I need to understand how to securely debug a Node.js application remotely. What are the security risks associated with remote debugging, especially when exposing the debugger port, and what is the recommended official method for establishing a secure remote debugging connection?
Navigate to 'nodejs.org'. Go to the 'Learn' section. Find and navigate to the 'Debugging Node.js' guide. Locate the 'Security Implications' section and the 'Enabling remote debugging scenarios' subsection. Extract information regarding debugger access, risks of public exposure, and the recommended remote debugging method. Summarize the key security implications and the recommended approach for safe remote debugging.
State that the debugger has full access to the Node.js execution environment, allowing a malicious actor to execute arbitrary code if connected. Mention that exposing the debug port publicly (binding to a public IP address or 0.0.0.0) is unsafe and allows unrestricted connection. Confirm that by default, the `--inspect` flag binds to `127.0.0.1` for security reasons. Refer to the advice about ensuring appropriate firewalls and access controls are in place to prevent security exposure for remote debugging scenarios, and specifically mention the recommendation to use SSH tunnels instead of public IP binding.