As a tag-based programming language, ColdFusion is used widely by programmers to rapidly create web application. The programming language is also hugely popular among Java developers due to its effectiveness in reducing development time and efforts. Unlike other popular web programming languages, ColdFusion allows programmers to build complex internet and intranet programs without writing additional and lengthy code.
WhiteHat Security, an application security provider, recently assessed over 30,000 websites “to measure how the underlying programming languages and frameworks perform in the field.” According to the Website Security Statistics Report released recently by WhiteHat Security, “ColdFusion was found to have the fewest with an average of 6 vulnerabilities per slot.” Thus, ColdFusion beats other widely used web technologies like .Net, Java, ASP, PHP and Perl in terms of average vulnerabilities per slot. However, the developers still need to address a number of security issues while creating ColdFusion applications.
Security Issues Developers Must Address while Building ColdFusion Applications
Cross-Site Scripting
Most web applications are prone to cross-site scripting attacks. As ColdFusion is used widely for web development, it becomes essential for programmers to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS). The attackers take advantage of XSS to inject client-side scripts into the web pages. Also, the XSS vulnerability can be used by attackers to bypass access control. So XSS can have a huge impact on the sensitive data handled by the ColdFusion applications.
SQL Injection
Like XSS, SQL injection can also affect sensitive data handled by the ColdFusion applications negatively. The attackers use the options to receive input from clients to insert or inject SQL scripts. Once the SQL injection is done successfully, the script can read sensitive data from the database, manipulate the database, and execute database administration operations. However, the programmers have several options to secure the ColdFusion application from SQL injection attack.
Un-validated Browser Input
The programmers can further optimize the security of their ColdFusion applications by validating the browser input. When the browser input is not validated properly, it becomes easier for attackers to carry out SQL injection and XSS attacks. The web programmers have several options to validate the browser input without writing any complex code. Also, the browser input validation must be included as an integral part of the software testing plan. The browser input must be validated at both development and evaluation stage to create a secure ColdFusion application.
Abuse of Functionality
Normally, the features and functionality of a web application is decided by keeping in mind its usage. But there are always chances that some of these functionalities can be abused by attackers. The attack technique can be defined as misusing the intended functionality of a web application to generate undesirable action or outcome. Along with leaking information and consuming additional resources, abuse of functionality can destroy access control. However, the extent and impact of such attacks vary from one application to another. The programmers must evaluate the features and functionality of the ColdFusion application, and impose restriction to prevent them from being abused.
Complexity of Code
Nowadays, developers integrate web applications with third-party applications and services to deliver richer user experience. So they often have to write complex code to make the integration seamless. Sometimes the complex nature of the code affects the application’s overall security negatively. The loopholes in the third-party applications also make it easier for attackers to attack the ColdFusion application. So each application must be tested comprehensively to eliminate the chances of security threats.
The report released by WhiteHat Security also highlighted that there is a direct link between the average vulnerabilities per slot and volume of the language in the field. As ColdFusion does not have a substantial volume of the language in the field, it becomes less susceptible to security threat in comparison to other widely used technologies like Java, ASP and .Net. You can get in touch with a coldfusion web application development company who can help you develop web apps that are stable, scalable and secure.
We provide Coldfusion development services. If you would like to hire expert coldfusion developer for your development needs, please contact us Mindfire Solutions.
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