incera: Thanks for that perspective and sound advice. I would love to keep this conversation going, does anyone else have any perspective to add?
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Question
Potential Security risks for hosting Webserver in Linux off of DMZ?
Scenario:
Running a linux database for a small library with an embedded OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) in the database application for online renewals, account queries etc. This server is using a Linux, Debian - Lenny OS.
Question:
Is there a large security risk in Linux to host your website on the same network as your database? We are coming from a windows world where the best practice is to separate your webserver out on a DMZ. Now we are in a linux world and are wondering how risky it is to run your webserver on your main subnet.
We have seen large-scale applications of folks running the webserver on their main subnet and are curious the security ramifications.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks Experts
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Answers
The application is used by serveral large state-wide library systems and includes a webserver in the application. So, by default this application puts that webserver on the same system as the database and the same subnet. We are a tiny library looking at the decision to separate the web server out of the application and put it on a separate subnet, while other large municipalities have no qualms with the setup. The separation of these applications is not typical with the company that holds the support contract thus there is little to no experience with doing this. We are facing numerous potential problems in pioneering this approach and the question we have is it worth the trouble in terms of network security.
I see. I can't speak in regards to your resources or the organizational value of performing the separation or not. But, I can tell you the thing with security is it's always been difficult to convey the value until something bad happens.
That being said, if the database data is primarily what you are concerned about protecting, it wouldn't really matter where you placed the server and whether you separated them or not. The reason is if you web server is compromised, it is safe to assume that the attacker would then have full access to this database. There is not much you can do to protect this database itself, even with the database and web server separated.
If it is the other resources on your network which you need to protect, then it is recommended to place the public facing system in a DMZ. As a consultant I would disregard your peer library practices and strongly recommend moving the server out into a DMZ. It is acceptable for the database and web server to be on a single server in the DMZ for the reasons mentioned above.
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by: inceraPosted on 2009-07-22 at 17:05:48ID: 24920859
The purpose of separating your publicly accessible Windows servers from your LAN applies to all systems, regardless of OS, etc. By not separating the Linux server from your LAN, you are increasing your LANs risk exposure.
If you are new to Linux, the case is even made stronger to put the server into a DMZ. Even if the platform itself is more secure, misconfigurations can lead to security issues. Also, as always, what is secure today may not be secure tomorrow.
I hope this helps!