Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) Techniques in Web App Penetration Testing

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) has emerged as a formidable threat. Web applications, the backbone of our digital world, are constantly under siege from malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for their gain. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of SSRF vulnerabilities and their detection and mitigation in web app penetration testing.

Understanding SSRF

Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to manipulate the server into making unauthorized requests to internal or external resources. These malicious requests are often used to bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or perform actions that compromise the application's integrity. Let's explore this in detail.

Types of SSRF Vulnerabilities

1. Basic SSRF

Basic SSRF involves exploiting a web application's ability to make HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations. Attackers can forge requests to internal services or external systems, often leading to unauthorized data access.

2. Blind SSRF

Blind SSRF occurs when an attacker can trigger SSRF but doesn't receive the response directly. Instead, they rely on other techniques, like out-of-band (OOB) requests, to confirm the attack's…