Cloud Computing

Correct Answer: Implement strict input validation and content type verification before processing any uploaded files

The most effective approach to mitigate the vulnerability described is implementing strict input validation and content type verification before processing uploaded files. This security control addresses the root cause of the vulnerability - malicious file uploads with embedded code. By validating file types, checking file signatures, verifying content types, and restricting file extensions before any processing occurs, the application can prevent potentially dangerous files from ever entering the processing pipeline. This is a classic example of input validation, which is a primary security control for preventing attacks like file upload vulnerabilities that could lead to remote code execution. The other options are less effective: Increasing memory allocation doesn't address the security vulnerability at all. More resources would just allow larger malicious files to be processed. Configuring the serverless function to run in an isolated container might provide some defense-in-depth, but doesn't prevent the upload of malicious files in the first place. While isolation is good practice, it's a secondary control that doesn't address the core vulnerability. Implementing logging and monitoring is reactive rather than preventive. While valuable for detection, it only helps after an attack has already occurred and doesn't stop the initial exploitation.

Correct Answer: Implement image signing with Docker Content Trust to verify image authenticity before deployment

The best approach to prevent the backdoor issue in container images is to implement image signing with Docker Content Trust. This security feature ensures that only trusted, verified images can be deployed in the environment, as it validates the authenticity and integrity of images before they are used. This addresses the root cause of the security breach by preventing malicious code injection during the build process. Image signing creates a chain of trust from the image creator to deployment, making it nearly impossible for attackers to tamper with container images undetected. Each image is cryptographically signed, providing proof of its origin and integrity. The other options are less effective: Configuring Docker to only pull images during business hours is an operational restriction that doesn't address the security of the images themselves. Malicious images can still be deployed during those hours. Implementing network monitoring tools that alert on unapproved IP communications is reactive rather than preventative - the backdoor would already be active before detection occurs. Adding firewall rules to block container traffic except to permitted destinations is also reactive and focuses on limiting the damage after compromise rather than preventing the initial backdoor installation.

Correct Answer: Data exfiltration via insecure storage buckets

The correct answer is "Data exfiltration via insecure storage buckets." Data exfiltration via insecure storage buckets is a well-documented and common attack vector in cloud environments. This attack occurs when cloud storage services (like AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, or Google Cloud Storage) have overly permissive access controls or are misconfigured, allowing attackers to access and extract sensitive data. This is precisely what the question describes - exploiting misconfigured cloud storage permissions to extract sensitive data. The other options are incorrect: "Cross-service request forgery using hypervisor backdoors" is not a common attack vector related to misconfigured storage permissions. Hypervisor backdoors would be related to virtualization infrastructure rather than storage permission issues. "Lateral movement through extended storage credentials that were previously established by the cloud provider" contains technical jargon but doesn't accurately describe a real attack vector. Cloud providers don't typically establish "extended storage credentials" that would enable lateral movement. "Authentication token manipulation from adjacent virtual private networks" describes a potential authentication bypass issue but doesn't relate to misconfigured cloud storage permissions specifically.