Overview Table – What You’ll Learn from This Guide
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| OWASP Top 10 | The most critical web security risks |
| SQL Injection | How to prevent database manipulation |
| XSS | Protecting the user interface |
| CSRF | Defending against identity misuse |
| Race Condition | Multi-threading security in Java |
| Spring Framework Security | Built-in security layers for modern Java apps |
| Penetration Testing Tools | Most-used testing tools and methods |
| SEI CERT & OWASP | Secure coding in compliance with industry standards |
OWASP Top 10: The Foundation of Secure Development
OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) provides a list of the most critical web app vulnerabilities. Every Java developer should be familiar with this list.
OWASP 2023 Top 10:
Broken Access Control
Cryptographic Failures
Injection (SQL, LDAP, NoSQL)
Insecure Design
Security Misconfiguration
Vulnerable & Outdated Components
Identification & Authentication Failures
Software & Data Integrity Failures
Security Logging & Monitoring Failures
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Learn more:
🔗 Certified Java and Web Application Security Training
SQL Injection: The Classic Threat
This occurs when untrusted input is inserted directly into SQL queries, allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete data.
Vulnerable Code:
java
Statement stmt = conn.createStatement();
ResultSet rs = stmt.executeQuery("SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '" + input + "'");
Safe Alternative:
java
PreparedStatement stmt = conn.prepareStatement("SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = ?");
stmt.setString(1, input);
✔ Solution:
Use parameterized queries, ORM frameworks, and input validation.
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting): Script Injection
XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, compromising user sessions.
Types of XSS:
Stored XSS
Reflected XSS
DOM-based XSS
✔ Prevention:
Output encoding (
<,>,")Set CSP headers
Input validation on all fields
CSRF: Cross-Site Request Forgery
CSRF tricks authenticated users into submitting unwanted actions.
Example:
A logged-in banking user clicks a malicious link that silently transfers funds.
✔ Protection:
Use CSRF tokens
Validate
RefererheadersConfigure
SameSitecookies
In Spring Security:
java
http.csrf().enable();
Race Condition: The Invisible Bug
A race condition occurs when two threads access shared data simultaneously, leading to unexpected behavior.
Example: Reusing the same coupon multiple times within seconds.
✔ Fix:
Use
synchronizedblocksReentrantLockfor fine-grained controlAtomicInteger,AtomicBoolean, etc.
Spring Security: Layered Protection
Spring Security is a comprehensive and customizable authentication and access-control framework for Java.
Core Layers:
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Authentication | User login verification |
| Authorization | Access control for roles |
| Filters | Includes CSRF, CORS, JWT |
| Method Security | Security annotations like @PreAuthorize |
| Session Management | Prevent session fixation |
Learn more:
🔗 Java SE 21 Programming Training
Penetration Testing: Tools You Must Know
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| OWASP ZAP | Automated vulnerability scanning |
| Burp Suite | Intercept & modify web requests |
| Nikto | Scan web servers for vulnerabilities |
| Metasploit | Exploit and test vulnerabilities |
| Nmap | Port and service scanner |
✔ Use these tools at different stages: pre-deployment, during development, and post-release.
SEI CERT Secure Coding Standards
Developed by the Software Engineering Institute, SEI CERT standards promote:
Type safety
Memory management
Secure exception handling
Resource cleanup
Safe API usage
OWASP-Compliant Secure Coding
Beyond identifying risks, OWASP promotes secure coding practices.
Best Practices:
Never trust user input
Principle of least privilege
Generic error messages
Enforce HTTPS
Enable detailed logging
Become Certified: Recommended Trainings
Boost your secure coding skills with these official courses:
| Training | Link |
|---|---|
| Certified Java and Web App Security | View Course |
| Java SE 21 Programming I | View Course |
| Java SE 21 Programming II | View Course |