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Specialized Testing

XSS

Since the late 1990s, cross-site scripting (XSS) has been one of the most common security issues in web applications. This course will teach you how to test a site for this kind of vulnerability.

Since the late 1990s, cross-site scripting (XSS) has been one of the most common security issues in web applications. In this course, Specialized Testing: XSS, you’ll learn to audit a web site for XSS. First, you’ll explore the mechanics of XSS. Next, you’ll discover the different types of XSS. Finally, you’ll learn how to test for XSS vulnerabilities. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of testing for XSS needed to audit a website for this kind of vulnerability.

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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Web Application Security Reflected XSS Stored XSS DOM-based XSS XSS Testing

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

XSS Fundamentals

Reflected XSS

Stored XSS

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores XSS, highlighting its prevalence and importance in web applications since the late 1990s

Facilitates understanding of different XSS types, equipping learners to effectively identify vulnerabilities

Provides practical guidance on testing for XSS vulnerabilities, enhancing learners' technical skills

Led by Christian Wenz, an established expert in the field, fostering credibility and trust

Ideal for those seeking to strengthen their knowledge of XSS testing and enhance their web security expertise

Focuses on testing methodologies rather than general XSS concepts, catering specifically to learners interested in testing

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Reviews summary

Practical xss vulnerability testing

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and clear introduction to Specialized Testing: XSS. Students find it provides a solid foundation in identifying Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, with effective demonstrations of various attack types like Reflected, Stored, and DOM-Based XSS. Its hands-on approach is frequently praised, making the complex topic accessible. While generally considered a valuable resource for web security professionals, some suggest it's best for beginners to intermediate learners and could benefit from more advanced topics for experienced testers.

Best suited for those new or with some prior experience.

"For someone with significant security experience, some sections felt a bit basic."

"As a beginner, I found this course perfectly paced and not overwhelming."

"I think it's a great starting point, but don't expect deep dives into every advanced bypass."

The instructor demonstrates expertise and clear delivery.

"The instructor's explanations were insightful and demonstrated deep knowledge of XSS."

"I felt confident in the instructor's expertise throughout the modules, they really knew their stuff."

"Engaging delivery made learning complex topics much easier to absorb."

Explains complex XSS concepts in an accessible way.

"The instructor explained the mechanics of XSS so clearly, making it easy to grasp even difficult parts."

"I appreciate how the course logically broke down the different types of XSS like Reflected and Stored."

"It built a very strong foundation, starting from the absolute basics of XSS before moving to advanced topics."

Provides actionable techniques for XSS testing.

"I found the methods for identifying XSS directly applicable to my daily work."

"The hands-on examples really helped solidify my understanding and apply concepts."

"This course taught me practical steps on how to start testing for these vulnerabilities right away."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Specialized Testing: XSS with these activities:

Build XSS lab environment

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Helps students set up lab environments to practice testing for XSS vulnerabilities.

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Install necessary software and tools
Configure a web server and database
Create sample web applications with known XSS vulnerabilities

Compile a List of XSS Testing Tools

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Helps students discover and explore various tools available for testing XSS vulnerabilities.

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Research different XSS testing tools
Create a list of the tools
Include a brief description of each tool

Read 'Web Application Security: A Beginner's Guide' by Andrew Hoffman

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Provides a comprehensive overview of web application security, including XSS vulnerabilities.

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Five other activities

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Volunteer as an XSS Mentor on Stack Overflow

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Allows students to share their knowledge and assist others in understanding XSS vulnerabilities.

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Create a Stack Overflow account
Answer questions related to XSS
Provide guidance and support to other users

Follow OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet Tutorial

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Provides guidance on how to prevent XSS vulnerabilities using industry-standard best practices.

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Review the OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet
Follow the steps in the tutorial to implement XSS prevention techniques

Participate in a CTF with XSS Challenges

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Offers a competitive and engaging environment to practice and enhance XSS testing skills.

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Find a CTF that includes XSS challenges
Register for the CTF
Solve the XSS challenges

Solve XSS Challenges on HackerOne

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Offers hands-on experience in identifying and exploiting XSS vulnerabilities.

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Sign up for a HackerOne account
Search for XSS challenges
Solve the challenges by exploiting XSS vulnerabilities

Write a Report on XSS Prevention Techniques

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Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding of XSS prevention techniques.

