Understanding DOM-based XSS: Mechanism, Examples, and Prevention

Web security is paramount for both users and website providers. Among the various web vulnerabilities, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a prominent attack method targeting users. While there are several types of XSS, one that’s slightly different is called “DOM-based XSS.” We will dive into what makes it unique from traditional XSS, how the attack works, and importantly, how to prevent it. 🤔 What is XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)? Before we talk about DOM-based XSS, let’s quickly define XSS in general. ...

May 1, 2025 · 7 min · 1474 words · 0xuki

XSS Hunting: Risks of document.write and Detection Strategies

The document.write method in JavaScript remains a critical vector for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. While it dynamically injects HTML content, improper handling of user input can enable attackers to execute arbitrary scripts. This article explores practical techniques to identify and mitigate risks associated with document.write, supported by real-world cases and defensive frameworks. 1. Why document.write Enables XSS Core Risks document.write directly renders unvalidated strings into HTML, creating vulnerabilities when: Untrusted input sources (URL parameters, form fields) are used without sanitization. Inadequate escaping allows characters like < or > to bypass defenses. Dynamic contexts (search results, error messages) amplify injection opportunities. Example: ...

April 24, 2025 · 3 min · 438 words · 0xuki