VirusTotal API Key detected in code

Rule Details

Cortex AppSec Rule ID	APPSEC_SECRET_366
Category	Secrets
Severity	LOW
Framework	Git

Impact

The VirusTotal API Key grants access to malware intelligence.

Exposure is a Medium Risk allowing an attacker to burn through your daily query limits, leaving your SOC (Security Operations Center) unable to vet suspicious files during an actual incident.

How to Fix

To remediate exposed API & Service Keys:

1. Log in to the service provider's dashboard.
2. Navigate to the API or credentials settings to locate the exposed key.
3. Rotate or regenerate the compromised key immediately.
4. Update your application configuration or environment variables with the new key.

Next, remove the secret from your codebase:

1. Locate the exposed key in your codebase.
2. Replace the hardcoded value with a secure variable or reference.

Finally, clean your version control history:

1. Permanently remove the sensitive data from your version control history to ensure it cannot be retrieved.