Improper Authentication occurs when a software application fails to properly verify the identity of a user or system attempting to gain access. This weakness enables unauthorised entities to bypass security measures and gain access to sensitive data or system functionalities.
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.
CWE-94, or Code Injection, occurs when a software application improperly controls the input used in generating code. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious code, which the application subsequently compiles or interprets. The injected code can execute unintended commands, compromise data integrity, and even provide attackers with full control over the system.
Out-of-Bounds Read occurs when a program reads data past the allocated boundary of a buffer. This behaviour typically arises from improper validation of input data or incorrect indexing in memory operations. By exploiting this weakness, attackers can gain unauthorised access to sensitive information, potentially leading to security violations.
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.