Hard-coded credentials refer to embedding authentication information such as usernames, passwords, API keys, or cryptographic keys directly into the source code. Developers might do this for convenience, testing, or quick deployment. However, these credentials often remain in production, creating vulnerabilities.
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.
Modern software development depends on a complex ecosystem of third-party components. Frameworks, libraries, and plugins streamline coding tasks, enabling developers to focus on building application-specific features. However, when these components become outdated or contain vulnerabilities, they pose a serious risk to application security, potentially leading to data breaches, service interruptions, or legal liabilities.
Vulnerable and Outdated Components is one of the categories in the OWASP Top 10, a widely recognised standard for the most critical security risks to web applications. Specifically, it relates to the category “A06:2021 – Vulnerable and Outdated Components,” which highlights the risks posed by outdated libraries, frameworks, and software components.