Incorrect security configuration

Security is essential for any web-based application and an incorrect security configuration may cause loss of confidential data. In web application security, there are some important components involved such as application servers, database, web servers and others which can be vulnerable to cybercriminals who can easily attack and harm the sensitive data. An attacker can attack default accounts, unutilized web pages, and insecure directories and so on. If an attacker can harm these kinds of data which means an application is vulnerable to the attacker and it is not uncomplicated to retrieve that information again.

 

Solution

The unused web pages and plug-ins should be removed from the application and avoid sharing personal credentials like passwords and account information. Those features and functions should be used which are totally necessary to run an application and unused functions should be disabled or deactivated. Penetration testing is required for an organization or a company to maintain the security level and provide a secure environment for better user experience.

 

Session and authentication management flaws and invalidation

The broken session is one of the most common vulnerabilities in the security of the system and personal accounts. Most cybercriminals wait and look forward to session faults or validated accounts weakness to attempt an attack and target the credential details and account information. There are so many issues involved such as session timed out, insecure passwords and updating of accounts.

 

Solution

There are some solutions to avoid an attack like session hijacking by verifying user account details. When the authentication will be done then the current cookie will be released along with the last session cookie which is already void or illegitimate. The timeouts should be a short period of time to reduce the risk of session hijacking attack. Users should change their passwords after a few days or weeks and it is necessary to remember the previous password before renewing it.

 

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

CSRF is an attack to exploit the web-based applications using the malicious code and manipulating users to execute unwanted actions such as update or change their email account details, transference of money and so on. If the victim is unaware of the CSRF attack then it will be easier for an attacker to target the essential credential details which are an issue in the application security.

 

Solution

First of all, users should use HTTPs to avoid CSRF rather than using HTTP and users’ session ids can be secured by revising or recasting the URL. The use of secret cookie can be another solution which is consented with requests every time.

 

Need any help?

Written by Julio Del Cid from DelCorp Data. Julio Del Cid can help with web application security issues and solutions. If you need assistance you can visit our contact page and request a call-back about web application security issues and solutions.

DelCorp Data is a cybersecurity agency which specializes in software-based attacks and overall cyber protection of your organization. Contact us on 1300 del corp / 1300335267. We are an Australian company based in Melbourne.