My Freshchat API Key leaked! What should I do?

What is a Freshchat API Key and how it is used?

A Freshchat API Key is a unique identifier that allows developers to authenticate and interact with the Freshchat API in order to integrate chat functionality into their applications.

Below are the main use cases for the Freshchat API Key:

Authentication: The Freshchat API Key is used for authenticating and authorizing requests made to the Freshchat API. It ensures that only authorized users and applications can access and interact with the Freshchat services.
Integration: Developers use the Freshchat API Key to integrate Freshchat with other applications and services. This allows for seamless communication and data exchange between Freshchat and external systems.
Configuration: The Freshchat API Key is also used for configuring various settings and parameters within the Freshchat platform. This includes setting up chat widgets, defining user roles, and managing other aspects of the Freshchat environment.

1. Code snippets to prevent Freshchat API Key hardcoding using environment variables

Using environment variables for storing sensitive information like API keys, such as the Freshchat API Key, is considered a secure practice for the following reasons:

Environment variables are not hardcoded in the codebase, reducing the risk of accidental exposure in version control systems.
Environment variables are stored outside of the codebase and are not accessible to unauthorized users or third-party services.
Environment variables can be easily managed and updated without the need to modify the code, enhancing security and reducing the chances of leaks.

How to secure your secrets using environment variables

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import os

freshchat_api_key_token = os.getenv('FRESHCHAT_API_KEY_TOKEN')

2. Code snippet to prevent Freshchat API Key hardcoding using AWS Secrets Manager

Using AWS Secrets Manager to manage Freshchat API Keys is a secure way to handle sensitive data. Here are code snippets in five different programming languages that demonstrate how to retrieve the Freshchat API Key from AWS Secrets Manager.

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import botocore 
import botocore.session 
from aws_secretsmanager_caching import SecretCache, SecretCacheConfig 

client = botocore.session.get_session().create_client('secretsmanager')
cache_config = SecretCacheConfig()
cache = SecretCache( config = cache_config, client = client)

freshchatapikey = cache.get_secret_string('FRESHCHATAPIKEY')

3. Code snippet to prevent Freshchat API Key hardcoding using HashiCorp Vault

Using HashiCorp Vault for managing Freshchat API Keys is a great way to enhance security. Here are code snippets in five different programming languages for securely handling a Freshchat API Key using HashiCorp Vault.

Remember to replace the VAULT_ADDR and VAULT_TOKEN with your Vault server address and authentication token. The snippets assume that the Freshchat API Key is stored under the api_key field within Vault. The specifics of the Vault path and field names should be adjusted to match your Vault setup.

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import hvac
import os

# Get the Vault URL and token from environment variables
VAULT_URL = os.getenv('VAULT_URL')
VAULT_TOKEN = os.getenv('VAULT_TOKEN')
VAULT_PATH = os.getenv('VAULT_PATH')

# Create connection
client = hvac.Client(url=VAULT_URL, token=VAULT_TOKEN)

# Read the secret
FRESHCHAT_API_KEY = client.secrets.kv.v2.read_secret_version(path=VAULT_PATH)['data']['data']['FRESHCHAT_API_KEY']

4. Code snippet to prevent Freshchat API Key hardcoding using CyberArk Conjur

Using CyberArk Conjur to manage Freshchat API Key is a secure way to handle sensitive data. Here are code snippets in five different programming languages that demonstrate how to retrieve the Freshchat API Key from CyberArk Conjur.

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import requests
import os


# CyberArk credentials
ID_TENANT_URL = os.getenv("ID_TENANT_URL")
PRIVATE_CLOUD_URL = os.getenv("PRIVATE_CLOUD_URL")
PAM_USER = os.getenv("PAM_USER")
PAM_PASS = os.getenv("PAM_PASS")


def get_auth_token() -> tuple[str, str]:
    url = f"{ID_TENANT_URL}/oauth2/platformtoken"
    response = requests.post(
        url,
        data={
            "grant_type": "client_credentials",
            "client_id": PAM_USER,
            "client_secret": PAM_PASS,
        },
    )  # Use verify=True in production
    if response.status_code == 200:
        data = response.json()
        return data["token_type"], data["access_token"]
    else:
        raise Exception(
            f"Failed to authenticate: {response.status_code} {response.text}"
        )


def get_account_id(account_name: str) -> str:
    token_type, access_token = get_auth_token()
    url = f"{PRIVATE_CLOUD_URL}/PasswordVault/API/Accounts"
    headers = {"Authorization": f"{token_type} {access_token}"}
    response = requests.get(url, params={"search": account_name}, headers=headers)
    if response.status_code == 200:
        accounts = response.json()["value"]
        return accounts[0]["id"]
    else:
        raise Exception(
            f"Failed to get account: {response.status_code} {response.text}"
        )


def get_secret(secret_name: str) -> str:
    token_type, access_token = get_auth_token()
    account_id = get_account_id(secret_name)
    url = (
        f"{PRIVATE_CLOUD_URL}/PasswordVault/API/Accounts/{account_id}/Password/Retrieve"
    )
    headers = {"Authorization": f"{token_type} {access_token}"}
    response = requests.post(
        url, json={"reason": "automatic retrieval"}, headers=headers
    )
    if response.status_code == 200:
        return response.text
    else:
        raise Exception(f"Failed to get secret: {response.status_code} {response.text}")


FRESHCHAT_API_KEY = get_secret("FRESHCHAT_API_KEY")

How to generate a Freshchat API Key?

