Websites are often the targets of cyberattacks for many reasons. From data theft to financial reasons, the possibility of attacks is always high. Some of the most common threats facing applications today are bot-based so it is crucial to know how to deal with credential stuffing attacks for example. For this reason, every business, small or big, will always be at risk, and it only makes sense for them to be aware of what they are up against.
Any vulnerability your site faces can have extreme consequences. The good news is that when you know what you are dealing with, you can be prepared enough to handle it. So, here are some of the common types of website security and vulnerability issues you should know.
Injection Flaws
This security threat comes when you pass data that has not been filtered to the LDAP, SQL server, or browser. Usually, such unfiltered data can carry commands injected by the attackers. These can authorize the attacker to execute administration operations on the database and access sensitive data. You can avoid this by adequately filtering all inputs.
Broken Authentication
Every website creates a session ID and cookie during valid sessions. Remember that these cookies contain sensitive information. The invalidation of these cookies means the data will remain within the system when the session ends. This vulnerability may give someone access to information and can modify them in the process.
Cross-Site Scripting
Also known as XSS, cross-site scripting are vulnerabilities that focus on scripts carried out by the user. This kind of breach allows the attacker to run the scripts on the user’s browser when the website sends unvalidated data.
The browser will execute the script when it can’t validate it, making it easier for the attacker to hijack session cookies. Not only that but also, in some cases, the attacker can redirect users to suspicious sites. You can solve this by using input-output encoding or listing the input fields safely.
Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards
Like in cross-site scripting, improper validation during page redirects can allow an attacker to redirect users to malicious websites. But it is never that obvious since the attacker may send a genuine URL but with an encoded and malicious URL. Website building tools like Editor X protect your site from this vulnerability by eliminating redirects. You can also keep your site safe by avoiding using user parameters when determining the destination.
Insufficient Transport Layer Protection
Websites that continually transmit information over a network like banking information, authentication details, etc., can be vulnerable to attackers. Such security issues come especially when you use expired certificates or weak algorithms, which affect the transport of layer protection. Protect yourself by ensuring that your certificate is valid and up to date. On top of that, enforce transfer over HTTPS only.
Critical Data Exposure
This is a vulnerability that takes advantage of inadequate sensitive data protection. Encryption is highly recommended when it comes to confidential data and information. This is specifically true when the details are transmitted through the network and when not in use.
While it can be challenging to secure sensitive details when in storage, you have no otherwise but to do everything possible to be safe. For instance, you should consider lowering the exposure by not keeping it in the first place. But if storage is necessary, ensure it is encrypted with hashed passwords.
Unsafe Direct Object References
There are also cases when an internal file is exposed to a website user through a direct object reference. If there is no authorization enforcement, the chances are high that an attacker will gain access.
With this, the attacker can make modifications, compromising the whole website. Avoid this by consistently and correctly performing user authorization alongside access control verifications.
Security Misconfiguration
Improper security misconfiguration is also a source of vulnerability to your site. Your database, frameworks, platforms, and other components should be appropriately configured. If not, an attacker will gain unauthorized access to your sites’ functionality and essential data. Misconfiguration may occur if you run outdated software, use non-required machines, and expose details about error landing. It is safer for you to ensure the architecture used has the proper separation and security tools.
Cross-Site Request Forgery
Cross-site request forgery is a vulnerability you can expose yourself to when a third-party malicious website accesses the user’s browser. The result may mean that the attacker will perform an action on the logged-on user browser and send a forged request to the site. Prevent this by using a hidden form field inaccessible to a third-party site and regularly verifying the hidden field. In addition, leverage mechanisms like re-authentication to ensure your complete safety.
Final Words
A website can be at risk of an endless number of security and vulnerability issues. Though some can easily be avoided, others can be too complex to handle. Your best bet, in either case, is to get your website hosted or managed by the best in the industry, like Editor X. That way, professionals will take care of all your security worries as you concentrate on other aspects of your business.
