Type of Web application attacks
A web application, often known as a web app, is a software application that runs on web servers and is accessed by web browsers via the internet. Web apps are designed to provide users with certain capabilities or services, and their complexity can range from simple webmail services to extremely complex online banking systems and social networking platforms.
Web application attacks take numerous forms, and typically exploit weaknesses in web applications to corrupt data, interrupt services, or obtain unauthorised access.
Several popular forms of web application attacks and their details:
1. SQL Injection (SQLi): SQL injection attacks involve injecting malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate a web application’s database. Attackers can gain unauthorized access, extract data, and potentially modify or delete data.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Cross-Site Scripting attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious scripts (usually JavaScript) into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead to session hijacking, data theft, or other malicious actions.
3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): CSRF attacks trick users into performing unwanted actions on a different website, often without their knowledge. Attackers exploit a user’s trust in a website to perform actions on their behalf.
4. Insecure Deserialization: Insecure deserialization attacks target applications that deserialize untrusted data. Attackers can execute arbitrary code, leading to remote code execution, or cause application malfunctions.
5. Command Injection: Command injection attacks occur when attackers insert malicious commands into input fields to be executed by the system. This can lead to unauthorized system access and data exposure.
6. XML External Entity (XXE): XXE attacks target applications that process XML input without proper validation. Attackers can read local files, initiate denial of service attacks, or perform server-side request forgery.
7. Security Misconfiguration: Security misconfiguration involves weak or inappropriate security settings, default settings, or unnecessary services being exposed, potentially allowing unauthorized access and information leakage.
8. Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR): DOR attacks exploit a lack of proper access controls, allowing attackers to access or manipulate objects they should not have access to, such as database records or files.
9. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF): SSRF attacks involve manipulating the server into making requests to other internal or external services. Attackers can use this to scan internal networks, access unauthorized resources, or perform other malicious actions.
10. File Upload Vulnerabilities: Attackers can exploit insecure file upload functionality to upload malicious files, which can be executed to compromise the server or used to distribute malware.
11. Broken Authentication and Session Management: These attacks involve exploiting weaknesses in authentication and session management to gain unauthorized access, steal user credentials, or impersonate other users.
12. Path Traversal (Directory Traversal): Path traversal attacks attempt to access files and directories outside the intended directory. Attackers may view sensitive files or execute arbitrary code.
13. Clickjacking: Clickjacking attacks trick users into clicking on hidden or disguised elements by overlaying them on legitimate content. This can lead to unwanted actions performed by the user.
14. API Security Issues: Attacks on APIs can include issues like improper authentication, excessive data exposure, and other vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches or unauthorized access.
15. Credential Stuffing: Attackers use previously stolen usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to accounts on various websites. This relies on users reusing passwords.
16. Content Spoofing (Phishing): Content spoofing, often seen in phishing attacks, involves creating fraudulent websites or emails that mimic legitimate sites to steal sensitive information like login credentials or financial data.
Understanding these sorts of web application assaults is critical for implementing effective security measures and protecting your web applications from potential risks. Best practises in security, including as input validation, safe coding, and regular security testing, can help reduce the danger of these attacks.
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