Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious code into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. In this article, we will explore what exactly is injected into cross-site scripting attacks and the potential impact it can have on a website.
Types of XSS Attacks
Before diving into what is injected, let’s briefly discuss the different types of XSS attacks:
- Stored XSS: Also known as persistent XSS, this occurs when the malicious code is permanently stored on the Target server and served to users whenever they access a particular page.
- Reflected XSS: This type of attack involves injecting malicious code into a URL or form input, which is then reflected back to the user in the server’s response.
- DOM-based XSS: Unlike stored and reflected XSS, DOM-based XSS attacks exploit vulnerabilities in client-side scripts rather than server responses.
The Injection Process
In an XSS attack, attackers inject malicious code into vulnerable areas of a web application. These injection points can include:
- User Input Fields: Input fields such as text boxes or search bars are common Targets for injecting malicious scripts. Attackers can exploit these fields by entering specially crafted inputs that contain JavaScript code.
- URL Parameters: If a website incorporates user-supplied data directly into URLs without proper sanitization or validation, it becomes susceptible to URL-based XSS attacks.
- Cookies: Malicious actors can tamper with cookies by injecting JavaScript code. This allows them to steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.
The Malicious Payload
Now, let’s examine what is typically injected as the malicious payload in cross-site scripting attacks:
- Alert Boxes: Attackers often inject JavaScript code that triggers alert boxes with misleading or harmful messages. These alert boxes can deceive users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
- Keyloggers: Malicious scripts can be injected to log keystrokes made by users on compromised web pages.
This allows attackers to capture confidential information like login credentials.
- Phishing Attacks: XSS vulnerabilities can be exploited to inject fake login forms that mimic legitimate websites. Unsuspecting users may unknowingly submit their credentials, enabling attackers to steal their information.
- Session Hijacking: By injecting malicious scripts, attackers can hijack user sessions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or perform actions on behalf of the user.
Preventing XSS Attacks
To protect your website from XSS attacks, it is essential to implement proper security measures. Here are a few best practices:
- Input Validation and Sanitization: Validate and sanitize all user inputs to remove potentially dangerous characters or scripts.
- Output Encoding: Encode all user-supplied data before rendering it in HTML pages to prevent script execution.
- CSP (Content Security Policy): Implement a strong content security policy that restricts the execution of inline scripts and limits external resources.
- XSS Filters: Utilize web application firewalls or built-in browser XSS filters to detect and block potential XSS attacks.
Conclusion
Understanding what is injected into cross-site scripting attacks is crucial in combating this common web security vulnerability. By being aware of the types of attacks, injection points, and the potential malicious payloads, you can take necessary precautions to protect your website and its users from XSS threats.