateway. These services allow users to manage and connect their network resources in the cloud.

Aardwolf Security utilise CREST accredited penetration testers for secure cloud configuration reviews, we collectively have decades of experience performing web application security testing and website security testing, get in touch today for a free quote.

What is Microsoft Azure Penetration Testing?

Azure Penetration Testing is the process of testing an Azure account and its associated resources for potential security vulnerabilities. This type of testing can help identify areas where an attacker could gain access to sensitive data or disrupt service availability. Azure penetration tests can be performed manually or with automated tools.

Penetration testing your Azure account and resources can help you understand your exposure to risk and take steps to mitigate potential threats. Azure provides many built-in security features, such as role-based access control and network security groups, that can help secure your resources.

What are the common security vulnerabilities of Azure?

Some of the most common Azure security vulnerabilities include the following:

1. Unsecured storage accounts:One of the most common security issues with Azure is unsecured storage accounts. This means that anyone with access to the account can view and modify the stored data. To avoid this, secure your storage account with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.
2. Lack of proper network configuration:Another common security issue is the improper network configuration. For example, leaving the default settings for virtual networks can expose your Azure deployment to attack. Ensure to properly configure your networking settings and limit access to only the necessary ports and protocols.
3. Weak identity and access management:Identity and access management (IAM) is a critical security feature in Azure. However, if IAM is not configured correctly, it can leave your deployment vulnerable to attack. Ensure proper configuration of IAM and limit access to only the necessary users and groups.
4. Insecure application development:Another common security issue is insecure application development. This can happen if developers do not adequately secure their developing applications. To avoid this, follow best practices for secure application development, such as using a secure coding framework and properly testing applications before deployment.
5. Lack of security monitoring:One of the most essential security measures is monitoring for threats. However, if you do not have proper security monitoring in place, you may not be aware of a security issue until it is too late. Ensure a comprehensive security monitoring solution that includes intrusion detection and response.

What Azure penetration tests does Microsoft allow?

Microsoft allows three types of Azure penetration tests: external, internal, and privilege escalation. External pentesting assesses an organisation’s exposure to threats from the Internet, while internal pentesting evaluates an organisation’s ability to defend against attacks from within its network. Privilege escalation pentesting determines whether a malicious user can gain elevated permissions within an Azure environment.

Microsoft requires pentesters to follow specific guidelines when conducting tests on Azure, including obtaining prior explicit permission from the customer, only targeting systems and services authorised explicitly for testing, and never compromising customer data. Additionally, the testers must adhere to Microsoft’s pentesting principles of least privilege and defence in depth.

During a Microsoft Azure pentest, which areas should be the focus?

There are a few key areas that you should focus on when testing your Azure applications:

Functionality: Ensure that all features of your application work as expected. This includes both basic functionality (such as creating and deleting resources) and more complex functionality (such as handling failures and scale).

Performance: Make sure that your application performs well under load. This includes latency (how quickly your application responds to requests) and throughput (how much data your application can handle).

Security: Verify that your application is secure against potential threats. This includes external attacks (such as denial of service attacks) and internal ones (such as privilege escalation).

Stability: Ensure that your application is stable and can handle unexpected events. This includes system-level events (such as service outages) and application-level ones (such as data corruption).

What Azure pentesting tools are most popular?

There are many Azure pentesting tools available, but some of the most popular ones include the following:

Azucar is a tool that audits Azure environments by collecting configuration data and analysing all data associated with a particular Azure subscription. It then uses that information to reveal any security risks present.

MicroBurst suite is a series of tools designed to exploit weaknesses in Azure systems and assess their security. It can audit configurations, identify active Azure Services, and perform various post-exploitation activities, such as obtaining credentials.

PowerZure is a PowerShell script that helps you reconnoitre and exploit Microsoft Azure. It has many components to help with different tasks, like operational activities, information gathering, credential dumping, and data exfiltration.

Stormspotter tool allows pentesters and red teams to generate an “attack graph” for Azure and Azure Active Directory objects. Increasing visibility into the attack surface makes this process much simpler and more manageable.

Cloud Security Suite (cs-suite) incorporates multiple tools for evaluating the security of various cloud computing services, Microsoft Azure included.

What are the steps for Microsoft Azure Penetration Testing?

Various tools are available for Azure penetration testing, and the steps will vary depending on which tool you use. However, the process will generally involve enumerating resources, identifying vulnerabilities, exploiting those vulnerabilities, and then post-exploitation activities. Some specific tools that can be used for Azure penetration testing include Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite.

1. Enumerate resources:The first step is to enumerate all of the available resources in the target Azure environment. This can be done using tools like Nmap or manually inspecting the Azure portal.
2. Identify vulnerabilities:Once all the resources have been enumerated, the next step is identifying any potential vulnerabilities. This can be done by inspecting the configuration of each resource and looking for any potential weaknesses.
3. Exploit vulnerabilities:Once vulnerabilities have been identified, they can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data or systems. There are various ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and the specific method will depend on the nature of the vulnerability.
4. Post-exploitation activities: After successfully exploiting a vulnerability, many post-exploitation activities can be carried out to further gain access or escalate privileges. These activities will again depend on the specific nature of the exploited vulnerability.

How data on Microsoft Azure can be secured?

At Aardwolf Security, we secure your information within the Azure platform, so you can remain compliant with Microsoft’s policies. Diving into cloud architecture, we identify various attack vectors- from the network layer of cloud design to applications running on virtual data or development centres.

Cloud security also encompasses web authentication portals which utilise cloud service providers’ APIs. We test how well you use your resources to meet security requirements and help improve your technology and implement changes to protect your digital assets. Our CREST certified testers also work to remove false confidence that can be deceptive.

How long does it take to perform an Azure configuration review?

There are numerous factors that influence the scoping of an Azure secure configuration review, such as:

• Number of services
• Number of hosts within the services
• Size of organisation

How much is an Azure penetration test?

An Azure configuration review cost is calculated by the number of days a penetration tester will take to fulfil the agreed scope. The number of days can be determined by filling out our penetration testing scoping form or messaging us through our contact form to arrange a scoping call with one of our senior penetration testers.

What are the deliverables following an Azure configuration review?

Following completion of an Azure configuration review, the security consultants will produce a custom report that highlights any issues identified, their risk levels and recommendations regarding how to remedy them.