Skip to main content

One of the main challenges in application and software security today is code vulnerabilities. The 2023 Synopsys Report was a wake-up call, finding that 84% of applications are fraught with at least one critical security vulnerability making the problem bigger and all the more reason why tackling it effectively has become so urgent.

Common Causes of Code Vulnerabilities

Vulnerable code is often created by the developers. Frequently they forgo security tests under deadlines or pressure to get a release out the door faster. Bad programming practice is also to blame as the training in secure coding practices is meager and it often caused neglecting big mistakes.

An equally common reason: the employment of outdated and unpatched tools. Libraries and frameworks may be incorrectly updated, causing greater risks in the code if developers are dependent upon them. On top of this, if libraries are not confirmed (or the verify step) and updated as a task then known TD vulnerabilities can be exploited.

Most Common Code Vulnerabilities

SQL Injection

SQL injection is a code-injection attack by using rogue SQL which can alter the query and perform almost any task. One high-profile example is the 2008 breach of payment-processor Heartland Payment Systems where attackers used an SQL injection attack to make away with credit card data stored in its system. This class of attack is characteristically the result of insufficient validation employed on user input, which permits an execution arbitrary code infection through any means.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) can be used by attackers to insert malicious scripts into the web pages that are visible on other users. The famous Twitter attack in 2010 is a good example how an XSS script can easily propagate among users, causing account and personal data leak. This happens when Web applications do not validate or incorrectly sanctify user inputs.

Command Injection

Command Injection is when an application allows attackers to inject their own commands into the underlying OS. One such case is the 2014 Yahoo attack in which hackers injected commands to infiltrate servers and access user information. Applications behaving this way can lead to code execution when an attacker is able to control the user input.

Insecure Cryptographic Storage

The issue of insecure cryptographic storage relates to storing valuable information in vulnerable places such as unencrypted smart devices. For instance, the Uber incident in 2016 where high-profile credentials of over 57 million user were due to insecure storage. This risk stems from data not being adequately secured against unwanted access.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

CSRF, which stands for Cross Site request Forgery, is an attack that tricks the victim into performing actions on a web application in which they are authenticated. For example, in 2012 there was an attack on GitHub that allowed remote hackers to change user settings and data using CSRF. This is when web applications fail to use CSRF tokens for secure user request handling.

What are Code Vulnerabilities?

Introduction

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, code vulnerabilities are a critical concern for applications and software. A recent Synopsys report in 2023 revealed that 84% of applications contain at least one critical security vulnerability, highlighting the magnitude of the problem and the urgency of addressing it adequately.

Common Causes of Code Vulnerability

Why Developers Write Vulnerable Code

Developers often write vulnerable code for various reasons. In many cases, they skip security tests due to tight deadlines or pressure to release the product quickly. Poor programming habits also play a crucial role, as the lack of training in secure coding practices can lead to critical errors.

Another common cause is the use of outdated tools with known vulnerabilities. Developers may rely on libraries and frameworks that have not been updated properly, introducing additional risks into the code. Additionally, the failure to verify and update the libraries used can result in the exploitation of known vulnerabilities.

Recent Example

A recent example of this is the incident that SolarWinds experienced in 2020. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in an outdated library of the Orion software, leading to one of the most significant security breaches in recent years, affecting multiple government and private organizations.

Most Common Code Vulnerabilities

SQL Injection

SQL injection is a technique where attackers insert malicious SQL code into application inputs, allowing them to access and manipulate the underlying database. A famous case is the attack on Heartland Payment Systems in 2008, where hackers exploited an SQL injection vulnerability to steal credit card data. This type of attack occurs when user input is not properly validated, allowing malicious code to execute.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. A notable example is the attack on Twitter in 2010, where an XSS script spread quickly among users, compromising accounts and personal data. This occurs when web applications do not properly validate or sanitize user inputs.

Command Injection

Command injection occurs when attackers execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system through a vulnerable application. An example is the attack on Yahoo in 2014, where hackers used command injection to compromise servers and steal user data. This type of attack is possible when applications execute system commands based on user input without proper validation.

Insecure Geographic Storage

Insecure geographic storage refers to the practice of storing sensitive data in insecure locations, such as unencrypted mobile devices. An example is the Uber incident in 2016, where the information of 57 million users was compromised due to insecure storage practices. This risk arises when data is not adequately protected against unauthorized access.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks a user into performing unwanted actions on a web application where they are authenticated. An example is the attack on GitHub in 2012, where attackers used CSRF to modify user settings and data. This occurs when web applications do not implement CSRF tokens to protect user requests.

Best Practices to Avoid Code Vulnerabilities

We have discussed what code vulnerabilities are and how they occur. Now it’s crucial to understand how to prevent them. Here are some best practices that developers can follow:

  • Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Helps identify vulnerabilities in the source code during development. ByteHide offers SAST solutions to protect your code.
  • Software Composition Analysis (SCA): Analyzes software dependencies to detect vulnerable components. ByteHide also provides SCA tools to secure your applications.
  • Code Obfuscation: A technique that obscures the code to make it harder for attackers to understand and exploit. If you want to try the easiest code obfuscator for your app, visit ByteHide Shield and you will protect your software in just 2 clicks.
  • Code Reviews: Allow for the detection of errors and vulnerabilities before the code reaches production.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security through multi-step verification.
  • Data Encryption: Protects sensitive data against unauthorized access.
  • Secure Configuration: Ensures that system and application configurations are secure from the outset.
  • Penetration Testing: Simulates real attacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities.
  • Compliance Checks: Ensure that applications comply with security standards and regulations.
  • Vendor Risk Management: Evaluates and mitigates risks associated with external vendors.
  • Regular Updates: Keeps software and dependencies up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

By implementing these practices, organizations can strengthen their security posture and significantly reduce the risk of code vulnerabilities. ByteHide is

Fill out my online form.

Leave a Reply