Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) Attack
Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) is a type of security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker is able to inject code into a server-side template, which is then executed by the server. This can lead to a variety of attacks, including data theft, site defacement, and remote code execution.
In a typical web application, templates are used to generate dynamic content on the server side. These templates may be written in a variety of languages, such as Python, Ruby, or PHP. When a user enters information into a form or navigates to a new page, the server retrieves data from a database, processes it, and generates HTML code that is sent back to the user’s browser.
However, if an attacker is able to inject code into a server-side template, they can manipulate the content that is generated by the server. For example, an attacker may be able to access sensitive data stored on the server, or they may be able to execute commands on the server itself.
To prevent SSTI attacks, developers should be careful to validate all user input and sanitize any data that is used in server-side templates. Additionally, web application firewalls and other security measures can be used to detect and block attempted SSTI attacks.
Overall, it is important for web developers to be aware of the potential risks posed by SSTI attacks and to take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.