Security misconfiguration occurs when system security settings across application stacks—such as servers, databases, and networks—are inadequately implemented or left in their default states. These missteps expose critical vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
At its core, SSRF arises when an attacker can manipulate a server to send HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations, often bypassing firewalls, access controls, and other security measures. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied URLs or inputs that dictate server-side request behaviour.
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.
CSRF is a security vulnerability that tricks a victim into performing unintended actions on a web application where they are authenticated. By exploiting the trust that a website places in the user’s browser, attackers can force users to execute actions without their consent or knowledge.
SQL Injection is a code injection technique that exploits a software vulnerability within the database query layer. This occurs when an application does not properly sanitise or neutralise special elements in SQL statements. Attackers craft malicious inputs to manipulate queries, gaining unauthorised access to databases or manipulating data.