Cloud-specific risks in SDLC

Cloud-Specific Risks in the Secure Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

Introduction
In the context of the CCSP, understanding the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is not enough; you must understand how the Cloud alters the threat landscape. Cloud-specific risks in the SDLC refer to the unique vulnerabilities and threats introduced when developing, deploying, and maintaining applications in cloud environments (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS). Unlike traditional on-premise development, cloud development relies heavily on APIs, shared infrastructure, and third-party services.

Why is it Important?
Traditional security models rely on a hardened network perimeter. In the cloud, the perimeter is porous or non-existent. Without addressing cloud-specific risks during the SDLC, organizations face catastrophic failures such as data breaches via exposed S3 buckets, account takeovers via insecure APIs, or compliance violations regarding data sovereignty. Integrating security early (DevSecOps) is critical because fixing a cloud vulnerability in production is significantly more expensive and risky than fixing it during the design phase.

What are Cloud-Specific Risks in SDLC?
These are risks intrinsic to the characteristics of cloud computing. Key examples include:
1. Insecure Management Interfaces and APIs: Cloud applications rely on APIs for communication. If these are not designed with authentication and throttling, they become attack vectors.
2. Multitenancy and Isolation Failure: In the design phase, failure to account for logical separation between tenants can lead to side-channel attacks or data leakage.
3. Supply Chain and Third-Party Dependencies: Cloud apps often consume external libraries and PaaS services. A compromise in a third-party dependency affects the application.
4. Misconfiguration: With Infrastructure as Code (IaC), a single error in a script can expose thousands of assets publicly.
5. Vendor Lock-in: Developing using proprietary PaaS features may make it impossible to migrate to another provider later.

How it Works: Integrating Security into SDLC Phases
To mitigate these risks, the CCSP curriculum emphasizes the following workflow:
1. Planning/Requirements: Define data sensitivity. Identify regulatory requirements (GDPR, HIPAA) that dictate where cloud data can reside.
2. Design: Perform Threat Modeling specific to the cloud. Design for failure and elasticity. Select the appropriate encryption models and Identity and Access Management (IAM) architecture.
3. Development: Developers must avoid hardcoding credentials (API keys) into the source code, a common cloud risk. Use Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools compatible with cloud languages.
4. Testing: Perform Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) on running containers or serverless functions. Test not just the code, but the infrastructure configuration (IaC scanning).
5. Deployment: Use automated pipeline security (CI/CD). Ensure immutable infrastructure practices are followed (replacing servers rather than patching them).

How to Answer Questions on Cloud-Specific Risks in SDLC
When facing exam scenarios, first identify the Cloud Service Model (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) as this dictates who is responsible for which part of the SDLC.

• If the question mentions PaaS, the consumer is responsible for the application security, but the provider secures the underlying runtime.
• If the question mentions Hardcoded Credentials, the answer usually involves using a Key Management Service (KMS) or Secrets Manager.
• If the question concerns Speed vs. Security, the answer is usually Automation (DevSecOps).

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Cloud-specific risks in SDLC
1. Shift Left: Always look for answers that prioritize security early in the process (Requirements/Design phase). "Baking in" security is better than "bolting on."
2. SAST vs. DAST: Remember that SAST looks at the source code (white-box) while DAST looks at the running application (black-box). Cloud environments require both.
3. ISO/IEC 27034: This is the standard for Application Security. If an answer references standards for SDLC, this is likely the correct choice.
4. The APIs are the Weakest Link: In cloud application security, Insecure Interfaces and APIs are often cited as the top risk. Prioritize answers that secure the API gateway.
5. STRIDE: Familiarize yourself with the STRIDE threat model (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, Elevation of Privilege) applied to cloud data flows.