security-audit-context-building

To establish security audit context, map the architecture, identify trust boundaries, and catalog sensitive data flows. This process defines the audit scope, prioritizes risks, and guides subsequent testing activities during codebase onboarding.

Trust boundary analysis in threat modeling locates untrusted inputs, authentication mechanisms, and privilege boundaries within an architecture. Mapping these boundaries helps identify where data must be validated and access controls enforced.

Mapping sensitive data flows and inventorying secrets involves tracking sensitive data movements and storage across service boundaries. Reviewing secret handling within this data flow establishes a comprehensive attack surface catalog for security audits.

The best way to scope a security audit is by performing architecture discovery to identify tech stacks and deployment topology, then cataloging external endpoints and admin interfaces to define risk-based testing plans and priorities.

Reviewing historical context is necessary before defining audit scope and priorities because it reveals past vulnerabilities and architectural decisions. This context ensures the threat model accurately reflects the current attack surface.

Architecture discovery can catalog external endpoints, admin interfaces, and webhooks to enumerate the attack surface. Identifying service boundaries and dependencies provides the necessary context to guide security testing activities.