CIS Alibaba Cloud Foundations Benchmark

Secure configuration guidelines for Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun) Infrastructure

v1.0.0 September 2024

Overview

▶

This CIS Benchmark provides prescriptive guidance for establishing a secure configuration posture for Alibaba Cloud. Recommendations cover RAM identity and access management, networking and VPC, ECS compute, storage and OSS, database services, and logging and monitoring.

~100Recommendations
6Sections
2Profile Levels
SectionAreaFocus
1IAMRAM, MFA, policies
2NetworkingVPC, security groups, WAF
3ComputeECS, IMDSv2, snapshots
4StorageOSS, encryption, NAS
5DatabaseRDS, SQL audit, TDE
6LoggingActionTrail, Security Center

Profile Definitions

▶
ProfileDescriptionIntended Use
L1Level 1 — StandardEssential security for all Alibaba Cloud deployments; minimal performance impact.
L2Level 2 — HardenedAdvanced hardening for PCI-DSS, HIPAA, or high-security environments.

1 — Identity & Access Management

▶

1.1 RAM Configuration

▶
1.1.1 Ensure MFA Is Enabled for All RAM Users with Console Access (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that MFA Is Enabled for All RAM Users with Console Access on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that MFA Is Enabled for All RAM Users with Console Access:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure MFA Is Enabled for All RAM Users with Console Access:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.1.2 Ensure RAM Password Policy Requires Minimum 14 Characters (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation ensures that RAM Password Policy Requires Minimum 14 Characters on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Enforcing this requirement establishes a minimum security standard and prevents insecure configurations.

Rationale

Without this enforcement, the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform may accept insecure configurations that weaken overall security posture. Mandating this control ensures consistent protection against common attack vectors.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RAM Password Policy Requires Minimum 14 Characters:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RAM Password Policy Requires Minimum 14 Characters:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.1.3 Ensure RAM Password Policy Requires Uppercase and Symbols (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation ensures that RAM Password Policy Requires Uppercase and Symbols on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Enforcing this requirement establishes a minimum security standard and prevents insecure configurations.

Rationale

Without this enforcement, the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform may accept insecure configurations that weaken overall security posture. Mandating this control ensures consistent protection against common attack vectors.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RAM Password Policy Requires Uppercase and Symbols:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RAM Password Policy Requires Uppercase and Symbols:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.1.4 Ensure Unused RAM User Credentials Are Removed (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Unused RAM User Credentials Are Removed on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Disabling or removing unnecessary components reduces the attack surface and limits potential vectors for exploitation.

Rationale

Running unnecessary components on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform increases the attack surface and the risk of exploitation. Disabling or removing them follows the principle of least functionality and reduces exposure to known vulnerabilities.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Unused RAM User Credentials Are Removed:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Unused RAM User Credentials Are Removed:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.1.5 Ensure AccessKey Rotation Is Configured for 90 Days (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that AccessKey Rotation Is Configured for 90 Days on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that AccessKey Rotation Is Configured for 90 Days:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure AccessKey Rotation Is Configured for 90 Days:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.2 RAM Policies & Groups

▶
1.2.1 Ensure AdministratorAccess Policy Is Not Attached Directly to Users (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that AdministratorAccess Policy Is Not Attached Directly to Users on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Disabling or removing unnecessary components reduces the attack surface and limits potential vectors for exploitation.

Rationale

Running unnecessary components on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform increases the attack surface and the risk of exploitation. Disabling or removing them follows the principle of least functionality and reduces exposure to known vulnerabilities.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that AdministratorAccess Policy Is Not Attached Directly to Users:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure AdministratorAccess Policy Is Not Attached Directly to Users:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.2.2 Ensure RAM Groups Are Used for Permission Assignment (Manual)
L1 Manual
Description

This recommendation verifies that RAM Groups Are Used for Permission Assignment on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RAM Groups Are Used for Permission Assignment:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RAM Groups Are Used for Permission Assignment:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.2.3 Ensure Custom Policies Follow Least Privilege (Manual)
L1 Manual
Description

This recommendation verifies that Custom Policies Follow Least Privilege on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Custom Policies Follow Least Privilege:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Custom Policies Follow Least Privilege:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

1.2.4 Ensure STS Assume Role Conditions Are Configured (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that STS Assume Role Conditions Are Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that STS Assume Role Conditions Are Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure STS Assume Role Conditions Are Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2 — Networking & VPC

