Survey on Server-Side Approaches to Securing

Web Applications
Topics
Application logic vulnerability

Application logic vulnerabilities arise when an application's design or coding allows for
unintended behaviors, often leading to security breaches or unauthorized access, exploiting
flaws in the way software processes input and business rules.

Common examples include bypassing authentication mechanisms and manipulating data

flows.
Attackers may exploit logic flaws to elevate privileges or gain sensitive information.
Preventive measures include thorough testing, code reviews, and implementing strict input
validation.
Understanding the application's flow and user roles is essential to mitigate these
vulnerabilities.

Cross-Site Scripting

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into
web pages viewed by users, compromising their data and session integrity.

XSS can be categorized into Stored, Reflected, and DOM-based vulnerabilities.

To mitigate XSS, use input validation, output encoding, and proper security headers.
Common targets of XSS attacks include user sessions, cookies, and personal information.
Content Security Policy (CSP) can help prevent XSS by restricting script sources.

Dynamic and hybrid analysis for web application security

Dynamic and hybrid analysis for web applications involves executing programs in runtime
environments to identify vulnerabilities by simulating real user interactions and integrating static
analysis techniques for comprehensive security assessments.

Dynamic analysis allows for testing applications during execution, revealing runtime
vulnerabilities that static analysis may miss.
Hybrid analysis combines static and dynamic techniques, enhancing coverage and improving
detection accuracy for security flaws.
Common tools used include DAST scanners, which test live applications for issues like SQL
injection and cross-site scripting.
Effective analysis often requires a combination of automated tools and manual review to
ensure thorough security assessment.
Dynamic and static analysis in web security

Dynamic analysis assesses an application during execution, identifying runtime vulnerabilities,

while static analysis examines source code without execution, revealing security flaws early in
the development process.

Dynamic analysis often detects issues like SQL injection and cross-site scripting during real-
time interactions.
Static analysis tools can integrate into the development pipeline, aiding in early vulnerability
detection and reducing remediation costs.
Both analyses complement each other; static methods identify potential vulnerabilities and
dynamic methods confirm their exploitability in a live environment.
Using automated tools for both analysis types increases efficiency and allows developers to
focus on fixing identified issues.

Input validation vulnerabilities

Input validation vulnerabilities occur when an application inadequately checks or sanitizes user
input, allowing attackers to exploit the system through injection attacks, data manipulation, and
other malicious activities.

Common types of input validation include checking for data type, length, format, and
whitelisting acceptable values.
Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities to perform SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or
remote code execution.
Implementing a consistent input validation strategy reduces risk and enhances the overall
security posture of applications.
Regular code reviews and security testing can help identify and remediate input validation
vulnerabilities effectively.

Runtime protection of legacy web applications

Runtime protection of legacy web applications involves monitoring and securing applications
during execution to prevent exploits and ensure compliance, especially in unpatched or outdated
systems.

Utilizes techniques like web application firewalls (WAF) to block malicious traffic.
Employs application monitoring to detect and respond to unusual behavior.
Focuses on protecting against common threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL
injection.
Can be enhanced by applying security patches and updates whenever feasible.

Security vulnerabilities in web applications

Security vulnerabilities in web applications arise from coding errors, misconfigurations, and
inadequate security measures, potentially allowing unauthorized access, data breaches, and
exploitation by attackers.

Common vulnerabilities include SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and Cross-Site
Request Forgery (CSRF).
Regular security testing and code reviews are essential for identifying and mitigating
vulnerabilities.
Using secure coding practices and frameworks can reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.
Implementing proper access controls and data validation is critical for safeguarding
applications.

Server-side approaches to securing web applications

Server-side approaches enhance application safety by implementing measures like input

validation, session management, and secure communication to protect against threats such as
injection attacks and unauthorized access.

Input validation ensures that data sent to the server is sanitized and verified to prevent
injection attacks.
Session management securely tracks user sessions, using tokens and encryption to prevent
hijacking and replay attacks.
Error handling practices prevent sensitive information leakage through detailed error
messages displayed to users.
Secure communication methods, such as HTTPS, protect data in transit from interception
and tampering.

