Which component of software represents external actors in an attack surface validation?

The concept of representing external actors within an attack surface validation context focuses on identifying the various entities that could interact with the software system in a way that poses potential security threats. Users, in this context, represent the individuals who interact with the system, either as end-users or through automated processes or scripting. These users can have varying levels of trust and access within the system, and their actions can significantly influence the overall security posture.

Understanding users as external actors is crucial, as their behaviors and interactions with the software can introduce vulnerabilities, whether intentional or accidental. For example, a user's input may lead to injection attacks if proper validation and sanitation measures are not in place, or an improperly managed credential could provide unauthorized access.

While other components mentioned may contribute to the system's overall security design or infrastructure, it is the users who embody the external threat landscape that needs to be assessed during an attack surface validation. This understanding allows security practitioners to better anticipate potential vulnerabilities and design defenses against misuse or exploitation by those users.