REFLECTED XSS

 WHAT IS REFLECTED XSS?

Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (Reflected XSS) is a type of web security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into a website, which are then reflected off the server and executed in the victim's browser. Unlike stored XSS, where the malicious script is permanently stored on the server, reflected XSS is typically embedded in a URL or other request and is executed when the victim interacts with that link.

HOW DOES REFLECTED XSS WORK?

1.An attacker posts malicious code in a comment section or forum. 

2.A user clicks on the link containing the malicious code. 

3.The user's browser requests the vulnerable website. 

4.The website receives the request and includes the malicious code in the response. 

5.The user's browser receives the response and executes the malicious code.

MITIGATION FOR REFLECTED XSS:

1.Using output encoding: Output encoding ensures that variables are displayed as text, not code .

2.Using the HTTP Only cookie flag: This flag prevents client-side scripts from accessing cookies. 

3.Using the X-XSS-Protection header: This header filters suspicious content and blocks pages from loading if it detects XSS. 

4.Using Content Security Policy (CSP) headers: These headers restrict the sources of scripts and other resources. 

5.Using a web application firewall (WAF): A WAF can block abnormal server requests and prevent XSS attacks. 

CONCLUSION:

If an attacker can control a script that is executed in the victim's browser, then they can typically fully compromise that user. Amongst other things, the attacker can: Perform any action within the application that the user can perform.