> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/public-exposure/appsec-ali-9.md).

# Alibaba Cloud database instance accessible to public misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                                      |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_ALI\_9                       |
| Category - Subcategory | Public Exposure - Database Endpoints |
| Provider               | ALIBABA\_CLOUD                       |
| Severity               | LOW                                  |
| Framework              | Terraform                            |

## Impact

Public database instances are vulnerable, as attackers can use a variety of techniques to gain unauthorized access to public databases, such as SQL injection attacks, brute-force attacks, or exploiting misconfigurations or vulnerabilities in the database software. To prevent this risk, make the database instance private by restricting access to only authorized users.

## How to Fix

To mitigate this issue, ensure the `security_ips` parameter in the `alicloud_db_instance` resource does not include "0.0.0.0" or "0.0.0.0/0". Specify a restricted range of IP addresses that are authorized to access the database.

## Example: \[source,go]

resource "alicloud\_db\_instance" "example" { ... security\_ips = \[

* "0.0.0.0/0"
* "10.0.0.0/16" ] }

***


---

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