Improper input validation occurs when a software application fails to verify that input received is within the expected range, format, type, or value before processing. This weakness paves the way for a variety of security exploits, including injection attacks, buffer overflows, and data manipulation, which can compromise application functionality and user data.
At its core, XSS exploits the trust a user places in a web application. By manipulating input fields, URLs, or other interactive elements, attackers can introduce scripts that execute commands, steal sensitive information, or alter website functionality.
HTTP Response Splitting is a web application vulnerability that occurs when an attacker is able to manipulate HTTP headers to split the response sent to the client. This manipulation exploits the way headers are processed by web servers and browsers, allowing attackers to inject malicious content into the response stream. The result can be a range of attacks, from cross-site scripting (XSS) to cache poisoning and web cache poisoning, all of which can disrupt business operations, damage brand reputation, and compromise sensitive data.
**JSON Injection** is a form of **injection vulnerability** that occurs when an application improperly handles user input within a JSON object. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is widely used for data exchange between web clients and servers. When applications fail to validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into a JSON object, attackers can inject malicious data, manipulating the application’s behaviour.
JSON Injection primarily targets the integrity of the data being exchanged, potentially altering application logic, bypassing authentication, or even leading to more severe attacks like remote code execution. It is particularly dangerous in systems that use JSON for configuration files, user inputs, or data transfer, which is the case in many modern web applications.
Injection vulnerabilities rank among the most critical and persistent issues in web application security. Identified as one of the OWASP Top 10 security risks, these vulnerabilities pose significant threats to organisations of all sizes, potentially leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.