Cross Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious code into a trusted website, compromising data confidentiality and integrity.

Types of Cross Site Scripting Attacks

Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks come in various forms, each exploiting different vulnerabilities in web applications. Understanding these types is crucial for implementing effective security measures.

• Stored XSS: The malicious script is permanently stored on the target server.

• Reflected XSS: The malicious script is reflected off a web server, such as in an error message or search result.

• DOM-based XSS: The vulnerability exists in the client-side code rather than the server-side code.

• Injection of Malicious Code: Attackers inject scripts into otherwise benign websites, compromising data integrity.

Preventing Cross Site Scripting Vulnerabilities

Preventing Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of web applications.

• Input Validation: Ensure all user inputs are validated to prevent malicious data from being processed.

• Output Encoding: Encode data before rendering it on the web page to neutralize potential threats.

• Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement CSP to restrict the sources from which scripts can be executed.

Cross Site Scripting vs. SQL Injection

Cross Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection (SQLi) are two prevalent web application vulnerabilities, each with distinct attack vectors and impacts.

• Target: XSS targets users by injecting malicious scripts into web pages, compromising user data. SQLi targets databases by injecting malicious SQL queries, compromising database integrity.

• Impact: XSS can steal session cookies and manipulate the DOM, affecting user experience. SQLi can lead to unauthorized data access and database manipulation, affecting the application's backend.

Real-World Examples of XSS Exploits

Real-world examples of XSS exploits highlight the significant risks posed by this vulnerability. One notable instance involved attackers injecting malicious scripts into a popular social media platform, leading to the theft of user session cookies and unauthorized access to accounts. Another case saw a major e-commerce site compromised, where attackers used XSS to redirect users to phishing pages, capturing sensitive information.

In a different scenario, a government website fell victim to XSS, allowing attackers to manipulate the site's content and spread misinformation. These examples underscore the importance of robust security measures to prevent XSS attacks and protect user data.