With the prevalence of hacker intrusions, the consequences of not addressing the vulnerabilities and other security loopholes in your network systems could be severe. Adversaries often target unpatched vulnerabilities to compromise targeted systems, and one of their most common attack vectors is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack.
By Rudra Srinivas, Senior Feature Writer, CISO MAG
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack is an injection attack that allows hackers to inject malicious code into the targeted website or web application. XSS attackers primarily target web pages or web applications that use unsecured processes to validate user inputs. Threat actors often leverage forums, search engines, login forms, comment sections, message boards, and websites that allow user comments to deploy their malicious script via XSS attacks.
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) is a common vulnerability observed in websites and web applications that accept user inputs. Threat actors exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript scripts or codes into the targeted website’s URL or content. The malicious scripts automatically deploy and infect the victim’s device when an unsuspecting user visits that website.
Also known as a persistent XSS attack, a Stored XSS attack occurs when an attacker injects a malicious code directly into a vulnerable server. The malware is permanently stored on the targeted servers in repositories such as a database, message forum, visitor logs, and comment sections in stored XSS attacks.
A blind XSS attack, also known as a persistent XSS attack, occurs when a hacker deploys a malware payload on the targeted server and executes it via backend applications.
Reflected XSS attack involves spreading the malicious code via different attack vectors like a phishing email, message, or website. Reflected XSS attackers trick users into clicking malicious links disguised as legitimate content on a compromised website.
Most browsers could fall victim to XSS attacks if the web applications or websites fail to validate the malicious codes inserted by XSS attackers.
An XSS attack could allow an attacker to:
Though the consequences of an XSS attack are severe, practicing proper cyber hygiene measures would help mitigate the risks. These include:
About the Author:
Rudra Srinivas is a Senior Feature Writer and part of the editorial team at CISO MAG. He writes news and feature stories on cybersecurity trends.
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