Cross site scripting occurs when data is inputted into one web application and then displayed in another application. These applications can be on the same user’s device (mobile or desktop) or on a completely different user’s device. When data is transferred between two or more different applications, this is called cross-application data transfer. A hacker can exploit the transfer of data by injecting malicious script code into the other application. This can lead to a large variety of malicious activities that can be harmful to the end user’s data. Cross site scripting occurs when data is inputted into one web application and then displayed in another application. These applications can be on the same user’s device (mobile or desktop) or on a completely different user’s device. When data is transferred between two or more different applications, this is called cross-application data transfer. A hacker can exploit the transfer of data by injecting malicious script code into the other application. This can lead to a large variety of malicious activities that can be harmful to the end user’s data. As reported by CERT, XSS has been a major threat to the security of websites, mobile applications, and web-based applications. XSS is not only a technical threat; it’s also a psychological threat because it can be used to steal sensitive information as well as to manipulate users into performing undesired actions.
SQL Injection
SQL injection is the most commonly used method of exploiting Cross-Site Scripting. It works by taking advantage of poorly written or improperly implemented code that allows for a SQL query to be executed on behalf of an application user, which would normally only be accessible to the web server. This gives the attacker access to information such as usernames and passwords.
How Cross Site Scripting Works?
Cross-site scripting works when an attacker injects malicious code (JavaScript) into a web application. The malicious code may be invisible to the user or it may be visible in the form of a message box that is not always accessible to users. When malicious code is injected into a web page, it can do a variety of things, such as: stealing sensitive information from the user’s session
manipulating the user’s session so that their actions are performed on behalf of another user
destroying data or misstating data on a website or mobile app
injecting unwanted or spam content onto the website and app
disrupting normal function of the website or app
Introduction to XSS and Cross Site Scripting
Cross site scripting is a type of computer security vulnerability that occurs when the user inputs data into one application and then the data is unintentionally transferred to another website or an application.
A hacker can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious script code into the other application, which will be executed when a victim visits the application with an open browser window. This script can lead to a wide variety of malicious activities that are harmful to the end user.
As reported by CERT, XSS has been a major threat to the security of websites, mobile applications, and web-based applications. XSS is not only a technical threat; it’s also a psychological threat because it can be used to steal sensitive information as well as to manipulate users into performing undesired actions.
Input Validation
There are several ways to check for XSS vulnerabilities.
- Input validation: Data should be filtered through a web application’s input validation functions.
- Output validation: This type of XSS testing checks the output of a script, which is defined by the cross site scripting filter.
- Script detection: These advanced scripts can detect if an event has been triggered and block it if so.
Mitigating Cross Site Scripting: The 5 Most Common Mistakes
Timeline
Published on: 10/21/2022 13:15:00 UTC
Last modified on: 10/21/2022 20:26:00 UTC