XSS, DOM Manipulation, Input Reflection — A complete step-by-step walkthrough of Google’s XSS Game demonstrating real-world cross-site scripting patterns, payload reasoning, and exploitation across all six levels.
Lab Link: https://xss-game.appspot.com/
Platform: Google XSS Game
Vulnerability Class: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
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✅ TL;DR
- XSS is context-dependent, not payload-dependent
innerHTMLandjQuery.html()are dangerous execution sinks- Filters fail — logic flaws persist
- URL fragments and dynamic script loading are high-risk
- Real exploitation requires reading source, not guessing payloads
🔰 Introduction
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities remain one of the most commonly exploited weaknesses in modern web applications. Improper handling of user-controlled input allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or account compromise.