What is Clickjacking?
Web apps have gotten increasingly significant as technology has developed. These apps provide accessibility and convenience for anything from social networking platforms to internet banking. However, as online apps are used more frequently, hackers have discovered fresh ways to use flaws to trick consumers and jeopardize their security. Among these dangers is clickjacking.
We will examine clickjacking in this article, including what it is, how it operates, and critical countermeasures.
What is clickjacking?
A technique used by attackers to deceive users into clicking on a hidden or disguised element on a webpage that frequently results in undesired actions or unauthorized access is called clickjacking, also known as UI (User Interface) redressing. The main goal of clickjacking is to influence a user’s clicks in order to further the attacker’s evil intentions, which might include taking over a user’s account, disseminating malware, or conducting social engineering attacks.
How does it work?
In clickjacking, legitimate site content is covered with or embedded with invisible features like buttons or links. Users unwittingly initiate actions on the hidden parts when interacting with the apparent content. Sharing private information, approving transactions, gaining access, or even giving the attacker control of the user’s webcam or microphone are examples of these acts.
Clickjacking attacks can take use of a number of web app issues, such as cross-origin resource sharing (CORS), frame embedding, and poor security header implementation. Attackers can cover up unseen content on web pages and trick visitors into taking undesired actions by utilizing iframes, CSS tricks, or JavaScript.
Some Clickjacking Situations
1. Likejacking: In this scenario, attackers hide a “Like” button on top of legitimate content in order to fool people into liking or spreading harmful pages or content.
2. User interface (UI) Redressing: Attackers trick users by placing an invisible button over a seemingly innocent site element, like a “Download” button. Users accidentally start the activity on the invisible button when they press the visible button.
3. Frame Overlay: Attackers utilize iframes to place an invisible frame with malicious information over a trustworthy website or service. Users mistakenly do activities on the hidden frame while interacting with the visible page.
Preventative Measures.
1. Content Security Policy (CSP) and X-Frame-Options By implementing these security headers in online applications, web content cannot be included in iframes, reducing the risk of clickjacking attacks. The loading of content in iframes from other sites can be stopped by web developers by setting the X-Frame-Options header to “deny” or “sameorigin.” By allowing the specification of trusted sources for web content, Content Security Policy (CSP) reduces the possibility of clickjacking.
2. Frame-Busting Scripts: Web developers can use frame-busting scripts to prevent their websites from loading within iframes and guarantee that their content is only seen in a top-level window. These scripts assist in preventing clickjacking attempts by removing any frames that might have been maliciously embedded.
3. User Education: Educating users about the dangers and methods utilized in clickjacking attacks is essential. Users can avoid falling prey to clickjacking by being careful while engaging with unfamiliar or suspect web pages.
4. Consistent Security Audits: Consistent security audits and vulnerability assessments can find online apps that may have clickjacking issues. Maintaining current security best practices is crucial, as is quickly patching any vulnerabilities found.
Conclusion.
Clickjacking poses a significant threat to web application security but can be prevented. As a website owner, you want prospective clients to have a seamless, safe browsing experience when using your site.
With our website maintenance packages prioritizing website security prevention over a cure ensures that you establish a strong foundation of protection, maintain user trust, avoid legal ramifications, and save costs associated with recovering from a security breach. It’s a proactive and responsible approach that enhances your overall online security posture.
At Brandsplash we have helped many clients to secure and even correct website security issues. If you have any concerns about your website security, get in contact with us!