[](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/?ts=markdown) * Sign In * Customer * Partner * Employee * [Login to download](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/login?ts=markdown) * [Join us to become a member](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/login?screenToRender=traditionalRegistration&ts=markdown) * EN * [USA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com) * [AUSTRALIA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au) * [BRAZIL (PORTUGUÉS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.br) * [CANADA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.ca) * [CHINA (简体中文)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.cn) * [FRANCE (FRANÇAIS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.fr) * [GERMANY (DEUTSCH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.de) * [INDIA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.in) * [ITALY (ITALIANO)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.it) * [JAPAN (日本語)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.jp) * [KOREA (한국어)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.co.kr) * [LATIN AMERICA (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.lat) * [MEXICO (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.mx) * [SINGAPORE (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.sg) * [SPAIN (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.es) * [TAIWAN (繁體中文)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.tw) * [UK (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.co.uk) * ![magnifying glass search icon to open search field](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/search-black.svg) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown) * [What's New](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown) * [Get Support](https://support.paloaltonetworks.com/SupportAccount/MyAccount) * [Under Attack?](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) ![x close icon to close mobile navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/x-black.svg) [![Palo Alto Networks logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/?ts=markdown) ![magnifying glass search icon to open search field](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/search-black.svg) * [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/?ts=markdown) * Products ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Products [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security?ts=markdown) * [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security/secure-ai-by-design?ts=markdown) * [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions?ts=markdown) * [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown) * [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire?ts=markdown) * [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security?ts=markdown) * [Medical Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown) * [OT Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-device-security?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall?ts=markdown) * [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations?ts=markdown) * [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown) * [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager?ts=markdown) * [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription?ts=markdown) * [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os?ts=markdown) * [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama?ts=markdown) * [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration?ts=markdown) * [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan?ts=markdown) * [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown) * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown) * [Cortex AgentiX](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/agentix?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Exposure Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/exposure-management?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Advanced Email Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/advanced-email-security?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown) * Solutions ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Solutions Secure AI by Design * [Secure AI Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [Secure GenAI Usage](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown) Network Security * [Cloud Network Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown) * [Data Center Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/data-center?ts=markdown) * [DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown) * [Intrusion Detection and Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Device Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/device-security?ts=markdown) * [OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/ot-security-solution?ts=markdown) * [5G Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/5g-security?ts=markdown) * [Secure All Apps, Users and Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-users-data-apps-devices?ts=markdown) * [Secure Branch Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-branch-transformation?ts=markdown) * [Secure Work on Any Device](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/secure-work-on-any-device?ts=markdown) * [VPN Replacement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/vpn-replacement-for-secure-remote-access?ts=markdown) * [Web \& Phishing Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown) Cloud Security * [Application Security Posture Management (ASPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) * [Software Supply Chain Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/software-supply-chain-security?ts=markdown) * [Code Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/code-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management (CIEM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-infrastructure-entitlement-management?ts=markdown) * [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/data-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) * [AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/ai-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Workload Protection (CWP)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-workload-protection?ts=markdown) * [Web Application \& API Security (WAAS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/web-app-api-security?ts=markdown) Security Operations * [Cloud Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Security Information and Event Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/modernize-siem?ts=markdown) * [Network Security Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/network-security-automation?ts=markdown) * [Incident Case Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/incident-case-management?ts=markdown) * [SOC Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/security-operations-automation?ts=markdown) * [Threat Intel Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/threat-intel-management?ts=markdown) * [Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Attack Surface Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/attack-surface-management?ts=markdown) * [Compliance Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/compliance-management?ts=markdown) * [Internet Operations Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse/internet-operations-management?ts=markdown) * [Extended Data Lake (XDL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdl?ts=markdown) * [Agentic Assistant](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-agentic-assistant?ts=markdown) Endpoint Security * [Endpoint Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/endpoint-protection?ts=markdown) * [Extended Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Ransomware Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/ransomware-protection?ts=markdown) * [Digital Forensics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/digital-forensics?ts=markdown) [Industries](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry?ts=markdown) * [Public