Rule: API Gateway Stage Should Use SSL Certificate
This rule ensures that API Gateway stages utilize SSL certificates for secure communication.
| Rule | API Gateway stage should uses SSL certificate |
| Framework | NIST 800-53 Revision 5 |
| Severity | ✔ Medium |
Rule Description: API Gateway Stage SSL Certificate Requirement for NIST 800-53 Revision 5
Rule Summary
To comply with NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security guidelines, all API Gateway stages must utilize SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt and secure data transmitted between clients and the API endpoints. This rule ensures that communication channels are protected to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Rule Details
The API Gateway stage must adhere to the following requirements:
- 1.
Enforce SSL/TLS Encryption: All communication between clients and the API endpoints must be encrypted using SSL/TLS protocols. This ensures that data is securely transmitted over the network.
- 2.
Utilize Valid SSL/TLS Certificates: The SSL/TLS certificates used by the API Gateway stage should be valid and issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This ensures that clients can trust the authenticity of the server's identity.
- 3.
Keep Certificates Updated: It is essential to regularly update SSL/TLS certificates to stay compliant with security standards and to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Troubleshooting Steps & Remediation
If your API Gateway stage does not meet the SSL certificate requirements, follow the steps below to troubleshoot and remediate the issue:
Troubleshooting Steps
- 1.
Verify SSL Configuration: Check your current API Gateway stage configuration to determine whether SSL/TLS encryption is enforced.
- 2.
Check SSL/TLS Certificate: Verify the validity of the SSL/TLS certificate used by your API Gateway stage. Ensure that it has not expired or been revoked.
- 3.
Review Certificate Chain: Examine the certificate chain to ensure it includes all necessary intermediate certificates. Any missing or incorrectly configured certificate in the chain may lead to trust issues.
- 4.
Validate Certificate Paths: Confirm that the SSL/TLS certificate path is correctly configured and corresponds to the appropriate Certificate Authority (CA).
Remediation Steps
If your API Gateway stage does not meet the SSL certificate requirements, follow these steps to remediate the issue:
- 1.
Obtain Valid SSL/TLS Certificate: Acquire a valid SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). This certificate should be issued for the domain or subdomain associated with your API Gateway.
- 2.
Install the Certificate: Install the SSL/TLS certificate on your API Gateway stage. Refer to the API Gateway documentation or the relevant cloud platform's documentation for instructions on how to install the certificate.
- 3.
Configure SSL/TLS Settings: Update the configuration of your API Gateway stage to enforce SSL/TLS encryption. This will ensure that all incoming requests are encrypted.
- 4.
Verify Certificate Renewal: Set up processes to monitor and renew your SSL/TLS certificate before it expires. Implement a certificate management system or utilize automation tools to simplify the certificate renewal process.
CLI Commands (if applicable)
Depending on the cloud platform or API Gateway service you are using, the specific CLI commands may vary. Here are some generic steps that can be performed using a CLI:
- 1.
Listing the SSL certificates:
> api-gateway-cli list-ssl-certificates - 2.
Creating a new SSL certificate:
> api-gateway-cli create-ssl-certificate --name <certificate_name> --domain <domain_name> --certificate <certificate_file_path> --private-key <private_key_file_path> --chain <certificate_chain_file_path> - 3.
Updating SSL/TLS configuration:
> api-gateway-cli update-ssl-configuration --stage <stage_name> --certificate <certificate_id>
Conclusion
Ensuring that your API Gateway stage uses SSL/TLS certificates is crucial for meeting NIST 800-53 Revision 5 security guidelines. By enforcing encryption and using valid certificates, you protect the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted between clients and the API endpoints. Following the troubleshooting steps and remediation guide will help you achieve compliance and maintain a secure API environment.