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Cross-Site Scripting

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May 1, 2024 Updated June 19, 2025 17 minute read

An Introduction to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting, often abbreviated as XSS, is a common type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. At its core, XSS allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts (most commonly client-side scripts like JavaScript) into web pages viewed by other users. This occurs when an application takes untrusted data and sends it to a web browser without proper validation or escaping. Essentially, the attacker tricks a trusted website into delivering their harmful code to an unsuspecting user's browser.

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Reading list

We've selected three 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 Cross-Site Scripting.
Provides a detailed overview of XSS attacks, including how to exploit them and how to defend against them.
Provides a practical guide to HTTP security, including how to defend against XSS attacks.
Provides a brief overview of XSS attacks, including how to identify and prevent them.
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