It is a common thought that the majority of Java web applications developed are insecure. According to among the reports printed by WASC, almost 84% of applications developed are inclined to XSS attack. When we probe deep into this problem, we’d discover that there are a variety of things, which take into account the vulnerabilities of Java web applications to potential threats.
One of the leading factors that attributes for insecure Java applications is risk unawareness. A great number of engineers involved with Java software programming are ignorant of how the HTTP protocol functions and therefore are thus not able to recognize the primary reasons for vulnerabilities.
Another prime reasons, which take into account the vulnerability of Java applications are:
XSS attack
Unsuccessful attempt of restricting URL access
Unshielded Chrytographic storage
Disrupted Authentication and Session Management
Erroneous error handling
Information leakage
Insecure Communications
Insecure Direct Object Reference
Improper file execution
Any a lot more!
Now that we understand why Java web applications are insecure, it is time for all of us to discover the methods to secure exactly the same.
The very first strategy is to put the files within the appropriate directory. Java web applications encompass an extensive selection of elements including JSP files, image files, Servlet classes etc. So, it is necessary these files are stored suitably within the right directories.
Other part of the attempt of securing Java web applications would be to specify security constraints, which may clearly illustrate the group of rights obtain to unique sources through their URL mapping.
Next method to secure these applications would be to specify authorization constraint, which may help with an excuse for authentication and explains the roles clearly to gain access to the various URL patterns as per the safety constraints.
Alternative way would be to specify a safe and secure connection and distinct security constraints for various sources inside the Java applications developed. Also, the following strategy is to specify authentication mechanisms, which depicts the actual where the users get authenticated and a few more complex attributes.
