At its core, CWE-434 occurs when an application fails to restrict file uploads to safe and intended file types. This weakness allows attackers to upload malicious files, potentially executing arbitrary code, accessing sensitive data, or gaining unauthorised access to the system.
OS Command Injection occurs when an application dynamically constructs operating system (OS) commands using untrusted inputs, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the host system. These commands often run with the same privileges as the application, amplifying the potential impact.
Path traversal, also known as directory traversal, is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to access files and directories stored outside the intended directory. By exploiting improper validation of user-supplied input, attackers can manipulate file paths to access sensitive system files, configuration files, or any other data stored on the server.
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.
Generative AI (GenAI) refers to a subset of artificial intelligence technologies designed to create new content, such as text, images, videos, and even code, based on patterns and data fed into it. Unlike traditional AI systems that rely on predefined algorithms and data sets, GenAI models learn from vast amounts of data and can generate original outputs that resemble human-created content. These outputs can range from realistic-looking deepfakes to sophisticated malware and phishing schemes, making GenAI a powerful tool for both cyber defenders and attackers.
In the context of cybersecurity, GenAI’s potential is vast. It can be utilised for automating threat detection, creating advanced defence mechanisms, and developing incident response strategies. However, the same capabilities that make GenAI a valuable asset to security teams also make it an attractive tool for cybercriminals, who can use it to create new, more complex forms of cyber attacks.