Sector](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/public-sector?ts=markdown) * [Financial Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/financial-services?ts=markdown) * [Manufacturing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/manufacturing?ts=markdown) * [Healthcare](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/healthcare?ts=markdown) * [Small \& Medium Business Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/industry/small-medium-business-portfolio?ts=markdown) * Services ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Services [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown) * [Assess](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown) * [AI Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ai-security-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Attack Surface Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/attack-surface-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Breach Readiness Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/breach-readiness-review?ts=markdown) * [BEC Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/bec-readiness-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Security Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/cloud-security-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Compromise Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/compromise-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Cyber Risk Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/cyber-risk-assessment?ts=markdown) * [M\&A Cyber Due Diligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/mergers-acquisitions-cyber-due-diligence?ts=markdown) * [Penetration Testing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/penetration-testing?ts=markdown) * [Purple Team Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/purple-teaming?ts=markdown) * [Ransomware Readiness Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/ransomware-readiness-assessment?ts=markdown) * [SOC Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/soc-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Supply Chain Risk Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/supply-chain-risk-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Tabletop Exercises](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess/tabletop-exercise?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown) * [Respond](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/cloud-incident-response?ts=markdown) * [Digital Forensics](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/digital-forensics?ts=markdown) * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/incident-response?ts=markdown) * [Managed Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-detection-response?ts=markdown) * [Managed Threat Hunting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond/managed-threat-hunting?ts=markdown) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Retainer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown) * [Transform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown) * [IR Plan Development and Review](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/incident-response-plan-development-review?ts=markdown) * [Security Program Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/security-program-design?ts=markdown) * [Virtual CISO](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/vciso?ts=markdown) * [Zero Trust Advisory](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform/zero-trust-advisory?ts=markdown) [Global Customer Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services?ts=markdown) * [Education \& Training](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education?ts=markdown) * [Professional Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/consulting?ts=markdown) * [Success Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/customer-success-tools?ts=markdown) * [Support Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/solution-assurance?ts=markdown) * [Customer Success](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/customer-success?ts=markdown) [![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/logo-unit-42.svg) UNIT 42 RETAINER Custom-built to fit your organization's needs, you can choose to allocate your retainer hours to any of our offerings, including proactive cyber risk management services. Learn how you can put the world-class Unit 42 Incident Response team on speed dial. Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/retainer?ts=markdown) * Partners ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Partners NextWave Partners * [NextWave Partner Community](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-for-csp?ts=markdown) * [Global Systems Integrators](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-for-gsi?ts=markdown) * [Technology Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/technology-partners?ts=markdown) * [Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/service-providers?ts=markdown) * [Solution Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-solution-providers?ts=markdown) * [Managed Security Service Providers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers?ts=markdown) * [XMDR Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-service-providers/xmdr?ts=markdown) Take Action * [Portal Login](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/nextwave-partner-portal?ts=markdown) * [Managed Services Program](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/partners/managed-security-services-provider-program?ts=markdown) * [Become a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=becomepartner) * [Request Access](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerregistration?type=requestaccess) * [Find a Partner](https://paloaltonetworks.my.site.com/NextWavePartnerProgram/s/partnerlocator) [CYBERFORCE CYBERFORCE represents the top 1% of partner engineers trusted for their security expertise. Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberforce?ts=markdown) * Company ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Company Palo Alto Networks * [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us?ts=markdown) * [Management Team](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/management?ts=markdown) * [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com) * [Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations?ts=markdown) * [Ethics \& Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/ethics-and-compliance?ts=markdown) * [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility?ts=markdown) * [Military \& Veterans](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/military) [Why Palo Alto Networks?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks?ts=markdown) * [Precision AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security?ts=markdown) * [Our Platform Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/platformization?ts=markdown) * [Accelerate Your Cybersecurity Transformation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/why-paloaltonetworks/nam-cxo-portfolio?ts=markdown) * [Awards \& Recognition](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/awards?ts=markdown) * [Customer Stories](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers?ts=markdown) * [Global Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/compliance?ts=markdown) * [Trust 360 Program](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/whitepapers/trust-360?ts=markdown) Careers * [Overview](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Culture \& Benefits](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/culture/) [A Newsweek Most Loved Workplace "Businesses that do right by their employees" Read more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2021/palo-alto-networks-secures-top-ranking-on-newsweek-s-most-loved-workplaces-list-for-2021?ts=markdown) * More ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) More Resources * [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Threat Research](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities?ts=markdown) * [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown) * [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) * [Tech Insider](https://techinsider.