Threat Modeling

Threat Modeling

MCP Tools

Sequential Thinking (systematic analysis): Use for structured STRIDE analysis: 1. Enumerate each threat category systematically 2. Consider attack vectors step-by-step 3. Evaluate mitigations with pros/cons 4. Document reasoning for risk acceptance

Why Threat Model?

• Identify threats early
• Prioritize security efforts
• Document security assumptions
• Guide security testing

STRIDE Methodology

Use Sequential Thinking to work through each category:

S - Spoofing

Pretending to be someone else.

• Example: Forged authentication tokens
• Mitigation: Strong authentication, MFA

T - Tampering

Modifying data without authorization.

• Example: Changing request parameters
• Mitigation: Integrity checks, signatures
• Trace with Grep: Find all input handlers

R - Repudiation

Denying an action occurred.

• Example: User denies making transaction
• Mitigation: Audit logging, non-repudiation

I - Information Disclosure

Exposing confidential data.

• Example: API returns sensitive fields
• Mitigation: Encryption, access controls
• Trace with Grep: Find data return points

D - Denial of Service

Making system unavailable.

• Example: Resource exhaustion attack
• Mitigation: Rate limiting, auto-scaling

E - Elevation of Privilege

Gaining unauthorized access.

• Example: User becomes admin
• Mitigation: Least privilege, input validation
• Trace with Grep: Find authorization checks

Threat Modeling Process

1. Decompose System

• Use Grep and Glob to identify entry points
• Draw data flow diagrams
• Identify trust boundaries

2. Identify Threats

Use Sequential Thinking to systematically ask STRIDE questions for each component.

3. Trace Data Flow

Use Grep to trace:

• User input → processing → storage
• Authentication token flow
• Sensitive data paths

4. Rate Threats

Use DREAD or CVSS scoring:

• Damage potential
• Reproducibility
• Exploitability
• Affected users
• Discoverability

5. Mitigate

• Avoid: Remove the feature
• Transfer: Use third-party
• Mitigate: Add controls
• Accept: Document risk (use Sequential Thinking to justify)

Threat Model Document

## Asset: User Database

### Threats
| Threat | Type | Likelihood | Impact | Risk |
|--------|------|------------|--------|------|
| SQL Injection | Tampering | Medium | High | High |
| Data Breach | Info Disclosure | Low | Critical | High |

### Mitigations
1. Parameterized queries
2. Encryption at rest
3. Access logging