CWE-1021: Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames
Learn about CWE-1021 (Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is Improper Restriction of Rendered UI Layers or Frames?
• Overview: This vulnerability occurs when a web application fails to properly restrict its content from being embedded in frames or iframes from other domains. This can lead to a situation where users are tricked into interacting with a malicious overlay or confusing interface, potentially causing them to take unintended actions.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by embedding the target application within a malicious site, creating a deceptive overlay that misleads users.
- Common attack patterns include clickjacking, where users are tricked into clicking on something different from what they perceive, and UI redressing, which manipulates the user's interaction with the web application.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences include unauthorized actions performed by users, such as unintended clicks or data entry.
- Potential cascading effects involve the compromise of user data, unauthorized transactions, or further infiltration into user accounts.
- Business impact could involve loss of user trust, legal implications, and damage to brand reputation due to compromised user interactions or data breaches.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Implement specific code-level fixes such as using the 'X-Frame-Options' HTTP header with values like 'DENY' or 'SAMEORIGIN' to prevent framing of the content by unauthorized sites.
- Follow security best practices by regularly reviewing and updating security policies related to frame restrictions and user interface integrity.
- Use recommended tools and frameworks that support and enforce frame busting techniques, such as Content Security Policy (CSP) with the 'frame-ancestors' directive to specify which sites are allowed to frame your content.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Web Based