1. Introduction to Browser Security and Setup

Introduction to Browser Security and Setup

Lecture: Overview of web security threats and browser architecture.

<lecture>: In this lecture, we will delve into the intricate world of web security, exploring the various threats that modern web applications face. We will start by understanding the fundamental principles of web security, including the concept of the attack surface and the importance of defense in depth strategies.

Next, we will explore common web security vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), SQL injection, and clickjacking. For each vulnerability, we will discuss its underlying mechanisms, potential impact on web applications, and mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, we will analyze the architecture of popular web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. We will examine key components such as the rendering engine, JavaScript engine, and security sandbox. Understanding browser architecture is crucial for comprehending the limitations and capabilities of modern web browsers in defending against security threats.

Throughout the lecture, we will emphasize the importance of staying updated with the latest security best practices and techniques. As web security is an ever-evolving field, continuous learning and adaptation are essential for effectively safeguarding web applications against emerging threats.

Lab: Setting up virtual lab environments for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge exploitation.

<lab setup>: In this lab, we will set up virtual lab environments to simulate browser exploitation scenarios using Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.

Lab: Setting up virtual lab environments for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge exploitation.

<lab setup>: In this lab, we will set up virtual lab environments to simulate browser exploitation scenarios using Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.

Chrome Setup:

<defender side code>: To set up the defender side, we need to install and configure a web server. Here's a simple example using Python's built-in HTTP server:

import http.server
import socketserver

PORT = 8000

Handler = http.server.SimpleHTTPRequestHandler

with socketserver.TCPServer(("", PORT), Handler) as httpd:
    print("Serving at port", PORT)
    httpd.serve_forever()
        

<exploit code>: For Chrome exploitation, we can use Python with libraries like pwntools. Below is an example exploit code for launching a simple XSS attack:

from pwn import *

url = 'http://localhost:8000'
payload = '<script>alert("XSS Attack!")</script>'

r = remote('localhost', 8000)
r.send(f'GET {url}?param={payload} HTTP/1.1\\nHost: localhost\\n\\n')
print(r.recvall().decode())
        

Firefox Setup:

<defender side code>: Similar to Chrome setup, we can use Python's built-in HTTP server.

import http.server
import socketserver

PORT = 8001

Handler = http.server.SimpleHTTPRequestHandler

with socketserver.TCPServer(("", PORT), Handler) as httpd:
    print("Serving at port", PORT)
    httpd.serve_forever()
        

<exploit code>: Exploiting Firefox can be done similarly to Chrome, here's an example:

from pwn import *

url = 'http://localhost:8001'
payload = '<script>alert("XSS Attack!")</script>'

r = remote('localhost', 8001)
r.send(f'GET {url}?param={payload} HTTP/1.1\\nHost: localhost\\n\\n')
print(r.recvall().decode())
        

Edge Setup:

<defender side code>: Again, using Python's HTTP server.

import http.server
import socketserver

PORT = 8002

Handler = http.server.SimpleHTTPRequestHandler

with socketserver.TCPServer(("", PORT), Handler) as httpd:
    print("Serving at port", PORT)
    httpd.serve_forever()
        

<exploit code>: Exploiting Edge follows the same principle, here's an example exploit:

from pwn import *

url = 'http://localhost:8002'
payload = '<script>alert("XSS Attack!")</script>'

r = remote('localhost', 8002)
r.send(f'GET {url}?param={payload} HTTP/1.1\\nHost: localhost\\n\\n')
print(r.recvall().decode())