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Web Application Hacking : Introduction to

Web Hacking
By Rocky ◆ April 12, 2023  No Comments  21 Mins Read

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In today’s increasingly digital world, web applications have become an integral part of our
lives. They enable us to perform a vast range of tasks, from online shopping to banking, social
networking, and more. However, this increased reliance on web applications has also led to an
increased risk of cyber attacks, including web application hacking.
Web application hacking involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain
unauthorized access, steal data, or take control of the application. These attacks can have
serious consequences, ranging from financial loss to reputational damage and legal
repercussions. It is therefore crucial for developers and users alike to understand the risks
and take steps to protect themselves.
In this article, we will explore the most common techniques used by attackers to hack web
applications and the best defense mechanisms that can be employed to prevent such
attacks. Whether you are a web developer or a user of web applications, this article will
provide you with valuable insights into web application security and help you stay one step
ahead of the hackers.

What is Web Application Hacking?

Web application hacking is a skillful art that involves probing and exploiting vulnerabilities in
web applications to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data or disrupt services. It’s like a
digital game of cat and mouse, with the hacker trying to find weaknesses in the web
application and the defenders trying to block them.
Web application hacking requires a deep understanding of web technologies, coding, and
security protocols. Skilled hackers use a combination of manual and automated techniques to
identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. They can gain access to sensitive data,
alter functionality, and even take control of the web server.
It’s a dangerous game, with potentially devastating consequences for both users and
organizations. Successful attacks can lead to data breaches, financial losses, legal
repercussions, and damage to reputation.
Therefore, it’s critical that organizations take web application security seriously and stay up-
to-date with the latest security practices to defend against hackers.

Why do web applications need to be secured?

Web applications are a cornerstone of modern digital life, providing convenience and
accessibility for a wide range of services. However, with the rise of web applications, there
has also been a surge in web application hacking. As a result, it’s imperative that web
applications are secured against attacks by skilled hackers.
Web application hacking involves probing and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to
gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or disrupt services. With access to personal
and financial information, hackers can commit identity theft, financial fraud, and other crimes
that can wreak havoc on individuals and organizations alike.
The consequences of web application hacking can be devastating for organizations, leading
to lost revenue, legal liabilities, and damage to reputation. In addition, regulatory bodies are
increasingly imposing strict compliance requirements on companies to ensure the security
and privacy of user data.
Therefore, it’s vital that organizations prioritize web application security as a fundamental
aspect of their digital infrastructure. This means implementing best practices such as secure
coding, input validation, access controls, and regular security audits to stay ahead of the
hackers. By doing so, they can protect themselves and their users from the dangers of web
hacking and mitigate the risks of a security breach.

How do attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications?

Web application hacking is a constantly evolving field, with attackers using a wide range of
techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. These techniques are often
sophisticated and require a deep understanding of web technologies and security protocols.
One of the most common techniques used by hackers is cross-site scripting (XSS). This
involves injecting malicious code into a web page that is viewed by unsuspecting users,
allowing the attacker to steal sensitive data such as login credentials or personal information.
Another popular technique is SQL injection, which involves inserting malicious SQL
commands into a web application’s input fields. This can allow the attacker to gain access to
the web application’s database, steal sensitive data, or manipulate the data in other ways.
Hackers may also use a technique called cross-site request forgery (CSRF) to trick users into
unknowingly performing actions on a web application that the user did not intend to perform.
This can result in unauthorized access or data manipulation.
To find and exploit these vulnerabilities, hackers often use automated tools such as
vulnerability scanners and exploitation frameworks. They may also use manual techniques
such as information gathering and fuzzing to identify potential weaknesses in the web
application.
In order to defend against these attacks, organizations need to stay informed about the latest
security threats and implement strong security measures such as secure coding practices,
input validation, access controls, and regular security audits. By doing so, they can mitigate
the risks of web application hacking and protect their users’ sensitive data.