▶

2.1 VPC Configuration

▶
2.1.1 Ensure No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 22 (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 22 on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 22:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 22:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.1.2 Ensure No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 3389 (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 3389 on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 3389:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure No Security Group Allows Ingress from 0.0.0.0/0 to Port 3389:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.1.3 Ensure Default Security Group Restricts All Traffic (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Default Security Group Restricts All Traffic on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Default Security Group Restricts All Traffic:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Default Security Group Restricts All Traffic:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.1.4 Ensure VPC Flow Logs Are Enabled (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that VPC Flow Logs Are Enabled on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that VPC Flow Logs Are Enabled:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure VPC Flow Logs Are Enabled:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.2 Connectivity & Load Balancing

▶
2.2.1 Ensure NAT Gateway Is Used for Internet Egress (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that NAT Gateway Is Used for Internet Egress on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that NAT Gateway Is Used for Internet Egress:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure NAT Gateway Is Used for Internet Egress:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.2.2 Ensure SLB Listeners Use HTTPS or TCP (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that SLB Listeners Use HTTPS or TCP on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that SLB Listeners Use HTTPS or TCP:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure SLB Listeners Use HTTPS or TCP:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.2.3 Ensure WAF Is Enabled for Public-Facing Applications (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that WAF Is Enabled for Public-Facing Applications on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that WAF Is Enabled for Public-Facing Applications:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure WAF Is Enabled for Public-Facing Applications:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

2.2.4 Ensure Anti-DDoS Is Configured for Public Resources (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Anti-DDoS Is Configured for Public Resources on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Anti-DDoS Is Configured for Public Resources:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Anti-DDoS Is Configured for Public Resources:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3 — ECS Compute

▶

3.1 Instance Configuration

▶
3.1.1 Ensure ECS Instances Do Not Have Public IP Unless Required (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation ensures that ECS Instances Do Not Have Public IP Unless Required on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Enforcing this requirement establishes a minimum security standard and prevents insecure configurations.

Rationale

Without this enforcement, the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform may accept insecure configurations that weaken overall security posture. Mandating this control ensures consistent protection against common attack vectors.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that ECS Instances Do Not Have Public IP Unless Required:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure ECS Instances Do Not Have Public IP Unless Required:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.1.2 Ensure ECS Instances Use Encrypted System Disks (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that ECS Instances Use Encrypted System Disks on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that ECS Instances Use Encrypted System Disks:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure ECS Instances Use Encrypted System Disks:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.1.3 Ensure Instance Metadata Service Uses IMDSv2 (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Instance Metadata Service Uses IMDSv2 on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Instance Metadata Service Uses IMDSv2:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Instance Metadata Service Uses IMDSv2:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.1.4 Ensure Cloud Assistant Agent Is Installed (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Cloud Assistant Agent Is Installed on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Cloud Assistant Agent Is Installed:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Cloud Assistant Agent Is Installed:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.2 Instance Access

▶
3.2.1 Ensure SSH Key Pairs Are Used Instead of Passwords (Manual)
L1 Manual
Description

This recommendation verifies that SSH Key Pairs Are Used Instead of Passwords on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that SSH Key Pairs Are Used Instead of Passwords:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure SSH Key Pairs Are Used Instead of Passwords:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.2.2 Ensure Security Center Agent Is Running (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Security Center Agent Is Running on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Security Center Agent Is Running:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Security Center Agent Is Running:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

3.2.3 Ensure Auto-Snapshot Policies Are Configured (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Auto-Snapshot Policies Are Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Auto-Snapshot Policies Are Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Auto-Snapshot Policies Are Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4 — Storage & OSS

▶

4.1 Object Storage Service

▶
4.1.1 Ensure OSS Buckets Are Not Publicly Accessible (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that OSS Buckets Are Not Publicly Accessible on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that OSS Buckets Are Not Publicly Accessible:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure OSS Buckets Are Not Publicly Accessible:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.1.2 Ensure Server-Side Encryption Is Enabled for OSS Buckets (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Server-Side Encryption Is Enabled for OSS Buckets on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Server-Side Encryption Is Enabled for OSS Buckets:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Server-Side Encryption Is Enabled for OSS Buckets:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.1.3 Ensure OSS Bucket Logging Is Enabled (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that OSS Bucket Logging Is Enabled on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that OSS Bucket Logging Is Enabled:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure OSS Bucket Logging Is Enabled:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.1.4 Ensure OSS Bucket Versioning Is Enabled (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that OSS Bucket Versioning Is Enabled on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that OSS Bucket Versioning Is Enabled:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure OSS Bucket Versioning Is Enabled:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.2 Block & File Storage

▶
4.2.1 Ensure ECS Data Disks Use Encryption (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that ECS Data Disks Use Encryption on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Using the recommended component or protocol ensures alignment with security best practices and reduces risk.

