Browser vulnerabilities, exploits and attacks explained

How vulnerabilities are exploited

Exploits are weaknesses in browser code or design that attackers can use. No browser is completely immune. Security flaws emerge regularly, making updates essential. Even widely used browsers like Chrome and Edge require frequent patches to fix vulnerabilities. The open web also creates opportunities for cyber threats, increasing the need for strong security measures.

Many browser attacks exploit technical flaws in browser design and implementation. Browsers may fail to identify insecure websites, they can give access to unsafe plugin repositories, or permit malicious extensions. Web applications may also contain unpatched flaws, making login portals insecure.

Public-facing applications are common targets for exploits, especially if they have unpatched vulnerabilities or weak security controls. The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project documents known exploit vulnerabilities. Over 100 new exploits enter the database every day, with a total of over 40,000 known CVEs.

Organizations can also multiply browser attack risks via insecure web practices. Companies often fail to scan downloads for malware. Lax software updates provide scope for exploit-based attacks. Security teams may not validate new services adequately, or fail to monitor device or app usage.

Risky user behavior is another critical browser security weakness. For instance, employees may not realize the risks related to unsolicited email attachments or embedded links. They may download files from unknown sources, or use the same password on many web services.

Third parties can introduce security risks through flawed scripts, weak encryption, or outdated software. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in externally sourced services to inject malicious code or steal data. Poorly secured APIs, third-party plugins, and content delivery networks (CDNs) can also expose browsers to cyber threats.

Common types of browser attacks

Browser attacks can emerge from user activity, compromised service providers, or faulty software and extensions. They can also take many forms—challenging security teams to block vulnerabilities and secure sensitive data.

Almost all companies are exposed to browser attacks via everyday activities.

Here are some critical threats to include in your risk mitigation strategy:

Malicious software downloads

Web browsers are common vectors for malware attacks. Around 1% of all websites harbor malware at any given moment. When downloaded, these agents can launch drive-by download attacks—delivering malware without warning. Ransomware attacks, session hijacking, and data theft often result.

In-browser code exploits

These web browser attacks target code vulnerabilities in common web browsers. Criminals identify code flaws to inject malware or launch session hijacking. When that happens, attackers can reside in the background and gather sensitive information.

Plug-in code exploits

Browser extensions are also vulnerable to exploit attacks. Flash or Java extensions sourced from insecure download sites are particularly known for security vulnerabilities and need tight monitoring to avoid unsafe downloads.

Cross-site scripting (XSS)

Attackers inject malicious code into websites. Javascript code often executes itself on local devices when users visit the site. If the XSS attack is successful, this includes malicious code that acts like an executable file.

Cross-site scripting often affects websites with content entry features. For example, criminals may target the code used in discussion forums. Executing this code can enable cookie session hijacks, resulting in data theft or malware infection.

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

These browser attacks use malicious scripts to target web applications that authenticate users. Users gain trusted status at a high-value website by supplying their credentials. This could be a bank or payment processing site.

Attackers use social engineering cyber-attacks to convince targets to visit a fake website. This website then executes malicious code which sends a request to the bank or payment processor. This site may mistake this query for a legitimate request and allow unauthorized transactions.

SQL injection

SQL code runs sites that connect user inputs to databases, including many financial or retail websites. As in XSS attacks, SQL injection (or formjacking) fools browsers into executing malicious code—this time written into SQL queries. When this happens, attackers may obtain access to database contents.

Phishing

Phishing emails trick users into clicking links that lead to convincing fake websites. Attackers rely on realistic-looking pages to fool browsers and steal login details. Often, malicious downloads silently install malware, targeting sensitive data stored in browsers. A single click can expose personal details, financial information, and company credentials. Training users to spot these threats stops attackers before they succeed.

Clickjacking

These browser-based attacks deceive web users by hiding malicious links or code with website features. Websites appear normal. However, attackers place transparent overlays above seemingly legitimate images or text.

Clicking unwanted links can lead to annoying consequences like unwillingly sharing links on social media. However, clicks can also lead to malware downloads.

Tabnabbing

Tabnabbing is a sophisticated browser attack based on user surveillance. Attackers look for users who routinely open many browser tabs. They choose a tab that has been inactive for a short period and change the content to a malicious site.

When users return to the compromised tab, they may fail to recognize the content has changed and unwittingly activate malicious code or enter sensitive information.

