Application Security Interview Questions-2

• What is an XML external entity (XXE) attack and how can it be prevented?

An XML external entity (XXE) attack is a type of attack where an attacker injects malicious XML code into a web application, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent XXE attacks, you can use techniques such as input validation, disabling external entity processing, and using XML parsers with built-in protections.

• What is a session hijacking attack and how can it be prevented?

A session hijacking attack is a type of attack where an attacker steals a user's session token or cookie, allowing them to impersonate the user and perform unauthorized actions. To prevent session hijacking attacks, you can use techniques such as session timeouts, secure session storage, and HTTPS.

• What is a sensitive data exposure vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A sensitive data exposure vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, is stored or transmitted in an insecure manner, allowing an attacker to access it. To prevent sensitive data exposure vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as encryption, secure storage, and secure communication protocols such as HTTPS.

• What is a code injection attack and how can it be prevented?

A code injection attack is a type of attack where an attacker injects malicious code into a web application, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent code injection attacks, you can use techniques such as input validation, parameterized queries, and prepared statements.

• What is a broken authentication and session management vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken authentication and session management vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can bypass or manipulate authentication and session management mechanisms, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to a web application or perform unauthorized actions. To prevent broken authentication and session management vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as strong password policies, secure session storage, and proper session handling.

• What is a code obfuscation technique and how can it be used to improve application security?

Code obfuscation is a technique where code is modified to make it more difficult for attackers to understand or modify, without changing its functionality. Code obfuscation can be used to improve application security by making it more difficult for attackers to reverse engineer code, discover vulnerabilities, or perform other malicious actions.

• What is a cryptographic hash function and how can it be used to improve application security?

A cryptographic hash function is a mathematical function that takes an input and produces a fixed-size output, known as a hash, which is unique to that input. Cryptographic hash functions can be used to improve application security by providing a way to store passwords or other sensitive information in a secure, irreversible manner.

• What is a secure coding guideline and how can it be used to improve application security?

A secure coding guideline is a set of best practices and coding standards that can be used to improve application security by reducing the likelihood of vulnerabilities or weaknesses in code. Secure coding guidelines can include techniques such as input validation, error handling, and secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a security testing technique and how can it be used to improve application security?

A security testing technique is a process of testing an application or system to identify vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. Security testing techniques can include techniques such as penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and code review.

• What is a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack and how can it be prevented?

A cross-site scripting (XSS) attack is a type of attack where an attacker injects malicious code into a web page, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent XSS attacks, you can use techniques such as input validation, encoding, and using security headers such as Content Security Policy (CSP).

• What is a buffer overflow vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A buffer overflow vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can overwrite adjacent memory locations, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or crash a program. To prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, bounds checking, and secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a file inclusion vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A file inclusion vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can include and execute unauthorized files, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent file inclusion vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, limiting file access permissions, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack and how can it be prevented?

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of attack where an attacker intercepts and modifies communications between two parties, allowing them to eavesdrop or manipulate information. To prevent MITM attacks, you can use techniques such as encryption, secure communication protocols such as HTTPS, and certificate pinning.

• What is a denial-of-service (DoS) attack and how can it be prevented?

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack is a type of attack where an attacker floods a network or system with traffic or requests, causing it to become unavailable or slow down. To prevent DoS attacks, you can use techniques such as rate limiting, load balancing, and using firewalls or intrusion detection systems.

• What is a SQL injection attack and how can it be prevented?

A SQL injection attack is a type of attack where an attacker injects malicious SQL code into a web application, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent SQL injection attacks, you can use techniques such as input validation, parameterized queries, and prepared statements.

• What is a regular expression (regex) denial-of-service vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A regular expression (regex) denial-of-service vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can cause a regular expression to consume a large amount of resources, causing a denial-of-service attack. To prevent regex denial-of-service vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as limiting the complexity of regular expressions, validating input, and using regular expression engines with built-in protections.

• What is a server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can make a server-side request on behalf of the web application, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent SSRF vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, whitelisting allowed URLs, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a clickjacking attack and how can it be prevented?

A clickjacking attack is a type of attack where an attacker tricks a user into clicking on a hidden or disguised element on a web page, allowing them to execute unauthorized actions. To prevent clickjacking attacks, you can use techniques such as using X-Frame-Options headers, using JavaScript-based protections such as frame-busting code, and educating users on how to identify and avoid clickjacking attacks.

• What is a race condition vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A race condition vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit the timing between two or more events, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent race condition vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using locks or semaphores, ensuring that critical sections of code are executed atomically, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a session hijacking attack and how can it be prevented?

A session hijacking attack is a type of attack where an attacker steals a user's session ID, allowing them to impersonate the user and access their account. To prevent session hijacking attacks, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using session expiration timeouts, and using techniques such as token-based authentication.

• What is a broken authentication and session management vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken authentication and session management vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the authentication and session management mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent broken authentication and session management vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a path traversal vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A path traversal vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the path handling mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent path traversal vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, limiting file access permissions, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a remote code execution vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A remote code execution vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can execute unauthorized code on a remote server, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent remote code execution vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as sandboxing and virtualization.

