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Database Security To Date

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8 views3 pages

Database Security To Date

Uploaded by

chatimuri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Database Security

Introduction
Database security involves the protection of a database from unauthorized access, misuse, or
malicious threats. As organizations store vast amounts of sensitive information in databases,
ensuring their security is critical to prevent data breaches, loss of integrity, and unauthorized
manipulation. This training focuses on identifying database threats and vulnerabilities and the
importance of database patch management.

1. Identify Database Threats and Vulnerabilities

a) Explain the meaning of terms

• Threats: Potential occurrences, whether intentional or accidental, that could cause harm
to a database or its content.
Example: SQL injection, malware attacks.
• Vulnerabilities: Weaknesses in a database system that can be exploited by a threat to
gain unauthorized access or cause harm.
Example: Misconfigured database permissions.

b) Perform database testing

• Definition: Database testing ensures the database operates as expected by validating


integrity, security, and performance.
• Steps in Database Testing:
o Define test cases for common operations (e.g., CRUD operations).
o Test for injection attacks, permission misuse, and encryption weaknesses.
o Use tools like SQLmap or OWASP ZAP to automate vulnerability testing.
• Example: Conducting penetration testing to simulate an SQL injection attack.

c) Identify factors to consider in database testing

1. Authentication Mechanisms: Ensure strong password policies and multi-factor


authentication (MFA).
2. Authorization Levels: Validate user roles and access control lists (ACLs).
3. Encryption: Test if sensitive data is encrypted during storage and transmission.
4. Backup Procedures: Check if backups are secure and retrievable during recovery.

d) Types of database threats and vulnerabilities

1. SQL Injection: Exploits input fields to inject malicious SQL code.


o Example: An attacker inputs ' OR '1'='1 to bypass login credentials.
2. Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher access than allowed.
o Example: Exploiting misconfigured roles.
3. Data Leakage: Unencrypted or poorly protected sensitive data exposed.
o Example: Accidental exposure of customer data.
4. Denial of Service (DoS): Overloading a database server to cause a crash.
o Example: Flooding the server with numerous requests.
5. Weak Authentication: Using weak passwords or no MFA.
o Example: Password: 12345.

e) Conduct assessment of security vulnerabilities, risks, and threats in databases

1. Vulnerability Scanning: Use tools like Nessus or SQLMap to identify weaknesses.


2. Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential impacts and likelihood of threats.
3. Threat Modeling: Create scenarios for potential attacks and mitigation.
4. Example: Using OWASP Dependency-Check to find insecure libraries.

2. Install Database Patches

a) Explain and define terms used in database patches

• Database Patch: A software update that fixes bugs, addresses vulnerabilities, or


improves functionality in the database.
• Patch Management: The process of identifying, acquiring, and deploying patches.
• Hotfixes: Immediate patches to address critical vulnerabilities.

b) the factors to consider in installation of security patches

1. Compatibility: Ensure the patch is compatible with existing database systems and
applications.
2. Testing: Test the patch in a staging environment before deployment.
3. Downtime: Plan for system downtime during installation.
4. Backup: Perform a full database backup before applying patches.

c) Conduct database patches management

1. Inventory Management: Track current database versions and patches.


2. Patch Prioritization: Focus on critical patches addressing high-severity vulnerabilities.
3. Automated Tools: Use tools like WSUS or Ivanti to automate patch distribution.
4. Documentation: Maintain detailed records of patches applied.

d conduct identification

• Use tools like Qualys or Nessus to identify missing patches.


• Example: Generating a report of unpatched SQL Server instances.
e) Conduct database verification

1. Post-Installation Testing: Validate the database functionality after patching.


2. Log Review: Check system logs for errors related to the patch installation.
3. Example: Verify no downtime occurred post-patch.

f) Monitoring of database

• Continuously monitor the database for anomalies post-patch.


• Use monitoring tools like SolarWinds or Nagios.

g) Describe how to deploy a database

1. Pre-deployment Checklist:
o Check system requirements.
o Validate database configurations.
2. Deployment Steps:
o Backup the database.
o Install the database server software.
o Restore data and configurations.
3. Example: Deploying MySQL on a Linux server.

h) Identify and conduct installation of database patches

1. Identify: Use vendor updates, tools like Patch Tuesday, or third-party scanners.
2. Install: Follow vendor instructions for patch deployment.
3. Example: Applying a critical security patch for PostgreSQL using apt-get commands.

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