multi-agentic-threat-model

Multi-Agentic System Threat Modeling

Conduct comprehensive threat modeling for multi-agent systems using the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) MAESTRO framework's 7-layer architecture and OWASP Multi-Agentic System Threat Modeling Guide v1.0.

Steps

1. MAESTRO 7-Layer Architecture Mapping — Decompose the system into CSA's layered reference architecture:

   • Layer 7: Agent Ecosystem — User-facing applications, agent marketplace, business integrations
   • Layer 6: Security & Compliance — Cross-cutting security controls, compliance frameworks
   • Layer 5: Evaluation & Observability — Monitoring, metrics, anomaly detection, performance tracking
   • Layer 4: Deployment & Infrastructure — Containers, orchestration, cloud/on-premise resources
   • Layer 3: Agent Frameworks — Orchestration logic, agent-tool bindings, routing decisions
   • Layer 2: Data Operations — Memory stores, vector databases, RAG pipelines, context management
   • Layer 1: Foundation Models — Core LLMs, model APIs, inference engines

2. Layer-Specific Threat Analysis — Identify threats unique to each MAESTRO layer using CSA taxonomy.

3. Cross-Layer Threat Assessment — Analyze attack chains that span multiple layers (supply chain attacks, lateral movement, privilege escalation, data leakage cascades).

4. Extended Multi-Agent Threats — Apply MAESTRO framework extensions for complex multi-agent scenarios:

   • Reasoning Collapse — Chain-of-thought breakdowns across agent delegation
   • Emergent Covert Coordination — Autonomous symbolic protocol development
   • Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Exploits — Coordinated attacks using diverse agent capabilities
   • Goal Drift in Delegated Chains — Intent mutation through agent handoffs
   • Trust Misuse Between Legitimate Agents — Strategic misreporting within valid roles

5. Architecture Pattern Risk Assessment — Evaluate specific multi-agent patterns (supervisor-agent, hierarchical, distributed ecosystem, human-in-the-loop).

6. Mitigation Strategy Development — Design layer-specific, cross-layer, and AI-specific security controls.

Output

Use the finding format from templates/finding.md. Produce:

• MAESTRO 7-Layer Architecture Map — System decomposition across all layers
• Layer-Specific Threat Assessment — Detailed analysis for each MAESTRO layer
• Cross-Layer Attack Chain Analysis — Multi-layer threat scenarios
• Extended Multi-Agent Threat Analysis — MAESTRO framework extensions
• Architecture Pattern Risk Assessment — Pattern-specific vulnerabilities
• Risk Prioritization Matrix — Likelihood vs. impact analysis
• Layered Mitigation Strategy — Defense-in-depth recommendations

OWASP References

• CSA MAESTRO Framework — 7-Layer Agentic AI Reference Architecture
• OWASP Multi-Agentic System Threat Modeling Guide v1.0
• OWASP Top 10 for Agentic Applications 2026
• OWASP GenAI Security Project