We always say that web browsers have become the new Operating Systems. We use these apps for almost everything, from opening websites to editing essential documents. Thus, it’s no surprise that attackers now focus on web browsers. The first step to staying away from these attacks is understanding how they work. In this guide, I will talk about nine top web browser attacks and how to avoid them. Shall we start?
What is a Web Browser-Based Attack?
A web browser-based attack is something that uses a web browser to steal information from your device or gain unauthorized access. Threat actors may use vulnerabilities within the browser or browser extensions to carry out these attacks. Depending on the type of vulnerability, the result of web-browser-based attacks may be huge.
As I said, not all browser-based attacks work the same way. Instead, they focus on different aspects of a web browser. For instance, one attack may focus on the rendering engine, whereas another one may target the password-management module. Based on these differences, security experts categorize web browser-based attacks into multiple categories.
Types of Browser Attacks
Before I tell you how you can stay away from web browser-based attacks, we will take a look at the common types of web browser-based attacks.
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting, also known as XSS, is a common type of web-based attack that uses web pages to load the exploit onto the target device. Scripts are added to the web page, and when a user visits these web pages, the program is run and used to steal data, hijack sessions, or gain unauthorized access to the victim’s computer.
Depending on the method of execution, there are three types of XSS: stored XSS, reflected XSS, and DOM-based XSS. The consequences can be manifold, as these attacks can also be used to distribute further malware and phishing attacks.
A comment section can be a common ground for XSS attacks. A threat actor can submit a malicious script as a comment. When a user loads the comment, the script can steal data or cause a further problem. Likewise, a script submitted through a contact form can cause an issue on the administrator’s side.
2. Malicious Browser Plugins
Browser plugins are pretty widely used these days, and there are malicious ones among the vast collections you find on the web. These malicious browser plugins may use their permissions to steal information and get unauthorized access to your information. Many a time, these browser plugins can bypass the scrutiny of extension market fronts.
In most cases, malicious browser plugins are disguised as something functional. This way, threat actors can get users to download these extensions. Once installed, these extensions would require full system permissions as well. Then, threat actors use these extensions for data theft.
Compared to other forms of browser-based attacks, malicious browser plugins work more subtly. Therefore, you must be careful while downloading extensions for your browser, especially from third-party websites. As these extensions execute the payload quickly, prevention is the best care here.
3. Broken Authentication and Session Hijacking
Websites and web browsers widely use authentication systems. However, if these systems are not built and maintained properly, threat actors can use the information to steal identity and data. Session hijacking offers more problems because security vulnerabilities may allow threat actors to steal live session IDs, which may contain a lot of sensitive info.
On the bright side, both problems can be prevented using good security practices. For instance, threat actors cannot break an authentication system if it demands strategic username-password combinations and limits the number of brute-force attacks. HTTPS adoption also seems to help.
Once successful, session hijacking allows the threat actor to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. For instance, if an attacker steals the session cookie while you use Instagram, they can access your account with no password required.
4. SQL Injection
SQL is indeed one of the modern technologies that websites use regularly. Threat actors can use customized SQL codes to hijack your web browser and access information from your device. This type of manipulation occurs when a threat actor encounters a web browser input. This input field is then used to submit customized code to the system, which may process it depending on the sanitizing practices in place.
If the system processes the request, it could grant the threat actor access to you, the system itself, or the data stored within the system. Depending on the webpage/web browser, the results of SQL injection could be grave.
If a webpage or web browser has an authentication page, an SQL code could be put in the space. By sending a strategic code, the threat actor can bypass the security system and gain access. These types of codes can be sent to websites as well.
5. Man-in-the-Middle / Man-in-the-Browser Attacks
You should also be wary of man-in-the-middle attacks, which intercept the data sent/received between web browsers and the web servers. In ideal conditions, no one in the middle can see a request that is being sent from your web browser to a web server. However, threat actors may exploit vulnerabilities and become a man in the middle.
As this intermediary, the threat actor can not only monitor but also manipulate the traffic. For instance, by changing the direction of what you transmit, the man in the middle can carry out data theft. It is commonly used for deploying ransomware and other types of malware on the target device.
Once again, staying away from this type of attack means staying up-to-date. One should also pay attention to browser warnings and security-related notifications when they occur. A false sense of security can make you a victim of man-in-the-middle browser attacks.
6. DNS Poisoning Attacks
As you may already know, DNS servers play an essential role in making web browsing a seamless experience. That is, you don’t have to remember the complex IP addresses; instead, you can use something like Google.com. DNS poisoning attacks exploit vulnerabilities within the system by changing DNS entries so that even when you type the correct URL of a website, you are directed to something else.
