Scenario S-006 - Compromise of automation platform
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Scenario ID | S-006 |
| Target asset | Automation Platform including Ansible playbooks and Gitea repositories |
| Threat source | External attacker or malicious insider |
| Attack vector | Unauthorized access to playbooks repository or malicious commit introduced into automation workflows |
| Potential impact | Deployment of malicious or insecure configurations automatically propagated across infrastructure |
| Likelihood | 🟨 Medium - automation platforms are high-value targets because a single change can affect many systems |
| Impact rating | 🟥 High - compromised automation may lead to widespread configuration changes and infrastructure compromise |
| Risk rating | 🟥 High |
Mitigation:
- Enforce strong access control and multi-factor authentication for repository access.
- Require code review and approval workflows before merging infrastructure changes.
- Protect main branches with mandatory pull request policies.
- Store sensitive variables and secrets securely using a vault mechanism.
- Monitor repository activity and automation execution logs through centralized logging.
Owners:
- Dev - repository management, code review policies, automation workflows.
- Ops - infrastructure deployment processes.
- Sec - monitoring policies, audit controls, and detection rules.
References:
- ISO 27001 - Control 8.2 Privileged access rights.
- ISO 27001 - Control 8.3 Information access restriction.
- ISO 27001 - Control 8.16 Monitoring activities.
- NIST CSF - PR.AC Access Control.
- NIST CSF - PR.IP Information Protection Processes and Procedures.
- NIST CSF - DE.CM Continuous Monitoring.
- EBIOS RM - Threat scenarios involving automated configuration systems and propagation of malicious changes.
Response actions:
- Containment - Immediately disable affected automation pipelines and restrict repository access.
- Eradication - Identify and revert malicious commits, revoke compromised credentials, and audit repository history.
- Recovery - Redeploy infrastructure using verified playbooks and trusted configurations.
- Post-incident - Review change management policies, strengthen repository protections, and improve monitoring of automation activity.