Secure code scanning tools are vital for identifying vulnerabilities that could jeopardize an application's security. Among the many types of vulnerabilities these tools detect, a few stand out due to their prevalence and potential attack. Here, we delve into some of the most critical vulnerabilities commonly uncovered during security scans:
- SQL Injection
SQL (structured query language) injection, one of the most dangerous vulnerabilities, occurs when an attacker can manipulate a SQL query by inputting malicious information into the application. It happens mostly because user input in SQL queries is not appropriately handled. For instance, concatenating user input directly into SQL statements without validation or escape often means an attacker can craft an input that alters the intended query.
The successful SQLi attacks result in accessing unauthorized data, data manipulation, or complete control over the database server. Such a condition exposes sensitive data. It might even allow attackers to access and execute administrative operations by default, like user credentials or financial information.
Secure code scanners that identify patterns in code can easily pick up SQLi where user input is included within an SQL statement. You can prevent it through parameterized queries or prepared remarks, which separate data from the SQL command.
Input validation and proper error handling can further reduce SQLi’s potential. Wiz offers comprehensive and advanced secure code scanning solutions that effectively identify and address your code's common vulnerabilities. By integrating services provided by Wiz, you can proactively safeguard your applications and maintain a strong security posture.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts inside web pages that other users are viewing. XSS attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the application's handling of user inputs and outputs, allowing the attacker to execute scripts in the context of different user browsers.
XSS has several consequences, such as the theft of session cookies, credentials information, or personal data. It can also facilitate malware distribution or redirect users to malicious sites. Secure code scanners analyze how user inputs are processed and rendered on web pages to discover XSS vulnerabilities. It looks for improper encoding or escaping data presented to the users. Prevention involves proper validation of inputs., output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP) headers that prevent untrusted scripts from being executed.
- Insecure Deserialization
Insecure deserialization occurs when an application deserializes data from an untrusted source without proper validation. This can allow the attacker to manipulate the serialized data for arbitrary code execution or cause an application crash. This vulnerability arises when the application accepts serialized data, such as objects or files from users or external systems.
Insecure deserialization prevents severe threats, including remote code execution or unauthorized access to sensitive data. However, a vulnerability in this process can allow a malicious hacker to control the server environment and alter application data.
Secure code scanners look for insecure data deserialization. They determine how cybercriminals may process the serialized and whether organizations have implemented integrity and legitimacy checks. They may prevent such an attack by enforcing very rigid validation on serialized input, avoiding the practice of deserializing data from untrusted sources, and using secure serialization libraries that provide built-in protection against such attacks.
Endnote
Organizations can improve their security posture by concentrating on SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and insecure deserialization. In addition, to secure code scanning, a thorough approach to secure coding techniques and comprehensive security testing are necessary to address these vulnerabilities.
