
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Unveiling the Threats and Techniques
What Is Cross Site Scripting (XSS) and How Does It Work?
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when a web application allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The main goal of XSS attacks is to bypass access controls (such as the same-origin policy) and execute scripts in the context of a victim’s browser.
Here’s a breakdown of the basic types of XSS attacks:

- Stored XSS (Persistent XSS):
- Malicious scripts are permanently stored on the target server, often in a database.
- When a user requests a particular page, the server includes the malicious script in the response.
- For example, an attacker might input a malicious script into a comment on a blog post. When other users view the post, the script executes in their browsers.
- Reflected XSS (Non-Persistent XSS):
- The malicious script is embedded in a URL and is not stored on the target server.
- The script is typically part of a link that is sent to the victim, and when the victim clicks on the link, the script is executed.
- The server reflects the malicious input back to the user in the response.
- For example, an attacker might craft a URL with a script payload, and if a user clicks on the link,
- the script runs in their browser.
- DOM-based XSS:
- This type of XSS occurs when the web application’s client-side scripts manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) based on untrusted data.
- The malicious script modifies the DOM, leading to security vulnerabilities.
- Unlike traditional XSS, the payload in DOM-based XSS does not necessarily involve server communication.

The impact of XSS attacks can vary, but common consequences include theft of user session cookies, defacement of websites, and the potential for attackers to perform actions on behalf of the victim. To prevent XSS attacks, web developers should sanitize and validate user input, use secure coding practices, and employ security mechanisms such as Content Security Policy (CSP).
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