Azure Configuration Files Fix

Why It Matters

The core goal is to quickly remediate exposed configuration files that contain sensitive information in your Azure environment before they lead to security breaches or compliance violations. Fixing configuration file exposures in Azure is critical for organizations subject to PCI-DSS, as these files often contain database connection strings, API keys, certificates, and payment processing credentials that could compromise cardholder data environments.

Primary Risk: Shadow data in configuration files containing sensitive credentials and connection strings

Relevant Regulation: PCI-DSS Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard

Rapid remediation of configuration file exposures prevents credential compromise and maintains compliance posture by securing sensitive infrastructure details.

Prerequisites

Permissions & Roles

Azure Contributor or Owner role
Key Vault Administrator permissions
Ability to modify application configurations

External Tools

Azure CLI or PowerShell
Cyera DSPM account
Git access for code repositories

Prior Setup

Azure Key Vault configured
Application insights enabled
Azure DevOps or GitHub integration
Backup strategy for configuration changes

Introducing Cyera

Cyera is a modern Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) platform that discovers, classifies, and continuously monitors your sensitive data across cloud services. By automating the detection and remediation of exposed configuration files in Azure using advanced AI and pattern recognition, Cyera ensures you can quickly secure sensitive infrastructure details and maintain PCI-DSS compliance.

Step-by-Step Guide

Identify exposed configuration files

Use Cyera's discovery capabilities to scan Azure storage accounts, App Services, and repositories for configuration files containing sensitive data like connection strings, API keys, and certificates.

az storage blob list --account-name "storageaccount" --container-name "configs" --output table

Secure sensitive configuration data

Move hardcoded secrets from configuration files to Azure Key Vault. Update application configurations to reference Key Vault secrets instead of storing sensitive values directly in config files.

az keyvault secret set --vault-name "MyKeyVault" --name "DatabaseConnectionString" --value "Server=..."

Update access controls and permissions

Implement proper RBAC controls on storage accounts and repositories containing configuration files. Remove public access and limit permissions to only necessary service principals and users.

Implement configuration management best practices

Set up automated scanning for new configuration files, implement infrastructure as code practices, and establish secure deployment pipelines that prevent hardcoded secrets from being deployed.

Architecture & Workflow

Azure Storage & Repos

Source locations of exposed configuration files

Cyera Scanner

Identifies and classifies sensitive configuration data

Azure Key Vault

Secure storage for secrets and sensitive configuration

Remediation & Monitoring

Automated fixes and ongoing compliance validation

Remediation Flow Summary

Scan & Identify → Extract Secrets → Store in Key Vault → Update References

Best Practices & Tips

Secret Management

Use Azure Key Vault for all sensitive configuration
Implement key rotation policies
Use managed identities for service authentication

Access Controls

Apply principle of least privilege
Use Azure RBAC for granular permissions
Regularly audit access to configuration files

Common Pitfalls

Forgetting to remove old config files after migration
Not updating all application references to secrets
Leaving configuration files in version control history

References & Further Reading

Next Steps

🔍 Detect: Scan for configuration file exposures 🛡️ Prevent: Set up preventive controls