Secrets Management: What to use Env variables or Vault ?

When building and deploying applications, one common concern is how to securely manage sensitive configuration data, such as API keys, database passwords, and encryption keys. In this post, I will explore how HashiCorp Vault and environment variables can be used to manage sensitive data and discuss the benefits of using HashiCorp Vault for enhanced application security.

Threats to Sensitive Configuration Data

Sensitive configuration data can be a prime target for attackers. If an attacker gains access to this data, they can potentially compromise the entire application or system.

Some common threats to sensitive configuration data include:

• Unauthorized access: If an attacker gains access to the application’s environment variables or configuration files, they may be able to read sensitive data.
• Accidental exposure: If an application’s environment variables are not properly secured, they may accidentally be exposed, for example, in logs or error messages.
• Insider threats: An insider with access to the application’s environment variables or configuration files may intentionally or unintentionally leak sensitive data.

Using Environment Variables

One common way to manage sensitive configuration data is to use environment variables. Environment variables are typically set on the machine or container running the application and can be accessed by the application at runtime. While using environment variables can be a quick and easy way to manage sensitive data, it comes with some drawbacks.

• Lack of centralized management: Environment variables are typically managed on a per-machine or per-container basis, which makes it difficult to manage and audit them across multiple environments.
• Difficulty in revocation: If a credential needs to be revoked or rotated, it may be difficult to ensure that all instances of the application using that credential have been updated.
• Limited access control: Environment variables are typically accessible by any process running on the machine or container, which makes it difficult to restrict access to sensitive data on a per-application or per-user basis.

Using HashiCorp Vault

HashiCorp Vault is a tool for managing secrets, such as API keys, passwords, and certificates. It provides a centralized way to manage sensitive data, with features like access control, auditing, and revocation.

One of the key benefits of using HashiCorp Vault is that it allows you to manage secrets separately from the application code.

This means that secrets can be managed by a separate team with a different set of permissions, which can help to reduce the risk of insider threats. HashiCorp Vault also provides a number of other benefits, including:

• Dynamic secrets: HashiCorp Vault can generate dynamic secrets, which are only valid for a limited time. This can help to reduce the risk of exposure if a credential is accidentally exposed or leaked.
• Encryption as a service: HashiCorp Vault can be used to store and manage encryption keys, which can help to simplify the process of encrypting and decrypting data in the application.
• Auditing and logging: HashiCorp Vault provides detailed audit logs, which can help to track who has accessed sensitive data and when.

This diagram depicts a secure way to store and access sensitive data. The process begins with the application sending data to the vault, which is a secure storage service where data can be stored in encrypted form. This step ensures that even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it is still protected from unauthorized access.

Once the data is stored in the vault, it can be retrieved when needed by the application. However, since the data is encrypted, it needs to be decrypted before it can be used. To do this, the application sends an API call to the vault, which decrypts the data and sends it back to the application in plaintext.

This approach has several advantages over other methods of storing and retrieving sensitive data. First, it ensures that the data is always protected, even when it is in transit. Second, it allows the application to work with the data in a secure and controlled environment, without exposing it to potential threats. Finally, it provides a way to manage access to the data, ensuring that only authorized users can access it.

By following these best practices, organisations can minimise the risk of data breaches and other security incidents, while still enabling their applications to access the data they need to operate effectively.

Conclusion

When it comes to managing sensitive data, using environment variables can be a tempting option due to its quick and easy setup. However, it has some drawbacks that can be crippling for businesses in the long run, such as a lack of centralized management and limited access control. This is where HashiCorp Vault comes into play, providing a centralized and secure way to manage secrets.

With HashiCorp Vault, sensitive configuration data can be stored securely, with features such as access control, auditing, and revocation. Access control ensures that only authorized personnel can access the data, while auditing provides a way to track who accessed the data and when. Revocation allows for quick and easy removal of access when necessary.

Additionally, HashiCorp Vault offers a range of other benefits that make it a more secure option for managing sensitive data. For example, it providessecret generation and renewal, encryption as a service, and dynamic secrets. Overall, HashiCorp Vault is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a more secure way to manage their sensitive configuration data.