The HTTP Protocol

Web Sessions

Injection-Based Vulnerabilities

Authentication-Based Vulnerabilities

Authorization-Based Vulnerabilities

File Inclusion Vulnerabilities

Insecure Code Practices

Understanding web vulnerabilities is essential for improving security and protecting systems. Here’s an overview of common vulnerabilities and ethical approaches to exploiting them for security testing.

Common Web Vulnerabilities

1. SQL Injection (SQLi):

   SQL Injections

   • Description: An attacker can manipulate SQL queries to access or modify database data.
   • Ethical Exploit: Use tools like SQLMap to test input fields and observe how the application responds. Ensure you have permission to test the application.

2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):

   XSS

   • Description: This occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
   • Ethical Exploit: Create benign scripts to see if user input is properly sanitized. Tools like OWASP ZAP can help automate this process.

3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):

   CSRF

   • Description: An attacker tricks a user into executing unwanted actions on a web application in which they're authenticated.
   • Ethical Exploit: Test whether the application includes anti-CSRF tokens in forms and verifies them.

4. Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR):

   IDOR

   • Description: Users can access objects (like files or records) they shouldn’t by modifying parameters in the URL.
   • Ethical Exploit: Attempt to change IDs in URLs or API requests to access unauthorized data, but only in an environment where you have permission.

5. Security Misconfigurations:

   Security Misconfigurations

• Description: Default settings, unnecessary services, or poorly configured permissions can expose vulnerabilities.
• Ethical Exploit: Review configurations against best practices. Tools like Nikto can help identify misconfigurations.

Ethical Hacking Process

1. Obtain Permission: Always have explicit consent from the system owner before conducting any tests.
2. Define Scope: Clearly outline what parts of the system you are authorized to test.