Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability in web applications where attackers inject malicious code (typically JavaScript) into web pages that are then executed by other users of that website. This often occurs by the attacker inserting the malicious code into input fields or parameters of a web page, which is then passed on to other users without proper filtering.
There are various types of XSS attacks, including:
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Reflected XSS: The malicious code is inserted into a URL and passed on to a user who then clicks on that URL. The application processes the input and executes the code, resulting in an attack.
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Persistent XSS: The malicious code is stored permanently in the database or on the server and is served to all users visiting the affected page.
The impacts of XSS attacks can be diverse, including:
- Theft of cookies and session information to access user accounts.
- Redirection to phishing pages or malware downloads.
- Manipulation of content on the website to display fake messages or deceive users.
- Exploitation of browser vulnerabilities to take over user accounts or execute further malicious code.
To protect against XSS attacks, web developers should properly validate and sanitize user inputs before displaying them on the website. Additionally, security mechanisms like Content Security Policy (CSP) can be implemented to prevent the execution of malicious code. Users should also exercise caution and avoid clicking on suspicious links or entering information on insecure websites.
