How To Deal With Common Vulnerabilities in Java?

Java is an object-oriented, general-purpose programming language that has been in existence for more than 26 years. Its popularity over time has made it one of the most sought-after technologies to learn.

Today, there are numerous Java coding bootcamps across the USA that teach Java programming to learners. These Java bootcamps are a great way to specialize in Java programming and begin a career in Java development.

The versatility, cross-platform abilities, robustness, and portability make it useful for various environments. That's why you can find it everywhere, from mobile devices to enterprise servers and even supercomputers.

How To Deal With Common Vulnerabilities in Java?

While this all-pervasive nature is a positive for Java, it also exposes it to several vulnerabilities and security threats. Therefore, it becomes imperative to familiarize yourself with possible vulnerabilities in Java.

Only if you know them can you take the necessary steps. Below are mentioned the most common vulnerabilities in Java coding and steps you can take to avoid them.

Code Injections

Code injection is a form of software attack where malicious code is introduced into the application. When interpreted and executed, this injected code can put your application in a vulnerable state and lead to unwanted results such as data corruption, data loss, access denial, or host takeover.

Code injections are easiest to execute on applications that accept input. So, the best way to prevent attackers from adding codes is through Input Validation with output Sanitizing + Escaping on user input/output. Input validation will test and reject any invalid input data, preventing our application from possible attacks.

OS Command Injections/Shell Injection

It is another security vulnerability that allows the execution of unauthorized shell commands on the operating system running your application. The attacker can send arbitrary system commands by extending the default functionality of the application without the need for code injection.

Allow-listing and deny-listing can be helpful here to prevent command injection, but you need to be careful using them as these can also hamper your application's functioning. Second, you can integrate security testing to find out vulnerabilities or new attacks in your system.

Database Connection String Injection

Connection strings are a set of expressions that contain information, including authentication details, server instance, database name, and other settings needed to connect an application to a database server.

This database server could be your relational databases, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directories, and files.

A connection string is generated to link to the backend database whenever the username and password are entered in a web application. For instance

Data Source = myDataSource Address; Initial Catalog = db; Integrated Security = no; User ID = myUsername/ myDomain; Password = YYY;

So, if the attacker adds something else after entering the username and password, such as

Integrated Security = true;

the string will become

Data Source = myDataSource Address; Initial Catalog = db; Integrated Security = no; User ID = myUsername/ myDomain; Password = YYY; Intergrated Security = true;

So, you can see here Integrated Security = no; is overridden by Integrated Security = true;

It happens because of the "last one wins" principle. Some database providers have the "last one wins" algorithm. If the KEYWORD=VALUE pair is found more than once in the connection string, the value related to the LAST occurrence is taken.

So, now the web application will connect to the database using the OS account where the application is running to evade standard authentication.

The attacker would require the data source, user id, initial catalog, and password for any malicious connection string injection. So, one way by which you can prevent string injection is by securing your data through encryption. Next, you can secure access to the data source, allowing access to only trusted users.

LDAP(Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) Injection

It is a vulnerability in which untrusted input constructs queries without prior validation or sanitization. LDAP is an open, vendor-neutral, cross-platform application protocol used for distributed directory service authentication.

It can be seen as a communication language by which the applications communicate and access the directory services servers. The directory services servers store the account details, usernames, passwords, and other critical information which can be shared with others on the network.

LDAP injections occur when unsanitized or unvalidated inputs are entered directly into the LDAP statement. When it happens, the trespasser can take advantage of the LDAP filter syntax, triggering the server to execute unwarranted queries and LDAP statements.

The simplest way to prevent LDAP injection is to perform server-side validation of all data supplied by the user. It should be validated against a white list of special or metacharacters.

SQL Injection

SQL injection is a vulnerability in web security that allows an intruder to interfere with the queries one makes to the database. As a result, the backend application gives back critical data and executes malicious SQL statements on the database.

It is a serious threat to data security as it can compromise data access and lead to privacy breaches and data loss/ data corruption. The injection can also take full control of the database and lock you out.

Preventing SQL injection is simple and can be done through input validation on the server-side. You can also control it by the use of prepared statements with variable binding.

Conclusion

Like any other programming language, Java no doubt has some vulnerabilities. But that doesn't mean that it is risky and unfit for use. By taking reasonable safety measures against possible attacks, you can surely secure your application.

For most of the attacks, methods like validating and sanitizing inputs, using strong encryption, hiding implementation details, etc., will work. Be ready to identify the vulnerabilities in your code, and make use of Java security APIs and packages and third-party tools to examine and log the code for security issues.

Stay abreast of the dynamic Java security landscape by enrolling in a good Coding Bootcamp. SynergisticIT is a well-known name in the upskilling industry, offering the best Java training in Seattle for Java enthusiasts. Hands-on training helps students learn about the best tools and practices for developing secure Java applications.

Also, Read This Blog; A Beginner's Guide to How to Code in Java