Lambda.2 Security Finding: How To Fix Unsupported Runtimes
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a Security Hub finding related to Lambda functions and their runtimes. It's super important to make sure your Lambda functions are using supported runtimes for security and stability. Let's break it down and see what's going on!
Understanding the Security Hub Finding
So, what's this Security Hub finding all about? Basically, it's a heads-up from AWS Security Hub that some of your Lambda functions might not be using supported runtimes. Why does this matter? Well, Lambda runtimes are the environments where your code actually runs. If you're using an outdated or unsupported runtime, you could be exposing your functions to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues. Think of it like using an old, unpatched operating system – it’s just not a good idea.
Key Details of the Finding
Let's look at the specifics of this finding:
- Finding ID:
arn:aws:securityhub:eu-west-2:002616177731:subscription/nist-800-53/v/5.0.0/Lambda.2/finding/0a1e4c14-9a00-4377-bf4e-8b14e199c64b- This is the unique identifier for this particular finding. It helps you track and manage it within Security Hub.
- Severity: INFORMATIONAL
- This means it's more of a heads-up than a critical issue, but it's still important to address. Think of it as a friendly reminder to keep things up-to-date.
- Remediation Type: auto-remediation
- This is awesome! It means the issue can be automatically fixed, saving you time and effort. We'll talk more about auto-remediation later.
- Created:
2025-08-10T08:29:45.016563+00:00- This is the timestamp when the finding was generated.
The Core Issue: Unsupported Runtimes
The main point here is that the control checks if your Lambda function runtime settings match the expected values for supported runtimes in each language. If a function is using an unsupported runtime, the control fails. This is crucial because unsupported runtimes don't receive security updates or bug fixes, making them potential targets for attackers.
Imagine you're using a programming language version that's no longer maintained. Any new vulnerabilities discovered in that version won't be patched, leaving your application exposed. Similarly, Lambda functions with unsupported runtimes are at risk. AWS regularly updates its supported runtimes to ensure security and performance, so it's vital to stay current.
This control, Lambda.2, specifically checks for this issue. It's part of the NIST 800-53 framework, which is a set of guidelines and standards for U.S. federal information systems and organizations. By adhering to these standards, you're ensuring a higher level of security for your AWS environment.
Why Supported Runtimes Matter
Let's dig a bit deeper into why using supported runtimes is so important. There are several key reasons:
- Security: Supported runtimes receive regular security updates and patches. This means that any newly discovered vulnerabilities are quickly addressed, reducing your risk of being exploited.
- Stability: Supported runtimes are actively maintained and tested, ensuring they're stable and reliable. Unsupported runtimes, on the other hand, may have known issues and bugs that can cause your functions to fail.
- Performance: AWS optimizes supported runtimes for performance, so your functions will run faster and more efficiently. Unsupported runtimes may not have these optimizations, leading to slower performance.
- Compatibility: As AWS evolves its platform, it may introduce changes that are incompatible with older runtimes. Using a supported runtime ensures your functions will continue to work as expected.
- Compliance: Many compliance frameworks, such as NIST 800-53, require you to use supported software and systems. Using supported runtimes helps you meet these requirements.
Auto-Remediation: Your Security Superhero
One of the coolest things about this finding is that it has a Remediation Type of auto-remediation. What does this mean? It means that Security Hub can automatically fix the issue for you! Think of it as having a security superhero that swoops in and saves the day.
Auto-remediation is a powerful feature that can save you a ton of time and effort. Instead of manually updating your Lambda function runtimes, Security Hub can do it for you. This not only reduces your workload but also ensures that issues are addressed quickly and consistently.
How does it work? AWS provides services like AWS Systems Manager and AWS Config that can be used to automate remediation actions. Security Hub can integrate with these services to automatically update your Lambda function runtimes to supported versions. You can configure these automations to run on a schedule or in response to specific events.
Diving into the Description
The description of the finding is pretty clear: "This control checks whether Lambda function runtime settings match the expected values set for the supported runtimes in each language. The control fails if a Lambda function doesn't use a supported runtime." In simple terms, Security Hub is making sure your Lambda functions are using the right tools for the job.
This check is crucial for maintaining a secure and stable environment. By ensuring that all Lambda functions use supported runtimes, you're minimizing the risk of security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and compatibility problems. It's like making sure your car has the right tires – it's essential for a smooth and safe ride.
Why This Matters to You
So, why should you care about this specific finding? Well, if you're using Lambda functions in your AWS environment (and many of us are!), it's essential to ensure they're running on supported runtimes. This is a fundamental security best practice that can help you avoid a lot of headaches down the road.
By addressing this finding, you're not only improving the security posture of your AWS environment but also ensuring the stability and performance of your applications. It's a win-win situation! Plus, with auto-remediation, fixing the issue is often as simple as a few clicks.
