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Specialized Testing

XSS

Christian Wenz

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.

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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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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
XSS Fundamentals
Reflected XSS
Stored XSS
Read more
DOM-Based XSS
Finding XSS in Code

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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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
Helps students set up lab environments to practice testing for XSS vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • 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
Helps students discover and explore various tools available for testing XSS vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • 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
Provides a comprehensive overview of web application security, including XSS vulnerabilities.
Show steps
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer as an XSS Mentor on Stack Overflow
Allows students to share their knowledge and assist others in understanding XSS vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • Create a Stack Overflow account
  • Answer questions related to XSS
  • Provide guidance and support to other users
Follow OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet Tutorial
Provides guidance on how to prevent XSS vulnerabilities using industry-standard best practices.
Show steps
  • Review the OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to implement XSS prevention techniques
Participate in a CTF with XSS Challenges
Offers a competitive and engaging environment to practice and enhance XSS testing skills.
Show steps
  • Find a CTF that includes XSS challenges
  • Register for the CTF
  • Solve the XSS challenges
Solve XSS Challenges on HackerOne
Offers hands-on experience in identifying and exploiting XSS vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • Sign up for a HackerOne account
  • Search for XSS challenges
  • Solve the challenges by exploiting XSS vulnerabilities
Write a Report on XSS Prevention Techniques
Encourages students to synthesize their knowledge and demonstrate their understanding of XSS prevention techniques.
Show steps
  • 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:
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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

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.
Cover image
Attack and Defend Computer Security Set
Save
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
$$$
Cover image
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook
Save
Is written by industry experts who work as penetration testers. It not only provides a broad overview of web application security, but also includes exercises and walkthroughs of XSS attack vectors. It great book to read to supplement this course.
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and...
Paperback
$$
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Discovering...
Paperback
$$$
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...
Save
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
Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Software Security Assessment
Save
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
$$$
Cover image
Penetration Testing
Save
Provides background material that is helpful for security testers, including chapters on finding and exploiting XSS attacks.
Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to...
Paperback
$$
Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
AppSensor Guide
Save
While not as in-depth as other books on this list, the OWASP cookbook great reference for developers and security testers alike. It provides short, to-the-point fixes to security issues, including XSS.
AppSensor Guide
Paperback
$$

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Course image
Time
74 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Christian Wenz
Language
English
Good to know
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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