Session management vulnerability

Session management vulnerabilities occur when attackers exploit weaknesses in the processes
that manage user sessions, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts or
sensitive information during active sessions.

Common attack methods include session hijacking, session fixation, and replay attacks.
Mitigation strategies involve using secure cookies, implementing session timeouts, and
ensuring proper session invalidation.
It's crucial to enforce strong session identifiers that are unpredictable and long enough to
resist brute-force attacks.
Regular security audits can help identify and rectify session management issues before they
are exploited by malicious actors.

SQL injection

SQL injection is a code injection technique where an attacker manipulates SQL queries to gain
unauthorized access or manipulate database information, exploiting vulnerabilities in
applications that improperly handle user input.
 Commonly targets data-driven applications using databases, such as login forms and search
features.
Preventive measures include using prepared statements, parameterized queries, and input
validation.
SQL injection can lead to data breaches, data loss, and unauthorized administrative access.
Tools like SQLMap can automate the detection and exploitation of SQL injection
vulnerabilities.

Taint analysis techniques

Taint analysis techniques identify how untrusted input influences program execution, helping to
detect vulnerabilities like injection attacks by tracking data flow from its origin to sinks, or points
of unsafe usage.

These techniques categorize data as 'tainted' when it originates from untrusted sources.
Static taint analysis examines code without execution, while dynamic methods analyze it
during runtime.
Taint tracking helps identify paths that lead to exploitation by following the flow of potentially
dangerous data.
Identify and mitigate risks by ensuring tainted data is properly sanitized before being used in
critical operations.

Vulnerabilities in Ruby-on-Rails web applications

Ruby-on-Rails applications can be susceptible to various vulnerabilities, including SQL injection,

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and insecure direct object references, requiring vigilant security
practices during development and maintenance.

Utilize strong parameter filtering to prevent mass assignment vulnerabilities.

Implement proper authentication and authorization to protect sensitive data.
Regularly update Rails and third-party gems to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and testing, including penetration testing and code reviews.

Key Terms
Access control vulnerabilities

Access control vulnerabilities occur when unauthorized users gain privileges to sensitive data or
functionalities, leading to potential breaches of confidentiality and integrity. Effective controls are
essential to safeguard resources from exploitation.

Common types include broken access control, excessive permissions, and insecure direct
object references.
Regular audits and testing can help identify and mitigate access control weaknesses in
 applications.
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to enforce least privilege principles effectively.
Educate users about the importance of access management to reduce risks of social
engineering attacks.

Anomaly detection

Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns or behaviors in data that may indicate potential
security threats, enabling proactive measures against attacks or breaches.

Common techniques include statistical analysis, machine learning, and rule-based methods
to uncover deviations from normal operations.
Anomaly detection can help in recognizing zero-day vulnerabilities and advanced persistent
threats that evade traditional signature-based detection.
Establishing a baseline of normal behavior is crucial for effective anomaly detection, allowing
for accurate identification of deviations.
False positives are a challenge; tuning detection parameters and applying context-aware
analysis can help reduce unnecessary alerts.

Black-box approach

The black-box approach involves testing a system without prior knowledge of its internal
workings. Testers focus solely on input and output, treating the system as an opaque entity to
identify vulnerabilities and security flaws.

This method assesses how the system reacts to various inputs, aiding in vulnerability
detection.
Common tools for this approach include automated scanners and penetration testing
techniques.
It emphasizes user-level perspectives, mimicking real-world attacks without insider
knowledge.
Results can guide security improvements based on observed behavior rather than underlying
code analysis.

Black-box testing

Black-box testing evaluates a system's functionality without examining internal structures or

workings, focusing solely on inputs and expected outputs to identify vulnerabilities and ensure
software meets specifications.

