[UPDATE] Modernize Python Secrets Retrieval in Serverless Cheat Sheet using AWS Lambda Extension

[Angelmendiratta]

Description

The current Python examples in the Serverless_Security_Cheat_Sheet.md for secrets management utilize the boto3 SDK to fetch secrets directly. While functional, this is no longer the recommended best practice for high-performance or cost-efficient serverless applications.

Proposed Improvement

I propose updating the "Secrets Management" section to demonstrate the use of the AWS Parameters and Secrets Lambda Extension.

Why this is better:

1. Security: It uses a local HTTP endpoint (localhost:2773), minimizing the footprint of the AWS SDK within the function and reducing the risk of logging sensitive credential retrieval attempts.
2. Performance: The extension provides a managed, in-memory cache. This significantly reduces latency (cold starts) and prevents unnecessary API calls to Secrets Manager on every invocation.
3. Cost: It drastically reduces the number of API requests, which are billed at $0.05 per 10,000 calls.

Changes

I will replace the existing boto3 example with a urllib3 implementation that interacts with the extension's local cache. I will also add a brief technical note regarding the requirement of adding the extension as a Layer.

[Angelmendiratta]

I’m interested in standardizing the docstrings in the common app as proposed. I plan to follow the Google Python Style Guide and include usage examples to improve the developer experience for this module. Please assign this to me so I can begin the PR.

[mackowski]

@Angelmendiratta good issue we will wait for PR, this is approved

[Angelmendiratta]

I have submitted a Pull Request (#2015) to address this update. The implementation modernizes the Python secrets retrieval examples by utilizing the AWS Lambda Parameters and Secrets Extension. I have also verified that the changes align with the repository's formatting standards. Ready for review!