What is the purpose of the refer header in server security and how can it be manipulated by an attacker?
The Referer header is an HTTP header field that is used to indicate the URL of the webpage from which the current request originated. It plays a important role in server security by providing information about the source of the request, allowing web applications to make informed decisions about how to handle incoming requests. However,
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Server security, Server security: safe coding practices, Examination review
Describe an exception to the Same Origin Policy where a logged-in avatar from one site needs to be displayed on another site. How can the Referer header and same-site cookies be used to ensure the legitimacy of the request?
The Same Origin Policy (SOP) is a fundamental security concept in web applications that restricts the interaction between different origins, such as websites, to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of user data. However, there are certain exceptions to the SOP that allow specific interactions between different origins. One such exception occurs when a logged-in avatar
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Same Origin Policy, Exceptions to the Same Origin Policy, Examination review
How can the "Referer" header be used to indicate the referring site in a web request?
The "Referer" header is an HTTP header field that is used to indicate the referring site in a web request. It provides information about the URL of the previous web page from which the current request originated. The Referer header is primarily used by web servers to track the source of incoming traffic and to