Cyber threats are a constant concern for businesses of all sizes. One of the most common ways that cybercriminals gain access to sensitive data and systems is through vulnerabilities in software applications. These vulnerabilities are often discovered by researchers or cybercriminals themselves, who then exploit them to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Traditional approach
Traditionally, the way to address these vulnerabilities is through the installation of a patch – a software update that fixes the vulnerability. The problem with this approach is that it can take time for the vendor to develop and release a patch, leaving systems vulnerable in the meantime. This is where virtual patching comes in.
Pros
Directly addresses the vulnerability by fixing the underlying issue in the software.
Provides a long-term solution by permanently patching the vulnerability.
Cons
Requires downtime for applying patches, which may impact system availability and performance.
Vulnerable systems are exposed until patches are applied, leaving them open to exploitation.
Patch management can be complex, especially in large environments with multiple systems and applications.
Virtual Patching Approach
Virtual patching is a security practice that involves creating a set of rules or policies, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), web application firewall (WAF), or virtual patching software, that are designed to block access to known vulnerabilities or exploits. These rules are implemented through a layer of software that sits between the application and the network, effectively acting as a shield that filters out malicious traffic.
Pros of Virtual Patching
Provides immediate protection against known vulnerabilities without waiting for official patches.
Helps to mitigate risks while patches are being developed or deployed.
Can be applied to legacy systems or software that may no longer receive official patches.
Reduces the likelihood of successful exploitation by blocking malicious traffic or behavior associated with the vulnerability.
Cons of Virtual Patching
May not fully address the underlying cause of the vulnerability, as it relies on blocking or filtering malicious input or behavior.
Requires regular updates and tuning to ensure effectiveness and avoid false positives.
Cannot protect against zero-day vulnerabilities for which no signatures or rules exist.
Should be used as a temporary measure until official patches can be applied.
Advantages of Virtual Patching
One of the main advantages of virtual patching is that it allows organizations to protect their systems immediately, without waiting for a vendor-supplied patch. This can be especially useful in situations where a critical vulnerability has been identified, but a patch is not yet available.
Virtual patching can also be customized to an organization’s specific needs. Security teams can set up rules that are tailored to their risk profile and priorities, helping them to prioritize the most critical vulnerabilities and ensure that their systems are protected against the most likely attack scenarios.
Another advantage of virtual patching is that it can reduce the cost and complexity of patch management. Traditional patching can be time-consuming and disruptive, requiring systems to be taken offline for updates to be installed. Virtual patching, on the other hand, can be implemented quickly and easily, without disrupting business operations.
Virtual patching is not a replacement for traditional patching, but it can be an effective supplement to existing security measures. By implementing virtual patches, organizations can reduce their exposure to threats while they wait for official patches to become available. This can help to improve their overall security posture and reduce the risk of a successful cyber attack.
More technical information about Virtual Patching can be found in our Knowledge Base.
Virtual Patching Use Case: SQL Injection Vulnerability in a Content Management System (CMS)
Imagine a widely used CMS platform that allows users to create and manage websites dynamically. Now, let’s say a security researcher discovers a critical SQL injection vulnerability in one of the CMS’s plugins. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the CMS database and compromising sensitive information, such as user credentials or financial data.
In this scenario, virtual patching can be extremely valuable in protecting against exploitation while waiting for the CMS vendor to release an official patch. Here’s how virtual patching could be applied:
Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
The organization deploys a WAF in front of their web servers hosting the CMS. The WAF is configured with rules specifically designed to detect and block SQL injection attacks targeting the vulnerable plugin.
Rule Configuration
Security analysts create and configure rules within the WAF to inspect incoming HTTP requests for suspicious SQL injection patterns. These rules may include detection of common SQL injection techniques such as union-based, boolean-based, or time-based attacks. The WAF also monitors the outgoing responses for any indications of data leakage or abnormal behavior.
Monitoring and Tuning
The security team continuously monitors the WAF logs for any signs of SQL injection attempts targeting the vulnerable plugin. They analyze the blocked requests to identify new attack patterns or evasion techniques and adjust the rules accordingly. This iterative process ensures that the virtual patch remains effective against evolving threats.
Temporary Protection
While the CMS vendor works on developing and releasing an official patch for the vulnerability in the plugin, the virtual patch provided by the WAF offers immediate protection for the CMS. This mitigates the risk of successful SQL injection attacks and minimizes the potential impact on the organization’s website and data.
Integration with Patch Management
Once the CMS vendor releases an official patch for the vulnerable plugin, the organization applies it to their CMS as part of their regular patch management process. The virtual patch provided by the WAF can then be gradually phased out, knowing that the underlying SQL injection vulnerability has been permanently addressed.
By implementing virtual patching through a WAF, the organization can effectively mitigate the risk posed by the SQL injection vulnerability in the short term, providing valuable time to apply the official patch once it becomes available. This proactive approach helps to safeguard against potential exploitation and minimize the impact on business operations and data security.
Getting ahead and taking action
In summary, Virtual Patching is a valuable security practice that can help organizations to protect their systems against vulnerabilities and exploits. By implementing virtual patches, organizations can reduce their risk exposure, improve their security posture, and ensure that their systems are protected against the most likely attack scenarios. RELIANOID IPDS and WAF solutions are designed for organizations taking these needs into account and helping protect their systems and applications.
While both approaches aim to enhance security by addressing vulnerabilities, they differ in their methods and trade-offs. Organizations often employ a combination of both approaches to provide comprehensive protection for their systems and applications.
Contact with out experts in cybersecurity for more information.
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