Google Cloud Storage

The primary hazard associated with open Google Cloud Storage (GCS) buckets is the potential for unauthorized access and subsequent data exposure. An unsecured GCS bucket, accessible to the public, creates a vulnerability whereby any individual could access the contents. Such exposure significantly heightens the risk of data breaches, infringes on privacy, and could result in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information.

Open Google Cloud Storage Bucket (Open GCS):

• https://storage.googleapis.com/<Bucket-Name>
• https://<Bucket-Name>.storage.googleapis.com

Exploiting unauthorized references to Google Cloud Storage objects can precipitate grave security incidents. Potential consequences include unauthorized access to, tampering with or deleting sensitive data within Cloud Storage objects. Moreover, an attacker could leverage this breach to better understand the system's architecture, potentially uncovering additional exploitable vulnerabilities. In the most severe scenarios, such breaches could result in egregious privacy infringements, operational disruptions, regulatory non-compliance, and substantial harm to the organization's reputation.

Google Cloud Storage.

Audit and Refine Access Controls: Thoroughly ascertain who possesses access to your cloud storage data. Conduct frequent audits of access privileges to confirm that only authorized personnel have access, adhering to the necessary security levels. Implement the principle of least privilege by allocating only the essential permissions needed for individuals to fulfill their roles.

Implement IAM Roles and Policies: Leverage Google Cloud's Identity and Access Management (IAM) framework for stringent control over access to your Google Cloud assets. Distribute IAM roles judiciously, ensuring they provide only the bare minimum permissions required.

Adopt Encryption Practices: Secure your data within Google Cloud Storage by employing encryption at rest and during transmission. Although Google Cloud Storage automatically applies encryption before disk storage, it's critical to protect data in transit via secure channels, such as HTTPS.

Strengthen Logging and Surveillance: Activate logging and surveillance functionalities to identify any irregular access patterns or attempts at unauthorized entry. Google Cloud's Stackdriver offers an advanced suite for logging and monitoring, enhancing your ability to safeguard your data.

• CWE-552: Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties
• CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

• Is the Google Bucket Meant To Be Publicly Listable?
• Google Cloud Storage - Ghostlulz