Safeguarding Against Malicious Apps in SaaS | Threats and Protection
The Development of Malicious Apps
Threats posed by third-party programs that employees add to increase their productivity are well known to security professionals. These applications are built from the ground up to provide users with functionality by connecting to a “hub” application like Salesforce, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365. The scopes of the rights given to third-party apps are the main source of security issues, as is the possibility that a threat actor could hijack the main apps and abuse such permissions.
There is no genuine need to worry that the software would start exchanging data or deleting files on its own. In order to identify integrated third party applications and display their authorization scopes, SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) systems are able to do so. Before deciding whether to keep or disconnect the applications, the security team conducts a risk assessment, weighing the advantages the app delivers with its permission scopes.
However, the advent of malicious apps has altered the playing field for threat actors. The hub app gains nothing from these applications. They are made to connect to SaaS applications and access the data they contain in order to engage in illicit activities. These apps ask for specific scopes and permissions when they connect to the fundamental SaaS architecture. The program can then read, update, create, and delete content thanks to these rights.
Although malicious applications are new to the SaaS industry, we have already seen them in the mobile space. For instance, threat actors might develop a straightforward flashlight app that users might get from the app store. Once downloaded, these simple apps would request ridiculous permissions before data-mining the phone.
Getting Connected
Threat actors integrate malicious applications to core SaaS applications via sophisticated phishing assaults. In certain cases, staff members are directed to a website that appears official so they can link an app to their SaaS.
In other cases, a typo or a slightly misspelled brand name could direct a worker to the website of a harmful program. From there, it only takes a few clicks to link the app to the main SaaS app and grant it the necessary permissions to perform evil deeds, as Eliana V notes in this episode of SaaS Security on Tap.
Malicious apps can be published on app shops like the Salesforce AppExchange by other threat actors. These apps may offer functionality, but they can include dangerous content that is just waiting to be executed.
Malicious software frequently delivers the features they promised, just like in the mobile world. However, they are prepared to act if necessary.
Dangers of Malicious Apps
Malicious programs can be dangerous in many ways. They may, as an extreme case, encrypt data and launch a SaaS ransomware attack.
●Data Breach: The SaaS app’s sensitive employee or customer records may be accessed by hostile third-party apps. Once it has access, the malicious app can exfiltrate data, broadcast it publicly, or demand a ransom in exchange for it.
● System compromise: Malicious apps may alter essential SaaS application settings or add new, high-privilege users by abusing the rights granted to them. These users can then access the SaaS software whenever they want, launch new assaults, steal information, or interfere with business operations.
● Confidentiality Breach: The rogue program may take trade secrets or sensitive information. When that information is then made public online, it can result in substantial financial losses, damage to one’s reputation, and even harsh punitive penalties.
● Compliance Infractions — The malicious app may put a company at risk of non-compliance by accessing data within the SaaS application. Relationships with partners, clients, and regulators may suffer as a result, and there may even be financial consequences.
● Performance Problems: Malicious applications have the ability to affect system performance by altering user access setups, turning off functionalities, and introducing latency and slowdown problems.
Protecting Your Core Apps
One of the security team’s main goals should be safeguarding the data kept in the SaaS app. They need SaaS threat detection tools that can spot malicious applications before they corrupt SaaS data in order to achieve this.
This entails getting visibility into any external apps that are linked to your hub apps, their permissions, and any contextual data outlining the functions of the apps. Your hub apps’ security settings should also be set up to thwart harmful attempts or lessen their impact. These settings include demanding admin consent before connecting apps, restricting third-party apps’ access, and only allowing apps from the hub app’s authorised app market to be connected.
A SSPM, such as Adaptive Shield, connected to your entire SaaS stack and equipped with the interconnectivity app detection functionality will be able to identify a dangerous app. You can make sure your configurations are adequate to stop malicious apps from controlling your hub apps by using the appropriate SSPM. To help your security team keep your hub apps safe, it can also send alarms when app permission sets are too high or utilise AI to find anomalies or other distinct profile markers that point to a rogue app
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