72
cnn.com
Findings
4
·
2
·
2
Checks
8 passive
Executive Summary
AI-GENERATED
cnn.com scored 72/100, meeting baseline requirements but with 2 findings that require attention. The vendor can proceed with a remediation timeline agreement.
Critical gaps in: HSTS Header, Security Headers. Positive signals: TLS Configuration, Known Breaches, CVE Exposure all passed.
4 action items identified, including 0 critical. The issues are configuration gaps, not architectural problems. A focused remediation effort of 2–5 days could address all findings.
Action Items
Ordered by priority · 4 items
1
Enable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security)
The HSTS header is missing on cnn.com. Without it, connections can be downgraded from HTTPS to HTTP via man-in-the-middle attacks. This is a straightforward server configuration change.
Compliance Impact
PCI-DSS 4.0Req 6.4.1
Required application security controls
NIST 800-53SC-8
Transmission confidentiality and integrity
Remediation Steps
1
Add header: Strict-Transport-Security: max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains; preload
2
Verify all subdomains support HTTPS before adding includeSubDomains
3
Test with: curl -sI https://cnn.com | grep -i strict
4
Submit to hstspreload.org after confirming the header is correct
Unlock the full remediation plan
Get detailed steps, compliance mapping, and ownership for all 4 action items. Free — just enter your work email.
No spam. We'll only contact you about this report.
✓ Report unlocked. Scroll down for full details.
2
Add missing security headers (X-Frame-Options, Referrer-Policy, Permissions-Policy)
3 of 5 recommended security headers are missing on cnn.com: X-Frame-Options, Referrer-Policy, Permissions-Policy. These headers protect against clickjacking, MIME-sniffing, and unauthorized browser feature access. Adding them is a server configuration change with no application code changes required.
Compliance Impact
PCI-DSS 4.0Req 6.4.1
Security headers are required application controls
OWASPSecure Headers
Recommended baseline for web applications
Remediation Steps
1
Add: X-Frame-Options: DENY (or SAMEORIGIN if you use iframes)
2
Add: Referrer-Policy: strict-origin-when-cross-origin
3
Add: Permissions-Policy: camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=()
4
Verify with: curl -sI https://cnn.com | grep -iE 'content-security|x-frame|x-content|referrer|permissions'
3
Enable DNSSEC on your domain
Without DNSSEC, DNS responses for cnn.com can be spoofed, potentially redirecting users to malicious sites. This requires coordination with your domain registrar to publish DS records.
Compliance Impact
NIST 800-53SC-20
Secure name/address resolution service
Remediation Steps
1
Check if your DNS provider supports DNSSEC (Cloudflare, Route53, etc.)
2
Enable DNSSEC signing in your DNS provider dashboard
3
Add the DS record to your registrar for .com TLD
4
Verify: dig +dnssec cnn.com
4
Review certificate configuration
Certificate issues found for cnn.com: wildcard certificate in use. Wildcard certificates have a broader blast radius if compromised. These are operational hygiene items, not immediate security risks.
Remediation Steps
1
Consider replacing wildcard cert with individual certs for critical subdomains
2
Consolidate certificate issuance to 1–2 trusted CAs
Scan Findings
HSTS Header
Critical
Security Headers
Critical
DNS Configuration
Warning
Certificate Hygiene
Warning
TLS Configuration
Healthy
Known Breaches
Healthy
CVE Exposure
Healthy
DMARC / Email Security
Healthy