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Knowledge Base](https://knowledgebase.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Palo Alto Networks TV](https://tv.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Perspectives of Leaders](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/perspectives/?ts=markdown) * [Cyber Perspectives Magazine](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cybersecurity-perspectives/cyber-perspectives-magazine?ts=markdown) * [Regional Cloud Locations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/regional-cloud-locations?ts=markdown) * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Security Posture Assessment](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-posture-assessment?ts=markdown) * [Threat Vector Podcast](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/unit-42-threat-vector-podcast/) * [Packet Pushers Podcasts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/packet-pusher?ts=markdown) Connect * [LIVE community](https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Events](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Executive Briefing Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/executive-briefing-program?ts=markdown) * [Demos](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/demos?ts=markdown) * [Contact us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown) [Blog Stay up-to-date on industry trends and the latest innovations from the world's largest cybersecurity Learn more](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/) * Sign In ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Sign In * Customer * Partner * Employee * [Login to download](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/login?ts=markdown) * [Join us to become a member](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/login?screenToRender=traditionalRegistration&ts=markdown) * EN ![black arrow pointing left to go back to main navigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/arrow-right-black.svg) Language * [USA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com) * [AUSTRALIA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au) * [BRAZIL (PORTUGUÉS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.br) * [CANADA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.ca) * [CHINA (简体中文)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.cn) * [FRANCE (FRANÇAIS)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.fr) * [GERMANY (DEUTSCH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.de) * [INDIA (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.in) * [ITALY (ITALIANO)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.it) * [JAPAN (日本語)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.jp) * [KOREA (한국어)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.co.kr) * [LATIN AMERICA (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.lat) * [MEXICO (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.mx) * [SINGAPORE (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.sg) * [SPAIN (ESPAÑOL)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.es) * [TAIWAN (繁體中文)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.tw) * [UK (ENGLISH)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.co.uk) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown) * [What's New](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown) * [Get support](https://support.paloaltonetworks.com/SupportAccount/MyAccount) * [Under Attack?](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/contact-unit42.html) * [Demos and Trials](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/get-started?ts=markdown) Search All * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/search) Close search modal [Deploy Bravely --- Secure your AI transformation with Prisma AIRS](https://www.deploybravely.com) [](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/?ts=markdown) 1. [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) 2. [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security?ts=markdown) 3. [API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security?ts=markdown) 4. [What is Security Misconfiguration?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8?ts=markdown) Table of Contents * What is Security Misconfiguration? * [API8:2023 - Security Misconfiguration Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#explained?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Security Misconfiguration in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Security Misconfiguration Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Security Misconfiguration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Security Misconfiguration in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Security Misconfiguration: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Security Misconfiguration FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is API Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security?ts=markdown) * [API Security Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#api?ts=markdown) * [Definition of an API](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#definition?ts=markdown) * [Why API Security Is Important](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#why?ts=markdown) * [Traditional Approach to Web Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#traditional?ts=markdown) * [Anatomy of an API Attack](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#anatomy?ts=markdown) * [API Security Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#risks?ts=markdown) * [API Security for SOAP, REST and GraphQL](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#graphql?ts=markdown) * [API Security Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#best?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Cloud's API Security Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#prisma?ts=markdown) * [API Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is API Endpoint Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security?ts=markdown) * [Threats Targeting Endpoints](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security#threats?ts=markdown) * [How to Secure API Endpoints](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security#secure?ts=markdown) * [Endpoint Protection Strategies](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security#endpoint?ts=markdown) * [Building Endpoint-Aware API Security Programs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security#programs?ts=markdown) * [API Endpoint Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-endpoint-security#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Unrestricted Resource Consumption?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption?ts=markdown) * [API4:2023 - Unrestricted Resource Consumption Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#api4?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Unrestricted Resource Consumption in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Unrestricted Resource Consumption Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Unrestricted Resource Consumption](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#consumption?