100 Web App Exploits You Need to Know
Introduction
In the fast-paced world of cybersecurity and ethical hacking, web application vulnerabilities remain a significant concern. Whether you're a bug bounty hunter, penetration tester, or security researcher, understanding these 100 web app exploits will help you stay ahead of cyber threats.
1. Injection Attacks
1.1. SQL Injection (SQLi)
Allows attackers to manipulate database queries by injecting malicious SQL statements.
1.2. NoSQL Injection
Targets NoSQL databases like MongoDB by injecting queries to bypass authentication.
1.3. Command Injection
Executes arbitrary system commands via web inputs.
1.4. LDAP Injection
Exploits LDAP queries to bypass authentication or retrieve unauthorized data.
1.5. XML Injection
Injects XML data to exploit weakly configured XML parsers.
1.6. XPath Injection
Attacks XPath queries used to retrieve XML data.
1.7. Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI)
Allows remote code execution by injecting malicious template expressions.
1.8. Code Injection
Injects malicious code into an application to execute arbitrary commands.
1.9. Log Injection
Alters application logs to mislead administrators or conceal attacks.
1.10. CRLF Injection
Exploits newline characters to manipulate HTTP responses and headers.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
2.1. Stored XSS
Malicious scripts are stored in a web application and executed on users' browsers.
2.2. Reflected XSS
Injects scripts into URLs or input fields that are reflected back in responses.
2.3. DOM-based XSS
Manipulates the DOM (Document Object Model) of a webpage to execute malicious scripts.
3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Forces authenticated users to perform unintended actions on a web app.
4. Authentication and Authorization Attacks
4.1. Broken Authentication
Weak login mechanisms allow attackers to take over accounts.
4.2. Broken Access Control
Users gain unauthorized access to sensitive areas of an application.
4.3. Privilege Escalation
Attackers gain higher privileges than they should have.
4.4. Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
Exposes direct access to database objects without proper authorization.
4.5. Missing Authentication for Critical Functions
Allows unauthorized users to execute critical functions.
4.6. Password-Related Attacks
4.6.1. Brute Force Attacks
Tries all possible password combinations.
4.6.2. Credential Stuffing
Uses leaked credentials to access accounts.
4.6.3. Password Spraying
Tries common passwords across multiple accounts.
4.6.4. Dictionary Attacks
Uses a predefined list of words to crack passwords.
5. Session Management Attacks
5.1. Session Fixation
Forces a user to use a pre-determined session ID.
5.2. Session Hijacking
Steals a valid session ID to impersonate a user.
5.3. Session Timeout Issues
Failure to expire inactive sessions increases risk.
6. Insecure Deserialization
Allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating serialized data.
7. Security Misconfiguration
Exploits weak settings, default credentials, and exposed configurations.
8. Sensitive Data Exposure
8.1. Insecure Storage of Sensitive Data
Data stored without encryption can be easily stolen.
8.2. Information Leakage and Improper Error Handling
Reveals sensitive data through error messages.
8.3. Insecure Data Transfer
Transmitting sensitive data over unencrypted channels.
9. Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities
Attackers exploit outdated or vulnerable libraries and dependencies.
10. Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
Failure to detect and respond to attacks in real time.
11. Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards
Redirects users to malicious sites without proper validation.
12. XML External Entity (XXE) Attacks
Exploits vulnerable XML parsers to read local files or execute remote code.
13. Clickjacking (UI Redressing)
Tricks users into clicking elements hidden under legitimate-looking content.
14. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Forces a server to send requests to internal or external resources.
15. Insecure File Upload
Uploading unvalidated files can lead to remote code execution.
16. Path Traversal (Directory Traversal)
Accesses unauthorized files by manipulating file paths.
17. Remote Code Execution (RCE)
Allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a server.
18. Remote File Inclusion (RFI) & Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Injects remote or local files into an application for exploitation.
19. HTTP Request Smuggling
Manipulates HTTP headers to confuse web servers and proxies.
20. Denial of Service (DoS) & Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
Overloads systems, making web apps unavailable to users.
21. Insecure CORS Configuration
Improperly configured cross-origin settings allow data theft.
22. Subdomain Takeover
Exploits dangling DNS records to hijack subdomains.
23. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks
Intercepts and manipulates data exchanged between users and web applications.
Conclusion
Understanding these 100 web app exploits will help developers, security researchers, and ethical hackers secure applications against cyber threats. Stay updated, practice ethical hacking, and keep learning to enhance your security skills