Understanding Web App Security Basics
Understanding Web App Security Basics
Security Basics
Understanding Web App Security Basics
• SQL Injection Explained: Attackers exploit vulnerable SQL statements, injecting malicious code to
manipulate database actions unexpectedly.
• Consequences of SQL Injection: Successful attacks can result in unauthorized access, leading to significant
data breaches and financial losses.
• Data Integrity Threats: SQL injection can compromise data integrity, causing corruption, loss of critical
information, and service disruptions.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Understanding CSRF: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) tricks users into performing unwanted actions
without their consent.
• Preventive Measures: Utilizing anti-CSRF tokens is critical, preventing malicious requests by ensuring
authenticity of user actions.
• Same-Site Cookies: Implementing same-site cookies restricts cookie sharing across sites, enhancing
protection against CSRF attacks.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
• DDoS Attack Overview: Denial of Service (DoS) and DDoS attacks overwhelm systems, causing significant
downtime and service unavailability.
• Real-World Impacts: The 2016 Dyn attack disrupted major services like Netflix and Twitter, showcasing
serious operational risks globally.
• Mitigation Strategies: Employing rate limiting and redundant infrastructure can mitigate the impact of
DDoS on web applications.
Brute Force Attacks
• Local File Inclusion (LFI): LFI vulnerabilities allow attackers to include local files, potentially leading to
arbitrary code execution and data exposure.
• Remote File Inclusion (RFI): RFI enables attackers to include remote scripts, increasing the risk of attacks
that can leverage external resources maliciously.
• Preventive Mechanisms: Employing strict input validation and secure server configurations are essential to
prevent LFI and RFI attacks effectively.
Session Hijacking
• Session Hijacking Defined: Session hijacking involves exploiting active user sessions, enabling
unauthorized access to sensitive user data.
• Techniques in Session Hijacking: Common techniques include session fixation and cookie theft,
jeopardizing integrity and confidentiality of authentication.
• Mitigation Strategies: Implementing secure cookie attributes and strict session timeout settings is critical
for enhancing user security.
Security Misconfiguration
• Security Misconfiguration Overview: Security misconfigurations arise from improper settings, exposing
applications to vulnerabilities and potential exploits.
• Common Misconfigurations: Defaults like unchanged credentials and unnecessary services can
significantly increase the attack surface of applications.
• Steps for Securing Settings: Regular audits of configurations and eliminating unnecessary features are
essential for maintaining application security.
Best Practices for Web Application Security