Web applications are constantly under attack. Understanding common attack patterns helps you implement better defenses and recognize when you're being targeted.
Common Attack Types
Attackers use various techniques to exploit web applications:
SQL Injection
Attackers insert malicious SQL code into input fields to manipulate databases. This can lead to data theft, modification, or deletion. Proper input sanitization and parameterized queries prevent this.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Malicious scripts are injected into web pages viewed by other users. This can steal session cookies, redirect users, or modify page content. Content Security Policy and output encoding help prevent XSS.
Path Traversal
Attackers try to access files outside the intended directory by using sequences like "../". This can expose sensitive configuration files or source code.
Brute Force
Automated attempts to guess passwords or session tokens. Rate limiting and account lockout policies help defend against brute force attacks.
Attack Volume
The average web application faces thousands of attack attempts daily. Most are automated scans looking for common vulnerabilities.
Detecting Attack Sources
Common indicators of malicious web traffic:
- Suspicious Patterns - Requests containing SQL syntax, script tags, or path traversal sequences
- High Request Rate - Excessive requests from a single IP in a short time period
- Known Scanners - Traffic matching signatures of vulnerability scanners like Nikto, SQLMap, or WPScan
Defense Strategies
Multi-layered defense is key to web application security:
- IP Reputation Filtering - Block traffic from known attack sources at the network edge
- Web Application Firewall - Inspect requests for malicious patterns before they reach your application
- Rate Limiting - Throttle excessive requests to prevent brute force and DoS attacks
Web Attack Feed
Download our feed of IPs known for web application attacks.