How to Remediate Lambda.2 Finding
Okay, so you've got this finding. What do you do next? Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it might seem. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remediate the Lambda.2 finding:
1. Identify the Affected Lambda Functions
The first step is to figure out which Lambda functions are using unsupported runtimes. Security Hub provides the details of the affected resources in the finding. You can typically find a list of Lambda function ARNs (Amazon Resource Names) that are non-compliant.
Pro Tip: Use the AWS Management Console or the AWS CLI to view the details of the finding in Security Hub. This will give you a clear picture of the affected resources.
2. Review the Current Runtime Configuration
Once you've identified the affected functions, you need to review their current runtime configuration. You can do this through the AWS Lambda console or using the AWS CLI. Check the Runtime setting for each function to see which runtime it's currently using.
Example using AWS CLI:
aws lambda get-function --function-name your-function-name --query 'Configuration.Runtime'
Replace your-function-name with the actual name of your Lambda function. This command will output the runtime setting for the function.
3. Update the Runtime to a Supported Version
Now comes the crucial part: updating the runtime. AWS regularly releases new versions of runtimes with security patches and performance improvements. It's essential to switch to a supported version as soon as possible.
You have a couple of options for updating the runtime:
- AWS Management Console:
- Go to the AWS Lambda console.
- Select the affected function.
- Click on "Edit" in the Runtime settings.
- Choose a supported runtime from the dropdown list.
- Save the changes.
- AWS CLI:
aws lambda update-function-configuration --function-name your-function-name --runtime your-new-runtime
Replace your-function-name with the name of your function and your-new-runtime with the desired supported runtime (e.g., python3.9, nodejs16.x).
4. Test the Updated Functions
After updating the runtime, it's super important to test your functions to make sure everything is working as expected. This is a critical step to avoid unexpected issues in production.
Run your test suite or manually invoke the functions with different inputs to ensure they behave correctly. Pay close attention to any error messages or unexpected behavior.
5. Implement Auto-Remediation (If Possible)
As mentioned earlier, the Lambda.2 finding often supports auto-remediation. If you haven't already, consider setting up auto-remediation to automatically update runtimes for you in the future. This can save you a lot of time and effort and ensure that your functions are always running on supported runtimes.
You can use services like AWS Systems Manager and AWS Config to set up auto-remediation. AWS provides detailed documentation and examples on how to do this. Look for resources on "Automated Remediation with AWS Security Hub" to get started.
6. Re-evaluate the Finding in Security Hub
Once you've updated the runtime and tested the function, you can re-evaluate the finding in Security Hub. This will trigger a new check to verify that the issue has been resolved. If everything is in order, the finding should be marked as resolved.
Pro Tip: Security Hub typically re-evaluates findings periodically, but you can also manually trigger a re-evaluation to get immediate feedback.
Best Practices for Lambda Runtime Management
Preventing this issue from recurring is just as important as fixing it. Here are some best practices for Lambda runtime management:
1. Stay Informed About Runtime Updates
AWS regularly releases updates to Lambda runtimes, including security patches and new features. Make it a habit to stay informed about these updates so you can plan your migrations accordingly.
Subscribe to AWS Security Bulletins and check the AWS Lambda documentation for announcements about runtime updates. This will give you a heads-up when a new runtime version is available or when an older version is being deprecated.
2. Regularly Review Your Runtime Usage
Periodically review the runtimes used by your Lambda functions. This will help you identify any functions that are using outdated or unsupported runtimes. You can use the AWS Lambda console or the AWS CLI to generate reports on runtime usage.
Consider creating a schedule for these reviews, such as monthly or quarterly, to ensure you're staying on top of runtime management.
3. Automate Runtime Updates
Auto-remediation is a great way to ensure your runtimes are always up-to-date. But you can also automate runtime updates using other tools and techniques. For example, you can use infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools like AWS CloudFormation or Terraform to manage your Lambda function configurations.
By defining your runtime settings in code, you can easily update them across multiple functions and environments. This also makes it easier to track changes and roll back if necessary.
4. Use a Standardized Runtime Policy
Establish a standardized runtime policy for your organization. This policy should specify which runtimes are approved for use and when they should be updated. Having a clear policy helps ensure consistency and reduces the risk of using unsupported runtimes.
Share the policy with your development teams and make sure everyone understands the importance of using supported runtimes. This will help foster a culture of security and compliance.
5. Leverage AWS Trusted Advisor
AWS Trusted Advisor is a service that provides recommendations for optimizing your AWS environment, including security. It can identify Lambda functions that are using outdated runtimes and provide guidance on how to update them.
Make it a habit to regularly check Trusted Advisor for recommendations related to Lambda runtime management. This is a simple way to identify potential issues and take corrective action.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Addressing the Security Hub Lambda.2 finding is crucial for maintaining a secure, stable, and high-performing AWS environment. By understanding the importance of supported runtimes, implementing effective remediation strategies, and following best practices, you can keep your Lambda functions running smoothly and securely. Remember, staying proactive with your security is always the best approach!
By staying on top of these issues, you're not only securing your infrastructure but also ensuring the long-term health and reliability of your applications. Keep up the great work, and happy coding!
