The Weak Website implements a comprehensive set of security vulnerabilities based on the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS) Level 1 requirements. This page provides a complete mapping of implemented vulnerabilities, their locations in the codebase, and their educational significance.

These vulnerabilities are intentionally implemented for educational purposes:

• Understanding common web application security flaws
• Practicing penetration testing techniques
• Learning secure coding principles through negative examples
• Demonstrating real-world attack scenarios

Locations:

• Authentication system (auth.service.ts)
• User registration (auth.service.ts)
• Password change (auth.service.ts)

Attack Vectors:

• Authentication bypass
• Data extraction
• Database manipulation
• Privilege escalation

Locations:

• Post content system (post.service.ts)
• Error messages (various)
• File upload responses (file.controller.ts)

Types:

• Stored XSS in posts
• Reflected XSS in errors
• DOM-based XSS in client

Locations:

• File execution endpoint (file.controller.ts:154-178)

Capabilities:

• Operating system access
• File system manipulation
• Network communication
• Service installation

Methods:

• SQL injection in login
• Parameter pollution
• JWT token manipulation

• Hardcoded JWT secrets
• No token expiration
• Token logging
• Weak encryption

• Missing access controls
• Direct object references
• Privilege escalation paths

• Path traversal attacks
• Unrestricted file access
• Administrative file exposure

• Global middleware vulnerability
• Last parameter wins logic
• Authentication bypass potential

• No type restrictions
• No size limits
• Malicious file execution
• Path traversal in filenames

• Passwords in logs
• JWT tokens in responses
• System information in errors
• Database details in exceptions

• Stack traces exposed
• File paths revealed
• Configuration details
• System architecture

1. SQL Injection → Admin Access
   ↓
2. File Upload → Web Shell
   ↓
3. Command Injection → System Access
   ↓
4. Data Exfiltration → Complete Breach

1. XSS in Posts → Script Injection
   ↓
2. Session Hijacking → Account Takeover
   ↓
3. Social Engineering → Credential Theft
   ↓
4. Lateral Movement → Multiple Accounts

1. Authentication Bypass → Initial Access
   ↓
2. Path Traversal → Configuration Files
   ↓
3. Database Credentials → Direct DB Access
   ↓
4. Full Data Extraction → Privacy Breach

• SQL Injection: Complete database compromise
• Command Injection: Full server control
• Authentication Bypass: Administrative access
• File Upload: Remote code execution

• XSS: Client-side attacks and session theft
• Path Traversal: System file access
• Information Disclosure: Sensitive data exposure
• Parameter Pollution: Logic bypass

• Weak Password Policies: Credential compromise
• Session Management: Session hijacking
• Error Handling: Information gathering
• File Access: Data exfiltration

• User credentials exposed through SQL injection
• Personal information theft via database access
• Regulatory compliance violations (GDPR, CCPA)
• Reputation damage and customer loss

• Server takeover via command injection
• Malware installation through file uploads
• Network lateral movement from compromised system
• Service disruption and downtime

• User session hijacking through XSS
• Credential theft via fake login forms
• Malware distribution to application users
• Social engineering attacks

• Real-world examples of common vulnerabilities
• Hands-on practice with exploitation techniques
• Understanding impact of security failures
• Learning secure coding through negative examples

• Vulnerability patterns to avoid in production
• Security testing methodologies
• Defensive programming techniques
• Secure development lifecycle awareness

• Penetration testing practice environment
• Tool testing and technique refinement
• Training material for security awareness
• Certification preparation resources

// Vulnerable (current implementation)
const user = await this.userRepository.query(
  `SELECT * FROM user WHERE email = '${email}'`
);

// Secure alternative
const user = await this.userRepository.findOne({
  where: { email }  // Parameterized query
});

// Vulnerable (current implementation)
<div dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{ __html: content }} />

// Secure alternative
<div>{content}</div>  // React auto-escapes

// Vulnerable (current implementation)
filename: (req, file, cb) => {
  const filename = file.originalname;  // Direct use
  cb(null, filename);
}

// Secure alternative
filename: (req, file, cb) => {
  const filename = sanitize(file.originalname);  // Sanitized
  cb(null, `${Date.now()}-${filename}`);  // Unique names
}

1. SQL injection in authentication
2. Command injection in file operations
3. File upload restrictions
4. XSS in post content

1. Authentication bypass techniques
2. Parameter pollution exploitation
3. Path traversal attacks
4. Session management flaws

1. Error message analysis
2. Log file examination
3. Configuration exposure
4. System fingerprinting

Next Steps:

• Start with SQL Injection for hands-on exploitation
• Review Testing Methodology for systematic approach
• Explore Technical Architecture for system understanding

Related Documentation:

• User Guide - Application functionality overview
• Authentication Bypass - Specific bypass techniques
• File Upload Attacks - File-based exploitation methods