Server-side web application attacks

Server-side web application attacks target vulnerabilities in the server hosting a web
application or its backend services. These attacks aim to gain unauthorized access,
manipulate data, or disrupt the functioning of the web application. Here are the most common
server-side web application attacks:
1. SQL Injection (SQLi)
• Description: An attacker injects malicious SQL queries into a web application's input
fields, aiming to manipulate the database.
• Impact: Allows attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive data, and in some cases,
execute administrative operations on the database.
• Example: Injecting ' OR '1'='1' -- into a login form to bypass authentication.
• Prevention: Use parameterized queries (prepared statements), input validation, and
stored procedures.
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Description: A type of injection attack where malicious scripts are injected into the
content of a trusted website, usually targeting client-side browsers.
• Impact: Enables attackers to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive
information from users or redirect them to malicious sites.
• Example: Injecting JavaScript code in a comment section that executes when viewed
by other users.
• Prevention: Properly escape and sanitize all user input, use Content Security Policy
(CSP), and encode output.
3. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• Description: An attacker tricks an authenticated user into unknowingly submitting a
malicious request to a web application, usually through a hidden link or form.
• Impact: Allows attackers to perform actions on behalf of users, such as changing
account settings or initiating financial transactions.
• Example: Embedding a malicious link in an email that forces a user to transfer money
when clicked.
• Prevention: Use anti-CSRF tokens, enforce SameSite cookies, and require re-
authentication for critical actions.
4. Remote Code Execution (RCE)
• Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute arbitrary code
on a server remotely.
• Impact: Complete control over the server, allowing attackers to steal data, install
malware, or pivot to other systems.
 • Example: Exploiting a vulnerability in file upload functionality to upload and execute
a malicious script.
• Prevention: Regularly update software, validate file uploads, and implement strict
access controls.
5. File Inclusion Attacks
• Description: Attacks where the attacker includes and executes malicious files on the
server by exploiting improper input handling in file paths.
• Types:
o Local File Inclusion (LFI): Exploiting a vulnerability to include and execute
files stored on the server.
o Remote File Inclusion (RFI): Including external files from a remote server.
• Impact: Can lead to remote code execution, data leakage, or full system compromise.
• Example: A vulnerable application including ../../etc/passwd to disclose sensitive
server files.
• Prevention: Validate and sanitize file paths, and disable remote file inclusion in
server settings.
6. Directory Traversal
• Description: An attacker manipulates file paths to gain access to restricted directories
and files outside the web root directory.
• Impact: Access to sensitive server files like configuration files, password files, or
application source code.
• Example: Exploiting ../ sequences in URLs to access system files, e.g.,
http://example.com/view.php?file=../../etc/passwd.
• Prevention: Validate and sanitize all file path inputs, and configure servers to restrict
file access.
7. Command Injection
• Description: An attacker injects and executes malicious system commands through
vulnerable web applications that improperly handle user input.
• Impact: Allows attackers to execute system-level commands, which can lead to full
server compromise.
• Example: Submitting ; rm -rf / into an input field that is passed directly to a shell
command.
• Prevention: Avoid executing system commands from web applications. If necessary,
use proper input sanitization and parameterized commands.
8. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
• Description: An attacker tricks a server into making requests to unintended locations,
including internal services, external APIs, or web applications.
 • Impact: Can lead to data leakage, port scanning of internal networks, and exploitation
of internal services.
• Example: An attacker submits a request that makes the server fetch sensitive
information from an internal service (http://localhost/admin).
• Prevention: Validate and sanitize all user-controlled URLs, restrict outgoing requests,
and enforce access control.
9. Insecure Deserialization
• Description: Occurs when a web application deserializes untrusted or tampered input,
allowing an attacker to manipulate the serialized data.
• Impact: May lead to remote code execution, privilege escalation, or arbitrary object
manipulation.
• Example: Sending a manipulated serialized object to a vulnerable server that
deserializes it, leading to the execution of arbitrary code.
• Prevention: Avoid deserialization of untrusted data, implement integrity checks, and
use safe serialization formats.
10. XML External Entity (XXE) Attack
• Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in XML parsers by uploading XML
documents that include references to external entities, allowing attackers to access
sensitive files or execute remote code.
• Impact: Access to local files, internal networks, or remote execution of malicious
code.
• Example: An XML input containing <!ENTITY xxe SYSTEM "file:///etc/passwd">,
leading to disclosure of server files.
• Prevention: Disable external entity processing, use less vulnerable parsers (e.g.,
JSON), and validate XML input.
11. Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)
• Description: Overloading a web application or server with excessive traffic or
resource-intensive requests, leading to a crash or unavailability of services.
• Impact: Disrupts the availability of the web application for legitimate users.
• Example: Sending numerous HTTP requests to overload the server, causing it to
crash.
• Prevention: Use rate limiting, load balancing, and DDoS mitigation services.
12. HTTP Parameter Pollution
• Description: An attacker manipulates or injects multiple parameters into an HTTP
request, exploiting how the web application handles or parses these parameters.
• Impact: Can lead to security bypass, incorrect data processing, or exposure of
sensitive information.
 • Example: Injecting extra parameters into a query string to manipulate the
application’s response (e.g., ?id=1&id=2).
• Prevention: Validate and sanitize all HTTP parameters and enforce strict parameter
handling rules.
13. Session Hijacking
• Description: An attacker steals or manipulates session tokens to impersonate a
legitimate user.
• Impact: Allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to a user’s account or session.
• Example: Stealing session cookies via XSS or network interception.
• Prevention: Use secure cookies, encrypt session tokens, and implement session
timeouts and re-authentication for sensitive actions.
Conclusion
Server-side attacks are dangerous because they target the backend infrastructure, which can
have far-reaching consequences for data security, user privacy, and application availability.
Proper input validation, secure coding practices, regular patching, and implementing security
layers like firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS) are crucial in mitigating these
risks.