What is the SameSite attribute, and how does it help prevent CSRF attacks?
What is the SameSite attribute, and how does it help prevent CSRF attacks?
233
10-Mar-2025
Updated on 20-Mar-2025
Khushi Singh
20-Mar-2025SameSite attribute serves as a security feature which defends against CSRF attacks by managing cross-site cookie transmission. Through its functionality the SameSite attribute decides which cookies should move between different sites while blocking unauthorized activities that users start without permission.
Three variants exist for controlling cookie behavior through the SameSite attribute in HTTP.
The
SameSite=Strictsetting provides maximum protection because it enables browser to send cookies only when requests originate from the website where cookies originated. An external link will lack authentication cookies when a user navigates to a website during their session which blocks CSRF attacks. The lack of usability emerges because external links will prevent authentication cookies from being transmitted to the site.The
SameSite=Laxsetting keeps a proper equilibrium between protecting user security and maintaining seamless website application use. The browser includes cookies in top-level GET requests made by users who click site links. However, cookies do not accompany most cross-site requests. SameSite=Lax provides protection against CSRF attacks by allowing standard scenarios that involve bookmarking and link sharing.The
SameSite=Noneconfiguration enables cookies to transmit across all types of requests both intra-site and external to the site. Cookies need to be transmitted over HTTPS only when the SameSite=None directive is used together with the Secure attribute enabled. Security issues from CSRF attacks become more likely when implementing the setting for payment gateways and embedded content unless proper management solutions are in place.Developers who properly configure the SameSite attribute can lower CSRF attack threats effectively but still support required cross-site functionality.