Most Common Web Security Vulnerabilities
Most Common Web Security Vulnerabilities
1. SQL Injection (SQLi)
SQL injection is one of the most common and severe vulnerabilities that can compromise a web application's database. Attackers exploit poorly sanitized user inputs to execute malicious SQL queries, potentially allowing them to access, modify, or delete sensitive data.
How to Prevent:
Utilize parameterized queries and prepared statements.
Employ input validation and sanitation.
Regularly update and patch database management systems.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting attacks occur when attackers inject malicious scripts into a trusted website, targeting unaware users. By exploiting XSS vulnerabilities, attackers can steal session cookies, personal data, or manipulate website content.
How to Prevent:
Use proper encoding for user inputs and outputs.
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers.
Sanitize user inputs.
3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CSRF attacks trick legitimate users into performing unwanted actions on web applications where they are authenticated. For example, clicking a malicious link could result in unauthorized actions like changing account settings.
How to Prevent:
Employ anti-CSRF tokens.
Verify requests' origin using headers.
Encourage users to log out after their session.
4. Remote Code Execution (RCE)
RCE vulnerabilities arise when criminals execute arbitrary code by exploiting weaknesses in an application. These attacks can result in complete control of the application's servers, leading to data theft, defacement, or other malicious activities.
How to Prevent:
Avoid unsafe code evaluation methods.
Regularly update software to fix known vulnerabilities.
Apply strict privilege management.
5. Broken Authentication and Session Management
Weaknesses in authentication can allow attackers to assume legitimate users' identity. This includes predictable session tokens, insufficient password policies, or improper account lockouts.
How to Prevent:
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Ensure secure session token generation and management.
Enforce strong password policies and account lockout mechanisms.
6. Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)
This occurs when applications expose direct references to internal objects, such as files or database entries. Attackers can manipulate these references to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
How to Prevent:
Apply access control checks on every request.
Use indirect object referencing.
Monitor application logs to detect suspicious activities.
7. Security Misconfigurations
Improper configurations expose applications to unnecessary risks. Examples include using default credentials, outdated software, or mismanaged error messages that reveal sensitive information.
How to Prevent:
Regularly review and harden server, application, and database configurations.
Disable unnecessary services and remove sample files.
Implement proper error handling and logging.
8. Sensitive Data Exposure
Sensitive data exposure occurs when confidential or personal data is not adequately protected. This includes unencrypted data transmission or weak cryptographic algorithms.
How to Prevent:
Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest.
Implement strong cryptographic practices.
Avoid transmitting sensitive data unnecessarily.
Comments