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Research different XSS prevention techniques
Write a report that describes the techniques
Include examples and case studies to illustrate the techniques

Career center

Learners who complete Specialized Testing: XSS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Application Developer

Web Application Developers design, develop, and maintain Web applications. Since XSS is one of the most common types of Web application security vulnerabilities, you'll need to have mastery of testing for this vulnerability. Taking this course will help you do just that so you can protect software against this common attack vector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Application Developer

Security Architect

Security Architects design, develop, and implement security architectures for organizations. This course would provide a lot of value for those seeking to specialize in web security, since XSS is a very common web application security vulnerability that Security Architects will need to design protections against.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security Consultants assess and mitigate security risks for organizations. This course would be of great value for Security Consultants, because XSS is one of the most common types of web application vulnerabilities. Security Consultants specializing in web security would greatly benefit from this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Application Security Engineer

Application Security Engineers plan, design, and implement security controls for enterprise level applications. Since XSS is one of the most common types of application security vulnerabilities, you'll need to possess a mastery of testing for this vulnerability. Taking this course will help you do just that so you can protect software against this common attack vector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts plan and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems. Since XSS is one of the most common types of web application security vulnerabilities, Cybersecurity Analysts must be knowledgeable about testing for this vulnerability. This course will help you develop the knowledge needed to identify and remediate this vulnerability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Administrator

Security Administrators are responsible for managing and enforcing security policies and procedures within an organization. They must have expert knowledge of how to protect systems from a variety of threats including XSS. This course will help prepare you for this role and will be particularly helpful if you go on to specialize in web security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators plan, implement, and maintain computer networks and systems. Cybersecurity skills are essential for this role. This course will help build a foundation for a career in this field and will particularly benefit you if you wish to specialize in web security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems such as networks and servers, to meet an organization's needs. Cybersecurity skills are essential for this role. This course will help build a foundation for a career in this field and will particularly benefit you if you wish to specialize in web security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers test software to ensure that it performs as expected and meets quality standards. Since XSS vulnerabilities can significantly affect the quality of an application, Software Quality Assurance Engineers will benefit greatly from this course to do their jobs effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. Cybersecurity skills are essential for this role. This course will help build a foundation for a career in this field and will particularly benefit you if you wish to specialize in web security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers build and maintain websites and Web applications. Specialized knowledge of XSS testing would greatly benefit a Web Developer to protect against this common type of security threat. This course may be of particular benefit if you wanted to pursue this career and specialize in web security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. Some organizations consider this as a form of cybersecurity. You may work towards a cybersecurity specialization within this career. This course will help supplement your knowledge set and will be particularly beneficial for you if you want to specialize in web security with a focus on databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Scientist

Data Scientists gather and analyze big data to uncover patterns and make predictions. You may use data science specifically for web security purposes, and you may even work alongside security professionals. Taking this course would be helpful for enhancing your skill set in your specific area of interest.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain computer software. While not all software is web-based, much of it is. If you plan to specialize in web development, then this course may be of particular benefit to you by giving you the skills to test for a common type of vulnerability in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software. While not all software is web-based, much of it is. If you plan to specialize in web development, then this course may be of particular benefit to you by giving you the skills to test for a common type of vulnerability in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Specialized Testing: XSS.

Attack and Defend Computer Security Set

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A helpful book for both beginners and experienced pentesters alike, this book practical guide to XSS attack vectors, defenses, and remediation techniques. The second edition includes a section on DOM-based XSS, making this book valuable when used in conjunction with the course.

Attack and Defend Computer Security Set

Kindle Edition

$$$

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook

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Is written by industry experts who work as penetration testers. It not only provides a broad overview of web application security, but also includes exercises and walkthroughs of XSS attack vectors. It great book to read to supplement this course.

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and...

Paperback

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Discovering...

Paperback

$$$

The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and...

Kindle Edition

Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...

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Considered outdated by some, this is book is still a good pick for this course, especially for students with some experience in web application testing. It will provide additional depth and knowledge when working through course exercises.

Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...

Paperback

Check price

Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...

Kindle Edition

Check price

The Art of Software Security Assessment

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Takes a holistic approach to software security, and provides a different perspective to the course material. A useful reference for software developers, quality assurance testers, and security professionals.

Art of Software Security Assessment, The:...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Penetration Testing

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Provides background material that is helpful for security testers, including chapters on finding and exploiting XSS attacks.

Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to...

Paperback

Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to...

Kindle Edition

AppSensor Guide

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While not as in-depth as other books on this list, the OWASP cookbook great reference for developers and security testers alike. It provides short, to-the-point fixes to security issues, including XSS.

AppSensor Guide

Paperback

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