Rationale

Using an insecure or legacy component instead of the recommended approach increases the risk of compromise. Ensuring the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform uses the correct component aligns with industry best practices and standards.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that ECS Data Disks Use Encryption:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure ECS Data Disks Use Encryption:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.2.2 Ensure NAS File Systems Are Encrypted (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that NAS File Systems Are Encrypted on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that NAS File Systems Are Encrypted:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure NAS File Systems Are Encrypted:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

4.2.3 Ensure Automatic Snapshot Cleanup Is Configured (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Automatic Snapshot Cleanup Is Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Automatic Snapshot Cleanup Is Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Automatic Snapshot Cleanup Is Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5 — Database Services

▶

5.1 RDS Configuration

▶
5.1.1 Ensure RDS Instances Are Not Publicly Accessible (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that RDS Instances Are Not Publicly Accessible on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RDS Instances Are Not Publicly Accessible:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RDS Instances Are Not Publicly Accessible:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.1.2 Ensure SSL Is Enabled for RDS Connections (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that SSL Is Enabled for RDS Connections on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that SSL Is Enabled for RDS Connections:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure SSL Is Enabled for RDS Connections:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.1.3 Ensure RDS Automated Backups Are Configured (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that RDS Automated Backups Are Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RDS Automated Backups Are Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RDS Automated Backups Are Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.1.4 Ensure TDE Is Enabled for RDS Where Supported (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that TDE Is Enabled for RDS Where Supported on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that TDE Is Enabled for RDS Where Supported:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure TDE Is Enabled for RDS Where Supported:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.2 Database Access Control

▶
5.2.1 Ensure RDS Whitelists Are Configured (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that RDS Whitelists Are Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that RDS Whitelists Are Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure RDS Whitelists Are Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.2.2 Ensure SQL Audit Is Enabled for RDS (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that SQL Audit Is Enabled for RDS on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that SQL Audit Is Enabled for RDS:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure SQL Audit Is Enabled for RDS:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

5.2.3 Ensure Database Accounts Follow Least Privilege (Manual)
L1 Manual
Description

This recommendation verifies that Database Accounts Follow Least Privilege on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Database Accounts Follow Least Privilege:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Database Accounts Follow Least Privilege:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6 — Logging & Monitoring

▶

6.1 ActionTrail & SLS

▶
6.1.1 Ensure ActionTrail Is Enabled for All Regions (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that ActionTrail Is Enabled for All Regions on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that ActionTrail Is Enabled for All Regions:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure ActionTrail Is Enabled for All Regions:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.1.2 Ensure ActionTrail Logs Are Delivered to OSS or SLS (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that ActionTrail Logs Are Delivered to OSS or SLS on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that ActionTrail Logs Are Delivered to OSS or SLS:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure ActionTrail Logs Are Delivered to OSS or SLS:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.1.3 Ensure Log Service (SLS) Is Configured for Key Resources (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Log Service (SLS) Is Configured for Key Resources on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Log Service (SLS) Is Configured for Key Resources:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Log Service (SLS) Is Configured for Key Resources:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.2 Security Center & Cloud Monitor

▶
6.2.1 Ensure Security Center Is Enabled at Enterprise Edition or Higher (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Security Center Is Enabled at Enterprise Edition or Higher on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Security Center Is Enabled at Enterprise Edition or Higher:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Security Center Is Enabled at Enterprise Edition or Higher:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.2.2 Ensure Cloud Monitor Alert Rules Are Configured (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Cloud Monitor Alert Rules Are Configured on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Cloud Monitor Alert Rules Are Configured:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Cloud Monitor Alert Rules Are Configured:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.2.3 Ensure Config Service Rules Are Enabled for Compliance (Automated)
L2 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Config Service Rules Are Enabled for Compliance on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to implement this control may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Config Service Rules Are Enabled for Compliance:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Config Service Rules Are Enabled for Compliance:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...

6.2.4 Ensure Event Notifications Are Configured for Critical Changes (Automated)
L1 Auto
Description

This recommendation verifies that Event Notifications Are Configured for Critical Changes on the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform. Implementing this control strengthens the overall security configuration and reduces exposure to potential threats.

Rationale

Failure to properly configure this setting may leave the Alibaba Cloud cloud platform vulnerable to attack or non-compliant with organizational security policies. This control helps establish a consistent, hardened configuration baseline.

Audit

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console and verify that Event Notifications Are Configured for Critical Changes:

aliyun ram ListUsers
aliyun ecs DescribeInstances

Remediation

Use the Alibaba Cloud CLI or Console to configure Event Notifications Are Configured for Critical Changes:

aliyun ram UpdateLoginProfile ...