Serverless environments using services like AWS Lambda offer incredible benefits in terms of scalability, efficiency, and reduced operational costs. However, securing these environments is extremely difficult. The core of modern serverless security practices often revolves around two key components: log monitoring and static analysis of code or system configuration. But here’s the problem with that:
1. Logs tell only part of the story
Logs can track external activity, but they do not provide visibility into the internal execution of functions. For example, if an attacker injects malicious code into a serverless function that does not interact with external resources (such as external APIs or databases), traditional log-based tools will not detect this intrusion. An attacker can execute unauthorized processes, manipulate files, or escalate privileges—all without triggering log events.
2. Static misconfiguration detection is incomplete
Static tools that check for misconfigurations are great for detecting issues like overly permissive IAM roles or sensitive environment variables exposed by the wrong party. However, these tools cannot account for what is happening in real time, detect exploits as they occur, or detect deviations from expected behavior.
Real-world implications of the limited cloud security available for serverless environments
Example 1: Injecting malicious code into a lambda function
An attacker successfully injects malicious code into a Lambda function by attempting to create an unauthorized subprocess or establish a connection to an external IP address.
- problem: Traditional security tools that rely on log monitoring will likely miss this attack. Logs typically track external events such as API calls or network connections, but they will not capture internal activities such as code execution within the function itself. As a result, an attacker’s actions—manipulating files, escalating privileges, or executing unauthorized processes—remain invisible unless they trigger an external event, such as an outgoing API call.
- The solution: To effectively detect and prevent this attack, security teams need tools that provide real-time visibility into a feature’s internal operations. A sensor that monitors runtime activity can identify and stop rogue processes before they escalate, offering real-time active protection.
Example 2: Using vulnerable open source libraries
The Lambda function relies on an open source library with a known vulnerability that an attacker could exploit for remote code execution.
- problem: While static analysis tools can flag known vulnerabilities in the library itself, they cannot see how the library is used in the runtime environment. This means that even if a vulnerability is discovered during a code scan, real-time exploitation of that vulnerability may go unnoticed unless it is related to an external event (such as a network request or API call).
- The solution: A sensor designed to monitor the internal operations of a function can detect when a library is being misused or actively exploited at runtime. By constantly analyzing feature behavior, the sensor can identify anomalous behavior and block an exploit before it disrupts the system.
A shift due in 2025
Cloud security is rapidly expanding, providing organizations with enhanced protection and measures to detect and respond to sophisticated cloud attacks. Serverless environments need the same type of protection because they are built in the cloud.
By moving from reactive, log-based security measures to proactive, runtime-focused defenses, security teams can begin to implement modern cloud security practices in their serverless environments.
Introducing the serverless AWS Lambda sensor from Sweet
Recognizing the limitations of traditional security tools, Sweet security developed a ground-breaking sensor for serverless environments with AWS Lambda. This sensor eliminates the blind spots common to log-based and static analysis methods, offering in-depth real-time monitoring of lambda functions.
Runtime monitoring and visibility
The Sweet sensor monitors the activity of serverless functions at runtime. By monitoring system calls, internal function behavior, and interactions in the lambda environment, the sensor provides complete visibility into how a function is behaving at any given moment.
Block malicious behavior in real time
Sweet detects suspicious activity, such as spawning unauthorized processes or connecting to external IP addresses, and blocks them before any damage is done.
Detection of anomalies in the behavior of functions
Sweet’s lambda sensor monitors the function’s internal operations in real-time, detects any abuse of the library, and blocks the exploit before it can break the system.
In an era where serverless computing is becoming the foundation of cloud architectures, the ability to protect these environments in real time is paramount. Traditional log-based security tools and static security tools are no longer sufficient to protect against sophisticated dynamic attacks. With Sweet Security’s innovative sensor, organizations now have the ability to proactively monitor, detect and prevent threats in real-time, giving them the confidence to use serverless computing while keeping their environment secure.
Want to prepare for 2025? Contact Sweet Security today!
