The title might be confusing, let's see if we can clear it up. I saw an article the other day that was giving a comparison between encoding, encryption and hashing. There was a statement made that basically said: Encoding has no security purpose. I thought this was interesting because when training on security topics we mention encoding for specific use cases. For example, when we discuss Cross-Site Scripting, the answer is output encoding. I want to clarify that I agree with the statement … [Read more...] about Is encoding really encoding if it is escaping?
AppSec
How Can I Find The Version of Serv-U FTP on Custom Branded Login?
It is possible to put a custom login page up for the Serv-U login screen. When this happens, the page is most likely not displaying the version number. One way that may help identify the version is to visit the Mobile login page at /Web Client/Mobile/MLogin.htm. Why is this important? When performing external security scans with tools like Nessus, it may report that the version of Serv-U is incorrect. Finding the version number is important in identifying potential false positives. … [Read more...] about How Can I Find The Version of Serv-U FTP on Custom Branded Login?
What is the difference between encryption and hashing?
Encryption is a reversible process, whereas hashing is one-way only. Data that has been encrypted can be decrypted back to the original value. Data that has been hashed cannot be transformed back to its original value. Encryption is used to protect sensitive information like Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers or other sensitive information that may need to be accessed at some point. Hashing is used to create data signatures or comparison only features. For example, user passwords … [Read more...] about What is the difference between encryption and hashing?
Ep. 118: Log4J Sparking Thought on Vulnerable Components
Log4J has been the talk of the town recently and everyone is focused on the technical details of the specific vulnerabilities found. In this episode, James talks about the overarching ideas around dealing with vulnerable components. Are you vulnerable? If so, what needs to be done? Listen to the Episode: For more info go to https://www.developsec.com or follow us on twitter (@developsec). … [Read more...] about Ep. 118: Log4J Sparking Thought on Vulnerable Components
Log4J – Reflection and Progression
Open any social media platform or pull up any mainstream media and undoubtably, you have seen many posts/articles talking about the log4j vulnerability. If you haven't seen this, here is a quick link to catch up https://snyk.io/blog/log4j-rce-log4shell-vulnerability-cve-2021-4428/. This post is not going to be about log4j, nor is it going to go into any of the details the thousands of others articles out there would go through. Instead, I want to discuss this at a higher level. Log4j is just an … [Read more...] about Log4J – Reflection and Progression
Proxying localhost on FireFox
When you think of application security testing, one of the most common tools is a web proxy. Whether it is Burp Suite from Portswigger, ZAP from OWASP, Fiddler, or Charles Proxy, a proxy is heavily used. From time to time, you may find yourself testing a locally running application. Outside of some test labs or local development, this isn't really that common. But if you do find yourself testing a site on localhost, you may run into a roadblock in your browser. If you are using a recent version … [Read more...] about Proxying localhost on FireFox