What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and How Does it Work?
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of cyber attack that allows hackers to inject malicious code into a web page viewed by other users. This type of attack is often used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or personally identifiable information, and can be used to launch further attacks, such as phishing or malware delivery.
XSS attacks take advantage of vulnerabilities in web applications that allow an attacker to inject malicious code onto a web page. This code is then executed by the web browser of any user who views the affected page, giving hackers the ability to access data or perform other malicious actions.
The Different Types of XSS Attacks & Their Impact on Your Website Security
While all XSS attacks involve injecting code into a website, there are several different types of XSS attacks that can be used, each with their own unique characteristics:
- Stored XSS: Stored XSS, also known as Persistent or Type-I XSS, is a type of attack that occurs when an attacker injects malicious code into a website, which is then stored on the server (or database) and served to other users when they access the affected page. This type of attack can have a wide range of impacts, from stealing a user’s cookies to injecting malware onto their device.
- Reflected XSS: Reflected XSS, also known as Non-persistent or Type II is a type of attack that occurs when an attacker injects code into a website, but the code is not stored on the server. Instead, the code is reflected back to the user in the response from the server, such as from a search result or comment. This type of attack can be used to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials, from the user.
- DOM-based XSS: In DOM-based XSS, the attacker manipulates the Document Object Model (DOM) of a web page, rather than the HTML or JavaScript code, to inject malicious code. This type of attack can be difficult to detect, as the code is executed on the client-side rather than on the server-side.
It’s important to be aware of the different types of XSS attacks and to take steps to protect your web application against them. This can include using input validation and sanitization, implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP), and using a web application firewall (WAF).
How to Protect Your Website from Common XSS Attacks?
To prevent XSS attacks, organizations must take steps to secure their web applications. This includes implementing input validation protocols, using parameterized queries, and using a Content Security Policy (CSP) to restrict the types of code that can be executed by web browsers. Additionally, organizations should leverage web application firewalls (WAFs) to monitor for and block XSS attacks.
XSS attacks are a serious cyber threat that can compromise the security of sensitive information and allow hackers to launch future attacks. Organizations must take steps to secure their web applications, including implementing input validation, using parameterized queries, and using a CSP and WAFs to monitor and block XSS attacks to ensure the safety and security of their internal and external data.
