Name: Parameter Based Cookie Injection Scanner

Parameter Based Cookie Injection scanners are employed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications that could potentially be exploited to perform malicious actions. These tools are frequently utilized by security professionals and developers to ensure that the applications meet security standards and are resistant to cookie manipulation attacks. The scanner focuses on identifying improper cookie handling and injection methods that could be leveraged by attackers. It is commonly used in environments where maintaining user session integrity and protecting sensitive information is crucial. By regularly employing this scanner, organizations can proactively safeguard their web applications from known security threats. This proactive measure helps in building robust security frameworks, thereby increasing user trust and data protection.

The term "cookie injection" refers to a type of vulnerability where an attacker can manipulate or inject additional cookie data into a web application. This may occur due to improper validation of input data or lack of sufficient security controls. It can potentially allow attackers to perform unauthorized actions by tampering with cookie values. Attackers might exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges or bypass authentication mechanisms. Identifying and fixing this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining the security of web applications. Professionals use scanners to automatically detect any signs of cookie injection vulnerability across their software portfolio.

Cookie injection vulnerabilities typically manifest through the manipulation of the "Set-Cookie" HTTP header. During a cookie injection attack, the attacker may use query parameters to inject unsupported or malicious data. The vulnerable endpoint usually involves HTTP response headers, where insufficient validation allows unwanted alterations. The sensitivity lies in the parameter's handling, especially in GET requests, which this scanner checks. By inspecting the query string parameters, the scanner identifies any anomalous data being passed to the application. Detecting the presence of manipulated cookies or injected values allows security teams to take swift countermeasures.

When exploited, cookie injection vulnerabilities can lead to significant threats like session hijacking or privilege escalation. Attackers might gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, misleading users or impersonating them. Such vulnerabilities can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of user data. Preventing these attacks is crucial to safeguard user trust and application integrity. Organizations can face compliance issues and financial loss without adequate mitigation, including potential legal repercussions. Therefore, detecting and fixing cookie injection points is essential for risk management and cybersecurity strategy.

REFERENCES

• https://www.invicti.com/blog/web-security/understanding-cookie-poisoning-attacks/
• https://docs.imperva.com/bundle/on-premises-knowledgebase-reference-guide/page/cookie_injection.htm