Remote Code Injection otherwise called Code Injection happens when malicious actors inject the malicious program into the source code of a target application, which is executed by an interpreter for the server-side. This attack is mainly aimed at web applications. Furthermore, the application that uses invalidated input usually falls victim to this attack. 

Now, let’s, take a look at various types of Code Injection

Cross-Site Scripting or XSS – In thistype of attack, the attackers embed malicious codes into websites and web apps. Attackers also secretly mine cryptocurrencies by entering the victim’s device and installing cryptojacking software, where the software will run in the background and mine cryptocurrencies or steal from cryptocurrency wallets. This is an extremely serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible as more and more people are investing in cryptocurrencies today. Some people have started trading cryptocurrencies alongside other commodities. In fact, there are now many online brokers available that can facilitate the trading process. However, to choose the best one, be sure to take an online broker test and read user reviews. So when the users run these codes on end-point devices, the attackers will be able to get the controls and act as a user. In fact, XSS attacks can change a safe website into a pathway, through which these attackers can gain access to a computer to deliver malicious code to the web browsers. This enables the threat actors to steal cookies, user names, passwords, and other sensitive information.

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Injection – It looks for the resources including devices, users, or files in a network. In fact, an invalidated LDAP statement to instruct a server to execute the commands related to malicious activities comes from LDAP injection.

SQL Injection – In this type of code injection, the malicious actors interfere with the queries. This in turn allows them to see the data which are not normally retrieved. This includes other users’ data or any data that the application will be able to access. In fact, a threat actor can alter or delete this data, causing the application’s content or behaviour to change permanently.

SMTP Injection: This threat mainly affects webmail applications. With this injection, the threat actors aim to insert an IMAP / SMTP command into the mail server as the input data has not been properly sanitized.

How to Avoid Code Injection Attacks

It is possible to avoid code injection vulnerabilities by following some security practices. These include:

Maximize the Use of Special Characters – You have to limit the use of escape characters and other special symbols such as comment marks, line termination characters, etc. You must accept those values that your application expects.

Prevent Vulnerable Constructs – Never use eval() and similar functions on raw user inputs. Process the user-supplied arguments safely with the help of language-specific features.

Be careful of all the sites – You have to be very careful of all those places where the attackers can manipulate data. You have to take into consideration that malicious code can also be embedded through specially crafted files, modified cookies, and other methods.

Limit Interpreter Functionality –To avoid local privilege escalation to command injection, you have to limit the functionality of the interpreter to the minimum.

Use Static Code Checking Tools –Always make sure to leverage static code checking tools to check for threats associated with input validation and unsafe-eval.

Leverage Web Vulnerability Scanner: Ensure that your applications are safe from different types of vulnerabilities by using a web vulnerability scanner.