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    Question

    Which of the following correctly describes the primary

    difference between Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?
    A CSRF targets the user’s browser, while XSS targets the application server. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B CSRF exploits session management flaws, while XSS exploits input sanitization issues Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C CSRF involves executing malicious JavaScript, while XSS does not Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D CSRF relies on phishing emails, while XSS requires direct access to the server Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E CSRF can only occur on HTTPS websites, whereas XSS occurs on HTTP websites. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) are both web security vulnerabilities, but they operate in distinct ways:

    • CSRF tricks authenticated users into performing unintended actions on behalf of an attacker by exploiting trust in the user's session. For example, if a logged-in user clicks on a malicious link, the attacker could execute unwanted actions (e.g., fund transfers). CSRF exploits flaws in how web applications handle session tokens or cookies.
    • XSS , on the other hand, involves injecting malicious scripts into a web application to execute in the victim’s browser. It primarily targets input validation and output encoding flaws to display or execute harmful code in the user's context.
    The key distinction lies in their focus: CSRF exploits session trust, while XSS exploits input sanitization flaws. A proper understanding of these vulnerabilities helps in designing robust security measures like CSRF tokens and input validation techniques. Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
    • Option A: Both CSRF and XSS target the user’s browser, but XSS also indirectly impacts the application.
    • Option C: CSRF does not rely on executing JavaScript; it typically involves sending crafted HTTP requests.
    • Option D: CSRF does not inherently depend on phishing; it can occur through any malicious link, such as in a forum or ad.
    • Option E: CSRF and XSS are protocol-agnostic and can occur over both HTTP and HTTPS.

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