Name: Reflected Server Side Template Injection Scanner

The Reflected Server Side Template Injection Scanner is used by security professionals and administrators to detect vulnerabilities in web applications. It ensures that applications are safe from exploitation by identifying potential injection points. Users of the scanner can be developers performing security assessments, or independent pentesting firms. The scanner analyzes web application responses and headers to check for Server Side Template Injection flaws. Use of such a scanner helps to preemptively identify and secure code paths that are vulnerable to malicious use. Overall, the scanner integrates seamlessly with automated security assessment workflows to enhance accuracy and speedy detections.

The vulnerability targeted by this scanner is known as Server Side Template Injection (SSTI). SSTI vulnerabilities are a type of injection flaw, wherein an attacker can inject template code that gets executed on the server. This occurs when user input is accidentally processed by the server-side templating engine. If successful, the vulnerability can lead to remote code execution. Exploited templates expose sensitive server information, and can be escalated to a full-blown server compromise depending on the extent of the attack surface. Recognizing SSTI early is crucial for web application integrity and security.

Technical details of a typical SSTI involve malformed template syntax being inserted into a vulnerable parameter within an application. This scanner models that behavior by attempting arithmetic operations using common syntax patterns for different template engines. The parameter in question might exist within an HTTP query string, header, or body, depending on the application. By fuzzing the template with varied expressions, the scanner can identify where the server erroneously processes user input. Detection is confirmed by matching the arithmetic output against expected computational results.

If SSTI is left unchecked, the impact may be severe as attackers can execute arbitrary code on the server. This may lead to data theft, unauthorized access, or further attacks on connected systems. Compromise of affected servers might offer attackers a pathway to network traversal and lateral movement. While immediate effects include unauthorized data leakage, long-term impacts could involve financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Organizations may often be exposed to persistent threats if resolutions aren't promptly applied after detection.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/zaproxy/zap-extensions/blob/2d9898900abe85a47b9fe0ceb85ec39070816b98/addOns/ascanrulesAlpha/src/main/java/org/zaproxy/zap/extension/ascanrulesAlpha/SstiScanRule.java
• https://github.com/DiogoMRSilva/websitesVulnerableToSSTI#list-of-seversneeds-update