If you discover callback-url-file:///home/*/.aws/credentials in your codebase, logs, or configuration:
protocol to trick an application into reading local files instead of fetching a remote URL. If the application has enough permissions, it may return the contents of the AWS credentials file, exposing: Access Key IDs Secret Access Keys Session Tokens 🛡️ How to Protect Your Infrastructure Validate Protocol Schemes : Only allow for callback URLs. Explicitly block Use an Allowlist
Securing Cloud Credentials against Callback URL Arbitrary File Disclosure Vulnerabilities callback-url-file-3A-2F-2F-2Fhome-2F-2A-2F.aws-2Fcredentials
It's essential to note that storing sensitive information like AWS access keys in plain text files can be a security risk. Make sure to:
Every developer, security engineer, and DevOps professional should recognize this pattern instantly. The principles are universal: If you discover callback-url-file:///home/*/
: A callback URL is a URL that an application redirects to after completing a task or process, often used in OAuth flows. The application (client) redirects the user to a server (authorization server), which then redirects back to the client with an authorization code or token via the callback URL.
Let’s decode what this is, why attackers love it, and how to make sure your AWS keys aren’t walking out the door. Make sure to: Every developer, security engineer, and
: The standard location on Linux systems for AWS CLI credentials, which include aws_access_key_id aws_secret_access_key
Do not store AWS credentials directly on the filesystem if possible. Use IAM Roles for EC2/EKS , which automatically rotate credentials and restrict them to authorized services.