What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to manipulate a server into making unintended requests to internal or external resources. By exploiting trust relationships within the server environment, attackers can access systems that are not directly exposed to the internet.
SSRF is often associated with insecure API integrations, cloud metadata services, and poorly validated user input. It is frequently found alongside vulnerabilities such as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection (SQLi), forming part of the broader OWASP Top 10 risk landscape.
What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) used for?
SSRF is used to access internal systems, retrieve sensitive data, and bypass network segmentation controls. In cloud environments, it can be leveraged to access metadata services and extract credentials, enabling further compromise.
Defending against SSRF requires strict input validation, network segmentation, and the use of Web Application Firewall (WAF) solutions. Organizations should also implement Zero Trust principles and continuously monitor for Indicators of Attack (IOA) within application traffic.
