This threat campaign focuses on the exploitation of serverless authentication mechanisms across major cloud platforms, specifically AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, and Azure Functions. Serverless computing allows organizations to run code without managing servers, relying on cloud providers to handle infrastructure. Authentication in these environments typically involves tokens or credentials that grant access to cloud resources. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities arising from insecure code practices and misconfigurations within serverless functions to exfiltrate these tokens. Key attack vectors include Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) and Remote Code Execution (RCE), which enable adversaries to manipulate serverless functions to access sensitive tokens. These tokens, once extracted, can be misused to escalate privileges, move laterally within cloud environments, or access sensitive data and services. The campaign highlights the mechanics of serverless authentication, demonstrating how tokens are generated, stored, and used by serverless identities. Detection strategies focus on identifying anomalous behavior associated with serverless identities, such as unusual invocation patterns or token usage. Prevention recommendations emphasize the principle of least privilege, ensuring serverless functions have only the minimum permissions necessary, and robust input validation to prevent injection attacks that could lead to SSRF or RCE. The campaign underscores the critical need for organizations to understand serverless credential mechanics and implement proactive security controls to safeguard their cloud environments.

For European organizations, the exploitation of serverless tokens can lead to significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers can exfiltrate tokens granting access to sensitive data and cloud resources. Integrity may be compromised if attackers use stolen tokens to modify or delete data, alter configurations, or deploy malicious code. Availability could be affected if attackers disrupt serverless functions or cloud services through unauthorized actions. Given the widespread adoption of AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure in Europe, organizations relying on serverless architectures are vulnerable to these attacks, especially if security best practices are not rigorously applied. The medium severity rating reflects that while exploitation requires some conditions (e.g., vulnerable code or misconfigurations), the potential damage from token misuse is substantial. Additionally, the absence of known exploits in the wild suggests this is a developing threat, but one that could escalate as attackers refine techniques. The impact is particularly critical for sectors with high cloud dependency such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where unauthorized access could lead to regulatory breaches and operational disruptions.

1. Enforce the principle of least privilege by tightly scoping permissions assigned to serverless functions and their associated identities, minimizing token capabilities. 2. Implement robust input validation and sanitization to prevent SSRF and RCE vulnerabilities within serverless code. 3. Regularly audit serverless function configurations and code for security misconfigurations and insecure coding practices. 4. Monitor and log serverless function invocations and token usage to detect anomalous behavior indicative of token exfiltration or misuse. 5. Use cloud provider features such as AWS IAM roles with session policies, Google Cloud IAM conditions, and Azure Managed Identities to control token scope and lifetime. 6. Rotate credentials and tokens frequently and use short-lived tokens where possible to limit exposure. 7. Employ network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict serverless function outbound traffic, reducing SSRF attack surface. 8. Integrate automated security testing in CI/CD pipelines to identify vulnerabilities before deployment. 9. Educate developers on secure serverless coding practices and the risks associated with token management. 10. Leverage cloud-native security tools and third-party solutions specialized in serverless security to enhance detection and response capabilities.