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18. Perform Web Application Attacks like Brute-Force, Parameter Tempering, XSS, CSRF using Burpsuite

Step 1: Introduction​

In this practical, we will learn how to perform web application attacks like brute-force, parameter tampering, cross-site scripting (XSS), and cross-site request forgery (CSRF) using Burp Suite.

Step 2: Setting up the Environment​

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

  • Kali Linux machine (attacker machine)
  • Target web application (can be a local or remote application)
  • Burp Suite installed on the Kali Linux machine

Step 3: Configuring Burp Suite​

  1. Open Burp Suite on your Kali Linux machine.
  2. Configure the proxy settings in Burp Suite to intercept the web application traffic.
  3. Set up the target web application in Burp Suite by specifying the target URL.

Step 4: Brute-Force Attack​

  1. Use Burp Suite's Intruder tool to perform a brute-force attack on the target web application's login page.
  2. Configure the Intruder tool to use a wordlist for username and password combinations.
  3. Start the brute-force attack and analyze the responses to identify successful login credentials.

Step 5: Parameter Tampering​

  1. Use Burp Suite's Proxy tool to intercept and modify the parameters of HTTP requests sent by the target web application.
  2. Identify the parameters that can be tampered with to manipulate the application's behavior.
  3. Modify the parameters and observe the impact on the application's functionality.

Step 6: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Attack​

  1. Use Burp Suite's Scanner tool to identify potential XSS vulnerabilities in the target web application.
  2. Exploit the identified XSS vulnerabilities by injecting malicious scripts into input fields.
  3. Observe the execution of the injected scripts and their impact on the application.

Step 7: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Attack​

  1. Use Burp Suite's Proxy tool to intercept and modify the requests sent by the target web application.
  2. Identify the requests that can be manipulated to perform CSRF attacks.
  3. Modify the requests to include malicious actions and trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions.

Step 8: Defending against Web Application Attacks​

  1. Use Burp Suite's Scanner tool to identify vulnerabilities in the target web application.
  2. Implement appropriate security measures to mitigate the identified vulnerabilities.
  3. Regularly test the web application for new vulnerabilities and apply necessary patches and updates.

Step 9: Conclusion​

In this practical, we have learned how to perform web application attacks like brute-force, parameter tampering, XSS, and CSRF using Burp Suite. It is important to understand these attack techniques in order to secure web applications against potential threats.