Web-based attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and payment parameter tampering stands out as a silent yet potent threat. This attack involves manipulating parameters exchanged between the client and server to alter sensitive application data, such as user credentials, permissions, product prices, or quantities. The data targeted in parameter tampering is typically stored in cookies, hidden form fields, or URL query strings to enhance application functionality and control. When exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious users to gain unauthorized benefits or, in the case of a Man-in-the-Middle attack, target third parties.

The success of payment parameter tampering hinges on flaws in an application’s integrity and logic validation mechanisms. Once exploited, it can pave the way for severe security issues, including Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, file inclusion, and even path disclosure attacks.

Attackers commonly manipulate parameters through cookies, form fields, HTTP headers, and URL query strings, making it a versatile and risky attack vector. In this blog, we’ll look deeper into parameter tampering, explore real-world scenarios, and discuss effective strategies to secure web applications against this threat.

What is Payment Parameter Tampering?

It is a type of web attack where an attacker manipulates the data exchanged between the client and server, disrupting the application’s business logic. This can lead to the alteration of crucial application data, such as user credentials, permissions, and pricing information. Although subtle, this threat can have severe consequences, ranging from unauthorized data access to complete system compromise. For developers and security professionals, understanding parameter tampering is essential to protect against these unauthorized manipulations.

The effects of parameter tampering go beyond data theft or website defacement. It can compromise the integrity of eCommerce transactions, corrupt database queries, and expose sensitive information.

For Example:

Tampering HTTP Requests

Impact of Payment Parameter Tampering

This type of web attack can be executed through various methods, leading to data exposure or server-side attacks.

Cookie Manipulation

A cookie is a small piece of data typically generated by a web server and stored in a web browser. It serves as a convenient way to store user preferences, session tokens, and other information. However, since cookies can be altered by the client and sent back to the server with URL requests, malicious users can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate cookie content.

For example

Modified Cookie by Attacker

Form Fields

This manipulation occurs when an attacker alters the data sent to a web server to modify the behaviour of a form without authorization. When users make selections on an HTML page, the chosen values are stored as form field inputs and transmitted to the web application. These inputs may include pre-selected options such as combo boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, free text fields, or hidden parameters.

Attackers can manipulate these values by examining the source code of the web application.

Hidden fields, in particular, are parameters that are not visible or directly editable by end users when submitting a form. They are typically used to provide status information or pass data to the web application.

For example, in a form designed for making a purchase, hidden fields might be included to store crucial transaction details. Here’s how such a scenario might look:

An attacker could modify this value to 70.00, resulting in the web application charging the updated amount as shown below.

URL Manipulation

When sensitive values are passed through URL parameters, an attacker can manipulate the query string to execute malicious actions.

For instance, consider a web page where an authenticated user selects one of their accounts from a dropdown menu and then debits the account with a fixed amount. An attacker could alter this process. The attacker gains full control over the second response, allowing them to craft any header and body content they choose. This ability to create arbitrary HTTP responses opens the door to various attacks, such as cross-user defacement, web and browser cache poisoning, cross-site scripting, page hijacking, and more.

How Can You Prevent Payment Tampering?

Developers and administrators can implement various strategies to mitigate parameter tampering, including robust input validation and advanced security measures like web application firewalls. Let’s delve into some of the most effective practices for preventing parameter tampering.

Input Validation

Implementing robust server-side input validation is crucial for mitigating parameter tampering. By ensuring that all input adheres to strict criteria before processing, applications can effectively defend against malicious tampering attempts.

Input validation entails verifying that user-submitted data matches expected patterns, such as requiring usernames to contain only alphanumeric characters. Any input failing to meet these standards should be immediately rejected.

Use HTTP Post

GET requests, while convenient for retrieving data, are more vulnerable to tampering due to their visibility in the URL. For actions involving data modifications, using HTTP POST requests provides an added layer of security, as parameters are embedded within the request body rather than exposed in the URL.

POST requests conceal the data within the request body, reducing accessibility to potential attackers. This approach is especially crucial for forms handling sensitive information or executing critical operations.

Implement Web Application Firewall

WAF serves as a protective barrier between users and the application, analyzing incoming traffic for malicious activities. When properly configured, a WAF can identify and block parameter tampering attempts, offering robust protection against such attacks.

By intercepting and filtering requests with suspicious parameter manipulations, WAFs are an essential component of any web application’s security strategy.

How Can Kratikal Help With Payment Parameter Tampering?

Kratikal offers comprehensive security solutions to help organizations identify and mitigate payment parameter tampering vulnerabilities. Our expert team conducts in-depth security assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability analysis, to uncover flaws in application logic and integrity. By leveraging advanced tools and methodologies, we help secure sensitive data from manipulation in cookies, form fields, and URL parameters. Additionally, Kratikal assists in implementing robust defenses such as server-side input validation, secure HTTP POST configurations, and Web Application Firewalls (WAFs). With our proactive approach, we empower businesses to protect eCommerce transactions, prevent data breaches, and ensure compliance with industry standards, safeguarding both user trust and organizational integrity.

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The post What is Payment Parameter Tampering And How to Prevent It? appeared first on Kratikal Blogs.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from Kratikal Blogs authored by Shikha Dhingra. Read the original post at: https://kratikal.com/blog/what-is-payment-parameter-tampering-and-how-to-prevent-it/