SSRF allows attackers to induce the server to make HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations, potentially accessing internal services, metadata APIs, and private networks.
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a vulnerability where an attacker can cause the server-side application to make HTTP requests to an arbitrary URL chosen by the attacker. The server becomes a proxy, making requests from its own network position, which typically has access to internal services, cloud metadata endpoints, and private network resources that are not directly accessible from the internet.
SSRF attacks exploit any server-side functionality that fetches remote resources based on user-supplied URLs. Common attack surfaces include: URL preview/unfurling features (link previews in chat applications); webhook configurations; file import from URL; PDF generation from URLs; image processing that fetches remote images; and API integrations where the target URL is user-controlled.
SSRF effectively gives attackers network access from the server's perspective. This can expose internal services that assume network-level trust (databases, caches, admin panels), cloud metadata endpoints containing credentials and configuration, private APIs and microservices not intended for external access, and resources behind firewalls or VPNs. In serverless environments, SSRF can access the function's IAM role credentials. The attack can be used for port scanning internal networks, accessing internal dashboards, reading local files (using file:// protocol), and pivoting deeper into the infrastructure.
Validate and sanitize all user-supplied URLs. Implement allowlists of permitted domains and IP ranges. Block requests to private IP ranges (10.0.0.0/8, 172.16.0.0/12, 192.168.0.0/16, 127.0.0.0/8) and cloud metadata endpoints (169.254.169.254). Use a DNS resolution step before making requests and validate the resolved IP is not internal. Disable unnecessary URL schemes (only allow http/https). Use network segmentation to limit the server's access to internal resources. Implement IMDSv2 on AWS instances to require token-based metadata access. Run URL-fetching operations in isolated network environments. For webhook features, validate the URL at configuration time and at request time (DNS rebinding prevention).
Select your framework for a detailed guide on fixing Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) with framework-specific code examples and security checklists.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, enabling session hijacking, data theft, and defacement.
SQL Injection
SQL Injection allows attackers to interfere with database queries, potentially reading, modifying, or deleting data, and in some cases executing system commands.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CSRF forces authenticated users to execute unwanted actions on a web application, exploiting the trust a site has in a user's browser.
Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)
IDOR occurs when an application exposes internal implementation objects (like database IDs) and fails to verify that users are authorized to access the referenced resource.
Broken Authentication
Broken authentication encompasses weaknesses in session management, credential handling, and identity verification that allow attackers to compromise user accounts.
Security Misconfiguration
Security misconfiguration encompasses insecure default settings, open cloud storage, verbose error messages, unnecessary features, and missing security headers.
Sensitive Data Exposure
Sensitive data exposure occurs when applications fail to adequately protect sensitive information like credentials, tokens, personal data, or financial information.
Missing Rate Limiting
Missing rate limiting allows attackers to perform brute force attacks, credential stuffing, API abuse, and denial of service by making unlimited requests.
JWT Vulnerabilities
JWT vulnerabilities include algorithm confusion, missing validation, token leakage, and improper key management that can lead to authentication bypass.
Path Traversal
Path traversal allows attackers to access files and directories stored outside the intended directory by manipulating file path references.
Command Injection
Command injection allows attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the server through vulnerable application interfaces.
File Upload Vulnerabilities
Insecure file upload handling can allow attackers to upload malicious files including web shells, malware, or files that exploit server-side processing.
Insecure Deserialization
Insecure deserialization allows attackers to manipulate serialized objects to achieve remote code execution, replay attacks, injection, or privilege escalation.
Row Level Security (RLS) Bypass
RLS bypass vulnerabilities occur when database-level access policies are missing, misconfigured, or can be circumvented, exposing data across tenant boundaries.
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