Core defense mechanisms

Core defense mechanisms are essential measures that organizations can implement to
protect their web applications against potential attacks. These mechanisms are designed to
detect and prevent attacks from malicious actors who seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the
web application.
1. Input validation: Input validation is the process of verifying the input data entered by
users to ensure it meets the expected format and structure. This can help prevent
attacks such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other input-based attacks.
2. Access controls: Access controls are mechanisms that limit user access to specific
areas of the web application based on user roles, privileges, and authentication. This
can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality within the web
application.
3. Encryption: Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable format
using encryption algorithms. This can help protect sensitive data such as passwords,
credit card numbers, and other personal information from being compromised in the
event of a security breach.
4. Security auditing: Security auditing involves regularly reviewing the security measures
implemented in the web application to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks. This
can help organizations stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and mitigate the
risks of a security breach.
5. Security training: Security training involves educating users and developers about the
importance of security and how to identify and report potential security threats. This can
help create a security-conscious culture within the organization and reduce the risks of
human error.
By implementing these core defense mechanisms, organizations can significantly reduce the
risks of web application hacking and protect their sensitive data from potential attacks. It’s
important for organizations to stay up-to-date with the latest security practices and regularly
review and update their security measures to stay ahead of the attackers.
User Access
All user inputs in a web application are considered untrusted and can potentially contain
malicious code or cause damage to the website. Therefore, a web application must have
defense mechanisms in place to prevent users from exploiting vulnerabilities or breaking the
system. The process of input validation can be implemented at different levels based on the
needs of the business.
One approach is to use semantic checks to reject any input related to hacking by blacklisting
certain keywords. Another method is to create rules for accepting user input, such as allowing
only safe data for bank account access. This is called safe data handling. Multi-step
validation can also be used, where each component of the web application is checked for
user input.
Boundary validation is another important measure to check all external interfaces with the
application. Implementing these user access defense mechanisms can help reduce the risks
of web application hacking and ensure the security of user data.

Handling Hackers
To get more sensitive alerts in the web application we need to have following
Audit logs records
IP address blocking
Intrusion Detection systems
Firewalls
We need to have application configuration with the key alert that has to be notified
immediately when any hacker gets into the web application.

Web application technologies

The top web technologies that developers are using for web development are as below:
Client-side Technologies:
HTML
 CSS
JavaScript
AJAX
jQuery
React
Angular
Vue
Server-side Technologies:
PHP
Ruby on Rails
Node.js
ASP.NET
Java
Python
Django
Flask
Database Management Systems:
MySQL
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
Oracle
Microsoft SQL Server
Redis
Cassandra
Web Servers:
Apache HTTP Server
 Nginx
Microsoft IIS
Lighttpd
Tomcat
Jetty
Content Management Systems:
WordPress
Drupal
Joomla
Magento
Shopify
WooCommerce
Frameworks and Libraries:
Bootstrap
Foundation
Materialize
Semantic UI
Laravel
Symfony
Express
Spring
Middleware Technologies:
Apache Tomcat
JBoss
Microsoft IIS
WebSphere
 WebLogic
GlassFish

Digital Technologies for Web Applications

Cloud Computing
Virtualization
Containerization
Serverless computing
DevOps tools
Microservices architecture
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Machine Learning (ML)
Big Data Analytics
Internet of Things (IoT)
Blockchain technology
Chatbots
Web Assembly – similar to JavaScript
Voice assistants
Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual Reality (VR)
Symfony
Laravel

Bypassing client-side controls

Bypassing client-side controls refers to the process of circumventing or disabling the security
controls that are implemented on the client-side of a web application. Client-side controls are
designed to provide an additional layer of security to web applications by validating user input
and restricting access to sensitive information.
Attackers can bypass client-side controls using various techniques, such as modifying the
source code of the web application, manipulating cookies, intercepting network traffic, and
using browser extensions or add-ons. This can allow attackers to execute malicious code,
steal user data, or gain unauthorized access to the web application.
To prevent bypassing of client-side controls, developers can implement server-side validation
and authentication mechanisms that perform additional checks on user input and user
identity. Developers can also use encryption techniques to protect sensitive data, and
implement secure coding practices to prevent vulnerabilities in the source code.
Regular security testing and penetration testing can also help identify and remediate any
weaknesses in the web application’s security controls, including client-side controls. By
staying vigilant and implementing multiple layers of security controls, developers can reduce
the risk of bypassing of client-side controls and ensure the security of their web applications.
Two ways exist for bypassing:
Application relies on client-side data to restrict the user input. So, restricting the client
side controls the security.
Application gathers data that is entered by user, the client implements methods to
control the previous data.
For both the options, the following are the techniques to by-pass client side controls:
HTML form features
Client Side Scripts
Thick Client technologies

