Varun Joshi

[ad_1] JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) are a widely used method for securely exchanging data in JSON format. Due to their ability to be digitally signed and verified, they are commonly used for authorization and authentication. However, their security depends entirely on proper implementation—when misconfigured, JWTs can introduce serious vulnerabilities. This guide explores common JWT attacks and security flaws, providing a technical deep dive into how these weaknesses can be exploited and how to mitigate them. The Structure of a JSON Web Token (JWT) A JSON Web Token (JWT) is composed of three parts: a header, payload, and signature, all encoded using Base64URLand separated by dots. The format follows this structure: HEADER.PAYLOAD.SIGNATURE Here is an example of a real JWT: eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9. eyJuYW1lIjoiSm9obiBEb2UiLCJ1c2VyX25hbWUiOiJqb2huLmRvZSIsImlzX2FkbWluIjpmYWxzZX0. fSppjHFaqlNcpK1Q8VudRD84YIuhqFfA67XkLam0_aY Breaking Down the JWT Header The header contains metadata that defines the token’s properties, including: The algorithm (alg) […]

[ad_1] This blog post breaks down Fragmented SQL Injection, a method hackers use to bypass authentication by manipulating two different input fields at the same time. Our security expert explains why single quotes matter in SQL injection attacks and how using Prepared Statements (also called Parameterized Queries) can effectively prevent these types of exploits. LEARN MORE: How to prevent SQL Injection If you ask someone how to check for an SQL injection vulnerability in a web application, their first suggestion might be to enter a single quote (‘) into an input field. If the application responds with an error, it could indicate that the input is interfering with the database query—a classic sign of SQL injection. In fact, some people even refer to SQL injection as “Single Quote Injection” because of how often this method is used to test for […]

[ad_1] The most widely used method to prevent cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks is the implementation of anti-CSRF tokens. These are unique values generated by a web application and validated with each request to ensure authenticity. CSRF attacks exploit a user’s active session to execute unauthorized actions, such as redirecting them to a malicious website or accessing sensitive session data. To effectively mitigate these risks, it is essential to generate, manage, and validate CSRF tokens correctly, ensuring robust protection against unauthorized requests. What Is an Anti-CSRF Token? An anti-CSRF token (also known as a CSRF token) is a security mechanism designed to verify the legitimacy of a user’s request. It works by assigning a unique, unpredictable token to the user’s browser, which must be included in subsequent requests. This ensures that the request originates from the authenticated user and not […]

[ad_1] XSS filter evasion techniques allow attackers to bypass cross-site scripting (XSS) protections designed to block malicious scripts. This article explores some of the most common filter bypass strategies, explains why relying solely on filtering is ineffective, and outlines the best practices for preventing XSS attacks. Attackers have developed hundreds of methods to evade XSS filters, making it clear that filtering alone is not a foolproof defense. For an XSS attack to succeed, two conditions must be met: The application must have an XSS vulnerability that allows user-controlled input to be injected into web pages. The attacker must find a way to execute malicious JavaScript within the victim’s browser. XSS filtering aims to stop these attacks by detecting and removing suspicious code before it reaches the browser. However, because attackers continuously develop new techniques to disguise or encode their payloads, […]

[ad_1] By default, some web servers allow directory listing, which means that if no default index file (such as index.html or index.php) is present, the server will display a list of all files and directories in that folder. This can expose sensitive files, scripts, and configurations, making it easier for attackers to identify vulnerabilities. Understanding Directory Listing Directory listing is a web server feature that, when enabled, displays the contents of a directory if no default index file (such as index.html or index.php) is present. When a request is made to such a directory, the server automatically generates and returns a list of all files and subdirectories within it. This can pose a security risk by exposing sensitive files related to a web application, potentially revealing critical information. If attackers gain access to directory listings, they can analyze file structures, […]

[ad_1] What is a HTTP security header? An HTTP security header is a response header that helps protect web applications by providing browsers with specific instructions on how to handle website content securely. These headers play a crucial role in mitigating various cyber threats, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), clickjacking, and data injection attacks. By configuring HTTP security headers correctly, organizations can enforce stricter security policies, restrict unauthorized resource loading, and reduce the risk of malicious exploitation. Common HTTP security headers include Content Security Policy (CSP) to prevent injection attacks, Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS) to enforce secure HTTPS connections, and X-Frame-Options to prevent clickjacking. Implementing these headers is a fundamental and effective way to enhance web application security, providing an additional layer of defense against cyber threats. Enhancing Your Web Application’s Security with HTTP Security Headers In web application security testing, vulnerabilities […]

[ad_1] How Injection Attacks Exploit Web Application Vulnerabilities Injection attacks occur when malicious input is inserted into a web application, exploiting vulnerabilities in unvalidated user input to execute unintended commands. Attackers craft payloads that manipulate how the application processes data, often leading to unauthorized access, data leaks, or system compromise. This article explores the most prevalent injection attacks targeting web applications and APIs, examines the underlying security weaknesses that enable these exploits, and provides effective detection and prevention strategies to mitigate risks. LEARN MORE: How to Prevent SQL Injection Understanding Injection Attacks Injection attacks are a category of cyber threats that exploit injection vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to insert malicious payloads into application code through unvalidated user input. These attacks are among the most severe application security risks, as highlighted in the OWASP Top 10 (2021), where injection vulnerabilities were ranked […]

[ad_1] What is DAST and how does it work? Dynamic application security testing (DAST) is a cybersecurity assessment method that analyzes running applications to identify security vulnerabilities. Unlike static application security testing (SAST), which examines source code before deployment, DAST scanning simulates real-world attacks by probing a web app’s inputs and responses. The term DAST is generally understood to refer to automated security testing using vulnerability assessment tools. For small and mid-sized businesses, ease of use and speed are crucial when selecting a DAST solution. Many SMBs do not have dedicated security teams, so tools that provide automated scanning, straightforward setup, and actionable reports are essential. DAST tools help detect security flaws such as SQL injection (SQLi), cross-site scripting (XSS), authentication issues, and misconfigurations, providing an effective first layer of defense against hackers. They work as black-box testing solutions, meaning […]