Cross-Origin Attacks: Types & Examples

Cross-Origin Attacks, also known as Cross-Origin Vulnerabilities, refer to a class of security threats that occur when a web application running at one origin (domain) makes requests to a different origin. The same-origin policy is a fundamental security concept in web browsers that restricts web pages from making requests to a different domain (origin) than the one that served the web page. However, there are scenarios where a web page may need to make requests to different origins, and this introduces the potential for cross-origin attacks.

There are several types of cross-origin attacks, and here are some of the most common ones:

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): CSRF attacks occur when an attacker tricks a user into performing an action on a website without their knowledge or consent. For example, an attacker could send a malicious link or embed it in an email that, when clicked by the victim, makes an unintended request to a different website, possibly changing the user's settings or making financial transactions on their behalf.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): XSS attacks involve injecting malicious scripts into a web page that is then executed by other users' browsers. This can allow attackers to steal sensitive data, such as cookies, or perform actions on behalf of the user.

Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) Vulnerabilities: CORS is a security feature that enables controlled access to resources on a different domain. Misconfigured CORS policies can lead to unauthorized access and data leakage. An example could be a website allowing overly permissive CORS settings, allowing an attacker's site to make unauthorized requests and obtain sensitive data from the target site.

Here's an example of a cross-origin attack:

Imagine a popular social networking website, let's call it "SocialWeb," where users can post messages. SocialWeb has a feature that allows users to include images from external websites in their posts. An attacker crafts an image URL that, when loaded on SocialWeb, triggers a hidden action on another website, such as changing the email address associated with a user's account on that site. If a SocialWeb user views the attacker's post containing the malicious image, the action is executed on the targeted website, potentially compromising the user's account on that site.

To mitigate cross-origin attacks, web developers should implement security mechanisms like Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS), input validation, output encoding, and authentication tokens. Additionally, users should be cautious about clicking on unfamiliar links or opening content from untrusted sources to protect themselves from CSRF and XSS attacks.

Open eClass – CVE-2024-26503: Unrestricted File Upload Leads to Remote Code Execution

During an assessment, I identified a severe security vulnerability within Open eClass, an e-learning platform extensively utilized across educational institutions, notably within Greece, where it is deployed by virtually all Greek Universities and educational entities. Open eClass, developed by GUnet (Greek Universities Network), is instrumental in delivering asynchronous e-learning services. The vulnerability, cataloged under CVE-2024-26503, involves an unrestricted file upload flaw that enables remote code execution (RCE), impacting versions 3.15 and earlier of the platform. This critical security lapse presents a significant risk, potentially allowing unauthorized access and control over the system, thereby compromising the integrity and security of the educational infrastructure. Affected Versions: ● version <= 3.15 CVSSv3.1 Base Score: 9.1 ( Critical ) CVSSv3.1 Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H Exploitation Guide The vulnerability can be exploited

How I Use Obsidian for Penetration Testing, CVE Hunting, and Studying

In the ever-evolving realm of cyber security, the tools and techniques at our disposal are as varied as the threats we aim to counteract. Among these tools, note-taking applications play a pivotal role, not just in organizing our thoughts but in streamlining our entire workflow. Today, I'm excited to share how Obsidian, a tool I embraced over two and a half years ago while preparing for my eJPT exam, has become an indispensable ally in my journey through penetration testing, CVE hunting, and continuous learning. If you're not yet familiar with Obsidian, it's a robust note-taking application that operates on a local collection of plain text Markdown files. What sets it apart is its capability to interlink ideas, forming an expansive web of knowledge that is both intuitive and comprehensive to explore. Through considerable customization, I've developed what I consider to be an ideal method for consolidating notes, insights, and projects into a unified workspace. Here'

OSWE: The Review That You Should Read

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, certifications are often seen as milestones that mark one's journey from novice to expert. Among the myriad of certifications available, OffSec Web Expert (OSWE) stands out as one of the most challenging and respected. If you're considering pursuing OSWE, or if you're simply curious about what it entails, this review is for you. What is OSWE? OSWE, or OffSec Web Expert, is an advanced certification offered by OffSec, a renowned organization in the cybersecurity community. The certification is aimed at professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in conducting white-box penetration testing on web applications. Unlike black-box penetration testing, where the tester has no prior knowledge of the target, white-box testing involves having access to the application's source code, allowing for a more thorough and in-depth analysis. The OSWE certification is not just another feather in your cap; it's a rigorous test of

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