Authentication and Authorization

Authentication and authorization are two crucial components of web application security that
work together to ensure the protection of user data and resources.
Authentication refers to the process of verifying the identity of a user attempting to access a
web application. This is typically done through the use of login credentials such as a
username and password, or through the use of biometric authentication methods such as
fingerprints or facial recognition. By verifying the user’s identity, the web application can
ensure that only authorized users are granted access to sensitive data or resources.
Authorization, on the other hand, refers to the process of granting or denying access to
specific resources or functionalities within a web application based on the user’s identity and
permissions. Authorization controls what a user is allowed to do within the web application
once they have been authenticated. For example, a user with administrative privileges may be
granted access to additional features or data that a regular user would not have access to.
Without proper authentication and authorization controls, web applications are vulnerable to
unauthorized access and data breaches. Attackers can use various techniques to bypass
authentication and authorization controls, such as brute-force attacks, session hijacking, or
privilege escalation.
To ensure the security of a web application, developers must implement robust authentication
and authorization mechanisms that use secure and up-to-date encryption protocols, strong
password policies, and multi-factor authentication methods. Regular security testing and
penetration testing can also help identify and remediate any weaknesses in the
authentication and authorization controls. By staying vigilant and implementing best
practices, developers can protect their web applications and the sensitive data they handle
from unauthorized access and data breaches.

Session Fixation
Session fixation is a type of web application attack that exploits the session management
mechanism to gain unauthorized access to a user’s account. The attack works by
manipulating the session identifier used to authenticate a user’s session, enabling the
attacker to hijack the user’s session and access sensitive data or perform actions on the
user’s behalf.
The session fixation attack typically begins with the attacker obtaining a valid session ID,
either by stealing it from the user’s browser or by creating a new session ID and tricking the
user into using it. The attacker then sends the session ID to the user, either through a
phishing email or a specially crafted URL, and waits for the user to log in using the
compromised session ID.
Once the user has logged in with the compromised session ID, the attacker can use the same
session ID to gain access to the user’s account, bypassing any authentication mechanisms
that would normally be in place. This can allow the attacker to perform actions on the user’s
behalf, such as making unauthorized purchases, changing account settings, or accessing
sensitive data.
To protect against session fixation attacks, web application developers must implement
robust session management mechanisms that use secure session IDs, and invalidate session
IDs upon successful authentication. Developers can also implement additional security
measures such as IP-based session tracking, one-time session tokens, and secure cookie
settings to further protect against session fixation attacks.
Regular security testing and penetration testing can also help identify and remediate any
weaknesses in the session management mechanism. By staying vigilant and implementing
best practices, developers can protect their web applications and the sensitive data they
handle from session fixation attacks.