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Unrestricted Resource Consumption in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Unrestricted Resource Consumption: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Unrestricted Resource Consumption FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-resource-consumption#faqs?ts=markdown) * [API Security Monitoring](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring?ts=markdown) * [What to Monitor: Traffic, Sessions, Anomalies, Threats](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#monitor?ts=markdown) * [Services and Tools for Monitoring APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#services?ts=markdown) * [Response Mechanisms: Threat Detection, Response, Remediation for APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#response?ts=markdown) * [Ensuring the Best API Security Posture with Monitoring and Continuous Improvement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#ensuring?ts=markdown) * [Building a Monitoring-Driven API Security Lifecycle](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#building?ts=markdown) * [API Security Monitoring FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-monitoring#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Broken Function Level Authorization?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization?ts=markdown) * [API5:2023 - Broken Function Level Authorization Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#broken?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Broken Function Level Authorization in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Broken Function Level Authorization Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Broken Function Level Authorization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Broken Function Level Authorization in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Broken Function Level Authorization: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Broken Function Level Authorization FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-function-level-authorization#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows?ts=markdown) * [API6:2023 - Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#explained?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#flows?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unrestricted-access-sensitive-business-flows#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Broken Object Property Level Authorization?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization?ts=markdown) * [API3:2023 - Broken Object Property Level Authorization Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#explained?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Broken Object Property Level Authorization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Broken Object Property Level Authorization Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Broken Object Property Level Authorization](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Broken Object Property Level Authorization in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Broken Object Property Level Authorization: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Broken Object Property Level Authorization FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-object-property-level-authorization#faqs?ts=markdown) * [Cloud API Security: Strategy for the DevOps Era](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy?ts=markdown) * [The Role of API Keys and Secrets in Cloud APIs --- Risks and Misuses](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#role?ts=markdown) * [The Gateway Layer in Cloud APIs: Why a Web API Security Gateway Is Critical](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#gateway?ts=markdown) * [Monitoring and Protecting APIs in Real Time in Cloud/DevOps Contexts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#monitoring?ts=markdown) * [Strategy Checklist: Best Practices for Cloud API Security in DevOps](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#strategy?ts=markdown) * [Conclusion: Bridging DevOps Velocity with Secure API Posture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#conclusion?ts=markdown) * [Cloud API Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-api-security-strategy#faqs?ts=markdown) * [API Security Checklist for Modern Application Teams](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist?ts=markdown) * [Discover and Classify All APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#discover?ts=markdown) * [Apply Core API Security Controls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#apply?ts=markdown) * [Protect API Data at Every Layer](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#protect?ts=markdown) * [Secure API Endpoints and Runtime Behavior](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#secure?ts=markdown) * [Continuously Monitor, Test, and Improve](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#monitor?ts=markdown) * [Building Resilience Through Systematic Execution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#resilience?ts=markdown) * [API Security Checklist FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/api-security-checklist#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Broken Authentication?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2?ts=markdown) * [API2:2023 - Broken Authentication Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#API2-2023?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Broken Authentication in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Broken Authentication Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#broken?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Broken Authentication](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Broken Authentication in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Broken Authentication: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Broken Authentication FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/broken-authentication-api2#faqs?ts=markdown) # What is Security Misconfiguration? 3 min. read Table of Contents * * [API8:2023 - Security Misconfiguration Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#explained?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Security Misconfiguration in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Security Misconfiguration Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Security Misconfiguration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Security Misconfiguration in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Security Misconfiguration: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Security Misconfiguration FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#faqs?ts=markdown) 1. API8:2023 - Security Misconfiguration Explained * * [API8:2023 - Security Misconfiguration Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#explained?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Security Misconfiguration in API Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#understanding?ts=markdown) * [How Security Misconfiguration Manifests in Real-World APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#how?ts=markdown) * [The Business Impact of Security Misconfiguration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#business?ts=markdown) * [Identifying Security Misconfiguration in Your APIs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#identifying?