I've been running four servers on AWS for a few years. It's for a hobby project. All servers live in the same subnet in the same VPC.
To simplify the management of accounts and permissions, I've decided to use Active Directory. This means installing domain controller(s). Documentation indicates that to use AWS domain controller services, the domain controllers must be in a private subnet of the VPC. Continuing my research into private subnets, a term unfamiliar to me, I learned that EC2s in the private subnet must be behind a NAT gateway — or at least that's a strong recommendation.
The recommendation to put domain controllers in a private subnet behind a NAT gateway is apparently based on the security benefits provided. This leads to my question: What exactly are those security benefits?
Here's why I ask…
My existing four servers each have a private IP and a routable ("elastic") IP but the firewall prevents anyone from connecting on the latter, unless I create a security rule that allows it. Why would this be any different for domain controllers? I understand that DCs will only be used by servers on my network, and never by random outside parties on the Internet, but wouldn't that simply be the default state of affairs unless I create an inbound security rule to the contrary? What's the point of segregating these DCs on an isolated subnet with their own NAT gateway? It seems to be adding complexity with no real upside. Well, presumably there is an upside and I just don't know what it is, thus my question.
(I'm a hobbyest, not a professional, so if you feel that this question is more suitable for SuperUser, I'll delete and repost there. I just figured since it was server-related this site might be more appropriate.)
Best Answer
If an instance has a Public / Elastic IP I can directly target it with an attack. Maybe you left some unneeded ports open in the Security Group that I can exploit.
If it doesn’t have a Public / Elastic IP it’s close to invisible to the Internet and I can’t directly target it from outside.
Think of a house - if it’s got door directly on the street your house security depends on the door lock. However if it’s in a section behind a solid wall it’s much harder to even get to the door and try to break the lock. Even if you by mistake leave the door unlocked you should still be pretty secure.
So yes, if everything works as expected then the security of public and private subnets should be similar. But mistakes happen and having your resources in Private subnet gives you an extra layer of protection in such times.
Hope that helps :)