Application‑Level Attacks

Application‑level attacks target the software layer — websites, APIs, mobile apps, and backend services — exploiting flaws in logic, authentication, or input handling.

Common Application‑Level Attack Types

1. SQL Injection (SQLi)

Attackers inject malicious SQL queries to read, modify, or delete database data.

2. Cross‑Site Scripting (XSS)

Malicious scripts are injected into web pages, allowing attackers to steal cookies, session tokens, or perform actions as the victim.

3. Cross‑Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Tricks a user’s browser into performing unintended actions (e.g., changing passwords, sending money).

4. Remote Code Execution (RCE)

Exploitation that allows an attacker to run arbitrary code on the target server.

5. Insecure Deserialization

Tampered serialized objects lead to privilege escalation or code execution.

6. Directory Traversal

Attackers access files outside the intended web directory using path manipulation (../).

7. Server‑Side Request Forgery (SSRF)

The application is tricked into making network requests, often accessing internal systems.

8. Authentication & Session Attacks

Weak session tokens, stolen cookies, or flawed login logic allow unauthorized access.

9. Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)

Occurs when applications expose internal object identifiers (like user IDs or filenames) without proper authorization checks, allowing attackers to access or modify other users’ data.

Major Real‑World Application Attacks (Top 5)

1. Equifax Breach (2017)

A vulnerability in Apache Struts led to massive data exposure (SSNs, birthdates, etc.).

2. Log4Shell (2021)

A simple logging string triggered remote code execution in millions of Java applications.

3. Heartbleed (2014)

OpenSSL bug allowed attackers to read memory, exposing passwords and private keys.

4. Uber API Breach (2016)

Hard‑coded credentials in source code let attackers access customer/driver data.

5. WordPress Plugin Vulnerabilities (Ongoing)

Thousands of sites compromised yearly due to insecure or outdated plugins.

Common Tools Used in App‑Level Attacks

• Burp Suite – Proxy for intercepting and modifying web traffic
• OWASP ZAP – Open‑source web app scanner
• sqlmap – Automated SQL injection tool
• DirBuster / gobuster – Directory and file enumeration
• Metasploit – Framework for exploiting known vulnerabilities
• Postman / curl – API testing and fuzzing