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AWS AppSync GraphQL Key

Service Name: AWS AppSync

Service Description: AWS AppSync is a fully managed service that makes it easy to develop GraphQL APIs by handling the heavy lifting of securely connecting to data sources like AWS DynamoDB, Lambda, and more. It provides features like real-time data synchronization, offline programming capabilities, and fine-grained security controls.

Service Address: https://aws.amazon.com/appsync/

Validation Type: API Auth

IP Allow list: IP restrictions can be configured through AWS WAF (Web Application Firewall) rules or through VPC endpoint policies when using AppSync with VPC endpoints.

Secret Access Scope: Grants access to execute GraphQL operations (queries, mutations, subscriptions) on specific AppSync APIs based on the authorization configuration.

Secret Revokement URL: https://docs.aws.amazon.com/appsync/latest/devguide/security-authz.html#api-key-authorization

Secret Example: da2-abc123def456ghi789jkl0mn

Suspicious Activity Investigation Instructions:

  • Review AWS CloudTrail logs for unusual AppSync API calls or operations
  • Check AppSync console for unexpected API key usage patterns
  • Monitor for unusual traffic patterns or spikes in GraphQL operations
  • Examine CloudWatch logs for unauthorized access attempts or unusual query patterns
  • Review AppSync resolver logs for suspicious data access patterns

Mitigation Instructions:

  • Immediately rotate the compromised API key by creating a new one in the AWS AppSync console
  • Delete the compromised API key from the AWS AppSync console
  • Update all legitimate applications to use the new API key
  • Consider implementing more secure authentication methods like AWS IAM, Amazon Cognito, or OpenID Connect
  • Enable detailed logging for your AppSync API to monitor for future suspicious activities
  • Implement field-level security using AWS AppSync's fine-grained access controls
  • Consider setting shorter expiration times for API keys to limit the exposure window