What security risks are associated with cookies (e.g., cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), session hijacking)?
What security risks are associated with cookies (e.g., XSS,CSRF, session hijacking)?
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10-Mar-2025
Updated on 17-Mar-2025
Khushi Singh
17-Mar-2025Web cookies play an essential role in functionality yet create multiple security hazards when improperly managed. Three demanding security threats exist that impact web systems: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Session Hijacking.
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
An attacker successfully conducts XSS attacks by introducing harmful scripts into website content that executes automatically within unsuspicious web browser sessions. Attackers can steal cookies by using JavaScript when this security measure is not enabled for cookies even though it should be. Attackers who obtain stolen cookies exploit the stolen information to pretend as users and acquire unauthorized system entrance.
2. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
A Website relies on trusting the browser of its users for CSRF attacks to work successfully. An attacker who traps a logged-in user into executing an unrecognized action can succeed because all HTTP requests automatically include cookies. Websites should employ three strategies to reduce CSRF vulnerabilities which include CSRF tokens together with the
SameSitesetting and additional verification for vital operations.3. Session Hijacking
An attacker steals session cookies that allows the impersonation of users through unauthorized password less access. Regardless of transmitted protocols (HTTP or HTTPS), an attacker can implement this vulnerability using either packet sniffing or XSS attacks. Web cookies need to be secured by using the Secure flag at all times so they can transmit only through encrypted HTTPS communications.
Users can achieve more secure web applications by using
HttpOnlyin combination with Secure and SameSite cookie attributes and by adding CSRF defense and implementing strict authentication to block unauthorized entry.