To generate a Freshchat API Key, follow these steps:

Log in to your Freshchat account.
Go to the Freshchat dashboard.
Click on your profile icon at the top right corner.
Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
Under the "Developer Settings" section, click on "API Access".
Click on the "Generate API Key" button.
Copy the generated API Key and securely store it for future use.

My Freshchat API Key leaked, what are the possible reasons?

There are several reasons why a Freshchat API Key might have been leaked:

Improper storage: If the API key is stored in a plaintext file or hardcoded in the source code, it can be easily accessed by unauthorized users.
Weak access controls: If the API key is shared with individuals who do not have a legitimate need for it, there is a higher risk of it being leaked.
Compromised systems: If the systems where the API key is stored are compromised due to vulnerabilities or attacks, the key can be exposed.
Logging and monitoring issues: Inadequate logging and monitoring of access to the API key can make it difficult to detect unauthorized access.

What are the risks of leaking a Freshchat API Key

When developers leak a Freshchat API Key, they are exposing sensitive information that can lead to various security risks:

Data Breaches: Leaking the API Key can result in unauthorized access to user data, conversations, and other sensitive information stored in Freshchat.
Financial Loss: Attackers can misuse the API Key to impersonate the application, send fraudulent messages, or perform actions that could lead to financial loss for the organization.
Reputation Damage: A data breach or misuse of the API Key can severely damage the organization's reputation and erode trust among users and customers.
Legal Consequences: Depending on the nature of the leaked information and the applicable regulations, the organization may face legal consequences for failing to protect sensitive data.

It is crucial for developers to understand the importance of securely managing and protecting API Keys, especially those related to communication platforms like Freshchat. Implementing proper secret management practices and regularly auditing for potential leaks can help mitigate these risks and safeguard sensitive information.

Freshchat API Key security best practices

Avoid embedding the secret directly in your code. Instead, use environment variables or secrets managers‍
Secure storage: store the Freshchat API Key in a secure location, such as a password manager or a secrets management service.
Regular rotation: periodically rotate the API key to minimize the risk of long-term exposure.
Restrict permissions: apply the principle of least privilege by only granting the key the minimum necessary permissions.
Monitor usage: regularly check the usage logs for any unusual activity or unauthorized access attempts.
Implement access controls: limit the number of users who have access to the secret and enforce strong authentication measures.
Use a secrets manager: utilize secret management tools like CyberArk or AWS Secrets Manager for enhanced security.

By adhering to the best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk associated with Freshchat API Key usage and improve the overall security of your Freshchat API Key implementations.

Exposing secrets on GitHub: What to do after leaking Credential and API keys

Freshchat API Key leak remediation: what to do

What to do if you expose a secret: How to stay calm and respond to an incident [cheat sheet included]

How to check if Freshchat API Key was used by malicious actors

Review Access Logs: Check the access logs of your Freshchat API Key account for any unauthorized access or unusual activity. Pay particular attention to access from unfamiliar IP addresses (if you haven’t set up a specific allow list) or at odd hours.
Monitor Usage Patterns: Look for anomalies in the usage patterns, such as unexpected spikes in data access or transfer.
Check Active Connections and Operations: Review the list of active connections and recent operations on your database. Unusual or unauthorized operations might indicate malicious use.
Audit API Usage: If possible, audit the usage of your API key through any logging or monitoring services you have integrated with Freshchat API Key. This can give insights into any unauthorized use of your key.

Steps to revoke the Freshchat API Key

Generate a new Freshchat API Key:

Log into your Freshchat API Key account.
Navigate to the API section and generate a new API key.

Update Services with the new key:

Replace the compromised key with the new key in all your services that use this API key.
Ensure all your applications and services are updated with the new key before deactivating the old one.

Deactivate the old Freshchat API Key:

Once the new key is in place and everything is functioning correctly, deactivate the old API key.
This can typically be done from the same section where you generated the new key.

Monitor after key rotation:

After deactivating the old key, monitor your systems closely to ensure that all services are running smoothly and that there are no unauthorized access attempts.

How to understand which services will stop working

Inventory of services: keep an inventory of all services and applications that utilize your Freshchat API Key.
Communication and documentation: Ensure that your team is aware of which services are dependent on the key. Maintain documentation for quick reference.
Testing: before deactivating the old key, test your services with the new key in a staging environment. This helps in identifying any services that might face issues post rotation.
Fallback strategies: Have a fallback or emergency plan in case a critical service fails after the key rotation. This might include temporary measures or quick rollback procedures.

In summary, the remediation process involves identifying potential misuse, carefully rotating the key, and ensuring minimal disruption to services. Being proactive and having a well-documented process can greatly reduce the risks associated with a compromised API key.

What about other secrets?

GitGuardian helps developers keep 350+ types of secrets out of source code. GitGuardian’s automated secrets detection and remediation solution secure every step of the development lifecycle, from code to cloud:

On developer workstations with git hooks (pre-commit and pre-push);
On code sharing platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket;
In CI environments (Circle CI, Travis CI, Jenkins CI, GitHub Actions, and many more);
In Docker images.

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