Web Application Hacking

What is Web Application Hacking?

Web Application Hacking refers to the process of exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, websites, and related technologies to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt services. Unlike network hacking, which targets infrastructure, web application hacking targets the application layer (Layer 7 in OSI model) where user interaction happens.

When done legally by ethical hackers, this process is called Web Application Penetration Testing and is crucial for securing websites and online platforms.

Why Attack Web Applications?

• Web apps handle sensitive data (user info, payments, business logic).
• They are internet-facing, making them accessible to attackers globally.
• Vulnerabilities are common due to complex code and poor security practices.

Common Web Application Vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)

According to the OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project), these are the most exploited flaws:

1. SQL Injection (SQLi)
   • Attacker injects malicious SQL queries to read, modify, or delete database data.
   • Example: ' OR 1=1 --
2. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
   • Injecting malicious JavaScript into web pages to steal cookies or session tokens.
3. Broken Authentication & Session Management
   • Exploiting weak login systems to hijack user accounts.
4. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
   • Forcing users to perform unintended actions by exploiting their authenticated session.
5. Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)
   • Accessing unauthorized data by manipulating URLs or request parameters.
6. Command Injection
   • Executing system commands via vulnerable web inputs.
7. File Upload Vulnerabilities
   • Uploading malicious scripts to gain remote access.
8. Security Misconfigurations
   • Default credentials, open admin panels, and unnecessary services.
9. Sensitive Data Exposure
   • Unencrypted passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.
10. Insufficient Logging & Monitoring
    • Delayed detection of attacks due to poor monitoring.

Common Tools for Web Application Hacking

• Burp Suite – Web proxy for intercepting and modifying HTTP requests.
• OWASP ZAP – Open-source web application scanner.
• SQLmap – Automated SQL injection tool.
• Nikto – Web vulnerability scanner.
• Metasploit – Exploit framework.
• Ffuf / Dirbuster – Directory and file brute forcing.

Ethical Hacking Process for Web Apps

1. Reconnaissance
   • Gather app details (URLs, endpoints, technologies).
2. Scanning & Enumeration
   • Identify open ports, application frameworks, and APIs.
3. Vulnerability Testing
   • Use manual and automated tools to find flaws.
4. Exploitation
   • Safely exploit vulnerabilities to prove risk (with permission).
5. Reporting & Remediation
   • Document findings and provide fixes.

How to Prevent Web Application Attacks

• Input Validation & Sanitization
  (Prevent SQLi, XSS)
• Parameterized Queries & ORM
  (Stop SQL injection)
• Strong Authentication & MFA
• Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF)
• Regular Security Testing (Pentesting)
• Encrypt Sensitive Data (TLS, HTTPS, hashing passwords)
• Update & Patch Frameworks and Libraries

Legal Note:

Hacking web applications without consent is illegal. Always get written permission before performing penetration tests.