ReactJS is one of the best front-end frameworks in the market. But, every React developer team will vouch for its benefits and efficiency. However, hackers and scammers, these days are getting smarter.
They are finding innovative ways to hack into the apps and steal sensitive information. So, this makes it the responsibility of the developers and app owners to ensure the safety of users’ data. Although ReactJS is an excellent technology for development, it poses some security risks.
In this article, we will discuss React security vulnerabilities and how to overcome them.
Security Vulnerabilities of ReactJS and How to Overcome Them
1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
One of the most prevalent security flaws that your React web app may face is cross-site scripting. So, in simple terms, cross-site scripting is an attack that involves injecting malicious client-side scripts into websites. Users may choose to accept or click on such scripts. Hackers can do a lot of harmful activities like:
- Tampering with access controls
- Connect with computer cameras or ports
- Steal sessions or cookies
There are two types of cross-scriptings-
- Reflected Cross-Site Scripting: In this, attackers use false information to create a malicious link. But, then they include this data in the React application in such a way that the browser interprets it as app code
- Stored Cross-Site Scripting: In this, the attacker uploads something with the intention of displaying it on an application page during these assaults. Unwanted photographs or remarks placed on the program are the most prevalent forms of stored cross-site scripting
How to Prevent This
- Disabling markups with code running instructions is the best technique to prevent XSS security vulnerabilities. Especially in React apps
- Using {} for default data binding is a typical XSS defense. When you perform this in a React application, the framework will automatically escape variables. But this only works when showing textContent. It isn’t compatible with HTML characteristics
- You can also use WAF (Web Application Firewall) in your code to avoid this React security risk. Cross-site scripting attacks are well-defeated by their signature-based screening
2. SQL Injection
SQL injection (SQLi) is another prevalent React security flaw. It’s a technique that hackers use to inject random SQL code into the database. They can receive, alter, and remove data regardless of user authorization by doing so.
Hackers fake or generate new credentials to perform SQLi injection. By obtaining the admin credentials, hackers can get access to the server’s data. Such a security breach can be extremely harmful, as hackers can alter or even delete data.
How to Prevent This
- Always use rigorous whitelists to restrict all forms of user inputs. When it comes to SQL queries, even if the input originates from inside users, you can’t trust it
- Apply the least privilege concept to all accounts that will connect to the SQL database
- Giving its database connection rights like UPDATE, INSERT, or DELETE is hazardous. Assigning the appropriate database roles to distinct accounts is one of the most important React security best practices
3. Broken Authentication
Poorly developed session management features and authentication can cause broken authentication in all web programs. Hackers can take advantage of this React security flaw to circumvent or intercept the app’s authentication solutions.
Hackers can access user account information, passwords, session tokens, and more when authentication fails.
Unfortunately, failed authentication is a widespread security flaw in all online applications, not only in ReactJS web apps. In most situations, the failure to properly implement access and identity restrictions is the root of the problem.
How to Prevent This
- Wherever practical, use multi-factor authentication. Also, it protects against credential stuffing and re-use of stolen credentials
- Users must always enforce password checks in terms of strength and weakness. Additionally, a smart approach to accomplish this is to compare the passwords to the most common password options
4. Zip Slip
A security flaw in React apps that allows users to upload zip files is known as zip slip. React developer teams enable this functionality to minimize file sizes when they are being uploaded. The program then decompresses these files so developers can retrieve the original files in the zip.
Zip slip is essentially a directory that hackers use to extract files. Most typically from archives.
So, a few elements of a file system may occasionally stay outside of their intended folder. The attackers can overwrite file portions if they have access to them. They do so in order to summon these files remotely or to force the system to do so. Plus, they can perform Remote Command Execution on the user’s device in this manner.
How to Prevent This
Only by ensuring that no malicious files reach the program, can developers avoid this security flaw.
5. Extensible Markup Language (XML) External Entity Processing
In certain circumstances, External Entity Processing (XXE) assaults can also be classified as injection attacks. In your React web app, obsolete XML parsers are most vulnerable to injection attacks. But, this can lead to DoS assaults. Such assaults include hackers trying to obtain sensitive information from the server.
How to Prevent This
- Not serializing sensitive data is an effective way to prevent this attack. React developer teams can utilize sophisticated JSON forms to prevent serialization
- Some SAST tools can aid in the detection of malicious XXE in the code. Developers can use them to make your React app more secure
- This security flaw exists because of old XML processors. Make sure to upgrade them on a regular basis to avoid such attacks
In Conclusion
We recognize the importance of application security for both the company and the users. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap between reporting security vulnerabilities and pushing out a defense solution. This is a challenge that businesses experience in the case of React. It’s become the standard for the community to encounter some security issues with each new version of React.
The approach of our ReactJS development company ensures that we examine web projects. Then test them for security flaws at every level. You must hire ReactJS developers who keep themselves updated about the latest security measures. Want your app to be absolutely safe and secure? Contact us for your development needs. We will make sure that your app remains safe and bug-free.
