Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/exploiting-securing-vulnerabilities-java-applications

Introduction

### Course Review: Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications In today's digital age, where cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at an alarming rate, it is more important than ever for developers and security professionals to stay ahead of the curve. One such opportunity to do just that is through the Coursera course titled "Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications." This course offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to understanding security vulnerabilities inherent in Java applications, turning the learner into both an attacker and a defender. #### Course Overview "Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications" stands out as an essential course for anyone looking to enhance their skills in application security. The course is meticulously designed to educate participants not only on how vulnerabilities are exploited but also on effective strategies to secure applications against such threats. With an engaging structure that encourages learners to wear both "Attacker" and "Defender" hats, it ensures a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Setup and Introduction to Cross-Site Scripting Attacks** The course kicks off with an introductory module that familiarizes learners with essential tools such as Git, GitHub, and Docker. It delves into cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, covering the different types (DOM-based, Reflected, and Stored XSS), as well as practical exercises to protect against these attacks. By the end of this module, students will have a strong foundational knowledge of XSS vulnerabilities and defenses. 2. **Injection Attacks** This crucial module focuses on understanding and exploiting injection vulnerabilities, particularly SQL injection. Participants will engage in hands-on exploitation of these vulnerabilities, learn methods to mitigate them, and study various forms of injection attacks, including XML and Entity injection. The emphasis on "putting on the attacker’s hat" is particularly beneficial, allowing learners to adopt the mindset of potential adversaries to better secure their applications. 3. **Authentication and Authorization** The third module dives into authentication flaws, guiding participants to identify potential security loopholes. Learners will create strategies to enhance secure authentication and understand the implementation of JSON Web Tokens (JWT) in this context. This module is vital, given that authentication vulnerabilities often lead to severe security breaches in applications. 4. **Dangers of Vulnerable Components and Final Project** The final module emphasizes the significance of managing dependencies through tools like the OWASP Dependency Checker. Participants will learn to identify and patch vulnerable components in code, synthesizing their knowledge from previous modules. The capstone project allows learners to apply their newly acquired skills in a practical setting, reinforcing their understanding and readiness to tackle real-world scenarios. #### Course Recommendations I wholeheartedly recommend "Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications" for developers, security professionals, and anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge of application security. Here are several reasons why this course is a valuable investment: - **Hands-On Learning**: The practical focus on exploitation and mitigation provides learners with the experience needed to understand the full security lifecycle of Java applications. - **Expert Instruction**: The course is typically taught by experienced professionals in the field, bringing real-world scenarios and insights that enhance the learning experience. - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: Covering a wide range of vulnerabilities, the curriculum ensures that learners are well-versed in both identifying and addressing security issues. - **Flexible Learning Environment**: As an online course, learners can progress at their own pace, fitting their education into diverse schedules without the need for rigid classroom attendance. #### Conclusion Cybersecurity is increasingly crucial in our interlinked world, and understanding how to exploit and secure vulnerabilities is a key skill for professionals in the IT industry. The "Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications" course on Coursera is an excellent resource for anyone looking to bolster their cybersecurity knowledge and skills comprehensively. Whether you’re aiming to refine your skills for career advancement or simply eager to understand the complexities of application security, this course is a must-take. Don’t just wait for the next cyber threat—prepare yourself to tackle it head-on!

Syllabus

Setup and Introduction to Cross Site Scripting Attacks

In this module, you will be able to use Git and GitHub to pull needed source code. You will be able to run WebGoat in a Docker container and explain reasons for doing so. You'll be able to describe cross-site scripting attacks and explain how these attacks happen and how to guard against them. You'll be able to differentiate between a DOM-based, Reflected, and Stored cross-site scripting attacks. You will be able to practice protecting against various kinds of cross-site scripting attacks.

In this module, you will be able to exploit a SQL injection vulnerability and form plans to mitigate injection vulnerabilities in your web application. You will be able to discuss various approaches to finding and fixing XML, Entity and SQL attack vulnerabilities. You'll be able to describe and protect against a "man-in-the-middle" attack and describe the the thought process to find SQL injection vulnerabilities by "putting on the attacker's hat". You will be able to demonstrate how to properly modify queries to get them into prepared statements and analyze code while using an XML viewer and text editor to find vulnerabilities. You'll also be able to navigate a large code base to find critical segments of code and patch vulnerabilities.

In this module, you will be able to evaluate authentication flaws of various kinds to identify potential problems and create strategies and controls to provide secure authentication. You'll be able to create and/or implement controls to mitigate authentication bypass and draw lessons from notable instances where others failed to authenticate users. You will be able to properly implement authentication methods like JSON Web Tokens (JWT). You will be able to find vulnerabilities in a large code base and provide a solution for demonstrating and exploiting JSON Web Tokens (JWT).

In this module, you will be able to use the OWASP Dependency Checker while analyzing code and verify that you have vulnerable components in the code. You will be able to examine code to find and patch vulnerable components. You will be able to apply what you learned from previous module activities to finalize your final project.