Attack vector vs. attack surface vs. attack path

What are the differences, and why do they matter in AD security?

In the cybersecurity world, the terms attack vector, attack surface, and attack path are sometimes used interchangeably. However, each term represents distinct yet interconnected concepts that are crucial to understanding and managing risks. In this blog, we'll clarify what each term means, compare them, and explain why managing all of them is essential in a robust cybersecurity strategy, especially within Active Directory (AD) environments.

What is an attack vector?

An attack vector is the specific technique or method an attacker uses to exploit a vulnerability within the attack surface. It represents the how of an attack. Examples of attack vectors include phishing emails, brute force, the exploitation of unpatched software, and token reuse.

What is an attack surface?

Attack surface is a broader term that is used to holistically describe all the potential points through which an attacker could enter your network. The term covers every nook and corner in your security perimeter that could be exploited by attackers, both externally and internally. The larger the attack surface, the more opportunities there are for a threat actor to breach the system.

What is an attack path?

While the attack surface defines where an attacker can get in, the attack path defines the possible routes an attacker can take after entering the network, leveraging various vulnerabilities and misconfigurations within the attack surface, often to reach a specific target.

Attack vector vs. attack surface vs. attack path

Why they matter in risk management

To effectively manage risks, your IT and security teams must understand how attack vectors, surfaces, and paths work together.

• Attack vector awareness: Knowing the most common attack vectors helps you implement targeted defenses, such as email security tools, multi-factor authentication, and password policies.
• Attack surface management: By actively reducing your attack surface, you harden your defenses and make it more difficult for adversaries to find a way in.
• Attack path analysis: Identifying and mapping attack paths allows you to understand the most likely routes for an attacker to take after entering the network, enabling you to prioritize your security efforts and focus on breaking critical links in the paths.

By managing all three, you can address both external exposure and internal movement, significantly reducing your organization's overall risk.

How ADManager Plus helps you manage your AD attack surface and attack paths

A wide attack surface in AD, such as one with unnecessary user privileges or unused accounts, makes it easier for attackers to find a way in. Once inside, AD's complex structure allows adversaries to hide, compromise accounts, and potentially take over the entire domain.

Identifying every weak point and path in AD manually is next to impossible. However, with ADManager Plus, an IGA solution that offers robust risk assessment and risk exposure management capabilities, IT teams can:

• Identify and promptly mitigate stale accounts, accounts with weak passwords, and other entry points.
• Visualize and understand the potential routes attackers could take through the AD environment by chaining together group memberships, inherited permissions, and group and privileged access, allowing the teams to identify and break these chains before they are exploited.

ADManager Plus provides the visibility and control needed to secure your AD environment from end to end. Take a proactive approach to AD security by managing the entry points (attack surface), methods of exploitation (attack vectors), and internal movement routes (attack paths).