These DNS poisoning attacks can occur at different levels but most often target the hosts file found on most devices. Hosts files are designed to restrict access to certain websites but can be modified to benefit the threat actor. There have been multiple instances of DNS poisoning attacks, including victims such as established internet service providers.
Threat actors may use various methods to carry out these attacks, such as emails and problematic URLs. Therefore, conscious efforts can help protect you from DNS poisoning attacks, which are pretty standard in web-based attacks.
7. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Cross-site request forgery, also known as CSRF, is another form of web-based browser attack that may have profound implications. In this type of attack, the threat actor tricks the user into sending requests that they do not intend to or have no knowledge of. By doing so, the threat actor can achieve various objectives, including data theft or unauthorized access.
The working process of CSRF may involve an authenticated session as well as access to the web browser. Once again, vulnerabilities within web browsers and other web applications are exploited. However, these attempts are becoming less common due to the multiple security measures from web browsers.
For instance, CSRF tokens are used so that the threat actor cannot modify or create a new request without some form of authentication. However, staying on top of these attempts requires you to update your web browser whenever a security update is available.
8. Phishing Attacks
Last but not least, we have phishing attacks. Phishing attacks are a form of security attack that uses multiple methods to trick the user into believing they are visiting a legitimate website when, in fact, they are using a cloned one. Phishing attacks also exploit vulnerabilities within web browsers, although modern web browsers are increasingly capable of distinguishing between phishing attempts and legitimate requests.
In most cases, phishing attacks occur when the user clicks on a link shared via email or social media. The user typically receives an email that appears to be a notification from an important source and is manipulated into entering their actual credentials.
This allows threat actors to gain unauthorized access, steal money, or commit other malicious acts. Phishing attacks happen in enterprise scenarios as well. The solutions for such web browser-based attacks may need additional reparative measures.
9. Formjacking
Formjacking is another web-based attack you should be wary of when you have an eCommerce website. In this form of attack, the threat actor will use contact or payment forms on your website to inject malicious code. This code will fetch previously entered information and provide sensitive data to hackers. Once again, this may happen only in the presence of vulnerabilities.
If Formjacking is not detected correctly, it may impact users quite a lot. For instance, threat actors will have access to the sensitive information users send through forms. Because these attacks target eCommerce sites, the repercussions are often vicious.
Limiting your shopping adventures to trusted and secure eCommerce websites can help you stay away from Formjacking attempts. Once again, make sure that you don’t share any sensitive information without HTTPS connections.
Recommendations to Prevent Web Browser-Based Attacks
Now that we have learned about common web browser attacks, I have some tips to help you stay away from these attacks.
1. Keep Browsers and Plugins Updated
You might have noticed that most browser-based attacks exploit the vulnerabilities in web browsers and extensions. However, you can avoid this situation by keeping your browsers and plugins up-to-date all the time. Like threat actors, developers also keep an eye on bugs and exploits within their software and are quick to patch them via updates. As a user, you must install these updates as soon as they become available. It is also essential to use a security-friendly web browser instead of a random one. In most cases, you may get maximum protection from a web browser that is built into the Operating System.
2. Use Strong Authentication Methods
Threat actors also target authentication methods a lot. We have already mentioned the cases of session hijacking and token stealing, which are used to emulate authentic sessions. Therefore, it becomes important to use a robust authentication system from your end. Most importantly, stick to a multi-factor authentication system that offers multiple layers of security before one can access your accounts. This way, even if a threat actor manages to steal a session token, they won’t have access to your data.
3. Employ Security Plugins and Tools
If you deal with a variety of environments, you are likely exposed to a broader variety of web-based attacks as well. In this case, you will have to make use of security plugins and other tools, which will help you keep track of these attacks and protect your device from these attacks. For instance, if you have to visit a website that is known for phishing attacks and problematic scripts, you might want to use a web protection system, which comes as a part of the anti-virus or anti-malware suit. Similarly, you may have to use a firewall, which will prevent unauthorized requests to your system.
4. Build Awareness
You should also teach yourself how to recognize potential web-based attacks. We are talking about phishing attacks the most since they use similarity to trick people into submitting sensitive information. Therefore, you must be aware enough to understand when you are presented with a bogus website. If you have the power to tell apart genuine and fake options, you can stay away from browser-based attacks by a long shot.
Conclusion
I believe this guide helped you understand the top web browser attacks and how to avoid them as long as you are spending your time on the web. I also hope this will help you optimize your web browser and extensions in such a way that it does not give leeway to threat actors. You should be very careful while using your devices when they are connected to public networks such as the Wi-Fi that you find in an airport.
