In the world of cybersecurity, attacks can happen at different layers of your systems. As you operate in highly networked environments, it’s crucial to understand threats that target the application layer, also known as Layer 7. This is where your apps, APIs, web pages, etc. live, directly interacting with end users.
Attacks at layer 7 are on the rise, given the wealth of sensitive data accessible here. Customer information, financial transactions, user behaviours—it goes without saying that this covers some of the most important information that you protect. Yet application security often gets neglected compared to other layers like the network or infrastructure.
So what exactly are layer 7 attacks and how can you harden defences against them? Let’s dive into the top threats you face along with actionable steps so that you can ensure you, your customers, and your business are air tight.
One of your biggest risks is malicious code injection, which can occur in your web pages and applications. Through flaws in input handling, attackers can insert client-side scripts into website components viewed by users.
When you or your users later access these altered pages and apps, the malicious scripts run locally on victims’ computers or mobile devices. This allows hackers to do all sorts of things, such as stealing login/session information to compromise accounts, pulling sensitive data from databases, spreading malware payloads, defacing websites, redirecting victims, and so on.
The name for these types of script injections is XSS (cross-site scripting). The most dangerous subtype goes beyond targeting one user to compromise entire websites/apps. Watch out as XSS payloads often get in through seemingly harmless vectors like website searches, URL parameters, tracking pixels, referrer info, forms, error messages, and beyond.
Another common and dangerous attack you’ll face targets your backend databases using malicious SQL code injection. This is known as SQLi or SQL injection to steal, manipulate, or destroy critical data assets driving your operations.
The entry point is often vulnerable to website input fields, APIs, parameters, etc. They allow SQL snippets to piggyback into queries and commands that interact with your databases.
Once embedded SQL reaches your data layer, attackers can trick databases into:
With your database compromised, criminals can steal intellectual property, alter financial data, harvest customer PII for identity theft, hold data ransom, cause regulatory violations, and create general chaos.
CSRF is another trending threat that targets authenticated users who are already active in applications and services. The goal is to essentially hijack user sessions to execute unauthorized commands, transactions, or state changes, posing as victims.
Malicious CSRF payloads typically ride phishing links/emails, site popups, clickjacking traps, widget iframes, hidden HTTP requests, and beyond. Victims access these booby-trapped vectors while already authenticated in separate web apps.
Background requests then fire to apps users are logged into, riding their cookies and tokens. Servers assume legitimacy without secondary identity checks since victims’ credentials validate requests behind the scenes. These “blind attacks” allow hackers to:
CSRF seems complex but has straightforward protections:
APIs serve crucial functions these days, allowing flexible data exchanges between services, partners, apps, and users behind the scenes. Public-facing APIs even open capabilities for broader ecosystems. However, each endpoint is another attack point. Whether GraphQL, REST, SOAP, or proprietary APIs, these machine-readable interfaces give access to backend resources, just like a website or human login portal.
Yet APIs tend to run 24/7, accessible from anywhere, often with open standards lowering authentication barriers. Easy prey for hackers leaning on brute forcing techniques. Common API attack vectors criminals attempt:
With the growth of SaaS apps and low-code platforms, you increasingly rely on an ecosystem of integrated third-party technologies. These form digital supply chains, powering operations through shared data and access. But cybercriminals realize that if any link in your supply chain falls, the effects propagate through your entire stack!
By compromising just one SaaS platform through tactics like:
Attackers gain that initial foothold to traverse laterally further into your networks. This allows adversaries to steal data, trigger technology failures, or breach additional suppliers to unleash more widespread carnage. The risks spiral exponentially.
No environment will ever be 100% bulletproof from intrusions, but combining prudent precautions goes a long way. Make security processes a regular habit, not a rushed checklist. Promote cultural norms for cyber safety that get the entire organization invested in protection. And as new attack trends emerge, step back and review the latest guidance.