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Security Misconfiguration: Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Security Misconfiguration FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8#faqs?ts=markdown) Security misconfiguration ranks as the eighth most critical API security risk by OWASP because deployment oversights create exploitable gaps across every infrastructure layer. APIs function correctly while remaining fundamentally insecure when teams prioritize feature delivery over hardening. This guide examines how misconfigurations manifest in cloud environments, the business consequences of configuration drift, and the systematic approaches organizations need to deploy secure APIs rather than simply functional ones. ## API8:2023 - Security Misconfiguration Explained Security misconfiguration emerges when systems run with settings that deviate from secure operational baselines. An API might authenticate users correctly yet expose internal error messages that reveal database schema details in what poses a significant [API security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security?ts=markdown) risk. A load balancer could distribute traffic efficiently while permitting HTTP methods that an attacker can weaponize. The gap between functional deployment and hardened deployment defines the vulnerability class. APIs accumulate misconfiguration risk across multiple infrastructure layers. A modern API request passes through edge proxies, [WAFs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-web-application-firewall?ts=markdown), [API gateways](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-gateway?ts=markdown), application servers, service meshes, and backend storage systems before returning a response. Each component ships with default configurations optimized for developer convenience rather than production security. A single permissive CORS policy at the gateway level exposes endpoints that backend services assumed would remain internal. Middleware logging libraries capture request headers verbatim, including authentication tokens that should never persist to disk. Cloud storage buckets default to private access but require explicit configuration to prevent authenticated users from reading objects they shouldn't access. Misconfigurations differ fundamentally from code-level vulnerabilities. A SQL injection flaw exists in the application logic where developers failed to sanitize input. Fixing it requires changing code. A misconfiguration exists in operational settings where administrators failed to restrict access or disable unnecessary features. The API code might be flawless, while the deployment environment permits unencrypted connections or returns stack traces in error responses. Individual misconfigurations compound into systemic exposure. An API that enables verbose error messages and runs outdated libraries hands attackers both reconnaissance data and known exploits. Services that skip TLS validation while accepting arbitrary HTTP headers create chains of trust violations. Debug endpoints left active in production combine with overly permissive IAM roles to grant attackers administrative privileges through unintended paths. Development environments prioritize rapid iteration over security controls. Teams test with relaxed authentication, verbose logging, and permissive CORS to accelerate debugging. Moving that same configuration to production transforms convenience features into an attack surface. The API functions correctly under load testing, yet remains fundamentally insecure because operational hardening never occurred. ## Understanding Security Misconfiguration in API Security API security configuration spans multiple infrastructure and application layers, each introducing distinct hardening requirements. Misalignment across these layers creates exploitable gaps. ### Configuration Requirements Across Stack Layers Infrastructure controls begin with cloud service configurations where [IAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-identity-and-access-management?ts=markdown) policies, network ACLs, and storage bucket permissions govern resource access. [Container orchestration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-container-orchestration?ts=markdown) platforms like [Kubernetes](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-container-orchestration?ts=markdown) require pod security policies, network policies that segment traffic, and [secrets management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/secrets-management?ts=markdown) that prevents credential exposure. [Cloud-native](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-native?ts=markdown) APIs inherit configuration complexity from the platforms they run on, where a single overly permissive security group rule can bypass application-level access controls. Platform components shape how requests reach application code. Web servers such as Nginx and Apache control which HTTP methods pass through, how client certificates are validated, and whether directory listing is exposed. Load balancers terminate SSL and make routing decisions based on headers that attackers can manipulate if validation rules aren't properly defined. Reverse proxies sit between clients and application servers, requiring careful configuration to prevent header injection and request smuggling attacks. Each component processes requests independently, which means inconsistent validation rules create opportunities for exploitation. Application-level configurations determine how frameworks handle authentication, how logging libraries capture [sensitive data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sensitive-data?ts=markdown), and whether debug modes remain active. ORM frameworks may expose internal query structures through verbose error messages when exception handling isn't properly tuned. Serialization libraries accept arbitrary object types unless developers explicitly restrict input. Logging systems persist authentication tokens, API keys, and personally identifiable information to disk when developers fail to sanitize what gets written. Communication layer settings control data in transit. TLS configurations determine cipher suites, protocol versions, and certificate validation rigor. Weak cipher suites permit downgrade attacks despite using HTTPS. CORS policies dictate which origins can access resources, and misconfigured wildcard rules expose APIs to cross-origin attacks. Security headers like Content-Security-Policy and X-Frame-Options require explicit configuration because browsers default to permissive behavior. ### Hardening Standards and Operational Drift Proper configuration requires applying defense-in-depth principles where each layer enforces security independently rather than assuming upstream components will filter malicious traffic. Least privilege means services run with minimal permissions rather than administrative credentials that simplify development. Features disabled by default should remain disabled unless specific business requirements justify their activation. Configuration drift emerges when teams patch vulnerabilities, update dependencies, and modify settings without maintaining consistency across development, staging, and production environments. A library upgrade introduces new default settings. A security patch modifies authentication behavior. [Infrastructure-as-code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-iac?ts=markdown) templates diverge from deployed resources. Automation that deploys configurations won't prevent drift if baseline definitions aren't version-controlled and regularly reconciled against live systems. ### Request Processing Inconsistencies APIs often rely on HTTP server chains where requests pass through edge proxies, web application firewalls, API gateways, and application servers before reaching business logic. When these components parse HTTP requests differently, attackers exploit parsing discrepancies to bypass security controls. A WAF might block requests with suspicious patterns while the backend server interprets the same request differently due to varying RFC compliance. Ensuring uniform request processing across the chain requires consistent HTTP parsing rules and validation logic at every hop. ## How Security Misconfiguration Manifests in Real-World APIs Misconfigurations appear across every layer of API infrastructure, from default settings that should have been changed to features that should have been disabled. ### Hardening Gaps and Default Settings APIs deployed with factory defaults represent an immediate risk. Administrative interfaces ship with credentials like admin/admin or root/password, which automated scanners discover within minutes of exposure. Cloud storage buckets default to private but require explicit ACL configuration to prevent authenticated users from accessing objects across tenant boundaries. IAM roles created with broad permissions during development often remain attached to production services, granting APIs access to resources they shouldn't touch. Debug endpoints that expose runtime configuration, environment variables, and internal state persist in production builds when developers forget to gate them behind authentication checks. Unnecessary features expand the attack surface without delivering