This leaves the AppSync API vulnerable to various web-based attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and HTTP floods. Without AWS WAF in place to filter and monitor HTTP requests based on security rules, the API is more exposed to malicious traffic, which could lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and the compromise of sensitive data. The absence of WAF weakens the API's security posture, increasing the risk of unauthorized access, service downtime, and excessive usage costs from attacks, potentially affecting the availability and confidentiality of the services it provides.
Without AWS WAF in place, an attacker could exploit the AppSync GraphQL API by sending malicious queries, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. For instance, a SQL injection attack could involve embedding malicious SQL code within a query to bypass authentication or retrieve unauthorized data, potentially exposing sensitive information. Similarly, an XSS attack might involve injecting a script into the response, which, when rendered on the client side, could steal cookies or manipulate the user interface. These types of attacks could lead to data breaches, service disruptions, while also increasing the risk of unauthorized access and operational downtime.