SQL Injection and Friends

SQL injection is a type of web application attack that exploits vulnerabilities in the
application’s database layer to execute malicious SQL commands. The attack works by
inserting specially crafted input into a web form or URL parameter, which is then executed by
the database and can result in unauthorized access to data or even complete control over the
database.
SQL injection is a process of injecting the malicious SQL query via the input data from the
client to the web application.
SQL injection can modify, read, and delete the sensitive information from the Databases.
Has the ability to issue commands to the operating system
Administration controls on the operations of the database
Done through simple SQL commands
SQL injection attacks can take on several different forms, including union-based, error-based,
and blind SQL injection attacks. In a union-based attack, the attacker injects SQL code that
retrieves data from another table or database. In an error-based attack, the attacker uses
SQL code that generates an error message containing sensitive information. In a blind SQL
injection attack, the attacker does not receive any error messages, but can still extract data
by using conditional statements.
To protect against SQL injection attacks, web application developers must implement robust
input validation and parameterized queries to prevent attackers from injecting malicious code
into the database. Developers should also implement secure coding practices, such as not
storing passwords in plain text, and regularly patching and updating the database software.
Other attacks that are closely related to SQL injection include LDAP injection, XML injection,
and command injection. LDAP injection is similar to SQL injection, but instead exploits
vulnerabilities in Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) servers. XML injection attacks
exploit vulnerabilities in XML parsers and can be used to execute malicious code or access
sensitive data. Command injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in command-line interfaces
and can be used to execute arbitrary commands on the server.
To protect against these attacks, developers must implement secure coding practices, such
as input validation and parameterized queries, and regularly update and patch their software.
Regular security testing and penetration testing can also help identify and remediate any
weaknesses in the application’s security posture. By staying vigilant and implementing best
practices, developers can protect their web applications and the sensitive data they handle
from SQL injection and related attacks.

XSS – Cross site scripting

XSS is a type of injection in which malicious scripts are injected to trusted websites. A hacker
uses a web application to send malicious code. This is in the form of browser-side script. The
end user has no way to know that a hacker has entered into the web application and he
continues to execute the script. Script can access cookies, session tokens and all other
sensitive information and even have the capability to rewrite the entire HTML page content.
Types of XSS
Stored XSS
Reflected XSS
DOM based XSS
All these can occur in Client XSS or Server XSS.

CSRF – Cross site request forgery

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a type of web application attack that tricks users into
performing actions on a website without their knowledge or consent. The attack works by
exploiting the trust that a website has in a user’s browser, by forging a request that appears
to come from the user’s browser.
In a CSRF attack, the attacker creates a malicious website that contains a hidden form or URL
that performs an action on the target website when submitted or clicked. When a user visits
the malicious website and has an active session on the target website, the malicious form or
URL sends a request to the target website, carrying out an action on behalf of the user, such
as transferring money or changing their password.
To prevent CSRF attacks, web developers can implement several mitigation techniques, such
as requiring a secret token in every form submitted on the website, using the HTTP-only flag
on session cookies, and implementing the SameSite cookie attribute. These measures help
ensure that requests can only be made from the user’s browser, and not from a third-party
website.
Web users can also protect themselves from CSRF attacks by avoiding suspicious websites
and using browser extensions that block known malicious domains. Additionally, users should
log out of websites after completing their tasks and avoid keeping sessions open for
extended periods.
By taking these precautions, web developers and users can help prevent CSRF attacks and
protect themselves from the financial and reputational damage that can result from these
types of attacks.

Clickjacking
Clickjacking, also known as User Interface (UI) redress attack, is a type of web application
attack that can trick users into clicking on something they did not intend to click. It works by
overlaying an invisible or opaque layer on a legitimate website, effectively hijacking the user’s
clicks and routing them to a different website or page.
Clickjacking attacks can be used for a variety of nefarious purposes, such as stealing
sensitive information, downloading malware, or hijacking user sessions. Attackers can also
use clickjacking to conduct social engineering attacks, such as forcing users to click on a
“Like” button or follow a social media account.
To prevent clickjacking attacks, web developers can implement several defensive measures,
such as using the X-Frame-Options header to prevent their website from being embedded in
a frame, using the Content Security Policy (CSP) header to restrict which websites can
interact with theirs, and using JavaScript to detect and prevent clickjacking attempts.
Web users can also protect themselves from clickjacking attacks by using a modern and
updated web browser that supports the X-Frame-Options header and CSP, avoiding
suspicious websites, and being cautious about clicking on links or buttons.
By taking these precautions, web developers and users can help prevent clickjacking attacks
and ensure the security and integrity of their web applications. It’s important to stay vigilant in
the ever-evolving landscape of web hacking and ensure that proper security measures are in
place to protect against potential attacks.