business value. APIs that respond to HTTP methods like TRACE, OPTIONS, and PUT when only GET and POST are required give attackers additional vectors for exploitation. Logging frameworks that capture full request and response bodies by default persist sensitive authentication tokens and personally identifiable information to disk, where they become targets for exfiltration. ### Outdated Software and Vulnerable Dependencies Unpatched systems accumulate known vulnerabilities that attackers exploit using publicly available code. The Log4Shell vulnerability demonstrated how a logging library used across the industry could enable remote code execution through crafted input strings that triggered JNDI lookups. Organizations running outdated versions of web servers, TLS libraries, and framework dependencies hand attackers documented exploitation paths. Third-party packages introduce transitive dependencies that may contain critical vulnerabilities several layers deep in the dependency graph, where teams rarely inspect them. ### Transport Layer Weaknesses TLS configurations determine whether encrypted connections actually provide meaningful security. APIs that accept TLS 1.0 or 1.1 connections permit known protocol-level attacks despite using HTTPS. Cipher suite negotiation that includes weak algorithms like RC4 or export-grade ciphers allows downgrade attacks. Certificate validation that skips hostname verification or accepts self-signed certificates creates false confidence in encrypted channels. Mixed content scenarios where pages load over HTTPS but make API calls over HTTP expose credentials in transit. ### Browser Security Control Failures CORS policies configured with wildcard origins or overly broad allowed origins expose APIs to cross-origin attacks where malicious sites make authenticated requests on behalf of victims. Missing security headers leave APIs vulnerable to clickjacking, MIME-sniffing attacks, and script injection. Cache-Control headers that fail to specify no-store for sensitive responses cause browsers to persist authentication tokens and private data to disk, where forensic tools or malware can retrieve them. ### Verbose Errors and HTTP Processing Inconsistencies Production APIs that return detailed exception messages, including stack traces and database query fragments, provide reconnaissance data that accelerates exploitation. Debug mode responses expose framework versions, file paths, and environment details. Load balancers, proxies, and application servers that parse HTTP differently create desync vulnerabilities. A proxy might treat a request as one entity while the backend server interprets it as two, allowing attackers to smuggle requests past security controls. Header normalization discrepancies permit injection attacks when frontend and backend systems disagree on how to handle malformed input. ## The Business Impact of Security Misconfiguration Security misconfigurations convert technical oversights into quantifiable losses across financial, legal, and operational dimensions. ### Exploitation and Data Breach Consequences Remote code execution vulnerabilities like Log4Shell emerge when logging frameworks process untrusted input through misconfigured placeholder expansion features, granting attackers system-level access that transforms APIs into command-and-control infrastructure. Once compromised, these systems facilitate network traversal, credential harvesting, and encryption-based extortion campaigns where recovery costs dwarf the effort required for the initial breach. A configuration error requiring minutes to fix becomes an incident demanding months of remediation. Browser caching creates unintended data persistence when APIs omit directives that prevent sensitive responses from reaching disk storage. Authentication sessions, medical records, and financial transactions get written to cache directories where forensic recovery tools and malware can retrieve them long after users believe the data was purged. Error verbosity problems compound the issue by exposing internal architecture through stack traces and query fragments that map out database relationships and reveal component versions. Storage services configured without proper access restrictions become bulk [data exfiltration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration?ts=markdown) targets where attackers download entire customer datasets using nothing more than standard API calls. ### Cascading Risk and Compliance Failures Configuration problems rarely exist in isolation. APIs accepting unencrypted connections create both payment card industry violations and interception opportunities from the same deployment oversight. When CORS rules permit arbitrary origin access while security headers remain absent, the combination enables session hijacking scenarios where resolving either problem independently leaves systems vulnerable through the remaining gap. Response teams face an expanding scope as configuration audits reveal similar problems replicated across multiple environments, requiring coordinated remediation while forensic investigators determine breach extent and legal teams manage disclosure obligations. Direct costs for investigation and notification combine with regulatory fines that multiply when single incidents violate healthcare privacy rules, data protection regulations, and industry-specific compliance mandates. ### Operational and Market Consequences Public disclosure of configuration-related breaches carries unique reputational weight. Customers and investors interpret "exposed database due to access control oversight" as evidence of systemic negligence rather than sophisticated attack methodology. Market capitalization declines follow announcement cycles while insurance carriers reassess risk profiles and raise premiums. Commercial relationships begin incorporating security assessment clauses that audit configuration practices across integrated systems, exposing weaknesses throughout supply chains. Organizations either invest in comprehensive hardening or accept recurring incidents that threaten long-term viability. ## Identifying Security Misconfiguration in Your APIs Detection requires systematic examination across infrastructure, platform, and application layers where configuration drift accumulates over deployment cycles. ### Infrastructure and Cloud Service Audits Cloud providers offer native compliance tools that continuously assess resource configurations against security baselines, with AWS Config tracking configuration changes and policy violations, while Azure Policy enforces governance rules across subscriptions. [Container security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-container-security?ts=markdown) demands inspection of pod security contexts, network policies that segment traffic between namespaces, and secrets management practices that determine whether credentials leak into environment variables or get properly mounted from secure stores. Kubernetes admission controllers can reject deployments that violate security standards, but teams must first define those standards and maintain them as orchestration patterns evolve. Network policy validation extends beyond firewall rules to examine service mesh configurations, ingress controller settings, and API gateway route definitions that collectively determine which clients can reach which endpoints. Terraform state files reveal what got deployed, while drift detection identifies discrepancies between declared infrastructure and actual running configurations. ### Platform Security Verification TLS configuration testing tools like testssl.sh probe cipher suite support, protocol version acceptance, and certificate validity while identifying weaknesses that browser negotiation might mask. HTTP verb enumeration reveals whether APIs respond to methods they shouldn't support, and sending OPTIONS requests often exposes allowed verbs that bypass application logic. Server banners and response headers leak version information that correlates with known vulnerabilities, making version disclosure itself a configuration problem. HTTP server chain testing requires