Discuss web server threats in details.

Major web server threats are:

Injection Flaws:

• What is it? Sending bad data to a web server to trick it into doing unintended things.
• Examples: SQL injection, OS injection.
• Why it’s bad: Allows attackers to execute unauthorized commands or access data.

Sensitive Data Exposure:

• What is it? Failing to protect important data like financial or healthcare information.
• Examples: Credit card fraud, identity theft.
• Why it’s bad: Enables criminals to steal or modify sensitive data without proper protection.

XML External Entities:

• What is it? Exploiting poorly configured XML processors to disclose internal files.
• Examples: Internal file sharing, remote code execution.
• Why it’s bad: Can lead to unauthorized access and denial-of-service attacks.

Broken Access Control:

• What is it? Not properly enforcing restrictions on what authenticated users are allowed to do.
• Examples: Accessing unauthorized functionality, viewing sensitive files.
• Why it’s bad: Allows attackers to manipulate the system and access unauthorized data.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):

• What is it? Injecting malicious code into a web application to harm users.
• Examples: Hijacking user sessions, redirecting to malicious sites.
• Why it’s bad: Targets users and damages the organization’s reputation.

Reflected XSS:

• What is it? Using a malicious script to reflect traffic to a user’s browser.
• Examples: Activating harmful scripts via manipulated web applications.
• Why it’s bad: Initiates harmful actions through unsuspecting users.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):

• What is it? Deceiving a user’s browser to perform unauthorized actions.
• Examples: Transferring funds, changing passwords without user consent.
• Why it’s bad: Can lead to unauthorized actions and data theft.

Man in the Middle (MITM) Attack:

• What is it? Intercepting communication between the user and the application.
• Examples: Eavesdropping, impersonation.
• Why it’s bad: Allows attackers to harvest sensitive information.

Phishing Attack:

• What is it? Pretending to be a trustworthy entity to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Examples: Stealing login details, installing malware.
• Why it’s bad: Can lead to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Remote File Inclusion (RFI):

• What is it? Exploiting web applications that call external scripts to upload malware.
• Examples: Taking over systems by uploading malicious code.
• Why it’s bad: Allows attackers to control and compromise the system.

Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities:

• What is it? Exploiting weaknesses in libraries, frameworks, and modules with known vulnerabilities.
• Why it’s bad: Lets attackers take control of and exploit systems.

Insufficient Logging and Monitoring:

• What is it? Not properly tracking and monitoring activities, allowing attackers to go undetected.
• Why it’s bad: Enables attackers to maintain persistence and tamper with or steal data.

Backdoor Attack:

• What is it? Malware that bypasses login authentication to enter a system.
• Examples: Triggering system commands, maintaining access.
• Why it’s bad: Allows attackers to control the compromised system and update their malware covertly.