Testers simulate attacks to uncover security flaws without knowledge of the underlying code.
This method assesses how well the application responds to user inputs and properly handles
error conditions.
Black-box testing can be performed at any stage of development, including during user
acceptance testing.
It is often used alongside white-box testing to provide a comprehensive evaluation of security
 measures.

Content Security Policy (CSP)

Content Security Policy (CSP) is a security feature that helps prevent various attacks such as
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) by allowing web developers to specify which content sources are
trusted.

CSP is implemented via HTTP headers or HTML meta tags.

It defines directives like 'default-src', 'script-src', and 'style-src' for controlling resource
sources.
Browsers enforce CSP to block unauthorized content, enhancing site integrity.
CSP can report violations to a specified endpoint for monitoring and analysis.

Control flow graph

A control flow graph (CFG) represents the flow of control in a program, illustrating paths that
execution might take during runtime, crucial for analyzing program behavior and identifying
vulnerabilities.

Nodes in a CFG represent basic blocks of code, while edges represent control flow between
them.
CFGs aid in optimizing code and detecting unreachable code segments or potential security
flaws.
Manipulating CFGs can reveal vulnerabilities like code injection, which exploit specific
execution paths.
Static analysis tools often utilize CFGs to detect errors and improve the reliability of software.

Cross-Site Request Forgery

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks a user's browser into making
unwanted requests to a different site, potentially compromising security by executing actions on
behalf of the user without their consent.

CSRF exploits the trust a site has in the user's browser.

Tokens, such as CSRF tokens, can be implemented to validate requests.
Users can mitigate risks by logging out of sensitive accounts after use.
SameSite cookies provide a layer of protection against CSRF attacks.

Dynamic analysis

Dynamic analysis involves testing applications in real-time during execution to identify

vulnerabilities and security flaws that may be exploited during runtime, providing insights on
security weaknesses and behavioral issues.
 Unlike static analysis, dynamic analysis requires a running application to identify security
vulnerabilities in context.
Common techniques include automated scanning, fuzz testing, and manual testing to
observe application behavior under various conditions.
Tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite facilitate dynamic analysis by simulating attacks on
web applications.
This approach helps in detecting runtime issues such as injection flaws, authentication
problems, and session management vulnerabilities.

Dynamic taint analysis

Dynamic taint analysis is a technique used to track the flow of sensitive data through programs
at runtime, identifying potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized data leaks effectively.

It marks data as 'tainted' when it originates from untrusted sources, like user inputs.
The analysis monitors operations to see if tainted data influences critical decision points.
Dynamic taint analysis can help detect security flaws such as SQL injection or cross-site
scripting.
It often requires instrumentation of the code or the execution environment for accurate
tracking.

Execution After Redirect

Execution After Redirect refers to vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute malicious code
after a user is redirected to a compromised site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or
data exposure.

Frequently exploited in cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks where users are redirected
unintentionally.
To mitigate risks, implement input validation and sanitize redirect URLs thoroughly.
Educating users about clicking on untrusted links can help reduce the effectiveness of these
attacks.
Always use secure authentication methods to ensure that sensitive actions cannot be
performed without proper authorization.

forceful browsing

Forceful browsing is a security vulnerability where an attacker gains unauthorized access to

restricted resources by manipulating URL parameters or HTTP requests.

This technique often exploits insufficient access controls on sensitive pages or data.
Attackers may use directory traversal or guessable URLs to access restricted content.
Preventing forceful browsing requires implementing proper authentication and authorization
mechanisms.
Regular security audits and testing can help identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.
Hybrid taint analysis

Hybrid taint analysis combines static and dynamic analysis techniques to track the flow of data,
identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring safe handling of user inputs within applications.

Static analysis examines code without execution, spotting potential vulnerabilities early in the
development process.
Dynamic analysis involves running the application and monitoring real-time data flows and
usage patterns during execution.
Hybrid approaches leverage the strengths of both static and dynamic methods to improve
accuracy and reduce false positives.
Applications often include evaluating input sanitization, verifying data integrity, and detecting
injection vulnerabilities through taint tracking.