sending crafted requests designed to expose parsing inconsistencies, where differences in how load balancers, proxies, and application servers interpret malformed input create desynchronization opportunities. Tools that fuzz request structures while monitoring responses across the processing chain identify dangerous parsing gaps. ### Application Configuration Analysis Security header validation tools assess whether APIs implement Content-Security-Policy, Strict-Transport-Security, and frame protection directives that browsers enforce. CORS policy testing involves sending cross-origin requests with various origin headers to determine whether wildcard rules or credential-exposing configurations exist. Verbose error responses become apparent through fuzzing inputs that trigger exceptions, while monitoring whether stack traces, database errors, or internal paths appear in responses. Content-type validation problems emerge when APIs accept formats they don't actually need, creating a parsing attack surface. Logging configuration review demands examining what gets captured, how long it persists, and whether sensitive data gets sanitized before persistence. ### Automated and Continuous Assessment Configuration management platforms encode security policies as code, allowing teams to version hardening standards and detect drift through automated comparison. Continuous compliance scanners evaluate deployed resources against frameworks like CIS benchmarks, generating findings that feed into remediation workflows. [ASPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/aspm-application-security-posture-management?ts=markdown) dependency scanning tools monitor package manifests and lock files for known vulnerabilities, alerting when libraries require updates. Manual review remains necessary for examining infrastructure-as-code templates where hardening logic lives, environment-specific configuration files that override defaults, and third-party service integration points where authentication flows and data sharing permissions get defined. Automated tools find known patterns, but human review catches context-specific misconfigurations where business logic interacts with security controls in unexpected ways. ## Preventing Security Misconfiguration: Best Practices Prevention demands systematic approaches where security controls get embedded into deployment pipelines rather than applied as afterthoughts. ### Establishing Hardening Standards Repeatable hardening processes begin with configuration templates that codify security requirements across development, staging, and production environments, ensuring teams deploy locked-down systems by default rather than hardening them post-deployment. Infrastructure-as-code platforms like Terraform and Pulumi allow security policies to live alongside resource definitions, where [policy-as-code](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-policy-as-code?ts=markdown) frameworks validate that deployments meet security baselines before resources get provisioned. Automation eliminates the gap between intended configuration and deployed state by making secure defaults the path of least resistance. Configuration review must operate continuously rather than at scheduled intervals, given that infrastructure changes occur through [CI/CD pipelines](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-the-ci-cd-pipeline-and-ci-cd-security?ts=markdown) multiple times daily in cloud-native environments. Drift detection systems compare running configurations against version-controlled templates, flagging deviations that might represent legitimate updates requiring approval or unauthorized changes requiring immediate remediation. Reviews encompass orchestration manifests where pod security contexts and network policies get defined, cloud service configurations where IAM permissions and storage access rules determine data exposure, and API component settings where authentication middleware and rate limiting thresholds shape security posture. ### Transport and Communication Hardening TLS requirements apply uniformly across internal and external traffic because modern threat models assume network compromise rather than trusted internal zones. APIs communicating with backend services, databases, and message queues use encrypted channels even when traffic never leaves the cloud provider's network. TLS 1.2 represents the minimum acceptable version, while TLS 1.3 offers performance and security improvements that justify migration costs. Cipher suite configuration excludes weak algorithms while prioritizing forward secrecy through ECDHE key exchange. HTTP Strict Transport Security headers signal browsers to enforce HTTPS for future requests, preventing downgrade attacks that attempt plaintext communication. ### Access Control and Attack Surface Reduction HTTP verb restrictions operate at the endpoint level, where GET-only resources explicitly reject POST, PUT, and DELETE, while administrative endpoints permit only the methods their functionality requires. Allowing HEAD requests can leak information through response headers without triggering full request processing, making blanket verb allowance problematic. Content-type validation restricts incoming data formats to those the API actually processes, preventing parsers from accepting XML when only JSON serves business requirements. Cloud service permissions follow [least-privilege principles](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-least-privilege-access?ts=markdown) where IAM roles grant exactly the access APIs need rather than administrative credentials that simplify development. Storage buckets, databases, and queue systems operate with role-based access that limits blast radius when credentials leak or services get compromised. ### Browser Security Controls APIs serving browser-based clients implement CORS policies that enumerate allowed origins rather than accepting wildcard configurations that permit any site to make credentialed requests. Security headers provide defense-in-depth, where Content-Security-Policy restricts script sources, X-Frame-Options prevents clickjacking, and X-Content-Type-Options stops MIME-sniffing attacks. Cache-Control directives mark sensitive responses with no-store to prevent browsers from persisting authentication tokens and personal data to disk. ### Uniform Request Processing and Response Management HTTP server chains require consistent parsing logic where load balancers, reverse proxies, and application servers agree on how to interpret chunked encoding, header line folding, and ambiguous request structures that create desynchronization opportunities. Standardized validation rules applied at every processing layer prevent attackers from crafting requests that bypass frontend controls while reaching backend systems. Response schemas defined in OpenAPI specifications or similar frameworks constrain what APIs return, ensuring error conditions produce sanitized messages rather than stack traces containing internal paths, database query fragments, or framework version details. Generic error responses expose no implementation details to external consumers, while detailed diagnostics flow to logging systems where operations teams can access them through authenticated channels. ## Security Misconfiguration FAQs ### What is HTTP Request Smuggling? HTTP request smuggling exploits parsing discrepancies between frontend and backend servers in the processing chain. When a load balancer interprets Content-Length differently than the application server, attackers craft ambiguous requests that appear as single entities to proxies but are split into multiple requests at backends, bypassing security controls and poisoning connection reuse pools. ### What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)? Server-Side Request Forgery occurs when APIs accept user-controlled URLs and make outbound requests without validation, allowing attackers to probe internal networks, access cloud metadata endpoints, and retrieve credentials from instance identity services. SSRF turns externally-facing APIs into proxies for reaching resources that