DEV Community

Vicente G. Reyes
Vicente G. Reyes

Posted on

AWS Keys exposed on URL from photos on my heroku site

I have 2 Django sites deployed on Heroku and I noticed that AWSAccessKeyId and Signature is exposed on both site's photo URL when I open the image on a new tab.

I don't think this is normal since I know those keys should be kept on the environment.

Top comments (5)

Collapse
 
coreyja profile image
Corey Alexander

I'm not an expert but I think what you are seeing are signed links: docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/lates...

Basically that signature is derived from your AWS Secret Key and the path being requested and stuff like that. This proves to AWS that you have access to the file, WITHOUT actually revealing your AWS Secret Key!

So definitely double check me, but i think that might be what you are seeing!

Collapse
 
highcenburg profile image
Vicente G. Reyes

I think it is what I see. But if I'm not mistaken, I don't think the keys & signature should be exposed in the URL.

I'll take a look at the link.

Thanks, Corey!

Collapse
 
coreyja profile image
Corey Alexander

Here's another link about signed links as query params, which I believe is what you have! docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonS3/lates...

In general I think only your AWS Secret Key is private and can't be shared. Since the signature here is a single use token derived from it, it's ok!

Thread Thread
 
highcenburg profile image
Vicente G. Reyes

Whew. I'm relieved. But I'll still look into hiding those on the URL if they're possible. Thanks again, Corey!

Thread Thread
 
coreyja profile image
Corey Alexander

No problem! Happy to help!