Tangled Web (eBook)

Modern web applications are built on a tangle of technologies that have been developed over time and then haphazardly pieced together. Every piece of the web application stack, from HTTP requests to browser-side scripts, comes with important yet subtle security consequences. To keep users safe, it is essential for developers to confidently navigate this landscape.In The Tangled Web, Michal Zalewski, one of the worlds top browser security experts, offers a compelling narrative that explains exactly how browsers work and why theyre fundamentally insecure. Rather than dispense simplistic advice on vulnerabilities, Zalewski examines the entire browser security model, revealing weak points and providing crucial information for shoring up web application security.Youll learn how to:Perform common but surprisingly complex tasks such as URL parsing and HTML sanitizationUse modern security features like Strict Transport Security, Content Security Policy, and Cross-Origin Resource SharingLeverage many variants of the same-origin policy to safely compartmentalize complex web applications and protect user credentials in case of XSS bugsBuild mashups and embed gadgets without getting stung by the tricky frame navigation policyEmbed or host user-supplied content without running into the trap of content sniffingFor quick reference, "e;Security Engineering Cheat Sheets"e; at the end of each chapter offer ready solutions to problems youre most likely to encounter. With coverage extending as far as planned HTML5 features, The Tangled Web will help you create secure web applications that stand the test of time.