Information flow model

The Information flow model analyzes how data moves between different system components,
ensuring sensitive information is protected against unauthorized access or leaks throughout its
lifecycle.

It emphasizes the confidentiality and integrity of data as it flows between various processes
and users.
Labeling data with security levels helps in controlling access based on trustworthiness and
sensitivity.
Dynamic analysis can identify potential information leaks in real-time during program
execution.
Static analysis is used to examine code for vulnerabilities without executing it, offering an
early risk assessment.

Intermodule analysis

Intermodule analysis examines interactions between components of an application to identify

security vulnerabilities that may arise from their integration and communication.

It focuses on how data flows between modules and potential injection points.
Common methods include static analysis, dynamic analysis, and manual code review.
Understanding access controls between modules is crucial for preventing unauthorized
actions.
Threat modeling helps identify potential weaknesses in component interactions.

Intramodule analysis

Intramodule analysis involves examining individual modules within applications to identify

vulnerabilities, ensuring secure interactions and data flow between components while mitigating
risks linked to specific functionalities.

Focuses on assessing the internal logic of modules rather than external threats.
Identifies security flaws like inadequate input validation or improper authentication
mechanisms.
Aids in understanding module dependencies and their impact on overall application security.
Supports best practices for coding and designing modules to enhance resilience against
attacks.

Negative security model

The negative security model focuses on identifying and blocking known threats by defining what
is harmful, rather than what is safe, enhancing protection against specific attack patterns.

This approach relies on blacklists to prevent known malicious activities.

It often requires regular updates to keep up with emerging threats.
Misclassifications can occur, leading to potential false positives.
It complements the positive security model, which allows only approved behavior.

parameter tampering

Parameter tampering involves altering parameters in a web request to manipulate application

behavior, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data breaches.

Common methods include modifying GET or POST request parameters in browsers or tools
like Burp Suite.
Parameter tampering can expose sensitive information or allow users to gain elevated
privileges.
To mitigate risks, implement input validation and authorization checks on all parameters.
Logging and monitoring can help detect unusual parameter modifications, enhancing overall
security.

Positive security model

A positive security model focuses on explicitly allowing known safe actions and content, rather
than merely blocking harmful elements, enhancing overall security.

Prioritizes whitelisting trusted sources and behaviors instead of relying solely on blacklisting
undesired ones.
Reduces the risk of zero-day vulnerabilities by ensuring only purposed code is executed.
Implemented using technologies like Content Security Policy (CSP) to define permissible
resources.
Encourages a proactive stance in security management, supporting continuous assessment
and updates.
Prepared statements

Prepared statements are precompiled SQL queries that enhance security by preventing SQL
injection attacks, ensuring data integrity and efficient query execution.

They separate SQL code from data, reducing the risk of malicious input execution.
Prepared statements can improve performance by allowing query reuse with different
parameters.
Most programming languages provide built-in support for prepared statements in their
database libraries.
Using prepared statements is considered a best practice for secure database interactions.

Principle of least privilege

The principle of least privilege dictates that users and systems should only have the minimal
level of access necessary to perform their functions, reducing potential vulnerabilities and
limiting the impact of security breaches.

This principle helps minimize risks by restricting access to sensitive data and critical
functions.
Implementing this principle often involves the use of role-based access controls.
Regular audits can help ensure that privileges are not overly broad and remain appropriate.
Training users on the importance of least privilege can enhance overall organizational
security postures.

Runtime protection

Runtime protection involves monitoring and securing applications during execution to prevent
attacks such as code injection, tampering, and unauthorized access, ensuring stable and secure
operation of software in real-time environments.

It helps detect malicious activities and anomalies during application runtime.

Technologies like Application Control and Intrusion Prevention Systems are commonly used.
Runtime protection can reduce the impact of zero-day vulnerabilities.
Key features often include agent-based monitoring and real-time alerting.

Secure construction

Secure construction involves designing and implementing software systems with security
considerations from the start, minimizing vulnerabilities and threats during the development
process.

