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A CSRF attack tricks a logged-in user into unknowingly sending requests to a website without their intention. For example, if you’re logged into your bank and, in another tab, you click a malicious link, that link could trick the bank into transferring funds without your explicit approval.

This attack happens when websites don’t verify that requests come from a legitimate user but instead rely solely on the user’s authenticated session.

To identify a CSRF vulnerability, look for these signs:

Sensitive Operations with No Additional Verification
Check if sensitive actions, like money transfers or password changes, can be done without re-entering credentials or performing any extra security step, such as CAPTCHA or two-factor authentication (2FA).Lack of CSRF Tokens
CSRF tokens are unique, one-time codes added to forms or URL parameters to verify the legitimacy of a request. When you find a form handling sensitive data but missing these tokens, it might be vulnerable.Log into the Targeted Web Application
Use legitimate login credentials to access the account and note any actions you can perform, like updating settings or transferring funds.Inspect Form Actions
Check the forms for critical functions. Right-click on the form, select “Inspect,” and see if it includes a hidden CSRF token field. If no CSRF token is present, this could mean the request is not protected.Manipulate Requests Using Browser Tools
Use your browser’s developer tools to modify requests and see if actions are still processed without verification. For example, try copying the request URL, logging out of the account, and pasting it back into the browser. If the action still succeeds, CSRF protection is weak or missing.Look for “GET” Requests on Sensitive Actions
CSRF attacks are simpler to execute on GET requests. Look out for important functions, like password resets or file uploads, that execute on clicking a link (a GET request) rather than filling out a form (a POST request).Account Settings and Profile Pages
Many websites overlook CSRF protections on profile updates or settings changes, making these pages ideal for testing.Sensitive Transactions
Anything that impacts account security or finances — password changes, fund transfers, or adding secondary emails — should be verified. These actions should ideally require CSRF tokens.Admin Panels and Privileged Areas
If you have access to a test account with admin privileges, it’s worth checking the backend settings as these often have high-value CSRF targets.Burp Suite
Burp’s “Repeater” and “Intruder” tools allow you to automate request testing, which is helpful for finding CSRF vulnerabilities.OWASP ZAP
This free tool can also be useful for CSRF detection. Use it to intercept and replay requests without tokens and observe the behavior.Postman
Postman allows you to quickly test web requests without needing a browser. You can change and resend requests to see if they execute without authentication.

When reporting a CSRF bug, make sure to include:

Steps to reproduce the issue (including exact URLs and actions).Screenshots or video proof showing the missing CSRF token.Explanation of the potential impact of the vulnerability on user accounts and data.

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