Check ID: network_http_internet_access_restricted
Provider: Azure
Service: network
Severity: HIGH
Categories: internet-exposed
Resource type: microsoft.network/networksecuritygroups

What this check verifies

Azure NSG are evaluated for inbound rules that allow public HTTP access on TCP 80, including cases where 80 is covered by a port range, from 0.0.0.0/0, Internet, or *.

Risk

Exposing TCP 80 to the Internet increases attack surface:
  • Web recon and exploits compromise integrity and availability
  • Cleartext HTTP can leak credentials, cookies, and data, harming confidentiality
  • Public endpoints enable bot abuse and footholds for lateral movement

Recommendation

Apply least privilege at NSGs:
  • Remove broad allows to TCP 80, or restrict to trusted sources
  • Enforce HTTPS (443) and redirect or block HTTP
  • Use private access patterns and segmentation for defense in depth
  • If exposure is necessary, place services behind a WAF, enable DDoS protections, and monitor

Remediation

az network nsg rule update —resource-group <RESOURCE_GROUP> —nsg-name <NSG_NAME> —name <RULE_NAME> —access Deny

References

Where this check fires

This check runs on every scheduled scan against your Azure account. Findings appear at Cloud Security → Findings filterable by Check ID = network_http_internet_access_restricted. To re-evaluate after a fix, hit Run now on the account’s schedule under Cloud Security → Schedules — the next scan re-checks this control and marks the finding fixed or keeps it persistent.
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