Common Web Application Security Vulnerabilities and How to Find Them

Web applications, the backbone of our online interactions, are constantly under the scrutiny of both developers and malicious actors. As bug bounty hunters or security enthusiasts, understanding common web application vulnerabilities is paramount. In this article, we’ll explore some prevalent security issues and equip you with the knowledge to identify and mitigate them effectively.

a. SQL Injection (SQLi)

Exploring the basics of SQL injection attacks.Identifying vulnerable input points in web applications.Employing tools like SQLMap and manual testing techniques.

b. Command Injection

Recognizing potential command injection points.Mitigating risks through input validation and secure coding practices.Utilizing tools like OWASP ZAP for automated testing.

a. Stored XSS

Understanding the impact of stored XSS vulnerabilities.Leveraging Burp Suite and other intercepting proxies for detection.Crafting payloads to demonstrate the exploit.

b. Reflected XSS

Identifying reflected XSS in URL parameters and form inputs.Using browser developer tools for quick inspections.Implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) as a defense mechanism.

a. Exploiting CSRF Vulnerabilities

Recognizing CSRF-prone actions in web applications.Constructing CSRF attack payloads.Utilizing Burp Suite and other tools to identify and exploit CSRF.

a. Open Directory Listing

Identifying directories with improper permissions.