What is Cross-site Request Forgery (CSRF) and how can it be prevented?

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a type of web attack that tricks users into performing actions on a website without their knowledge or consent.

This attack occurs when a malicious website or email sends a request to a legitimate website where the user is already authenticated.

The request appears to be legitimate and is executed on behalf of the user, allowing the attacker to perform actions such as transferring money, changing passwords, or deleting data.

Benefits of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Web Security

• Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data
• Protects against unauthorized transactions
• Ensures the integrity of user data
• Provides a secure user experience
• Prevents website defacement or disruption

How to Get Started with Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Web Security

Here are the steps to get started with implementing CSRF protection:

1. Identify all forms and requests that modify data on the website
2. Add a CSRF token to each form or request
3. Verify the CSRF token on the server-side before processing the request
4. Use a unique and unpredictable CSRF token for each form or request
5. Set the HttpOnly and Secure flags on the CSRF token cookie to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Learning Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Web Security

• Not verifying the CSRF token on the server-side
• Using a predictable or static CSRF token
• Not setting the HttpOnly and Secure flags on the CSRF token cookie

Real-World Examples of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Web Security

Here are two examples of CSRF attacks:

1. An attacker sends an email to a victim with a link to a malicious website. When the victim clicks the link, the website sends a request to a legitimate website where the victim is already logged in. The request transfers money from the victim’s account to the attacker’s account.
2. An attacker embeds a hidden form on a legitimate website. When a user visits the website, the form is automatically submitted, sending a request to the legitimate website where the user is already authenticated. The request changes the user’s password to a password chosen by the attacker.