Incorporate secure coding practices, such as input validation and proper error handling, to
enhance the application's defenses.
 Utilize security frameworks and libraries that provide built-in protections against common
threats like cross-site scripting and SQL injection.
Conduct regular security assessments through code reviews, automated scanning, and
penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
Educate the development team about security principles and the latest threats to foster a
culture of security awareness throughout the software lifecycle.

Security analysis/testing

Security analysis/testing involves systematically evaluating web applications for vulnerabilities,

ensuring they are protected against threats and malicious attacks through various testing
methodologies and tools.

Common testing techniques include penetration testing, static code analysis, and dynamic
application testing.
Automated tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite are widely used to identify security flaws.
Regular testing helps maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as
GDPR and PCI DSS.
Effective security testing requires an understanding of the software development lifecycle
and risk management principles.

session hijacking

Session hijacking is a type of attack where an adversary exploits a valid computer session to
gain unauthorized access to information or services.

Common methods include stealing cookies, using packet sniffing, or exploiting vulnerabilities
in web applications.
Preventive measures include using secure sessions, HTTPS, and implementing session
timeouts and re-authentication processes.
Attacks can lead to data theft, unauthorized transactions, and loss of user privacy.
Regularly updating web applications and user education are essential to minimize risks of
session hijacking.

session ID

A session ID is a unique identifier assigned to a user's session on a web application, used to

track user interactions and maintain state across multiple requests.

Session IDs are typically stored in cookies or passed in URLs for maintaining session state.
They should be random and sufficiently long to prevent guessing and session hijacking.
Best practices include using HTTPS to encrypt session IDs and implementing session
expiration policies.
Regularly regenerating session IDs during sensitive actions enhances security by mitigating
the risk of fixation attacks.
Session riding

Session riding is an attack technique where an attacker exploits a user's authenticated session,
allowing unauthorized actions without their consent.

Attackers typically utilize Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) techniques to perform session
riding.
Valid session cookies or tokens must be present for the attack to succeed, making session
management crucial.
Preventive measures include using anti-CSRF tokens and ensuring proper validation of user
actions.
Awareness of session expiry and logout practices can mitigate risks associated with session
riding.

State violation attacks

State violation attacks exploit flaws in the management of session states, allowing unauthorized
access or manipulation of user sessions, potentially compromising application integrity and
confidentiality.

These attacks often involve session hijacking or fixation, where attackers manipulate session
tokens.
Preventive measures include implementing secure cookie attributes and regular session
validation mechanisms.
Attackers can exploit predictable or repetitive session identifiers to gain unauthorized access.
User education on recognizing phishing attempts can help mitigate state violation risks.

Static analysis

Static analysis is a methodology for examining source code and binaries without executing them,
aiming to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with coding standards.

Static analysis tools analyze code for common security flaws like SQL injection and cross-site
scripting vulnerabilities.
This technique can be integrated into the development workflow to catch issues early in the
software lifecycle.
False positives are common; careful review of results is necessary to differentiate actual
vulnerabilities from benign code.
Static analysis requires no runtime environment, making it a safe method to review code
before deployment.

White-box analysis

White-box analysis involves examining the source code and logic of an application to identify
vulnerabilities, offering detailed insights into security flaws that may not be visible through
external testing.

This method provides a comprehensive view of potential security issues by analyzing the
internal structure of the application.
It often includes static code analysis techniques to detect common programming errors and
security vulnerabilities.
White-box analysis requires access to the complete codebase, making it suitable for internal
assessment by developers or security experts.
It can be complemented by dynamic analysis to provide a more thorough evaluation of the
application's security posture.

Workflow graph

A workflow graph visually represents the sequence of processes and decision points in a system,
aiding in analysis and optimization of security measures against vulnerabilities.

Nodes represent specific tasks or processes involved in managing security protocols.

Edges indicate the flow of information and controls between different stages of the workflow.
Analysis of workflow graphs helps identify potential security risks and streamline processes.
Regular updates to the graph ensure alignment with evolving security practices and threats.