DNS poisoning

DNS servers direct traffic around the web, ensuring access to the resources users require. DNS cache poisoning compromises this function. These browser-based attacks redirect users to fake websites that resemble genuine articles despite hosting malicious content.

Man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM)

Man-in-the-middle attacks exploit the connection between user devices and web servers. Attackers place themselves between two trusted nodes. In that privileged position, criminals can harvest data or redirect web users to malicious websites.

Man-in-the-middle browser attacks are particularly common when using insecure public wifi connections. Attackers exploit security vulnerabilities to create fake wifi hotspots and gain total control over the user's browsing activity.

After that, mounting identity theft attacks is relatively simple. Attackers can also track or change the data sent across the connection, redirect HTTP queries, and deliver malware.

Browser hijacking

Criminals can hijack browsers via extensions or malware. For example, historic malware variants have added unwanted toolbars to web browsers or forced browsers to display malicious start pages. Hijacking is a common technique to deliver pop-up ads, but it can also lead to identity theft and malware infections.

How to prevent browser attacks

Browser attacks are constantly evolving, making strong defenses essential. Consumer browsers have security gaps that attackers can exploit. Businesses need a comprehensive approach to reduce risk. Enterprise browsers offer built-in protections like threat detection and policy enforcement. Using them alongside the best practices below helps secure data and block browser-based threats.

Regularly patch browsers and extensions

Unpatched web browsers create security risks, giving threat actors chances to exploit vulnerabilities. Keep every user’s browser updated and apply patches as soon as they’re available. Even small delays can open the door to data theft or session hijacking. Enterprise browsers help by enforcing centralized updates, ensuring everyone gets the latest security fixes.

Updating extensions is just as important. Make sure critical extensions like JavaScript and Flash are up-to-date. Audit plug-ins to block unsafe tools and remove extensions when they are no longer needed.

Use secure web pages

Secure websites have an HTTPS prefix, where the "S" refers to security. They also have a padlock symbol in the browser address bar. These sites use encryption protocols to protect code and avoid exploits. Sites with the HTTP prefix should be regarded as insecure and unsafe for professional browsing.

Maintain secure websites

Companies must safeguard websites against common browser exploits and vulnerabilities. Adopt secure coding techniques to develop web assets. Apply user validation for code entered into website fields. This helps guard against scripting and injection attacks.

Use secure browsing tools

Chrome and Mozilla offer simple security features such as Incognito Mode but are insufficient for business purposes. Consider secure browser extensions that encrypt traffic, filter content, and scan for malware.

Enterprise browsers include built-in security features like traffic encryption, content filtering, and malware scanning. These protections help reduce the risk of browser-based threats. For high-risk applications, browser isolation adds another layer of security. It sandboxes web activity in a secure environment, limiting exposure to exploits.

Train employees in safe web browsing

Many web browser attacks result from unsafe user behavior. Comprehensive web security training is essential.

Train employees to analyze and identify phishing emails. Employees should exercise caution when downloading files from websites and adding plug-ins to work browsers.

Employees should also use strong, unique passwords. That way, attackers will not gain access to many resources if they successfully compromise a user's credentials.

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA requires multiple credentials when accessing sensitive information or assets in web-based environments. This acts as an insurance policy against data theft and hijacking. Even if their browser attacks succeed, criminals struggle to access sensitive resources.

Apply network monitoring to detect browser threats

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) detect web browser attacks before they spread throughout networks and user communities. Monitoring tools detect suspicious web activity, such as redirects to suspicious sites or unusual data transfers. Security teams can also configure firewalls to block websites and forms of web traffic. For organizations with remote access or BYOD environments, enterprise browsers improve network security by offering more control over web activity.

Use secure web gateways to manage web traffic

Secure gateways create a single access point to web resources for network users. Every employee must pass through the secure gateway, allowing security teams to regulate access and apply filters.

For example, secure gateways can block pop-up ads and block known attack sites. They can also block social media or conventional media sites, along with extension download repositories.

In summary: Implement robust browser security measures

Insecure web browsers offer an open door for cyber-attacks, potentially leading to identity theft, loss of sensitive information, and severe malware infections. We have explored many ways to exploit browser vulnerabilities, from cross-site scripting to malicious extensions. Companies cannot afford to overlook any browser threat. A comprehensive browser security strategy is vital.