Definition
XML Injection is a type of cyberattack that exploits vulnerabilities in web applications’ processing of XML data. Attackers inject malicious code into the program’s input fields, like cookies, forms, or URLs, to manipulate the app’s XML data processing functions.
The History of XML Injection
In the late 1990s, hackers exploited XML-based code injection methods to compromise web apps. By inserting malicious code, they could manipulate the program’s data handling and perform unauthorized actions.
Around the mid-2000s, XML injection attacks became more rampant. They targeted a broad range of web applications, from simple content processing systems to complex organization portals. Cybercriminals used XML injection to gain unauthorized access to confidential information, deface websites, and disrupt services.
To tackle the increasing cyber threat landscape, cyber security communities joined forces to share expertise and the best methods to stop XML injection attacks. This created secure coding guidelines that safeguard programs from XML injection and improve overall security.
Risks of XML Injection
- Sensitive data exposure: Attackers may alter XML input to access and retrieve critical data stored in the server, resulting in instant financial losses, legal consequences, and reputational damage to organizations.
- Denial of Service (DOS): Attackers may overwhelm the server’s resources by inserting harmful XML payloads, resulting in a denial of service. This may cause program downtime, impacting an organization’s operations and affecting users.