Threat Modeling Guide for Web Apps

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1. 1. 1. **Threat Modeling Guide for Web Applications**

Web applications are a prime target for security threats. A solid **threat modeling** process helps identify vulnerabilities early, ensuring your app remains secure. This guide follows industry best practices.

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Understand the Application Architecture

Before modeling threats, map out the web application’s architecture: - Identify **entry points** (e.g., login pages, APIs). - Define **trust boundaries** (e.g., database vs. front-end). - Document **components** (e.g., authentication systems, third-party integrations).

1. 1. 1. **Tools:**

- Diagrams.net (formerly draw.io) - OWASP Threat Dragon - Microsoft Threat Modeling Tool

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Identify Potential Threats Using STRIDE

Use the **STRIDE** framework to categorize risks:

| **Threat** | **Description** | **Example** | |------------|---------------|-------------| | **Spoofing** | Impersonating an entity | Stolen credentials used to access admin portal | | **Tampering** | Modifying data | Injection attacks manipulating database entries | | **Repudiation** | Denying actions | Lack of logging allows attackers to erase footprints | | **Information Disclosure** | Exposing sensitive info | Leaked API keys or SQL errors revealing database schema | | **Denial of Service** | Disrupting service | DDoS attacks flooding the application | | **Elevation of Privilege** | Gaining higher access | Bypassing access controls to become an admin |

• • Recommended Approach:**

- **Map attack vectors** for each STRIDE category. - **Assess impact** of each threat scenario.

1. 1. 1. **Tools:**

- OWASP ZAP - Burp Suite - Mitre ATT&CK framework

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Define Mitigation Strategies

To defend against threats: - **Authentication security:** Use **OAuth 2.1** or **FIDO2** for identity management. - **Input validation:** Implement **strict sanitization** to prevent SQL Injection & XSS. - **Encryption & Secure Storage:** Protect data at rest with AES-256 and in transit using TLS 1.3. - **Logging & Monitoring:** Use **SIEM tools** (Splunk, ELK) to detect suspicious behavior. - **Rate Limiting & Firewalls:** Deploy **WAF** (Cloudflare, AWS Shield) to prevent DDoS.

1. 1. 1. **Tools:**

- OWASP Dependency Check - SIEM (Splunk, Elastic Security) - Web Application Firewalls (ModSecurity, AWS WAF)

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Validate & Iterate the Model

Threat modeling is **not a one-time process**—it should evolve as the application grows. - Conduct **regular security audits.** - Perform **penetration testing** (ethical hacking). - Update **threat models** when infrastructure changes occur.

1. 1. 1. **Recommended Practices:**

✔ Integrate threat modeling into **DevSecOps workflows**. ✔ Use **CI/CD pipelines** for automated security checks. ✔ Encourage **security awareness** among developers.