Secrets rotation is a critical security practice in AWS that involves automatically changing credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information on a regular schedule. AWS Secrets Manager provides built-in capabilities to handle this process seamlessly.
When you enable rotation for a secret in …Secrets rotation is a critical security practice in AWS that involves automatically changing credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information on a regular schedule. AWS Secrets Manager provides built-in capabilities to handle this process seamlessly.
When you enable rotation for a secret in AWS Secrets Manager, the service uses an AWS Lambda function to update the secret value and the corresponding credentials in the associated database or service. This ensures that your applications always have access to valid credentials while minimizing the risk of compromised credentials being exploited.
The rotation process follows a four-step workflow: createSecret (generates new credentials), setSecret (updates the credentials in the target service), testSecret (validates the new credentials work correctly), and finishSecret (marks the new version as current).
AWS provides pre-built Lambda rotation functions for common services like Amazon RDS, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon DocumentDB. For custom applications, you can create your own rotation Lambda function following the same four-step pattern.
Key benefits of secrets rotation include reduced exposure window if credentials are compromised, compliance with security policies requiring periodic credential changes, and elimination of manual credential management tasks.
When implementing rotation, consider these best practices: Set appropriate rotation intervals based on your security requirements (commonly 30 to 90 days), ensure your applications retrieve secrets dynamically rather than caching them indefinitely, implement proper error handling for rotation failures, and use staging labels to manage different versions of secrets during rotation.
Applications should be designed to handle credential updates gracefully by fetching the latest secret value when authentication fails. The Secrets Manager caching component for various SDKs helps optimize this process by reducing API calls while still providing updated credentials.
Proper IAM permissions must be configured for both the rotation Lambda function and the applications accessing the secrets to ensure secure and reliable operation.
Secrets Rotation in AWS
What is Secrets Rotation?
Secrets rotation is the practice of periodically changing secrets (such as passwords, API keys, and database credentials) to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. In AWS, this is primarily managed through AWS Secrets Manager, which can automatically rotate secrets on a defined schedule.
Why is Secrets Rotation Important?
• Reduces exposure window: If a secret is compromised, regular rotation limits how long an attacker can use it • Compliance requirements: Many security standards (PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2) mandate regular credential rotation • Limits damage from insider threats: Former employees or contractors lose access when credentials rotate • Follows security best practices: Part of the principle of least privilege and defense in depth
How Secrets Rotation Works in AWS
AWS Secrets Manager Rotation Process:
1. Create Secret: Store your secret in Secrets Manager 2. Enable Rotation: Configure automatic rotation with a rotation schedule (e.g., every 30 days) 3. Lambda Function: Secrets Manager uses a Lambda function to perform the actual rotation 4. Four-Step Rotation: - createSecret: Creates a new version of the secret - setSecret: Changes the credential in the database/service - testSecret: Validates the new credential works - finishSecret: Moves the new version to current
For other services, you can create custom Lambda rotation functions.
Key Components: • Rotation Lambda: Executes the rotation logic • Staging Labels: AWSCURRENT (active version) and AWSPENDING (new version being created) • Rotation Schedule: Defined interval for automatic rotation • VPC Configuration: Lambda may need VPC access to reach databases
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Secrets Rotation
Key Points to Remember:
• Secrets Manager vs Parameter Store: Secrets Manager has built-in rotation capabilities; Parameter Store does not offer automatic rotation • Lambda is Required: All rotation in Secrets Manager uses Lambda functions - remember this for architecture questions • RDS Integration: For RDS databases, AWS provides pre-built rotation Lambda templates • Cost Consideration: Secrets Manager charges per secret per month, plus API calls • Multi-Region: Secrets can be replicated across regions for disaster recovery
Common Exam Scenarios:
• When asked about automating credential rotation for databases, choose Secrets Manager • Questions about meeting compliance requirements for password rotation point to Secrets Manager • If a scenario mentions applications need to retrieve rotating credentials, the application should call Secrets Manager API to get the current secret value • For custom rotation logic, remember you need to write a custom Lambda function • Cross-account access: Use resource-based policies on secrets for sharing across accounts
Watch Out For:
• Questions that mix up Secrets Manager with Systems Manager Parameter Store • Scenarios where the Lambda function needs network access to the database - ensure VPC configuration and security groups are correct • Understanding that applications must be designed to handle credential changes gracefully • Remember that rotation can cause brief connectivity issues if applications cache old credentials