• What is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the authentication and session management mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. To prevent CSRF vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using techniques such as token-based authentication, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a broken access control vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken access control vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the access control mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent broken access control vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a sensitive data exposure vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A sensitive data exposure vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can access sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personally identifiable information. To prevent sensitive data exposure vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as encrypting sensitive data, using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a reverse engineering vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A reverse engineering vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can analyze a binary or executable file to extract sensitive information such as encryption keys or algorithms. To prevent reverse engineering vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using obfuscation and anti-debugging techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and implementing strong access control mechanisms.

• What is a file inclusion vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A file inclusion vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the file inclusion mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent file inclusion vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as whitelisting.

• What is a clickjacking vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A clickjacking vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can trick a user into clicking on a malicious link, allowing the attacker to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent clickjacking vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using techniques such as token-based authentication, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A denial of service (DoS) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can overload a system, making it unavailable to users. To prevent DoS vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as implementing rate limiting and other traffic filtering techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as load balancing and redundancy.

• What is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack and how can it be prevented?

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of attack where an attacker can intercept communication between two parties, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent MITM attacks, you can use techniques such as using secure communication protocols such as SSL/TLS, using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a buffer overflow vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A buffer overflow vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the buffer management mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as bounds checking.

• What is a format string vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A format string vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the formatting mechanisms, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent format string vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as sanitizing input.

• What is a command injection vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A command injection vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can execute unauthorized commands on a remote server, allowing them to execute unauthorized code or access sensitive information. To prevent command injection vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as shell escaping.

• What is a code injection vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A code injection vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject and execute unauthorized code, allowing them to access sensitive information or take control of the system. To prevent code injection vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as parameterized queries.

• What is a session hijacking vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A session hijacking vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can take control of a user's session, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent session hijacking vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using secure cookies, and using secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication.

• What is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can trick a user into executing unauthorized actions on a web application. To prevent CSRF vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using techniques such as token-based authentication, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject malicious scripts into a web application, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent XSS vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as escaping and sanitizing user input.

• What is a server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit a server's ability to make requests to other systems, allowing them to execute unauthorized actions or access sensitive information. To prevent SSRF vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as whitelisting.

• What is a broken authentication and session management vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken authentication and session management vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the authentication and session management mechanisms, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent broken authentication and session management vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using secure cookies, and using secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication.

• What is a cryptographic vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A cryptographic vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the cryptographic mechanisms used by a system, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent cryptographic vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using strong encryption algorithms, using secure key management techniques, and using secure coding practices such as defensive programming.

• What is a race condition vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A race condition vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit timing issues in a system, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent race condition vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using locks or other synchronization mechanisms, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as validating user input.

• What is a file inclusion vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A file inclusion vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the way a web application includes files, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent file inclusion vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as validating user input, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as whitelisting.

• What is a buffer overflow vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A buffer overflow vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the way a program handles input, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as validating user input, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as bounds checking.

• What is a directory traversal vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A directory traversal vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the way a web application handles file paths, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent directory traversal vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as validating user input, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as whitelisting.

• What is a SQL truncation vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A SQL truncation vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the way a program handles SQL queries, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent SQL truncation vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using parameterized queries, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as validating user input.

• What is a broken access control vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken access control vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit weaknesses in the access control mechanisms used by a system, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent broken access control vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, and using secure authorization mechanisms such as role-based access control.

• What is a clickjacking vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A clickjacking vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can trick a user into clicking on a hidden or disguised element on a web page, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent clickjacking vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as HTTPS, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as frame-busting scripts.

• What is a remote code execution vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A remote code execution vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can execute arbitrary code on a system, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent remote code execution vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, using secure input validation techniques, and using techniques such as sandboxing and virtualization.

• What is a XML injection vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A XML injection vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject unauthorized XML code, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent XML injection vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as input validation, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as escaping and sanitizing user input.

• What is a buffer overflow vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A buffer overflow vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject unauthorized code into a buffer, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure input validation techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as bounds checking and input sanitization.

• What is a zero-day vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A zero-day vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit a vulnerability before it is discovered or patched. To prevent zero-day vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, using secure input validation techniques, and using techniques such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

• What is a broken authentication and session management vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A broken authentication and session management vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit flaws in the authentication or session management processes, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent broken authentication and session management vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure session management techniques such as CSRF tokens, using secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, and using secure authorization mechanisms such as role-based access control.

• What is a business logic vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A business logic vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can exploit flaws in the application's business logic, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent business logic vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, using secure input validation techniques, and using techniques such as testing and code review.

• What is a file inclusion vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A file inclusion vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can include unauthorized files, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent file inclusion vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure input validation techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as file permissions and input sanitization.

• What is a code injection vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A code injection vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject unauthorized code, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent code injection vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure input validation techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as input sanitization and output encoding.

• What is a parameter tampering vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A parameter tampering vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can tamper with parameters, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent parameter tampering vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure input validation techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as input validation and output encoding.

• What is a phishing attack and how can it be prevented?

A phishing attack is a type of attack where an attacker attempts to trick a user into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card information. To prevent phishing attacks, you can use techniques such as using secure communication techniques such as HTTPS, using secure authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication, and using secure encryption techniques.

• What is a SQL injection vulnerability and how can it be prevented?

A SQL injection vulnerability is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject unauthorized SQL code, allowing them to access sensitive information or execute unauthorized actions. To prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities, you can use techniques such as using secure input validation techniques, using secure coding practices such as defensive programming, and using techniques such as parameterized queries and prepared statements.