Pentesting Azure Applications: Key Takeaways and Practical Commands

2025-02-15

In the realm of cybersecurity, pentesting Azure applications is a critical skill for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring robust cloud security. Below are some key takeaways and practical commands to help you get started:

Key Takeaways:

1. Identifying Vulnerabilities in Data Storage and Encryption Practices

– Use Azure CLI to check storage account encryption status:

az storage account show --name <storage_account_name> --resource-group <resource_group> --query encryption 

– Verify encryption settings for Azure SQL databases:

az sql db tde show --resource-group <resource_group> --server <server_name> --database <database_name> 

2. Checking for Improper Access Controls

• Review role assignments in Azure:

  az role assignment list --resource-group <resource_group> 
  

• Audit Azure Active Directory (AAD) permissions:

  az ad user get-member-groups --id <user_id> 
  

3. Evaluating Network Configurations

• Check Network Security Groups (NSGs) for open ports:

  az network nsg rule list --nsg-name <nsg_name> --resource-group <resource_group> 
  

• Test network connectivity to Azure resources:

  az network watcher test-connectivity --resource-group <resource_group> --source-resource <vm_id> --dest-resource <target_resource_id> 
  

4. Assessing Potential for Credential Exploitation

• Use Azure Security Center to detect exposed credentials:

  az security alert list --resource-group <resource_group> 
  

• Rotate storage account keys regularly:

  az storage account keys renew --resource-group <resource_group> --name <storage_account_name> --key primary 
  

5. Reviewing Compliance and Prioritizing Remediation

• Check compliance status using Azure Policy:

  az policy state list --resource-group <resource_group> 
  

• Automate vulnerability remediation with Azure Automation:

  az automation runbook start --resource-group <resource_group> --automation-account-name <account_name> --name <runbook_name> 
  

What Undercode Say

Pentesting Azure applications is a multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of Azure’s architecture and security features. By leveraging tools like Azure CLI, Azure Security Center, and Azure Policy, you can identify vulnerabilities, enforce compliance, and remediate risks effectively.

For instance, using `az storage account show` helps you verify encryption settings, while `az network nsg rule list` ensures your network configurations are secure. Regularly rotating credentials with `az storage account keys renew` minimizes the risk of credential exploitation.

Additionally, simulating real-world attacks is crucial. Tools like Azure Network Watcher allow you to test connectivity and identify potential weaknesses. Always prioritize remediation of critical vulnerabilities, especially those related to data storage, access controls, and network security.

For further reading, explore Microsoft’s official documentation on Azure security:
– Azure Security Best Practices
– Azure CLI Command Reference

By mastering these commands and practices, you can significantly enhance the security posture of Azure applications and protect them from malicious actors.

References:

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