should remain isolated behind network boundaries. ### What are Privilege Escalation Chains? Privilege escalation chains link multiple low-severity misconfigurations into paths that grant administrative access. An API with verbose errors reveals internal service names, overly permissive IAM roles allow cross-service calls, and missing authentication on debug endpoints provides control plane access. Individual weaknesses combine to create exploitation sequences where attackers incrementally gain system control. ### What is Immutable Infrastructure? Immutable infrastructure treats servers as disposable artifacts that get replaced rather than modified after deployment. Configuration changes trigger new builds from version-controlled templates instead of manual updates to running systems, eliminating drift and ensuring every deployment matches tested baselines. Compromised instances get destroyed and rebuilt rather than patched in place. ### What is Policy-as-Code Enforcement? Policy-as-code enforcement validates infrastructure configurations against security requirements before deployment occurs. Tools like Open Policy Agent and Cloud Custodian evaluate Terraform plans, Kubernetes manifests, and cloud resources against rules written in declarative languages, rejecting changes that violate standards. Security policies become automated gates rather than manual review processes. ### What is Secrets Sprawl Management? Secrets sprawl management addresses credential distribution across codebases, configuration files, environment variables, and container images. Hardcoded API keys in repositories, database passwords in orchestration templates, and tokens embedded in compiled binaries create attack surface that centralized secrets managers eliminate by providing runtime credential injection and automatic rotation capabilities. Related Content [Secure Your Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) API security is critical for application protection. Gain complete visibility, protect against threats, and eliminate blind spots with our tipsheet.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/tip-sheet-secure-your-apis?ts=markdown) [Securing the API Attack Surface In partnership with the ESG research team, we surveyed IT, cybersecurity and application development professionals to uncover the latest trends in API security.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/research/api-security-statistics-report?ts=markdown) [API Security API security involves real-time protection against OWASP Top 10 attacks, DoS, and bot attacks, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/api-security?ts=markdown) [Web Application and API Security | WAAS Discover Cortex Cloud's WAAS module and automatically detect and protect your microservices-based web applications and APIs.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/web-app-api-security?ts=markdown) ![Share page on facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/facebook-circular-icon.svg) ![Share page on linkedin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/linkedin-circular-icon.svg) [![Share page by an email](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/email-circular-icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=What%20is%20Security%20Misconfiguration%3F&body=Security%20Misconfiguration%20in%20APIs%20creates%20exploitable%20gaps%20across%20infrastructure%20layers.%20Explore%20identification%20methods%2C%20impacts%2C%20and%20hardening%20strategies.%20at%20https%3A//www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/security-misconfiguration-api8) Back to Top [Next](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-api-security?ts=markdown) What Is API Security? {#footer} ## Products and Services * [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security?ts=markdown) * [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security/secure-ai-by-design?ts=markdown) * [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions?ts=markdown) * [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown) * [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire?ts=markdown) * [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security?ts=markdown) * [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown) * [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) * [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall?ts=markdown) * [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations?ts=markdown) * [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown) * [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager?ts=markdown) * [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription?ts=markdown) * [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os?ts=markdown) * [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama?ts=markdown) * [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown) * [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration?ts=markdown) * [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem?ts=markdown) * [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser?ts=markdown) * [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan?ts=markdown) * [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation?ts=markdown) * [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown) * [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown) * [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown) * [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown) * [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown) * [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown) * [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown) * [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown) * [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown) * [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown) * [Proactive Assessments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown) * [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown) * [Transform Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown) * [Discover Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence-partners?ts=markdown) ## Company * [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us?ts=markdown) * [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/) * [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown) * [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility?ts=markdown) * [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers?ts=markdown) * [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations?ts=markdown) * [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom?ts=markdown) ## Popular Links * [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/?ts=markdown) * [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities?ts=markdown) * [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown) * [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) * [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center) * [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z?ts=markdown) * [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/compliance?ts=markdown) * [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure?ts=markdown) * [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap?ts=markdown) * [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/) * [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd) ![PAN logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg) * [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown) * [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center?ts=markdown) * [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown) * [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal?ts=markdown) Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved * [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks) * [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector?ts=markdown) * [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/) * [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks) * [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks) * EN Select your language