An additional problem is that Web.config files were designed to be changed at any time, even after the Web-based applications are in production. A well-intentioned system administrator could inadvertently get around application security measures and open the Web site to attack just by modifying the configuration file. And because .NET configuration files operate in a hierarchical manner, a single change to the global Machine.config file could affect every Web site on the entire network.
Part one of this article listed five of the most serious configuration vulnerabilities that are applicable to any ASP.NET Web-based applications. This part will focus on authentication and authorization application security issues, and detail another five vulnerabilities commonly found in ASP.NET Web-based applications using Forms authentication. It will also provide some best practices for application security, including locking down your configuration files to ensure that they are not unintentionally modified by well-meaning (but uninformed) programmers or administrators.
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