How Do Attackers Benefit From XSS Attacks?

[✨ Megiddo]

By exploiting XSS vulnerabilities, attackers can bypass traditional security measures, gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the browser cache, or escape the browser altogether to execute a variety of malicious activities on the victim's computer. Attackers may use XSS attacks to victimize the user's of a website, or even use XSS attacks to compromise the website owner. For example, if they are submitting contact messages that the website owner views in an administrative account built into the website.

Here are some ways that attackers can leverage XSS attacks:

• Escaping the Browser Sandbox: Attackers may be able break out of the browser's security sandbox by exploiting flaws and execute arbitrary code on the victim's system. This allows them to install malware, steal sensitive files, or gain complete control over the victim's computer. Once they have escaped the sandbox, attackers can establish persistent access to the victim's system, enabling long-term monitoring and exploitation.
• Stealing Sensitive Information: Session hijacking involves attackers capturing session cookies used to authenticate users to web applications, allowing them to impersonate victims and gain unauthorized access to their accounts. Other data theft such as logging keystrokes can enable attackers to steal usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. Additionally, attackers may be able to steal sensitive data stored in the browser, such as saved passwords, autofill information, and browsing history.
• Phishing and Social Engineering: Phishing and social engineering techniques involve attackers modifying the content of a trusted website to deceive users into providing personal information or downloading malicious files, making phishing attacks more convincing and harder to detect. Additionally, attackers can inject fake forms or pop-ups to collect personal and financial information from victims, further exploiting users' trust in legitimate websites.
• Spreading Malware: Malicious JavaScript can initiate downloads of malware without the user's knowledge or consent. If executed by the user, these trojanized files can give the attacker a foothold on the victim's system or network.
• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery): XSS can be used to execute attacks known as cross-site request forgery (CSRF). CSRF are unauthorized actions on behalf of the user by sending crafted requests to other sites where the user is authenticated. This can lead to actions such as changing account settings, making purchases, or initiating fund transfers.
• Network Reconnaissance: Attackers can perform network scans and identify other vulnerable systems within the victim's internal network using techniques such as DNS rebinding attacks.