JSON(JavaScript Object Notation) denotes standard text-based-data format . It is widely used to provide a support mechanism between the server and the web application for the transmission of data.
JSON Hijacking is a kind of network security attack. In this attack, an attacker targets a system that has access to cross-domain-sensitive JSON data. This attack is similar to Cross-Site Request Forgery holding some differences. In Cross-Site Request Forgery, the attacker forces the user to execute unwanted actions whereas in JSON Hijacking the user is manipulated to access a crafted link that will read the user's data and pass it to the attacker.
Note: Older Browsers were more vulnerable to JSON Hijacking. As of now, this vulnerability has been fixed in modern Browsers. The users using modern browsers are almost safe.
Why is JSON Hijacking Dangerous?
JSON Hijacking poses serious security risks, especially when applications store sensitive user information. Attackers can exploit hijacked JSON data in the following ways:
- Stealing Personal Information: Attackers can extract user details such as names, email addresses, or account information.
- Session Hijacking: If JSON responses include session tokens or authentication data, attackers can hijack user sessions.
- API Exploitation: Attackers can manipulate API endpoints to alter or delete sensitive data.
- Unauthorized Data Access: Confidential business or financial data can be exposed through insecure JSON responses.
Detection Methods of JSON Hijacking:
- The attacker gets an authenticated user to visit a malicious page to read their data.
- From where we have logged in, the malicious page will try to access the sensitive data by embedding a script tag in an HTML document. i.e.
<script src="http://<jsonsite>/abc.php"></script>
This code will run by the browser requesting a GET Request to abc.php and the sensitive data will be sent along with the request.
- One should also be aware of whether the targeted application is compatible with older applications or not.
- This should be checked if Access-Control-Allow-Origin is set to the domain or not. If not, We should set the Access-Control-Allow-Origin to the specific domain, by this JSON Hijacking is not possible.
- Vulnerable JSON Responses should be avoided.WHAT IS VPC firewall rules
JPotential Consequences of JSON Hijacking
JSON Hijacking poses significant risks to web applications, APIs, and user data security. Attackers exploit cross-domain JSON vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. If left unaddressed, this can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches, account takeovers, and API misuse.
1. Data Breaches
One of the primary risks of JSON Hijacking attacks is the unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive data. Since many modern APIs rely on JSON for data exchange, attackers can exploit cross-origin requests to extract personally identifiable information (PII), credentials, payment details, and confidential business data.
- Malicious scripts can be injected into compromised web pages from which attackers can acquire email addresses, financial records, and even user profiles..
- Cross-domain hijacking attempts do not require much skill and attackers can exploit JSON APIs that use Access-Control-Allow-Origin without restriction.
- Stolen JSON can be utilized for phishing and identity theft to the extent of blunders. The dark web provides a new opportunity to stupendous JSON responses that will later be resold to those in dire need.
2. Account Takeovers
Attackers can take over accounts with the help of user tokens or API key credentials due to JSON Hijacking vulnerabilities. It is dangerous for apps to maintain authentication tokens or API keys in JSON replies because attackers can utilize them to take over sessions without the users’ knowledge.
- Session cookies or API credentials that enable authentication using JSON can be targeted by attackers.
- When a valid session token is obtained, MFA or multi-factor authentication can be bypassed.
- Accounts on social networks, banking apps, and e-commerce sites are constantly under attack through JSON based session leaks.
- If an attacker is capable of getting user session cookies or if there is a lack of cross-origin security measures, they can engage in actions as a user and perform different malicious activities.
3. API Misuse
Attackers can take control of compromised JSON APIs to perform actions that the users and administrators didn't consent to. Those actions can include any of the things that are deleting, updating or even extracting within the endpoints’ scopes.
- Attackers can modify API requests to escalate privileges, execute unauthorized transactions, or delete critical application data.
- Attackers also forge API requests and bypass access controls due to the Weak JSON authentication mechanisms .
- If the mass API abuse is happen they can result in data corruption, financial fraud, and service disruptions.
- Cybercriminals or attackers can use the automated bots so that they can exploit JSON vulnerabilities at scale which leads the leading to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on API servers.
4. Increased Attack Surface for Cross-Origin Exploits
Wide-open, poorly-protected JSON APIs greatly amplify the attack cross-origin attack surface. Attackers will execute Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and CORS exploits with embedded JSON payloads.
- Misconfigured CORS restrictions might let hackers send malicious JSON-requests from untrustworthy places.
- Those vulnerabilities in JSONP (older APIs using JSON with Padding), which can allow cross-domain attacks, are used to steal a large amount of sensitive information.
- If the JSON responses contain executable JavaScript payloads that the attackers can use script injection techniques so that they can manipulate the client-side behavior.
