Preventing SSRF Attacks in AI Agent Workflows
AI agent builders that allow HTTP requests are vulnerable to SSRF attacks. Here's how TopFlow prevents them with URL validation, private IP blocking, and allowlist enforcement.
What is SSRF?
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to make the server send HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations. In the context of AI agent workflows, this becomes particularly dangerous.
Real-World Impact
- Access AWS metadata endpoint to steal credentials
- Scan internal network for services
- Access databases through internal IPs
- Read cloud provider metadata for SSH keys
TopFlow's SSRF Prevention Strategy
TopFlow implements a multi-layer defense against SSRF attacks:
1. HTTPS-Only Enforcement
Only allow secure HTTPS connections, block HTTP
2. Localhost Blocking
Block localhost, 127.0.0.1, and loopback addresses
3. Private IP Blocking
Block RFC 1918 private IP ranges
4. Cloud Metadata Blocking
Block cloud provider metadata endpoints
5. Allowlist Enforcement
Only allow requests to known, trusted API endpoints
Key Takeaways
Preventing SSRF in AI agent workflows requires multiple layers of defense:
- Never trust user-provided URLs without validation
- Use allowlists rather than blocklists when possible
- Block all private IP ranges and cloud metadata endpoints
- Enforce HTTPS-only connections
- Test extensively with automated security tests
- Layer defenses
Want to see SSRF-protected workflows in action? Try TopFlow at topflow.dev.