Unvalidated redirects
These are possible when a web application accepts untrusted input. This can cause the web
application to redirect the request to a URL containing untrusted inputs. Through the
modification of the Untrusted URL input to a malicious site, the hacker launches a phishing
attack and steals the user credentials.
These redirects using credentials can also give the hacker the privilege functions which
normally they cannot access.
We need to have the user provide a short name, ID or token which is mapped server-side to a
full target URL and this gives protection to the entire process.

File upload vulnerabilities

File upload vulnerabilities are a common and serious issue in web application security.
Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to upload malicious files to a web server, which can
then be used to compromise the entire system or steal sensitive information.
To prevent file upload vulnerabilities, web developers should implement strict controls on file
uploads, such as limiting the file size, restricting the types of files that can be uploaded, and
validating the file content to ensure that it does not contain malicious code.
Web developers should also ensure that uploaded files are stored in a secure location, such
as a separate file system or a database, and that the uploaded files cannot be executed
directly by the web server.
Web users can also protect themselves from file upload vulnerabilities by avoiding uploading
any sensitive or confidential information to websites that do not have proper security
measures in place. Users should also be wary of downloading files from unknown sources or
suspicious websites, as these files could contain malware or other malicious content.
By implementing proper security measures and staying vigilant against potential file upload
vulnerabilities, web developers and users can help ensure the safety and security of their
web applications.

Attacking the application server

The various formats of the attacks on the application server are listed below:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
SQL Injection (SQLi)
File upload
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)

Web application hacker’s toolkit

The hacker’s toolkit is as given below:
Intercepting Web proxy – Modifies all HTTP messaging between browser and web
application
Web application scanner – For the hacker to get the entire information about the web
application.
A few of the tools which belong to the above two categories:
Kali Linux
Angry IP Scanner
Cain & Abel
Ettercap
Burp Suite
 John the Ripper
Metaspoilt

Web application hacker’s methodology

FAQ
Q: What is web application hacking?
A: Web application hacking is the act of exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain
unauthorized access or steal sensitive information. Hackers can use a variety of techniques,
such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and file upload vulnerabilities, to compromise web
applications.
Q: Why do web applications need to be secured?
A: Web applications need to be secured to prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities
and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information or compromising the entire system.
Failure to properly secure a web application can result in significant financial and reputational
damage to an organization.
Q: What are some common defenses against web application attacks?
A: Common defenses against web application attacks include input validation and
sanitization, user authentication and authorization, session management, and secure coding
practices. Web developers can also use web application firewalls (WAFs) to protect against
common attacks.
Q: What is a WAF?
A: A web application firewall (WAF) is a security solution that monitors and filters HTTP traffic
to a web application. WAFs can help protect against common web application attacks, such
as SQL injection and cross-site scripting, by blocking malicious traffic and filtering out
potentially harmful requests.
Q: How can users protect themselves from web application attacks?
A: Users can protect themselves from web application attacks by using strong, unique
passwords, avoiding suspicious websites and links, keeping their software and operating
system up to date, and being cautious when downloading or opening files from unknown
sources.
Q: What are some best practices for web application security?
A: Some best practices for web application security include regularly performing security
assessments and vulnerability scans, using secure coding practices, implementing a web
application firewall, and keeping all software and systems up to date with the latest security
patches.

Conclusion
In conclusion, web application hacking remains a significant threat to organizations and
individuals alike. The consequences of a successful attack can be severe, ranging from
financial loss to reputational damage and even legal repercussions. It is essential for web
developers and users to be aware of the common attack vectors and to take steps to secure
their applications and data.
While there are numerous defense mechanisms that can be employed to protect against web
application attacks, it is important to understand that no security solution is foolproof.
Therefore, it is critical for developers and users to remain vigilant and to regularly assess the
security posture of their web applications.
By implementing best practices for web application security and staying up to date with the
latest security trends and techniques, organizations and individuals can help prevent web
hacking and protect their sensitive information from malicious actors.

Cyber threats cybersecurity Hacking techniques Web application security

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