Rule: EC2 Instances Should Be in a VPC
This rule ensures that all EC2 instances are placed within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) for improved security.
| Rule | EC2 instances should be in a VPC |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ High |
Rule Description
EC2 instances should be deployed within a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) to adhere to the security requirements outlined in the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 framework. The VPC provides isolation and segmentation of the instances, allowing for better control and protection of data, as well as enabling the implementation of various security measures within the VPC.
Troubleshooting Steps
If EC2 instances are not deployed within a VPC, follow the below steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
- 1.
Verify VPC Configuration: Ensure that a VPC is created and properly configured in the AWS Management Console.
- 2.
Check Instance Placement: Confirm that the EC2 instances are currently running outside of the VPC. This can be checked by examining the instances' network settings and security groups.
- 3.
Identify Networking Requirements: Review the networking requirements for the instances and determine the appropriate VPC configuration that meets those requirements.
- 4.
Migrate EC2 Instances: Stop the EC2 instances that are not currently within a VPC and initiate the migration process to move them into the desired VPC.
Necessary Codes (If Applicable)
In this case, there are no specific codes required to remediate the issue. The remediation steps are primarily configuration-based.
Steps for Remediation
Follow the below steps to ensure EC2 instances are deployed within a VPC:
- 1.
Create a VPC: If a VPC doesn't exist, create a new VPC in the AWS Management Console. Configure the VPC with the desired IPv4 CIDR block, subnets, route tables, and security groups.
- 2.
Modify EC2 Instance Settings: Stop the EC2 instances that are currently outside the VPC.
- 3.
Move EC2 Instances to the VPC: In the AWS Management Console, navigate to the EC2 service and select the instances to be migrated. Right-click on the instance(s) and choose "Actions" > "Networking" > "Change Security Groups". Select the appropriate security group associated with the VPC.
- 4.
Verify Connectivity: After migrating the instances, verify network connectivity and functionality within the VPC. Ensure that the instances have access to the necessary resources and services.
- 5.
Secure the VPC: Implement additional security measures within the VPC based on NIST 800-53 Revision 5 guidelines. This may include implementing network access controls, security group restrictions, VPC flow logs, and other relevant security features.
Conclusion
Deploying EC2 instances within a VPC ensures compliance with the NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security requirements. Following the provided troubleshooting and remediation steps, you can successfully migrate the EC2 instances into a VPC and secure them according to the recommended guidelines.