Content delivery networks allow for improving user experience to a great extent by diminishing load on the main server. Generally, this is a safe and versatile service. However, the technology is still relatively young and not devoid of security flaws. What are the major CDN security threats in 2020?

SSL attacks

DDOS attacks are aimed at disrupting the protection of CDN. They can be easily performed but are hard to detect and prevent instantly, that’s why hackers love this method. To prevent such an attempt of hacking, a CDN server should handle the traffic with the help of the client’s SSL keys. So if the user does not share his SSL key with the CDN company, the hack will be addressed to the user’s side leaving it vulnerable. 

Also, scalability is one more CDN’s weak side – multiple SSL communications lead to issues because DDoS attacks also involve WAF technologies. 

Direct IP assault

Both websites and apps are prone to such kind of hacking. In this case, hackers target the IP of the client’s original side: UDP/ICMP request torrents are not tracked via CDN, so it bypasses the firewall and goes straight to the original server. Massive attacks on the network can overload the Net pipe and disrupt all apps and hosted on the server (together with CDN-related services). 

How to prevent that? Make sure that the provider has configured shielding appropriately. Otherwise, your app will be left prone to hacking. 

Dynamic data vulnerabilities

Hackers are well aware of the fact that the processing of dynamic data requests is the weakness of many networks. Since such type of data is not stored on the network,  requests are addressed right to the hosting server. Hence,  hackers generate high-volume traffic with randomly configured inquiries. CDN sends those to the origin. In most cases, servers aren’t capable of processing so many requests and get down. It leaves services unavailable. 

Some CDNs set the limit on the number of inquiries. It seems to be the easiest solution, however, in this case, CDN does not distinguish between hackers and regular users leaving the latter ones blocked. 

Compromising of third-party hosting facilities

CDN services are typically provided for HTTPS/ DNS apps while other user’s apps are not connected with networks and, thus, are not served by those. That’s why the incoming traffic going through such services is not tracked.

That gives hackers the freedom to assault the origin server. When the Net pipe gets overloaded, authorized users cannot access all services, including the ones with CDN integrated.

Compromising of web apps

CDN-based apps are not highly protected: they are prone to data leaking, not mentioning regular hacking. All common threats of web apps pose risks both with and without CDN. Requirements for firewall facilities by CDN are not harsh, only preset configurations are involved. 

Many WAFs don’t memorize HTTP configurations and cannot create certain protection rules, that’s why they are prone to widespread threats. If you order CDN service by a provider that performs customized setting of the app WAF, such a solution might be very expensive. 

Bottom Line

There are many widespread threats around. However, you can prevent hacking by ordering truly reliable solutions. Consider hosting services from well-established providers, such as Verizon, Highwinds, Leaseweb, and others.