- A web application (aka website) is an application based on the client-server model. The server provides the database access and the business logic. It is hosted on a web server. The client application runs on the client web browser. Web applications are usually written in languages such as Java, C#, and VB.Net, PHP, ColdFusion Markup Language, etc. the database engines used in web applications include MySQL, MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite, etc.
- Most web applications are hosted on public servers accessible via the Internet. This makes them vulnerable to attacks due to easy accessibility. The following are common web application threats.
- SQL Injection – the goal of this threat could be to bypass login algorithms, sabotage the data, etc.
- Denial of Service Attacks – the goal of this threat could be to deny legitimate users access to the resource
- Cross Site Scripting XSS – the goal of this threat could be to inject code that can be executed on the client side browser.
- Cookie/Session Poisoning – the goal of this threat is to modify cookies/session data by an attacker to gain unauthorized access.
- Form Tampering – the goal of this threat is to modify form data such as prices in e-commerce applications so that the attacker can get items at reduced prices.
- Code Injection – the goal of this threat is to inject code such as PHP, Python, etc. that can be executed on the server. The code can install backdoors, reveal sensitive information, etc.
- Defacement – the goal of this threat is to modify the page been displayed on a website and redirecting all page requests to a single page that contains the attacker’s message.