Web application threats are constantly on the rise. The sophistication and speed of web application cyberattacks can cause significant damage to businesses. In most cases, they result in further security breaches, which may have financial and legal consequences.
The most common reasons for web application attacks are incorrectly configured web servers, bad application architecture, and failure to check or sanitize form inputs. It is important to have a basic understanding of how these attacks work.
Here is a list of the most significant web application security issues:
Unwanted exposure of sensitive data
Sensitive information can be easily hacked if security measures like encryption at rest or in transit are not used during communication with the browser. Criminals can steal or manipulate information and commit cybercrimes like credit card fraud, identity theft, etc.
CSS or XSS (Cross Site Scripting)
CSS or XSS (Cross Site Scripting) security flaws aid attackers in running scripts in a user’s browser to damage websites, hijack user sessions or redirect users to other domains.
Software and integrity failures due to insecure deserialization
Deserialization issues frequently lead to remote code execution and provide hackers the ability to carry out a wide range of attacks.
XML external entities misconfiguration
Insecure XML processors expose users to the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of existing data, and execution of malicious code. This vulnerability also allows Remote Code Execution, Denial of Service, and Server Side Request Forgery by cyber criminals.
Parameters and URL injections
An injection vulnerability, such as a SQL, OS or LDAP injection vulnerability, arises when an interpreter receives a command or query containing suspicious input. An attacker’s hostile data could lead the interpreter to access data without authorization or execute undesired commands. This could lead to the deletion of tables, unauthorized viewing of lists, and unauthorized access to the administration system.
Broken or insecure authentication
This occurs when application functionalities responsible for session management and authentication are incorrectly implemented. It lets attackers take over the identities of other users temporarily or permanently. It’s also easy for them to steal session tokens, passwords, or keys.
Use of software libraries and packages with security loopholes
A server takeover and significant data loss can result from an assault on weak software components. For example, an application may be using a weak or compromised version of the software framework or the libraries in application development, which may be exploited by attackers.
Inadequate security logging and monitoring
Inadequate recording, monitoring, and integration of event response can aid attackers in launching more attacks on systems. This allows attackers to further escalate their attacks.
Flawed access control restrictions
Access control lets you control which parts of a website and which application data different visitors can visit. If these restrictions are not correctly imposed, attackers can easily exploit these vulnerabilities to access restricted data.
Misconfigured security settings and features
It provides an easy entry point for attackers into the website and is one of the most severe web application security vulnerabilities. Attackers can use inadequate or ad hoc configurations, exposed cloud storage, verbose error messages containing sensitive data, and improper HTTP headers.
Organizations should follow secure coding standards to create robust and secure web applications. To create secure website applications contact Centex Technologies at Killeen (254) 213 – 4740, Dallas (972) 375 – 9654, Atlanta (404) 994 – 5074, and Austin (512) 956 – 5454.