How to remediate – Apache APISIX Dashboard Detection

1. Introduction

An Apache APISIX Dashboard was detected on the remote host. This is a management interface for the cloud-native API gateway, Apache APISIX. Its presence indicates a potential attack surface if not properly secured and maintained. A successful exploit could allow unauthorized access to API gateway configurations and potentially impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability of associated APIs.

2. Technical Explanation

The Apache APISIX Dashboard provides a web-based interface for managing the API gateway. If exposed without appropriate authentication or authorization controls, it can be accessed by attackers to view and modify configurations. There is no known CVE currently associated with this detection; however, default credentials or misconfigurations are common exploitation vectors. An attacker could gain control of the API gateway, potentially redirecting traffic, modifying routes, or accessing sensitive data.

• Root cause: The dashboard is accessible without adequate security measures (authentication, authorization).
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker accesses the dashboard via a web browser and attempts to log in with default credentials or exploits configuration vulnerabilities.
• Scope: Apache APISIX Dashboard deployments on any platform where the gateway is running.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming whether a system is vulnerable involves checking for the presence of the dashboard and its accessibility. A quick check can identify if it’s running, while a thorough method verifies access controls.

• Quick checks: Use curl -I http://{target_ip}:9000 to see if the dashboard is responding on the default port (9000).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16783 can detect exposed APISIX dashboards. This is an example only and may require updates.
• Logs and evidence: Check web server logs for requests to the dashboard’s URL (e.g., /admin, /dashboard).

curl -I http://{target_ip}:9000

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Fixing this issue involves securing access to the dashboard or removing it if not needed. These steps should be performed carefully and tested thoroughly.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to the APISIX configuration files for modification. A roll back plan involves restoring the snapshot or reverting configuration changes.
• A change window may be required depending on service criticality and impact of downtime. Approval from a system owner might be needed.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Configure authentication for the dashboard using a strong username and password.
2. Step 2: Restrict access to the dashboard’s IP address range using firewall rules or network policies.
3. Step 3: If the dashboard is not required, disable it by removing its configuration from APISIX.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# In apisix.yaml, no authentication configured

After

# In apisix.yaml, basic authentication enabled
admin:
  username: your_secure_username
  password: your_secure_password

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Practices that directly address this vulnerability type include least privilege and secure defaults. Least privilege limits the impact if exploited, while secure defaults prevent common misconfigurations.

• Practice 1: Implement least privilege access control for all administrative interfaces.
• Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication where possible.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Ansible task to configure basic authentication in apisix.yaml
- name: Configure APISIX Dashboard Authentication
  copy:
    dest: /etc/apisix/conf/apisix.yaml
    content: |
      admin:
        username: your_secure_username
        password: your_secure_password
  notify: Restart APISIX

5. Verification / Validation

Confirming the fix involves verifying authentication is required and that unauthorized access is blocked. A smoke test ensures core functionality remains operational.

• Post-fix check: Attempt to access the dashboard via a web browser; you should be prompted for credentials.
• Re-test: Run curl -I http://{target_ip}:9000 and verify it returns an authentication required error (e.g., 401 Unauthorized).
• Smoke test: Verify that API requests are still being processed correctly through the gateway.
• Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for failed login attempts to detect brute-force attacks. This is an example only and may require customization.

curl -I http://{target_ip}:9000

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Preventive measures include updating security baselines and incorporating checks into CI/CD pipelines. For example, a CIS control related to web server hardening or SAST scans for default credentials.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline to require authentication for all administrative interfaces.
• Pipelines: Add static application security testing (SAST) checks to identify hardcoded credentials in configuration files.
• Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for API gateway configurations to ensure they remain secure.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Risks include potential service disruption if authentication is misconfigured. Roll back steps involve restoring the original configuration or snapshot.

• Risk or side effect 1: Incorrect authentication configuration could lock out administrators. Mitigation: Test changes in a non-production environment first.
• Risk or side effect 2: Disabling the dashboard may impact management capabilities. Mitigation: Ensure alternative methods for managing the gateway are available.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://apisix.apache.org/