> 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/storage/appsec-azure-112.md).

# Key vault key is not backed by HSM misconfiguration detected in code

## Rule Details

|                        |                                       |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_AZURE\_112                    |
| Category - Subcategory | Storage - Encryption                  |
| Provider               | AZURE                                 |
| Severity               | LOW                                   |
| Framework              | ARM, Bicep, Terraform, Terraform Plan |

## Impact

For added assurance, when you use Azure Key Vault, you can import or generate keys in hardware security modules (HSMs) that never leave the HSM boundary. This scenario is often referred to as bring your own key, or BYOK. Azure Key Vault uses nCipher nShield family of HSMs (FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated) to protect your keys. You should be aware of the cost implications of using an HSM and whether this fits in with your security posture.

## How to Fix

*Resource:* azurerm\_key\_vault\_key

* *Arguments:* key\_type - (Required) Specifies the Key Type to use for this Key Vault Key.

Possible values are EC (Elliptic Curve), EC-HSM, Oct (Octet), RSA and RSA-HSM. Changing this forces a new resource to be created.

## Select an option with "-HSM" to pass this check. \[source,go]

resource "azurerm\_key\_vault\_key" "generated" { ...

* key\_type = "RSA-HSM" ... }

***


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