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Report: Management of User-Managed Service Account Keys in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

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Observations
During the vendor assessment, we identified issues related to the use of user-managed service account keys. These keys, managed and stored by users, pose significant security risks if not handled properly. Common risks include:

Credential Leakage: If private keys are exposed, attackers can misuse them to gain unauthorized access.

Privilege Escalation: Compromised keys can be exploited to gain higher permissions within the cloud environment.

Information Disclosure: Poorly managed keys may lead to exposure of sensitive data or metadata.

Non-repudiation Issues: Attackers can hide their identity by using stolen keys, making it hard to track unauthorized actions.

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Impact
If user-managed keys are not securely managed, they can lead to:

1. Unauthorized Access: Exposed keys can be used to access sensitive resources.

2. Elevated Permissions: Compromised keys can allow attackers to perform actions beyond their intended scope.

3. Data Exposure: Sensitive organizational information may be leaked.

4. Accountability Issues: Misuse of keys can make it difficult to identify the responsible parties in case of a security breach.

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Remediation Recommendations

1. Avoid User-Managed Keys

Use Workload Identity Federation or other secure authentication methods to eliminate the need for user-managed keys.

2. Restrict Key Creation

Configure policies to block the creation or upload of user-managed keys across your organization. Allow exceptions only when absolutely necessary and ensure they are closely monitored.

3. Store Keys Securely

If keys are unavoidable, store them in secure systems like HSMs (Hardware Security Modules). Avoid saving keys on local machines or embedding them in code.

4. Rotate Keys Regularly

Periodically change keys to reduce the risk of compromise. Immediately deactivate and delete old keys after rotation.

5. Monitor Key Usage

Set up tools to track key usage and identify any unusual activity or unauthorized access attempts.

6. Train Your Teams

Educate your teams on the risks of user-managed keys and promote best practices, including secure alternatives and proper handling techniques.

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Vendor Findings
Our assessment of vendor environments highlighted the improper use of user-managed service account keys. These findings emphasize the importance of adopting secure key management practices to mitigate potential risks.

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References

Google Cloud IAM Documentation: Service Account Keys

ScaleSec Blog: Service Account Key Usage Visibility

By implementing these simplified recommendations, organizations can effectively manage service account keys and reduce risks in GCP environments. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional details.
Report: Management of User-Managed Service Account Keys in Google Cloud Platform (GCP)

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Observations
During the vendor assessment, we found that user-managed service account keys were being used in a way that posed significant security risks. These keys, when not managed properly, can lead to credential leakage, privilege escalation, data exposure, and accountability issues. Improper handling of these keys increases the likelihood of unauthorized access to sensitive resources and makes it challenging to detect and trace malicious activity.

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