5. Compliance Violations and Legal Consequences
Organizations handling user data, financial transactions, or healthcare records must comply with data protection laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. A JSON Hijacking breach can lead to severe legal penalties, financial losses, and reputational damage.
- One of the issues with protecting these APIs is that the neglect causes violation of data protection policies which result in regulatory fines.
- It can also affect the customers data by data leaks due to JSON Hijacking may file lawsuits against the organization.
- Industry compliance audits may flag vulnerable applications which leads to business disruptions and customer distrust.
JSON Hijacking vs. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
The two web vulnerabilities JSON Hijacking and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) focus on malicious user engagement as a means of illegally accessing confidential information. Even though they both try to take advantage of the web application’s flaws, they have different scopes, approaches and countermeasures. Here is JSON Hijacking vs. CSRF comparison chart in detail.
| Feature | JSON Hijacking | Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) |
|---|
| Main Target | JSON APIs that return sensitive data | User sessions and authenticated web actions |
| Exploits | Cross-domain data access to steal private JSON responses | Unauthorized execution of user actions |
| Attack Vector | <script> tag injection, exploiting JSON responses | Fake form submissions or malicious GET/POST requests |
| How It Works | Attacker loads JSON API as a script and extracts data | Attacker tricks a logged-in user into submitting a request |
| User Interaction | User visits a malicious page that loads JSON data | User clicks on a deceptive link or submits a form |
| Vulnerable Browsers | Older browsers with relaxed cross-domain policies | All browsers without CSRF protection mechanisms |
| Effect on Victim | Leaks private data from APIs without authorization | Executes unauthorized actions on behalf of the user |
| Prevention Techniques | JSON object wrapping, Access-Control-Allow-Origin, token-based authentication | CSRF tokens, SameSite cookies, origin validation |
| Examples | Hijacking social media API responses to extract user details | Unauthorized bank transactions, password changes |
| Mitigation Strategies | Secure JSON responses, API authentication, CORS restrictions | Implementing CSRF tokens, enforcing SameSite policies |
JSON Hijacking Prevention:
- By returning JSON with an object on the outside: We can prevent JSON Hijacking by having the outside primitive be an object for JSON strings. Some examples are-
Vulnerable :
[{ "object" : " " }] // Not inside an object, inside an array
Not Vulnerable :
{ "object" : " " } // Inside an object
{ "object" : [{ "object":" "}] //Inside an object
- By Adding Access-Control-Allow-Origin: To prevent JSON Hijacking, we can add Access-Control-Allow-Origin. With this addition, the attacker will lose control over our trusted domains.
- By Preventing Ourselves from Using Older Browsers: One of the methods for preventing JSON Hijacking is that we can prevent ourselves from using older browsers by creating a mechanism in the application. This will prevent us from using our application from an older browser.
How to Test for JSON Hijacking Vulnerabilities
JSON Hijacking is a critical security vulnerability that can lead to data leaks, unauthorized access, and cross-domain data theft. Ethical hackers, penetration testers, and security professionals must test for JSON hijacking vulnerabilities using a combination of manual and automated security testing techniques.
1. Analyze API Responses for Open JSON Endpoints
- Check to see if the web application allows JSON data to be accessed without first authenticating a user.
- Inspect network calls made in the browser using Developer Tools (Chrome DevTools or Firefox Inspector).
- Determine if the sensitive data is embedded within the JSON response such as user credentials, tokens and sessions.
Tools to use:
- Chrome DevTools (Network tab to inspect JSON API requests)
- Mozilla Firefox Inspector (Analyze API traffic in real time)
2. Use Developer Tools to Inspect JSON Network Requests
- Launch Chrome DevTools and proceed to the Network section.
- Select the XHR or Fetch filter to spot JSON API endpoints.
- Look for API responses containing sensitive user information that can be accessed.
- Scan for JSON arrays that are at risk of script injection.
3. Test API Access Restrictions using Burp Suite or Postman
- Intercept API requests to check how the server responds to unauthorized calls.
- Modify API requests in Burp Suite to see if the server allows cross-origin requests.
- Use the Postman to see manually test API endpoints with different authentication headers.
- Than simulate the cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks by injecting malicious JavaScript payloads.
Tools yo use:
- With Burp Suite, it’s possible to intercept and change JSON API request data.
- With Postman, there is a possibility to send an API request with header and payload content changes.
Conclusion
JSON Hijacking is a major web security vulnerability because they allow attackers to abuse cross domain JSON APIs which results in data loss, account abuse and even API abuse. By inserting malicious scripts, attackers can grab sensitive JSON details such as session tokens, user IDs and other business-critical information.
To prevent JSON Hijacking, developers must implement JSON object wrapping, enforce CORS restrictions, use token-based authentication (OAuth 2.0), and disable JSON responses inside <script> tags. Additionally, modern browsers and Content Security Policies (CSP) help mitigate risks, but continuous security testing using tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Postman is essential.
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