When it comes to securing your web applications, choosing the right Web Application Firewall (WAF) can make all the difference. In this post, we'll compare Cloudflare WAF and AWS WAF, with a particular focus on ease of use, security effectiveness, pricing, and active development. Based on extensive experience, I argue that Cloudflare WAF offers a superior solution for most use cases.
Bypass Vulnerabilities: A Security Perspective
AWS WAF has faced numerous bypass vulnerabilities that raise questions about its reliability as a security tool. For instance:
- Fuzzing and SQL Injection: Sysdig demonstrates how fuzzing techniques can exploit AWS WAF.
- MSSQL Injection: GoSecure highlights a vulnerability in AWS WAF's handling of MSSQL queries.
- Payload Size Issues: Kloudle uncovered that payload size limitations can be exploited to bypass AWS WAF protections entirely.
In contrast, Cloudflare WAF is not only more widely adopted but also benefits from a faster response to emerging threats, thanks to active development and a larger user base. This reduces the risk of exploitable bypasses.
Configuration: Simplicity vs. Complexity
AWS WAF requires significant configuration effort to be effective. The platform relies heavily on managed rule groups and custom rules, making it both time-consuming and prone to misconfiguration. Moreover, achieving robust protection often demands expertise in WAF management, adding to operational overhead.
Cloudflare WAF, on the other hand, is configured out of the box to provide strong protection. With features like advanced bot detection, built-in DDoS mitigation, and intuitive dashboards, Cloudflare simplifies security management, saving valuable time for your team.
Best Practice: To maximize Cloudflare WAF’s effectiveness, ensure you configure a header check in your target group to prevent attackers from bypassing the WAF by accessing your load balancer’s IP address. You can also use Argo Tunnels to make your load balancer private, further improving security. Don’t forget to add matching request headers in Cloudflare and the backend to ensure consistency.
Pricing Comparison: Predictable vs. Complex
Pricing can be a decisive factor when choosing a WAF. Here’s how Cloudflare WAF and AWS WAF compare:
Cloudflare WAF
- Starting at $25 per month, Cloudflare WAF includes advanced bot detection, DDoS protection, and robust rules preconfigured for optimal security.
- Egress data is free, offering significant cost savings for high-traffic applications.
- No hidden fees or complex calculations—just simple, predictable pricing.
AWS WAF
AWS WAF pricing is notoriously complex and depends on the following:
- Web ACL: $5 per month (prorated hourly).
- Rules: $1 per month per rule (prorated hourly).
- Requests: $0.60 per 1M requests (up to 1500 WCUs).
- Additional Costs: $0.20 per 1M requests for each 500 WCUs beyond the default, plus $0.30 per 1M requests for analyzing additional body sizes.
- Managed Rule Groups: Additional costs for groups like bot control ($10/month) and fraud prevention.
With AWS WAF, your monthly bill can spiral out of control, especially for high-traffic or complex applications.
Built-in Features: DDoS Protection and Bot Detection
Cloudflare WAF offers built-in DDoS protection and advanced bot detection at no additional cost. These features are not only included but also require no extra configuration. AWS WAF, in contrast, charges extra for bot control and fraud prevention, making these critical features an optional (and costly) add-on.
The Verdict: Why Cloudflare WAF is the Better Choice
- Security: Cloudflare WAF has fewer bypass vulnerabilities and provides stronger default protection.
- Ease of Use: Cloudflare WAF requires minimal setup and maintenance compared to AWS WAF’s complex configuration.
- Cost: Cloudflare’s simple, predictable pricing is a welcome alternative to AWS’s intricate fee structure.
- Active Development: With a larger user base and rapid updates, Cloudflare ensures your applications stay protected against the latest threats.
For most organizations, Cloudflare WAF offers a more secure, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution for web application protection. If you’re currently using AWS WAF or considering it, I recommend evaluating whether its complexity and pricing align with your needs—or if switching to Cloudflare could save time, money, and headaches.
