Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a web application vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. When a user visits the compromised page, the malicious script runs in their browser, potentially stealing session cookies, capturing credentials, or redirecting users to phishing sites.

XSS attacks exploit the trust a user's browser places in the website. There are several types: stored XSS (malicious script saved on the server), reflected XSS (script included in a link or request), and DOM-based XSS (script manipulates the page's document object model).

Why It Matters

If you develop web applications for DoD or that handle CUI, protecting them from XSS and other injection attacks is part of your security responsibility. Regular application security testing helps identify and fix these vulnerabilities before attackers find them.