AWS 07-Days Challenge, Day-02
Introduction -
Web applications must be protected from cyberattacks in the current digital environment. presenting AWS WAF, a powerful and adaptable tool that can defend your web infrastructure from a wide range of threats. AWS WAF is an essential defense mechanism that protects web applications from common vulnerabilities and malicious activities. It is a part of Amazon Web Services' security arsenal.
Core Functionalities that are crucial in securing web applications from a variety of threats
1. Filtering and Rule Creation:
AWS WAF enables users to customize rules and filters for the purpose of examining incoming web traffic. Users specify criteria according to different parameters such as IP addresses, HTTP headers, URI strings, request types, or query strings.
Example: creating rules to block requests containing specific SQL injection patterns or allowing traffic only from trusted IP addresses.
2. Integration with AWS Services:
The functionality and scope of AWS WAF are enhanced through its seamless integration with other AWS services. functions in concert with AWS Firewall Manager, Application Load Balancer, Amazon API Gateway, and Amazon CloudFront (CDN). protects web applications and APIs effectively and scalably by offering security at the network's edge.
3. Managed Rule Sets:
provides managed rule groups from outside vendors or AWS. rulesets that are preconfigured and made to ward against known vulnerabilities, cross-site scripting (XSS), and SQL injection. uses pre-established rules that are updated frequently to counter evolving threats, simplifying security configuration.
4. Rate-Based Rules:
Monitors and controls the rate of incoming requests to prevent certain types of attacks. Sets thresholds for request rates to mitigate DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks or brute force attempts. Automatically blocks or throttles requests from IPs that exceed specified thresholds within a defined time frame.
5.Geo-Matching Rules:
lets users establish rules depending on specific places. Depending on where the request originated, it either blocks or permits traffic. Putting a stop to IPs coming from nations or areas recognized for engaging in high-risk activities by restricting their access to particular resources.
6. Custom Rules:
Allows for the creation of customized rules to meet the needs of particular applications. Customizing rules according to specific query parameters, headers, or application logic. lets bespoke security controls be implemented based on rules tailored to the behavior of an application.
The fundamental features of AWS WAF, which provide the flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities essential to contemporary web application security, enable customers to create a strong defense plan against a variety of web-based attacks.
Project:
- Implementing AWS WAF for Web Application Protection
Deploy a sample web application on an EC2 instance in your AWS account.
This guide is suitable for beginners. -
1 Setting up an EC2 instance:
Sign in to AWS Console: Log in to your AWS Management Console.
Navigate to EC2: Go to the EC2 dashboard.
2. Launch an EC2 Instance:
Click on "Launch Instance": Choose an Amazon Machine Image (AMI). For instance, select an Amazon Linux AMI.
Select Instance Type: Choose an instance type based on your needs (e.g., t2.micro for a free-tier eligible instance).
Configure Instance: Configure instance details like network settings, security groups, and storage.
3. SSH Access to EC2:
Create a Key Pair: If you haven't already, create a key pair for SSH access to your instance.
Connect to EC2: Use an SSH client like PuTTY (on Windows) or Terminal (on Mac/Linux) to connect to your EC2 instance using the key pair.
4. Installing Web Server Software:
Update Packages: Run sudo apt-get update (for Ubuntu).
Install Web Server: Install a web server like Apache or Nginx.
Run sudo apt-get install nginx
5. Deploy a Sample Web Application:
Upload Your Files: Use SCP or SFTP to upload your web application files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) to the EC2 instance.
scp -i /path/to/your/key.pem /path/to/local/file user@ec2-instance-ip:/path/on/ec2
or Use git clone <url>
Place Files in Web Server Directory: the default directory is /var/www/html/. Place your files there.
6. Start the Web Server:
Start Web Server Service: For Apache, use sudo service httpd start to start the Apache service.
sudo systemctl start/stop [service-name]
7. Access Your Web Application:
- Get Public IP: In the EC2 console, note the public IP of your instance.
Access the Web App: Open a web browser and enter the public IP in the address bar. You should see your sample web application if everything is set up correctly.
Defining rules to stop malicious requests aimed at your web applications is part of creating an AWS WAF WebACL. Here's how to make a simple WebACL step-by-step:
1. Access the AWS WAF Console:
Log in to your AWS Management Console.
Navigate to the AWS WAF service.
2. Creating a WebACL:
- Click on "Web ACLs" in the AWS WAF dashboard.
Choose "Create Web ACL."
3. Configure WebACL:
Name your WebACL: Provide a descriptive name for your WebACL (e.g., "BasicWebACL").
Choose resource type: Select the type of resource to associate with your WebACL (e.g., CloudFront distribution, Application Load Balancer).
Associate with Resource: Select the resource you want to protect (if applicable).
4. Define rules for WebACL:
Rule Categories: Choose between "managed rules" or "add rules manually."
- Managed Rules: AWS provides predefined rule sets to protect against common threats.
Add Rules Manually: Define custom rules based on your specific requirement.
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5 Activate WebACL:
Review your configured rules and settings.
Click "Create" or "Activate" to enable the WebACL.
6. Associate WebACL with AWS Resources:
If not done during WebACL creation, associate the WebACL with the appropriate AWS resources
e.g., CloudFront distribution, Application Load Balancer.
7 Testing WebACL:
Use tools or simulated attacks to test the WebACL's effectiveness in blocking malicious requests.
Monitor the AWS WAF logs to observe the blocked or allowed traffic based on your defined rules.
Conclusion
Day 2: App deployed, AWS WAF added, and load balancer secured. Subsequently, investigate sophisticated security measures."
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thank you! Shubham Londhe#Day02#07DaysofAWSchallenge #devops #AWSCommunityBuilder #Linux #Cloud