Scope
The audit covered the following areas of the website:
1. Web Application Vulnerabilities
2. Authentication and Session Management
3. Input Validation
4. Data Encryption
5. Server Configuration
Findings
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Web Application Vulnerabilities
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Reflected XSS vulnerabilities were found on several input fields. Malicious scripts can be injected, leading to potential data theft or session hijacking.
SQL Injection: Several input fields were identified as being susceptible to SQL injection attacks, which could allow attackers to access or manipulate the database.
File Upload Vulnerabilities: Unrestricted file upload functionalities were found, posing a risk of uploading malicious files.
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Authentication and Session Management
Weak Password Policy: The current password policy allows weak passwords, increasing the risk of brute force attacks.
Insecure Cookies: Cookies used for session management were found to be inadequately secured (missing HttpOnly and Secure flags).
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Input Validation
Lack of Input Validation: Many input fields lack proper input validation, making them susceptible to various injection attacks.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Several forms lack CSRF tokens, raising the risk of unauthorized actions performed on behalf of authenticated users.
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Data Encryption
Unencrypted Communication: Sensitive data, including login credentials, are being transmitted over unencrypted channels.
Weak Encryption Algorithms: Some data encryption practices were found to use weak or outdated algorithms.
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Server Configuration
Information Disclosure: The web server reveals too much information through HTTP headers, which can be leveraged by attackers.
Outdated Software: Several components of the server software were found to be outdated and vulnerable.
Recommendations
1. Web Application Vulnerabilities
- Implement output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
- Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection.
- Restrict file types and implement scanning for uploaded files.
2. Authentication and Session Management
- Enforce a strong password policy, requiring complex passwords.
- Set HttpOnly and Secure flags for cookies to enhance their security.
- Enforce the use of multi-factor authentication for users.
3. Input Validation
- Implement server-side input validation for all input fields.
- Introduce CSRF tokens in forms to protect against CSRF attacks.
4. Data Encryption
- Use HTTPS to encrypt communication channels, ensuring that all data is transmitted securely.
- Update to stronger encryption algorithms and regularly review encryption practices.
5. Server Configuration
- Configure the web server to minimize information disclosure through HTTP headers.
- Regularly update server software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
