Low-code/no-code (LC/NC) platforms have revolutionized software development, enabling businesses to create applications faster and more efficiently. These tools empower users without extensive coding experience, fostering innovation and operational agility. However, their rapid adoption has also introduced significant security concerns. To address these, the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) has identified the Low-Code/No-Code Top 10 Vulnerabilities, offering a roadmap for improving security in LC/NC environments.
What are Low-Code/No-Code Platforms?
As we can understand from the names Low-code platforms streamline development with minimal coding, while no-code platforms provide entirely visual interfaces.
This Visual interface is a graphical interface with unique tools and ready-to-use components, the complex code you may need to build such models, and features are pre-built. So, you get reusable components to create software quickly.
In No-Code platforms the users use Drag and drop tools. Such tools enable you to quickly build software without creating modules, components, and codes.
While LOW-Code/No-Code simplifies application creation, their simplicity often masks complex security risks, particularly when deployed in enterprise settings.
The OWASP Top 10 guide provides information about what the most prominent security risks are for such applications, the challenges involved, and how to overcome them.
OWASP Low-Code/No-Code Top 10 Vulnerabilities and Mitigation Strategies
Below, we’ll briefly highlight each vulnerability and present methods to secure LCNC environments as per OWASP top 10.
1) Account Impersonation
The risk is that attackers may impersonate legitimate users, gaining unauthorized access to applications and data.
Mitigation:
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Adhere to the principle of least privilege when provisioning connections to databases/services/SaaS
- Regularly review and manage user access controls to ensure appropriate permissions.
2) Authorization Misuse
Improper authorization configurations can allow users to perform actions beyond their intended permissions.
Mitigation:
- Enforce the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access necessary for their roles.
- Conduct regular audits of authorization settings to detect and correct misconfigurations.
3) Data Leakage and Unexpected Consequences
Sensitive data may be inadvertently exposed due to inadequate data handling practices.
Mitigation:
- Implement data encryption both at rest and in transit.
- Establish data handling policies that include data minimization and proper data classification.
4) Authentication and Secure Communication Failures
Weak authentication mechanisms and unsecured communications can be exploited by attackers.
Mitigation:
- Adopt strong authentication protocols and enforce password policies.
- Ensure all data transmissions are secured using protocols like TLS.
5) Security Misconfiguration
Default or improper configurations can leave applications vulnerable to attacks.
Mitigation:
- Regularly review and harden configurations, disabling unnecessary features and services.
- Apply security patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities.
6) Injection Handling Failures
Applications may be susceptible to injection attacks if inputs are not properly validated.
Mitigation:
- Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent malicious data from being processed.
- Use parameterized queries and prepared statements to mitigate injection risks.
7) Vulnerable and Untrusted Components
Incorporating third-party components without proper vetting can introduce vulnerabilities.
Mitigation:
- Conduct thorough assessments of third-party components before integration.
- Maintain an inventory of all components and monitor them for security updates.
- Limit use to pre-approved marketplace components
8) Data and Secret Handling Failures
Improper management of sensitive data and secrets can lead to unauthorized access.
Mitigation:
- Educate business users on the compliance, privacy, and security risks related to data storage
- Monitor managed databases, environment variables, and configuration provided by no-code/low-code vendors for sensitive data
- Ensure security teams are involved with applications having access to sensitive data
9) Asset Management Failures
Lack of proper asset management can result in outdated or insecure applications remaining in use.
Mitigation:
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all applications and related assets.
- Remove or disable unused dependencies, unnecessary features, components, files, and documentation
10) Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
Insufficient logging and monitoring can delay the detection of security incidents.
Mitigation:
- Leverage platform built-in capabilities to collect user access and platform audit logs
- Where applicable, instrument applications with logging mechanisms to provide extra visibility
- Ensure logs are not contaminated with sensitive data by configuring the platform to avoid logging raw application data
Conclusion
Low-code/no-code platforms represent a paradigm shift in application development, empowering businesses to innovate faster while reducing reliance on traditional coding expertise. However, their accessibility and ease of use come with inherent security challenges that organizations cannot afford to overlook.
Ultimately, securing low-code/no-code platforms is about striking the right balance, between the agility and efficiency these tools provide, proactive approach to cybersecurity. With the right strategies in place, organizations can confidently leverage LC/NC platforms as one of their digital transformation efforts without compromising security.
And we in cloud Networks security can help organization securing LCNC as we had many success stories in this field.
